Hi guys, My Name is Brett Evans and I am brand new to this forum. I've never owned a Jaguar but there are some tempting cars in my area (Columbus, Ohio), and I soon may be joining your ranks.
I have loved British cars for as long as I can remember and have owned many Triumphs, but never a Jag.
Recently I have seen a listing for a 1996 XJ12 and several XJ8's. My brain thinks that the 8's would be more practical but my heart is screaming for the 12! The seller is asking 3000.00 and the car has about 128,000 miles.
I'm sure I will have many questions along the way and I thank all of you in advance for your patienc and understanding with a "novice"

 

Welcome aboard Brett, I was a novice 16 months ago and this forum is certainly the place for jaguar education.....good luck with your choice.

 

Welcome to the forum, Brett! Glad to have you here. You came to the right place - this site is a great resource with tons of useful information. Good luck with the hunt and ask away if you need any info.

 

Welcome to the forum Brett,

Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums.

The V12 model is a brave move for a first Jaguar.

Follow this link XJ XJ12 ( X305 ) - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the X305 forum for the V12 and this one XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 ) - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the X308 forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.

You can also visit the US Midwest Region forum by following this link US Midwest - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Welcome.

Yes, the V12 is a brave move, BUT, if you have a sense of humour, the ability to speak a strange(foul springs to mind) language, like a drink or 2 or 3 or more, GO FOR IT.

I am REALLY biased of course, but I reckon everyone should experience the joy of a V12 once in a lifetime.

 

welcome to the forum - either choice is a good one as it's a JAG - enjoy!!

 

Hello, Brett,
It's time you owned a Jag seeing as you're already experienced in the quirkiness of British engineering. It would certainly be something to remember, especially if you fall for the V12.

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

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums Brett,

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

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Thanks guys. I have to admit to being a little nervous as I'm not really sure what to look for.
My experiance with Triumphs tells me that while mechanicals should factor in, often the condition of the body and trim are more important. I'm pretty good with a wrench but bodywork is black magic to me. I've seen many cars with good drivetrains that couldn't be driven due to unsafe rust.
I guess my main questions would concern specific things I should be looking for. What is considered minor fixable problems, and what is cause to immediately walk away?
What are the common issues with these cars and can I fix them myself or do I need a specialist?
How much should I budget to maintain and repair a V12 car vs a V8?
The answers to these questions will help when it's time for me to choose the right car.

 

My father had a lot of Triumphs, and I learned to drive in one (a 1300), and a Triumph was the first car I ever bought (the 2500). Good solid car, that was. Ratty interior, mind. Jags, esp. V12s, are way more complicated, but you only live once, unless you're James Bond, in which case You Only Live Twice....

 

I've owned Jaguars through the bad build quality days of the 1970's when the combination of our climate and Winter road salt in England could destroy a Series I or Series II XJ6/XJ12 in little more than five years. This situation improved vastly with the XJ40 and took another leap forwards with the X300 body style. I still see many X300/X305's up to twenty years old which are solid and rust free. The X305 you are considering is based on the X300 body. If it can withstand English weather, you should find plenty of good ones in the US!

Beware of worn interiors/broken or missing fittings. Trim parts are mostly NLA from Jaguar and upholstery refurbishment is expensive.

Check the X300 forum FAQ's for regular mechanical issues as only the X305 V12 engine is the difference. Check the XJS forum for information on the V12 engine.

Graham