Hi, I have both an X-Type and an XKR but am considering a 1992 XJS. I have been active on this forum, in both the X-Type and Xk8/R sections, for a couple of years and understand the issues associated with these cars very well. However, I don't know much about the XJS or its V12 engine. I know Ford did a lot to improve the reliability of Jags but 1992 was only a couple years after they bought Jaguar. Can someone give my an idea if a 1992 XJS V12 with 80k miles is likely to be a headache or if, given regular maintenance, it will be as reliable as its younger siblings? Thanks,
Mark

 

Go to the How-To sticky thread at the top of this section and check out the buyers guide. It's covers the basics. Post back if more details are needed


Cheers
DD

 

Most informative article, thanks. I may come back with more specific questions when I find a car I'm interested in buying.
Mark

 

Are you set on a V12? Don't forget the 3.6 and 4.0 litre six cylinder models; they are a lot easier to work on and the later AJ16 engine isn't much slower than a V12.
Especially if you get one out of an XJR-6!
Steve

 

i would suggest an I6 model as well. forget the V12's.

also, i can give you a few tips that i wish someone had told me when i was searching for my XJS. make sure the engine stays frosty in traffic and check in these two spots for rust.

 

What two spots for rust? I have a '95 XJS 4.0 and am in the process of rust hunting, so knowing the most common spots would help. Thanks.

 

check the pic bro.

the two most common places that you can inspect easily are right underneath the operators pedals on the bottom of the car, and on the rear fender wing lip at the very bottom. the condition of these two spots will likely allude to the condition of the rest of the car. these two spots on my car are almost flawless, and ive searched high and low for rust on mine and cannot find anything more than a bit of bubbling in the doorhandles where water pools up.

i imagine if you looked at these two spots on Warren or Mish's cars, you would find something different.

 

@mjlaris

I have a similar set up to you, ie a modern Jag ('06 XJ) and an XJS ('92 V12 Conv). I bought a very rough V12, which was a mistake, but after 3 years the car is shipshape. I have worked through all of the issues that afflicts the XJS (marelli fire, overheating, dead fuel pump, oil leaks everywhere, sticky windows and locks, A/C inoperative, ventilation system not putting air where it should due to vacuum solenoids dead, sagging headliner, worn out interior, etc, etc)

For me it was kind of an excuse to get back into getting my hands dirty, as I had nothing to do maintenance wise on the modern XJ. There were times when I was ready to throw in the towel, but in those dark times this forum actually pulled me through. I think if you really keep on top of the maintenance, the XJS can be a reliable car, well, just as reliable as any 20 year old second, third, fourth hand car can be.

The question of "Is a 92 more reliable than an 89 or a 96" is pretty much unanswerable...... I think it totally depends on the car and the previous owners. My advice wouldn't be to get hung up on a particular year..... just try to find a good car. The engine choice (V12 or I6) always produces lively debate..... in the end it's personal choice. There is something special about the V12, although it will require more maintenance. The engine itself is pretty bombproof..... it's just everything surrounding it that is required for it to work properly (cooling system, electrical system) is less so.

I have had a few Jags now but I think the XJS is going to be the keeper. They do tend to get under your skin after a while.

 

Thanks M90Power. I did not see a picture or link to one, but will check the spots you describe.

 

Other favourite rust spots:-
The bottom edge of the rear of the boot (trunk) lid.
The inner wings around the front shock absorber mounts.
If there is any bubbling on the panels either side of the windscreen wipers then budget a shed load of money for repairs because the bubbles indicate that the rust has consumed everything metallic beneath the paint and is now making a bid for freedom in search of more sustenance.
Rear radius arm mounts and the radius arms themselves.
Floor pans.
Sarc, I can't believe that you bought a car that was that bad; I've just bought it's twin!
Steve

 

huh, must be a forum glitch.

 

Hi Steve

The one good thing I have going for me is no rust, mine being a Florida then California car. I had worked on many XJSes back in Scotland and I had never, ever seen a convertible car with the original floor pans. My car is completely original bodywork wise, with only the slightest bubbling on the outside of one wheel arch, which was probably caused by the paint being damaged and not repaired correctly. At least I only have all of the mechanicals to worry about :-)

 

My 92 XJS V-12 has 74,000, -0- rust, AND (for the moment) EVERYTHING works properly, knock on wood. No more trouble to maintain than any other 20 year old vehicle, except of course at noted above, the peripherals on the V-12 need looking after fairly regularly. Check hoses regularly, accumulator tank for leaks in the bottom. Doesn't hurt to back flush the whole cooling system every few years either. The beauty of finally getting one to a point where everything works is....then you only have to fix or trouble shoot one thing at a time as it happens!!!!! :-D, Glory is the day!!!!

 

Yeah, but what is the point of having a Jag that actually works properly? If you are lucky enough to own such a mythical beast then at least 90% of the joy is taken away. There is still going to be 9% worry and 1% enjoyment so maybe it is a fair trade off.
And if (like me temporarily) you have 2 does that double the joy or double the stress?

 

The 12 cylinder is not as bad as many say. Keep it from overheating and you will be fine. Even then they are repairable. You just can't expect to do anything real quick.

If you do not understand basic theory and refuse to follow repair logic then the V12 will frustrate you. Most guys who replace the V12 with some Chevy power train are intimidated by the V12 and give up because it is far beyond their limited ability.

If you compare the V12 to today's vehicles it is a dinosaur and very simple. You just need to understand basic electricity, need to be able to read a wiring diagram and be able to use a DVOM. These forums, Kirby's book, JDHT DVD and a decent tool kit will give you great success.

Buy the best car you can afford. Do not fall into the "I got it cheap so I have money left to fix it up" trap. A cheap car will cost you more than the expensive one.

 

Yep Greg, just like "free" stuff...always cost you more in the long run when you have to "pay back" the "free" stuff.

 

Other areas to check for strucural rust that are common are.

Under the the front guards (fenders for you Americans) on the top rail this may not be visible as mine had rust showing on the LHS but the the RHS was much worse and NO teltail signs.

Check under the back seat the rear quarter windows leak and the water ends up under the seat.

Front shock mounts.


I agree with Greg the V12 is amazing the power is so smooth and it has bucket loads of torque. I love it. Once all of the issues are ironed out you will have a reliable ride that is the most comfortable car I have ever traveled long distance in.

 

I have had mine for 3 weeks now...
love it and the puzzles it pose

 

The V12 is an easy engine to work on, once you know what you need to do. I've been working in and around mine for like 6 months getting it sorted. The XJ-S is simply a V12 car. If you want a 6, get an XJ6 or so... I think the engine is, next to the design, the best part of the car!

 

I love my 90 XJS V12... The key is to buy the best car that you can afford. Mine was a one owner NC car that was maintained on a yearly basis. He also had a Factory extended warranty that he used. LOL... Also, the car had low miles when I purchased it(30K), the original owner followed the recommended maintenance and also did yearly fluid changes. I also will keep that up...