Hello all. Newbie from Washington state. Owner of a sick and tired 1994 XJ12
Hello all. Newbie from Washington state. Owner of a sick and tired 1994 XJ12
Hello all,
I just bought a 1994 XJ12 with 113000 miles on it. I'm new to jags and having problems with the car already. Sigh. Wish seller would have been honest with me.
ABS light is on, fuel gauge doesn't work, self leveling reservoir leaks like a sieve, possible fuel pump issues ....
Should I take this to a jag mechanic and have him go through the whole car and take care of issues as I can afford them?
All replies appreciated
Eric
I just bought a 1994 XJ12 with 113000 miles on it. I'm new to jags and having problems with the car already. Sigh. Wish seller would have been honest with me.
ABS light is on, fuel gauge doesn't work, self leveling reservoir leaks like a sieve, possible fuel pump issues ....
Should I take this to a jag mechanic and have him go through the whole car and take care of issues as I can afford them?
All replies appreciated
Eric
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 28,829
Likes: 11,286
From: Adelaide Stralia
Welcome to the Forums.
I will let the members in your market make suggestions.
I would do most myself, they are simple cars. at that miles covered, barely run in as far as the engine goes.
Good luck
I will let the members in your market make suggestions.
I would do most myself, they are simple cars. at that miles covered, barely run in as far as the engine goes.
Good luck
Thank you
Hi Grant.
Thank you for the reply. I am very intrigued by this car and I want to learn all I can but I'm definitely not a mechanic. Bought it for 1600 USD. I have a feeling this car has been sitting A LONG time. It runs decent enough and its fast. But needs alot of work.
E.
Thank you for the reply. I am very intrigued by this car and I want to learn all I can but I'm definitely not a mechanic. Bought it for 1600 USD. I have a feeling this car has been sitting A LONG time. It runs decent enough and its fast. But needs alot of work.
E.
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 120,439
Likes: 17,013
From: Durham, UK
Welcome to the forums Eric,
There's no such thing as a cheap used Jaguar. It's either pay high for a well maintained example or buy low and spend a not inconsiderable amount to fix the issues. The options are to have a specialist do the work or learn to do it yourself. The specialist option will soon cost way more than you paid for the car but is the fastest way to resolve issues. The DIY option will save you a lot of money and you can go at to your own timescale and priorities. All the necessary information, help and advice is available on the forum if you decide to go this way.
You confirm it runs - that's a better beginning than many have! If the bodywork and interior are good then the mechanical issues, which may appear a major hurdle, are likely to be more manageable than you think.
Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj40-xj81-25/ to the XJ40/XJ81 forum for help, advice and information. The XJ40 is the 6-cylinder model and the XJ81 is the 12-cylinder. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.
There's no such thing as a cheap used Jaguar. It's either pay high for a well maintained example or buy low and spend a not inconsiderable amount to fix the issues. The options are to have a specialist do the work or learn to do it yourself. The specialist option will soon cost way more than you paid for the car but is the fastest way to resolve issues. The DIY option will save you a lot of money and you can go at to your own timescale and priorities. All the necessary information, help and advice is available on the forum if you decide to go this way.
You confirm it runs - that's a better beginning than many have! If the bodywork and interior are good then the mechanical issues, which may appear a major hurdle, are likely to be more manageable than you think.
Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj40-xj81-25/ to the XJ40/XJ81 forum for help, advice and information. The XJ40 is the 6-cylinder model and the XJ81 is the 12-cylinder. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.
Please 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.
Graham
Graham
Veteran Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 25,535
Likes: 11,735
From: Pacific Northwest USA
Hi Eric,
Might as well give it to you right between the eyes.
You're not a mechanic now, but unless you have deep pockets, you'll need to become one to keep the car. That's pretty much the long and short of it. I've been driving Jags for 20+ years and, I assure you, it wouldn't have been possible unless I did all the repairs myself. I simply could not afford to pay a repair shop for all the repairs needed to sort out an older and neglected Jag. And most have been neglected. If you take it to a Jag guy and have him go thru the car I can virtually promise you'll be spending thousands.
On the bright side, you'll find many people here who are very happy to help a willing student. The Jag internet community is the most friendly you'll find. You'll need tools, manuals, and a place to work. If you have a pal who has some experience with car repair to watch over your shoulder it would be a real 'plus'.
Another alternative, if you've fallen in love with old Jags, is to seek out.....and pay the price.....for an example that has been loved and cherished and which doesn't need a ton of work right out of the gate. You might well end up saving money. Typically this would be a car owned by a Jag enthusiast who fussed over the car as a hobby. But even if you go this route there will be issues that eventually crop up in the future, you can count on it.
The model you have is worth the effort, in my opinion. Especially if the cosmetics are good. It was the flagship of the fleet.
Cheers
DD
Might as well give it to you right between the eyes.
You're not a mechanic now, but unless you have deep pockets, you'll need to become one to keep the car. That's pretty much the long and short of it. I've been driving Jags for 20+ years and, I assure you, it wouldn't have been possible unless I did all the repairs myself. I simply could not afford to pay a repair shop for all the repairs needed to sort out an older and neglected Jag. And most have been neglected. If you take it to a Jag guy and have him go thru the car I can virtually promise you'll be spending thousands.
On the bright side, you'll find many people here who are very happy to help a willing student. The Jag internet community is the most friendly you'll find. You'll need tools, manuals, and a place to work. If you have a pal who has some experience with car repair to watch over your shoulder it would be a real 'plus'.
