Recently purchased a XJS 1996 2+2 Convertible. No manuals of any sort came with the car.

Looking for something that shows the entire dash board and all of the switches. Most everything is easy to figure out but a couple of things, I am not sure.

Is their somewhere in this forum to easy access?

Softball Paul

1996 XJS 2+2 Convertible
1957 XK 140 Drop head coupe
And every other British Sports car know to mankind

 

A good place to get any publications for your vehicle is at this link. They aren't free, but you can get almost anything you need.


Jaguar Heritage


I bought DVD that has probably all the publications available for my XJS, including Owner's manuals.


The only thing I don't like about their DVD products, is they us an unconventional security system which downloads a computer specific unlock code to your system. You can't use the DVD on more than one computer. And if you ever have to rebuild your computer system (just to clean things up or if you have something like a hard drive failure), then you need a new unlock code.

 

I used Helm Inc. Com in Michigan for a Vehicle Care Manual $13.00 an 1994 for my 1996
I just checked them out now, the owners manual is out of stock? but check them out.
Snowball

 

Softball60, Hope you enjoy the process of fixing the car of all it's woes. I spent the past two years nursing my 1996 back to health as best I could. Sent $6,000 doing it after a $7,000 initial cost. I know I paid too much for the car by about $2,000 but it looked quite good at the curb. I have been stymied by the Delanair 111 ac/heater system and the security computers. I just lock the doors with the key. Not an important problem.
I bought a shop manual and electrical manual which covers the '96.
Even with all that work and expense I could not get $8,000 for this car on EBAY. So I will just drive some more miles out of it. This Jag has only 92,000 miles on it. My 1996 Cougar has 149,000 miles on it and all switches and systems are operating. I am not so much of a Ford fan but the lack of quality in the XJS should explain their lack of value as a collector car. Just a word of warning to all you that would like to own an XJS. Like a beautiful woman, they come with a high maintenance penalty. Welcome to the club.
Cheers, RagJag

 

Folks,

Thanks for the responses. I did manage to find the owners manual in the truck tucked down in one of the corners.

I have to fly up to Syracuse, NY in two (2) weeks to drive it back here to Venice, Fl. Hopefully should be a great trip!!!!

Rag Jag,

Sorry to hear that you are somewhat disapointed with your XJS. I just sold my 560SL Merc. Had it for 12 yrs. Bought it in Reno, NV and it ended up in Venice, Fl. I just sold it on Ebay. Like you I did not get what I wanted but I got a fair price. The amount of money you spent on yours is a somewhat discouraging but I spent at least 5-6 time that. I had the Merc from 100K to 186K.

I do all my own work now since I have access to a lift!! The mechanics were ripping me off just because it was a Merc.


Anyway, I am looking forward to the XJS and the similar fun I had as a kid with my 1957 XK 140 Drophead Coupe......Wish I still had!!!!!


Hope to chat with you guys much more and if you know anyone in the Venice, Fl area, let me know

Regards

Softball 60 (Paul)

1996 XJS 2+2 Convertible
1957 XK140 Drop Head Coupe
Every British Sports Car known to mankind

 

I resemble that remark!!
(';')

 

Softball60, Glad you are going for it. I still have my '96 and may have it for quite a while. I don't feel so bad since you said how much you have spent on the Mercedes. The old girl uses or leaks no oil or coolant, is quite beautiful, handles well and gets a lot of admirers in public. The engine runs and idles perfectly since I finally got the idle problem fixed. Not all bad. Please keep the forum advised as to your progress.
Cheers, RagJag

 

Interesting. Most people think that the 94-96 are the best quality XJS out there. Maybe yours had a bit of a rough life before she came to you??

As far as the quality/collectibility is concerned, believe me when I tell you that a S3 E-type is no example of "high quality", yet those cars command an entirely different price point. I think sooner than later the XJS will get to an entire different price point than the current 5-10k used car trash status they are relegated to. It makes no sense that a late 80's Mustangs and Camaros are starting to cost much more than a XJS.

 

Spikepega, makes perfect sense. Those cars actually work and have an abundance of parts available when they need work.
RagJag.

 

__________________
Compare the price of American or Australian V8's to an XJS in Australia,even a really tidy one. I would rather throw a few grand at a Jaguar than buy an overpriced V8,and every man and his dog has a muscle car, a Jaguar is something different.
I am surprised XJS's here don't seem to sell faster,a cheap classic if you are prepared to put in some hours ans cash.

1981 Ford Mustang Ghia

1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

1989 Chevrolet Camaro Gen IV RS

1980 Ford Falcon XD GL

1984 Holden Commodore VK Berlina

1978 Jaguar XJS Coupe | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Penrith Area - St Marys | 1047569851

1976 Jaguar XJS Coupe | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Gold Coast West - Gilston | 1049426275

1980 Jaguar XJS Coupe | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Brisbane North East - New Farm | 1043921642

 

Yes, and no.

Those 80s-90s vintage Camaro Z28s, Trans Ams, and Mustang 5.0 litres were a lot of fun to drive and generally much easier to own than a Jaguar. Lacking in pedigree and sophistication compared to a Jag, yes, but still fun.

For a period of time I had a 1992 Mustang 5.0 and a 1988 XJS 5.3 Coupe simultaneously. We all know how great XJSs are so I needn't elaborate. However, I can honestly say that the Mustang was much faster accelerating at least up to 100 mph, had a 140 mph top speed, would get thru my favorite twisty sections at least as quickly as the Jag and probably quicker, had a better HVAC system, faster power windows, got 14-26 mpg (versus 11-20 mpg in the Jag), had more comfortable seats, no rattles of any kind (unlike the Jag), had zero (and I mean zero) electrical glitches or fluid leaks, and required no special attention whatsoever with respect to cooling or ignition systems....or anything else, for that matter.

Naturally the Mustang wasn't as refined as the Jag nor built to the same standards with comparable materials but we must remember the Mustang was $19000 in 1992 and the Jaguar $45000 in 1988.

Well, the Mustang is long gone and I'm still driving Jags, so that speaks volumes. But, still, I can easily see why some of the 80s American iron is gaining value. Lots of bang for the buck + easy ownership = resurgence in popularity = prices climbing. There's likely a bit of a nostalgia aspect in there as well. Heh heh, I'd love to own another Mustang 5.0 but I've probably waited too long to get a bargain.

Cheers
DD

 

Truth and well said, Doug.