I am buying a 1994 xis convertible... I used to have a 1995. I all of a sudden notice the engines look different. I read about it and get the changes BUT my question is does it matter to me as a driver?? as an investment?? is this an issue?? Should I make sure I get a later year??

 

1994 was the first year for the outboard rear brakes (easier to work on) it was also the first year for the four seater (useless unless your are a midget)
1994 was also the last year for an aluminum valve cover, the newer ones have cast magnesium covers that can bubble and look nasty. 1994 was also the last year for a distributor and ignition wires (cheap
to replace), the newer engine uses 6 coil on plugs (good replacment coils $75-$100 each) The 95-96 engine has a more modern prettier Iook to it I think and it also produces a moderate increase in horsepower and torque.
I think 94 was also the last year for 15" wheels, later ones have16"
From what I have read from the "experts" most seem to think that the late model ones will be more collectible because the bugs had been worked out by then but actually some new ones had been introduced.
My opinion is get the best condition, lowest mileage car that your wallet will allow. Another forum member said it well "there is nothing more expensive than buying a cheap Jaguar".
Have fun when you find the right one (almost like the wife!)

 

It's my understanding that the simpler and improved Anti-Lock Brake System began in MY 1995.25. I've heard a lot of complaints about the previous version causing problems.

 

MsiJordan,

There were a number of significant changes in the last few years of production. It's easier to refer to the changes by VIN or production date rather than by "year". This is because the American market talks about Model Year in a very different way to the rest of the world or the way that Jaguar classified it.

There are lots of spec changes and some different changes for you over there in the US, but the major things and the Jaguar World MY designation are:

VIN 1888105 - May 1993 (1993.5 MY)
Big Plastic bumper covers, 16" 5-spoke wheels (with groove across spoke) Outboard disc brakes

VIN 194775 - April 1994 (1994.75 MY) - Big change
Introduction of AJ16 engine, integral headrest seats, revised AirCon, new stereo, diamond-cut 5-spoke wheels (no groove)

VIN 198335 - November 1995 (1995.25 MY)
Revised ABS system + vented rear discs

VIN 221855 - April 1995 (1995.5 MY)
Now called "Celebration" model. Some trim changes (embossed headrests). Revised aerosport-type wheels, (5-spoke chrome as an option)


My (biased) view? Go for a car with an AJ16 engine (VIN 194774 onwards). It's a much better car and will always have a price premium over the earlier AJ6-engined car. There is also a premium for the "Celebration" models but the additional trim items are minimal really.

Hope that helps

Paul

 

I always wished they'd kept the body coloured headlight bezels and wing mirrors on the Celebration as the styling seemed to take a step back

 

Ah, the coloured headlight bezels and wing mirrors were actually part of the V12 package during all three last production years ('94, '95 & '96). This also included the front grille colour and the addition of that nice rear spoiler.

I don't much care about whatever colour the mirrors may be, but I sure like the effect of the painted headlight bezels, which is why the subtle body style changes in my '94 include painting the bezels and painting the chrome strip at the front edge of the bonnet (hood). This significantly cleans up and modernises the car's front end/view (you can attest to that in my XJS gallery).

 

[QUOTE=Forcedair1;1208216]Ah, the coloured headlight bezels and wing mirrors were actually part of the V12 package during all three last production years ('94, '95 & '96). This also included the front grille colour and the addition of that nice rear spoiler.

What is interesting Reinaldo is that the colored mirrors and headlamp bezels etc. were a V12 thing those years in the USA market but from what I have seen may have been the opposite in Europe. Just one of those marketing changes for different markets.

To my eye the chrome makes the car look richer or more expensive so I have always felt lucky to get the chrome on the 6 cyl vs the V12 here in the states but I like how you did your car.

All these little things are just personal preferences.

 

They introduced the colour coded mirrors, bezels and grille with the AJ16 as 1994.75 MY, right? Did they go back to chrome mirrors and bezels and the black grille with 1995.25 MY or for the Celebration model only?

Funny enough, I just put together all the parts to convert mine from colour coded to chrome

 

Jaguar introduced the colour-coded mirrors and headlamp bezels as part of the introduction of the 4.0 litre AJ16 car in 1994. The intention was to give the 4.0 litre a more sporting look to discriminate it from the V12. This also tied in with the fact that the 4.0 litre was available with a manual transmission which was much appreciated as a more sporting drive, particularly in Europe.

A colleague of mine who worked for Jaguar said that the idea backfired when the proposals were presented to US representatives. They said that the 4.0 litre would often be bought as second car, would have a higher female driver population than UK sales and that manual sales would be non-existent. As such, they wanted a more "bling" approach to the 4.0 litre as it would be the mainstream model rather than the V12. So, the colour-coding had to be completely reversed for the US, with the V12 getting the coloured mirrors and bezels instead.

When the car was designated "Celebration", the cars were standardised reverting to chrome mirrors and bezels with a black grille (not sure about US cars).

P.L.

I converted my headlamp bezels to chrome when I first got my 4.0 litre. I left the mirrors body-coloured because I thought thye looked good on the doors. However, recently, I have restated my headlamp bezels to the body-coloured ones and have reminded myself how much I really like the rare body-coloured look! I bet you revert yours one day!

Paul

 

Thanks for clarification Paul!
Might be worth to mention that these cars are missing the coachline as well.

Not sure about reverting back - yet