Faults:

Front sub-frame replaced, plus other welding and suspension parts to tune of £2000 at 120K miles. Also had various hoses etc. done at same time for about £500.

All brake disks replaced for about £300 as 100K miles.

Radius arms replaced at 84K miles for about £360.

Head gasket replaced, plus throttle pot sensor by Jaguar at 126K miles for £1100.

General Comments:

Before getting married in May 2008, I told my wife-to-be that she was not just marrying me, she was marrying my XJS too! I love this car so much that I could never get rid of her (the car, not the wife), no matter how much I have to pay in repair bills etc.

I adore the lines of her body. The way she glides along the road in an effortless symphony of refinement, grace and purpose. I only wish I had the convertible, but I'm still working on the clinching argument that'll make my wife demand I start looking for one to buy immediately!

Ultimately, I adore this car because of its flaws. Things may break or bits stop working over time, but this could be said of us all. Besides, it's not how it makes you feel when things go wrong. It's how it makes you feel when things go right.

Faults:

Driver's side leather showing wear.

Heater blower on the passenger side quit.

Replaced front shock bushings at minor expense.

Loose clamp on the power steering pump began leaking - required tightening to remedy (no charge from mechanic).

General Comments:

This car turns more heads than any vehicle I have owned. It has classic lines that make this the quintessential GT. Smooth responsive handling and country club looks make this a true gentlemen's chariot.

The inline 4.0 litre is bullet proof, and this vehicle with the top up or down is one of the best kept secrets of truly affordable and enjoyable automotive ownership (Jaguar's history from the 80's is of course not the best).

Faults:

Left upper door hinge spring. Replaced it myself. If it breaks again, it will stay broken.

Seat memory has never worked properly, but I don't change the seat position unless I'm vacuuming.

Heated seats don't work.

Emergency brake quit working. Replaced rear rotors, pads and emergency pads (yes they are separate) and it still only half works. Could be installer error (me again.) I'm going to try and adjust them again.

Right rear window will not come up if I haven't used the convertible top for a while. I can tap on the motor with a long pry bar and it will start working again. It is easy to get to with the top down.

Electric antenna stopped working, replaced with aftermarket. Easy switch out for $100.00.

General Comments:

There is no comparison between this car and my automatic. The automatic had more top end, but was a slug off of the line. This car with the bigger tires will still burn rubber through third gear.

I removed the 15" wheels and added 17" Dayton wire wheels with 245/45 Michelins. This gives the car a much better stance and it corners better, but I had to trim the rear inner fender lips on the inside of the quarter panel to keep the tires from rubbing. The bigger tires also grab ruts in the road more than before.

I put new Boge shocks all the way around. It handles better, but it did stiffen the ride, as it should.

Faults:

Air conditioning compressor failed. A replacement unit and receiver dryer was fitted.

Front Brake disc's were replaced due to excessive vibration at 30000 miles.

Vehicle has a tendency to pull to one side in 'panic' braking from 80 mph + to 0. Can be alarming unless you are aware of the tendency.

Vehicle stopped with no start until wiring and relays were examined. Some corrosion on relay contacts was the apparent cause. PI Relay replaced.

General Comments:

Vehicle is returning 24 - 26 miles per UK gallon regularly at 80 - 85 MPH on highway journeys.

Proper fuel measurement (tank to tank method) and continuous spreadsheet monitor is kept for the vehicle.

The vehicle regularly travels through London and has performed better than expected overall in 2004 with some 20,000 miles accrued.

Tire wear (Pirelli) is better than expected (compared say to a Jaguar XJ40). Tyres about half worn with 20,000 higher speed miles on them.

Used with 98 octane fuel (Shell special fuel in the UK) it did less miles per gallon than standard UK 97 octane unleaded.

Servicing costs are higher (but not excessive) than 'standard' models, but ownership is a pleasure not to be missed.