I have had my 2007 XKR for 3 years and although I love it, I find myself really wanting an XJS. I really dig the idea of having a direct connection to a very successful racing heritage with JRA TWR Jaguar, and also the engine being a result of development for the XJ13!

That, and I really don't want to have a car payment anymore, and there's only space for one toy in my driveway. I have a great relationship with a local European car specialist, and I really trust his work and his rates seem very reasonable. I'm sure if I had a Jaguar XJS V12, he'd be making tons of money on me!

I guess my goal would be to get an XJS coupe V12 and eventually convert it to a manual transmission. But before the conversion, my goal would be to buy the XJS and just spend some money refurbishing it to a presentable, daily driveable condition. On about $7500. Is this doable?? I figure later a manual conversion would cost another $7500.

What are common issues with the V12 XJSs? I have read that since the 5.3L V12 was essentially a race engine, it is very robust, yet it seems to have such a reputation for unreliability that I'm a little confused. Will every little maintenance task require a complete removal of the engine?

I look forward to hearing your advice!

 

As someone fortunate enough to own an example of each concurrently, I can say it would really depend upon how you want to use the car, and how much maintenance you're willing to do yourself.

The 5.3 itself is a strong motor, but there are weak components. If you really want to dive into it, read Kirby Palm's book- the "bible" of sorts for XJS owners. It reviews all the weak spots in excruciating detail- 700pgs of detail! Its a free download:

http://www.jag-lovers.org/xj-s/book/XJS_help.pdf

If you want to daily drive the car, you will most likely want to upgrade the cooling system. New aluminum radiator to start. The car cools poorly on its own. Other things to consider are that, in your price range, you will most likely be looking at an earlier car with the inboard brakes. The entire rear subframe needs to be dropped for a brake job. Also look out for the common seized distributor, assuming the car is pre-marelli ignition. Most rubber hoses, gaskets, seals, etc. should be replaced, as the car will presumably be at least 25 years old.

I don't want to turn you away from the XJS. I absolutely love mine, and drive it often in the summer.

But the point I wanted to make was that, compared to your X150 XKR, the XJS will require significantly more care and maintenance, which can get expensive if you don't do it yourself. As long as you have realistic expectations, then spend your time getting to know the XJS on here, and buy the best example you can afford.

 

there's a buyers guide in one of the sticky threads at the top od this section. It'll give some background on what to look for



Heavens no



XJSs are fabulous....but remember you'll be stepping into 1970s design car.

Even 'good' used ones require some remedial work. XJS faults and fixes are well known. The common scenario is to buy one and spend a couple months sorting out the bugs and catching up on repairs neglected by the PO. Do it all, do it right, do it once....and then enjoy the car.

XJSs can be very reliable....but it takes some effort. They are not a drive-it-and-forget-it car.

Cheers
DD

 

Well, I have had a taste of "1970s" design. I had an '83 Jaguar XJ6 which was in horrible shape, but I found it very easy to work on. Everything was so easy to reach! Unfortunately I have the feeling that the V12 will be a totally different story. And I probably won't be doing my own work.

I am not looking for a drive-it-and-forget-it car. I only drive about 5000 miles a year, and I am hoping I can keep the XJS running on maybe $2000 average in repairs/maintenance every year. (Doable??)

I know the 4.2 XK engine that was in my Series III had been known for the tappet guides working their way out of the head. Is the V12 also susceptible to this, and is the solution the same?

What do you guys think would be the expected sales price of a 1983-1990 XJS V12 coupe with

 

I have a friend getting ready to sale a super nice 91 XJS 5.3 coupe with 12k actual miles on the clock, needs nothing. He is a Jaguar trained mechanic and runs his own English Repair shop. LMK if that interests you in a PM and I'll give you his contact info. He's here in Jax, FL. As for the cooling system, mine is a stock, sorted 86 and I drive it constantly in the hot Florida summer with no problems running hot what so ever.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I have a feeling a '91 XJS coupe with only 12k miles will be well out of my price range!! Any idea what color it is?

I am reading this XJS help book in the sticky--it's hilarious!

 

It's the gold/pearlescent color. I think Jaguar referred to it as Oyster but I could be wrong. I can put you two in contact with each other if you want. Worst case is you don't strike a deal.

 

Does anyone know of an XJS owner in the DC area who might be willing to give me a test drive? I have never driven one and I would feel bad tire kicking with the ones currently on the market in the area.

 

Any idea which years have those horrible automatic seatbelts? That would be a deal breaker for me.

Also, when did the airbags start? ABS? I think I'd rather not have both of those features, just because the airbags are probably so old that they could be a risk in a collision, and I think the ABS probably doesn't work so well in a car this age, either!

 

I know 88 is the first year for those stupid seat belts, but I don't know how long they lasted. There was a minor interior refresh that year that added heated seats, wood trim around the shift-gate/ash trays, etc. I think airbags started in 1990. ABS was in 1988 also I think.

It sounds like, with your budget, you will most likely want to focus on an HE car, which means post-1982. To avoid the stupid seat belts/ABS/SRS, you will need 1987 or earlier. So I would start with 1982-1987.

Take a look at this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jaguar-XJS-B...m=111872556520

Far from you, I know, but it would be worth it IMO to look for a rust-free southern car such as this one.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I am watching this one. Looks like the price is going to go way over what I want to pay.

Are all post-1982 cars HEs? I understand a little bit about what the difference is between an HE and non-HE car, but is there any reason to prefer a non-HE engine over the HE one? Durability/serviceability?

 

Big difference in fuel consumption if that is important to you.

 

I feel $1/gallon gas is coming soon!

I was looking on Gaudin Jaguar parts website, and a non-HE short block was listed at $500-ish, but a HE short block was something like $8500. Why such a disparity (or am I misinterpreting)?

 

Yes, all post-82 5.3L cars are the "HE" variant. This article does a good job explaining it.

Fuel economy is what I had in mind, since you want to daily drive it. Also, its getting hard to find pre-HE cars in general.

https://ralphhosier.wordpress.com/20...he-jaguar-v12/