Hello Jag Forums,

My name is Brent, 39, from Austin, TX. Purchased my first classic car 3 months ago; an '89 Jaguar XJS. mileage when purchased: 116,500. price: $8,500 I am technically the 3rd owner, but the owner before me only had it for 8 months or so, and said he rarely drove it. Car was originally purchased in Beverly Hills, and belonged to a man in Texas.

I've lurked on these forums for a little while now, but finally decided to join the community. This forum has been an incredible resource, and I look forward to contributing as I continue my journey as a newly minted Jag owner.



Impressions so far:

This car has been an absolute dream. I come from driving mostly trucks and typical modern, less exciting cars. It feels like riding on a cloud. The quiet power and smoothness of the ride is a truly incredible feeling. I have put around 1500 miles on it, mostly joy riding in town and the hill country for those incredible Texas sunsets. I get looks every time I drive it; thumbs up, head nods, smiles and waves, and a few people who have rolled down their window to chat at a stop light. People really love this car, and it has brought me more joy than I anticipated.

Maintenance so far:

I have replaced the radiator fluid, air filters, oil and filter. I am using Valvoline VR1 20W-50, upper and lower ball joints, and wheel bearings.

Maintenance to do next:

Spark plugs, fuel lines, distributor, clean up some questionable wiring.

Repairs needed:

- There is a power steering leak at the drivers side boot, discovered a few days ago.
- Control arm bushings are worn.
- Passenger side window will not roll up. It makes a noise, but there is no movement.
- Electrical quirks: windshield wipers don't work, but will sometimes.. horn doesn't work, but has. Instrument panel light does not work. Some fuses have been blown after replacing.
- Heater does not work.
- Automatic top does not work.
- Cannot figure out the smaller windows. Passenger won't roll down.

Aesthetics

Overall, the car is in great shape. No rips or tears in leather, paint is relatively good condition (some minor cracks and chipping, but nothing that sticks out) Some trim pieces, both interior and exterior, seem to be delaminating or warping, but nothing that bothers me too much.

Things I don't like

- Right now, im getting about 7/10 mpg. I'm hoping this improves with the spark plug / fuel line replacement. I only use 93 octane.

Final thoughts

I absolutely love this car, and plan on doing everything I can to keep her running at optimum levels. I do wish I had a manual, and have looked into the conversions described on this forum, but for now I like it just the way it is. I never knew a car could make me feel this happy driving it, and I feel incredibly grateful to be a new Jaguar owner.

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums Brent,

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 Forums.

This not the Tech Section, but a sneak comment may not upset management, haha.

Steer leak MAY be the stupid steer cooler, tucked in the LH side chassis rail.

Do that work program, HT Leads also, and do in properly, then repeat in 30 years.

Good luck.

 

Welcome to the forums Brent,

Good to have you with us.

If you haven't already found it, follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xjs-x27-32/ to the XJS 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 use the US Southwest Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/us-southwest-37/ to find other members in your region.

Please read the guidance for new members ( https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/n...ned-up-241802/ ) which answers many of the most frequent questions about getting started.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Graham

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!

 

thank you, kind sir, I appreciate that.

I am going through your pdf work sheet right now.. what an incredible resource, thank you for doing that.

you mentioned in the pdf that you had a larger file with more How To info? I would love to add that to my research, if it's still available. my email is gogobrent@gmail.com

 

Hello, Brent,
Congratulations on your new Jaguar XJS Convertible! It sounds like you got a Great deal!
One like yours, except in BLACK, (my favorite) is the only XJS I would consider owning.

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

 

Welcome aboard Brent.