hey all

So two and a half years ago I bought my very first car: a 1994 Jaguar Vanden Plas with less than 52000 miles on it. I'd always loved the look of Jaguars inside and out and the XJ40 body was my favorite. It was a rush decision and I didn't know much so I overpaid and had to get quite a few things fixed in the first year: new battery, new oil pressure sending unit, new rear brake pads and rotors, new water pump, new differential pinion seal, new valve cover gasket, new tires and wheel alignment, new rear shocks and springs, and to top it off, a rebuilt differential...

Of course, all I really knew how to do was check and top off my oil so I didn't do any of the work myself.

After that expensive first year, things pretty much went great. I just got oil changes and a 60000 mile service, and had a ton of fun driving.

That is until six months ago when in my building's parking garage entrance someone turned in at speed while I was leaving and I swerved to avoid him, scraping a concrete edge in the process damaging both doors and the rear wheel arch. So I got that repaired, but then last month when a bicyclist decided to cut across the road from the sidewalk and hit me head on, crashing into my windshield and rolling over my roof and trunk. Thank God he was OK and miraculously walked away with minor bruises and scratches. My Jaguar on the other hand... (pictures attached)

Long story short, the body shop gave me a ridiculously high estimate but also said they can't actually fix it because some parts are on back order and not available. Specifically the windshield chrome strips and rubber retainer which apparently I can't also get from a parts car as they are destroyed when taking out the windshield...

So it looks like my first car is either going to become somebody else's parts car or be donated to charity so some good can come out of it.

Despite all of this, I'm somehow still hooked and would love to get another (older) Jag. I just love how smooth they drive and stylish they look. New cars don't have the same charm.

So here I am, trying to be better informed and learn how to do a lot of the work needed myself.

I'm looking to pick up an XJS next!

 

Welcome.

Bugga on that damage. Ask in the XJ40 Tech Section, there may be a work around for those seals, as that answer, albeit maybe correct, just sounds wrong to me.

XJ40 to XJS, that is a quantum leap, especially if you are not a DIY owner, as you did mention.

Good luck.

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums tab,

Good to have you with us.
Good advice from Grant above.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

Welcome to the forum tab,

Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums.

That look far too good to go for a parts car.

Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj40-xj81-25/ to the XJ40 forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.

Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

As Grant has already suggested, an XJS is not a car for anyone who does not do their own repairs and maintenance unless they have very deep pockets. Do your research in https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xjs-x27-32/ forum to see exactly what you would be taking on. The successor to the XJ40 - the X300 is one of the most robust and reliable Jaguar models. Worth considering.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!!

 

On, Man, Tab!
I feel your pain. In this part of the world, indeed, Everywhere I've driven in California, bicyclists not only think they own the road, the think they have a mandate to behave in the Rudest manner, ignore traffic laws, and just Dare drivers (who paid for their bike lanes) to hit them!

And, if one runs into you, God forbid, IT'S YOUR FAULT NO MATTER WHAT!!
There. I could say more, but that's enough.... and it felt Real good.

I hope you can get your car fixed for a reasonable cost.

Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

thanks for the welcome!

Hopefully someone does know how I can at least get a new windshield in so my car is at least driveable if still damaged.

Yeah, I've already gotten the impression that the XJS is going to need even more work than the XJ40. I certainly am willing to learn and do what it takes to take care of at least some the basic work myself. Though living in an apartment building, I don't have a garage of my own to actually do much more than work in the engine bay.

Tell me about it...

Thankfully, the guy was honest and admitted 100% fault to the cop (the forensics of the scene also showed that pretty clearly). The insurance company of course still completely blames me. I did get a claim form from the Department of Licensing since I wasn't at fault, but let's see how much they actually give me, cause it's unlikely to cover everything.

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Welcome to the forums.