lm about to do the deed on a 1995 X305.

ls there anything above and beyond the usual things to look for, i have a XJS HE that ive resurrected so i have some idea of my way around the motor?

Thanks

 

Power steering lines if original will be tired. If its been leaking pump may also be tired. That has been the only recurring theme on mine. Fill up the gas tank and drive the wheels off it!

 

A familiar view to me (except for the speedo going up to 260!).

I haven't put together a list for the sticky about "what to look for" yet, but some things you can expect to do with the X305 can be found in these threads. Many you might have already seen:

Oil cooler hoses
Transmission and steering hoses/rack
Cooling hoses
Fuel rail crossover hoses
Air conditioning hoses
Harmonic balancer
Belts
Transmission mount
Transmission delay engaging Drive (FYI), seen on 1995 and early 1996 models

All of the above items are different from the X300 XJ6.

Don't worry, I think the X305 will be easy for you if you are used to an XJ-S HE! It is a relatively more advanced vehicle, and it is OBDII compliant "version 1.0".

 

I have both XJSs and an X305. Probably the biggest take away is that the XJ12 is massively more modern. It’s basically a normal conventional car, V12 aside. All of the old fashioned bits around the engine you see on the XJS are just gone. I’d inspect it like I would any used car... with extra emphasis on cosmetics because there’s NO value in a car that needs paint or upholstery. My 96 was $900 not running. I’ve put 20k on the clock so far and needed a steering rack (leaky), brakes, tires, a wiper motor rebuild, and next it’s getting new suspension bushings. Nothing has been expensive. The only unplanned repair was when the wiring harness fell out of the fender and got shredded by the tire. A used harness off an XJ6 put it right for $40 but it was traumatic to see!

 

Thanks Gents for the responses. To quote Jagandmgs '' Probably the biggest take away is that the XJ12 is massively more modern. It’s basically a normal conventional car,'' That is exactly why i didnt buy it and got/getting a Series III

Cheers

 

 

l beg your pardon?

 

I have a Series III XJ12 Vanden Plas too and it was NOT $900 . Wonderful car, but on a cold day like today in the Northeast, on salty roads, eating lunch a McDonald drive through, my daily driver is the X305. You should buy both!

 

It's all relative. The X305 might be way more advanced than the Series III, but the 305 IN NO WAY compares to anything made after about 2010. About the time when the new XJ came out. I don't consider the 305 "conventional" at all. I think a whole lot of non-Jag people still consider it to be old fashioned!

It's all relative. The Series III does seem old fashioned compared to the X305. But that in no way devalues what they are. They both have their charm, the Series III having an abundance of charm, especially as an XJ12. In my opinion, these days there is simply no such thing as "charm" in any modern vehicle. Not even a Jaguar. Can anyone argue this point?

I definitely appreciate where my car falls into the spectrum. Still charming, but somewhat modernized. Just right. Some hate it, some love it.

To each, his own.

 

Thank you Mr Superfluous. l wasn't after a argument, nor your definition of 'relative'. l was after mechanical/electrical buying advice, not rabid fanboy defense. As for charming to me it has all the charm of a x type, little to none, its a souless box, with some suspiciously looking Mondeo switch gear, and a dash that looks like it belongs in a Rover 25. But like you said each to their own.......................if only 'each' would keep there 'own' drivel to themselves eh!

 

l am 52 years old, i have lived in North America for 19 years, i have only gone through a drive through of my own volition once since ive been here The last thing i need is a car that brings me out in drive through-s.......................i might end up with the commensurate size 'arris'

With a temp spread of +33c to -44c and 6'to 8' of snowfall PA my daily is a Lexus GX470, and trust me, with over 300 'pistons' here from late 1800s early 2 stroke inboard marine engines to ltalain superbikes to a 1950s D7 Bulldozer the last thing i need is both.............................................. ...............even im struggling to use the word neeeeed and keep a straight face with one

 

Even the X-type has charm compared to a Lexus Generic! I understand you must compensate for that by indulging in the ultimate charm of the Jaguar Series III.

BTW mechanical advice was provided first off. Thought you were taking it seriously.

I know my opinions are offensive, but I just wish the X305 had enough charm to win the argument.

 

After many years with a Series III XJ6 and XJS V12 I bought an X300/XJR. Drove it several years and 140K miles. Great car in many respects..... although my X300 ownership experience wasn't as rosy as often reported by others. Still, I enjoyed it a lot.

But, throughout the entire time, it just never felt very "Jaguar-ish" to me. I found myself yearning to get back into a Series III, which I did. By virtually any objective measure the X300 is a better car, no doubt, but there's an emotional aspect to Jaguars that can defy objectivity.

Series III XJ6/12 is the most modern of all antique automobiles. And that's why, to this day, certain people still love 'em

Cheers
DD

 

I'll have to look into this "Jaguar-ish" phenomenon! I don't think I've been exposed to that depth. Maybe I'm missing something.... and the Series III has it....

 

Your not missing anything. To each his own. anyoldirons mind was made up before he started the thread. Time to move on.