Another alternative, if you've fallen in love with old Jags, is to seek out.....and pay the price.....for an example that has been loved and cherished and which doesn't need a ton of work right out of the gate. You might well end up saving money. Typically this would be a car owned by a Jag enthusiast who fussed over the car as a hobby. But even if you go this route there will be issues that eventually crop up in the future, you can count on it.
The model you have is worth the effort, in my opinion. Especially if the cosmetics are good. It was the flagship of the fleet.
Cheers
DD
Thank you for the honesty
Hi Doug,
I really appreciate your honesty. I do have a mechanic friend that is willing to help me. So that's a plus. The body is fairly straight. The wood veneer is pretty rough inside. Leather is ok. Headliner is good. Windshield needs replaced. Paint is shot.
It runs ok and tyranny seems ok. Willing to throw 2 or 3000 at it. Guess we will see where this journey takes me.
I really appreciate your honesty. I do have a mechanic friend that is willing to help me. So that's a plus. The body is fairly straight. The wood veneer is pretty rough inside. Leather is ok. Headliner is good. Windshield needs replaced. Paint is shot.
It runs ok and tyranny seems ok. Willing to throw 2 or 3000 at it. Guess we will see where this journey takes me.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: PHX some of the time
Welcome to Jaguar Forums Eric,
Good to have you with us.
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
Good to have you with us.
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
Got the estimates back from the jag shop today
Welcome to the forums Eric,
There's no such thing as a cheap used Jaguar. It's either pay high for a well maintained example or buy low and spend a not inconsiderable amount to fix the issues. The options are to have a specialist do the work or learn to do it yourself. The specialist option will soon cost way more than you paid for the car but is the fastest way to resolve issues. The DIY option will save you a lot of money and you can go at to your own timescale and priorities. All the necessary information, help and advice is available on the forum if you decide to go this way.
You confirm it runs - that's a better beginning than many have! If the bodywork and interior are good then the mechanical issues, which may appear a major hurdle, are likely to be more manageable than you think.
Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj40-xj81-25/ to the XJ40/XJ81 forum for help, advice and information. The XJ40 is the 6-cylinder model and the XJ81 is the 12-cylinder. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.
There's no such thing as a cheap used Jaguar. It's either pay high for a well maintained example or buy low and spend a not inconsiderable amount to fix the issues. The options are to have a specialist do the work or learn to do it yourself. The specialist option will soon cost way more than you paid for the car but is the fastest way to resolve issues. The DIY option will save you a lot of money and you can go at to your own timescale and priorities. All the necessary information, help and advice is available on the forum if you decide to go this way.
You confirm it runs - that's a better beginning than many have! If the bodywork and interior are good then the mechanical issues, which may appear a major hurdle, are likely to be more manageable than you think.
Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj40-xj81-25/ to the XJ40/XJ81 forum for help, advice and information. The XJ40 is the 6-cylinder model and the XJ81 is the 12-cylinder. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.
Please 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.
Graham
Graham
I got the estimates from the Jag shop near where I live:
Here is what the mechanic found and suggested:
1) Replace right and left fuel pumps: 1221.86
2) Replace engine oil cooler hoses: 1246.91
3) Replace SLS/Power steering hoses: 618.75
4) ABS modulator and accumulator: 1817.66
There also was a wiper motor bracket and hood struts which will run about 500.00
Mechanic stated the engine and transmission appear to be good. What is your opinion? Should I put the money into bringing this car back?
Thank you,
Eric
My sick and tired 1994 XJ12 Chap 2
Hello again All,
Well I got the estimate back from my local Jag technician:
1) L and R fuel pumps replaced: 1221.86
2) Engine oil cooler hoses: 1246.91
3) Wiper motor brackets: 355.05
4) Hood Struts: 136.27
5) SLS/Power steering hoses: 618.75
6) ABS Brakes Modulator and accumulator replace: 1817.66
Thats tax and labor included but its still 5400.00 I bought it for 1600.00. Mechanic says engine and transmission look OK.
What say you all........continue on with the project or cut my losses and run? I realize I will never get 7000 out of it. I still think its a beautiful machine.
Opinion time......and GO!
Cheers,
Eric
Well I got the estimate back from my local Jag technician:
1) L and R fuel pumps replaced: 1221.86
2) Engine oil cooler hoses: 1246.91
3) Wiper motor brackets: 355.05
4) Hood Struts: 136.27
5) SLS/Power steering hoses: 618.75
6) ABS Brakes Modulator and accumulator replace: 1817.66
Thats tax and labor included but its still 5400.00 I bought it for 1600.00. Mechanic says engine and transmission look OK.
What say you all........continue on with the project or cut my losses and run? I realize I will never get 7000 out of it. I still think its a beautiful machine.
Opinion time......and GO!
Cheers,
Eric
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 120,439
Likes: 17,013
From: Durham, UK
+1
Time to learn the skills of DIY. Nothing there that members haven't done before and can offer guidance.
I would start by costing out the parts (there's a lot of labour in those numbers) and then make the decision whether you have the time and wish to see the project through. Aa superb vehicle once it's put right BUT no point in putting money into it if you aren't going to complete the work.
Graham
Time to learn the skills of DIY. Nothing there that members haven't done before and can offer guidance.
I would start by costing out the parts (there's a lot of labour in those numbers) and then make the decision whether you have the time and wish to see the project through. Aa superb vehicle once it's put right BUT no point in putting money into it if you aren't going to complete the work.
Graham
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