I know this isn't the XJS board but alot of you are very knowlwdgeable and have helped me with my 96 VDP so I'm asking the question here too.
I recently came across a 1996 XJS with the same mileage as my 96 (32K) and at first inspection seems to be in near perfect condition. My question is...since this car has the same engine as our cars can I assume the 96 XJS is as reliable as the sedans? I know the V12's can be more of a challenge so I have been focusing on the 95-96 XJS (along with the post 2003 XK's).

Thanks in advance.

 

The reliabilty and durability of the *engine* should certainly be about the same, obviously.

Naturally, then, one would ask "What about the rest of the car?"

Fortunately for you the last of the XJSs were pretty well sorted by Jaguar so I wouldn't expect any serious reliabilty issues.



Cheers
DD

 

Thanks Doug, I was actually hoping to get your opinion.
They are my thoughts exactly as this one would be my daily driver if I was to purchase it.

 

I'm with Doug, 94-96 were the sweet spot for XJS imo. By then Jag had made significant changes to problem areas like going to sealed connectors, significantly improved rust proofing etc. With the engines the same, I would actually say the XJS is probably more reliable as it's electrical systems are considerably less complex and because it was at the end of its long run most of the bugs had been sorted. The 95 and to a lesser extent 96 X300s on the other hand were new and quite a bit more buggy.

 

Would anyone want to throw a number out if this turns out to be the pristine example I'm hoping it is. I am thinking $7-8K, am I high/low? I know price is a very subjective issue but taking emotion out of the equation I'd appreciate any thoughts.

 

If it is in truly excellent shape with that mileage, I'd say you were quite low. If you could get it for that it would be a steal!!

 

In addition to my 97 VDP I also have a 1994 XJS. I have had the car for three years and in that time I have had one failure. That was the expansion valve. It was a quick, inexpensive fix, the valve being sourced on EBay. I have had absolutely no engine or drive line issues with the car.
The car is absolutely drop dead gorgeous (mine is Kingfisher Blue with the Doeskin interior) and draws "lookey dere" comments on a regular basis.
If the one you are looking at is sound you may buy with confidence.

 

I have driven my '95 4.0 XJS in Tampa rush hour traffic daily for 5-1/2 years and it hasn't failed me once! It been the most reliable and durable car I have ever owned.

Buy the car! IMO the 4.0 I-6 engine is much better suited to the XJS than the 12 and I've owned both.

 

Thanks Baron (my 96 VDP is Kingfisher blue with the ivory interior also) and Roger, this certainly ups the confidence level. The gentleman who owns it also had a V12 and said it was a bit more maintenance. The car wasn't for sale, I was leaving the super market and when I looked up it was parked there in front of me. I went over and walked around it and couldn't believe the condition (black, black top, tan interior). Then I looked at the odometer and saw it just turned 31K, I had to wait for the owner to come out. We chatted for awhile then I popped the question..."would you consider selling it?" At first he said no but then admitted he was recently looking for an 88 mercedes (forget the model) and asked me if I would be interested in buying it. He took my number and said "you never know what the future holds." I haven't got a call yet but will certainly post if things pan out.

 

Good story Kongo.

Is there a name for the person that waits by a special car for the owner, or maybe places a note on the car, to inquire about it? I was close to doing just that when I saw this 96 a few months ago. I had to at least take a picture of it!

I too, aspire to XJS ownership one day. 94-96. Possibly even a V12. Hard to decide between coupe and convertible. Who knows what the future holds?

 

I'm with you guys. I too would love to have a '95-'96 XJS but in the coupe although harder to find than the convertible. Beautiful cars IMO, and fitted with the AJ16 engine that I'm used to and like.

Autotrader shows these cars in the $7k to $14k range so they're pricier than our X300s.

 

I run a '93 XJ-S 4.0 alongside my X300 Sovereign and find it just as reliable.
There's one of two areas to be carefull about but nothing really major.
Like the old XJ40, the XJ-S uses a high pressure braking system, pressurised by an electric pump. You can hear the pump run up pressure when you turn the ignition on before starting the engine. Keep your eye on the system, make sure it is looked after and in good condition, and it works great. In fact, all the electrics on an XJ-S are worth keeping a watchfull eye on. Get familiar with the layout of the fuse boxes and major connectors in the system and keep them tight and un-corroded.
The only bodywork weakness I've noticed is the rear wheel arches can corrode at the lower edges in cold or damp climates (eg: U.K.).
Aside from the above, the XJ-S is as solid as any other Jag and exceptional fun to drive long distances in. It was designed to be a long-distance tourer and , in my opinion, probably one of the best ever made.

 

Agreed.

I owned and XJS and XJ6 simultaneously for several years. The XJS was generally used for highway travelling...I did a fair bit of that at the time.

That car was a dream on the open road. Comfortable, power enough for easy overtaking, and with a very solid glued-to-the-road feeling. I always felt secure and very much in control.

Knocking off 400 miles per day is nothing at all in an XJS.

Cheers
DD