Hello,

Do folks have thoughts on how long these babies can run? I'm looking at a 1995 V12 with 100K+ miles. Seems to be well-maintained but things can't last forever... Thanks for your input!

 

Engine, very long time.

Rubber suspension parts not as long.

Most parts can be found easily. Some parts, especially for the 6.0 v12 are more rare.

Wander around the forums and you should find some common part shortage. I know the AC compressor is one, should it go bad and not be rebuilt.

 

The V12 is very durable, you should be able to get at least 300,000 miles as long as it is maintained. The GM transmission will likely need a rebuild before the engine.

 

Verified regular maintenance is the key. These V12's are virtually bullet proof if looked after properly. My 87 XJS-C has done over 205,000 km (127,000 miles) and the engine is sweet as. If I need help with something beyond my ability, I am lucky to have a Jag restorer/mechanic who says that mine is one of the nicest driving XJS he has seen ... and he owns two of them. When I change the oil, it is so clear that I reuse it in my 04 Commodore One Tonner Ute (an Aussie thing). Documented regular maintenance and good, but realistic presentation goes a long way to telling you that the car has been looked after. There will be things to address but a well looked after V12 engine is not the deal killer.

 

I really appreciate your thoughts. Thank you!!

 

A XJ-S that’s truly worn out is quite rare. Neglected ones are common, but that’s quite different. Getting them to a state where non-wear items are worn is far less common than for other cars of the era.

My personal take is that I’d rather have a classic car with high mileage than one with super low mileage. It tells me that it’s been used and cared for and that most everything works. Whereas a car with 1000 miles/year has spent a lot of time sitting. Condition is key. With new cars mileage approximates condition. With older cars that’s not true.

 

Durability isn't an issue with old Jags. They'll soldier on seemingly forever.

Reliability is a different matter. With some effort and expenditure an old Jag can be very reliable. That is, depended upon to reliably get you from Point A to Point B without use of your Auto Club membership.

Neither durability nor reliability guarantee a happy ownership experience. After years of ownership and daily use I sold my XJR at 171,000 miles. I think that car would've lasted 300,000 miles easily. Very rugged. And it never once was on the back of a tow truck; it always got me there and back; 100% reliable. But....it was by no means a trouble-free experience. The car required lots of repairs along the way.

Cheers
DD

 

Well just a penny's worth - or a cent - to follow on from others, as a long time classic and Jaguar driver / owner.

Do not expect to run on a budget - if you have little or no money available at month end without a classic Jaguar you'd best not get one because your ownership experience will not be a good one they are NOT cheap to run.
Do not expect to operate modern service rules - 10000 miles on the same oil - nope, 100k on the same plugs - nope, will run any old fuel - nope ....
Do not expect to skip maintenance or basic checks - you must catch things early or things can get expensive quickly
Do not leave standing for long periods unless specifically prepared
Do not expect modern car reliability - there will be quirks - you are into the age especially with a 1990 where some of the technologies were in their infancy i.e ABS
Do not expect modern 'mechanics' to have the first clue on such cars
Do not expect to be immune to tin worm (rust)
Do not expect to drive like Miss Daisy - these cars - especially the 12 like to be pressed occasionally (just be careful who is around when you do - old yes - slow no) - consider this part of the maintenance routine.

Any old car, including Jaguar will be as reliable as the time and effort you put in, if you're the type that doesn't want to get the hands dirty Jaguar classics are probably best avoided unless you are crazy rich and can actually find a mechanic that knows the first thing about these cars. Especially the V12, the V12 has had a bad rap because butheads messed up and failed to accept the responsibility or were simply unaware that they messed up. Like Doug none of my cars has ever come home on a low loader, also like Doug there were times when I've questioned my sanity I've spent crazy amounts on failure prevention and making sure they don't, sooner or later I suppose it will happen but not because I neglected something.

If you know what you are getting in to 100k is just a number - nothing lasts forever.

Simple - for as long as you are prepared to put the time and funds into them - Jaguars are about the experience - which you won't understand till you get one.

 

Where? Everything on the V12 gets hot and if the car is from a cool climate then there will be less maintenance required and problems than if it was from a hot desert state. If it's a hot climate car then all rubber will need to be replaced, lines, mounts, seals etc.

 

Lulz… high mileage!🤣 100k is the first cycle.

 

Boy Howdy, ain't that the truth!
If they understand, no explanation is necessary.
If they don't understand, none is sufficient.
(';')

 

Well if my odometer is to be believed, likely it is, I have 129k.

 

Good to read "intelligent" responses and comments about old Jags. Totally agree on all. Jags earned a reputation back in the day (70/80's) in the general public opinion. Bad for them, good for us. None of my Jags from the mid-80's passed on with less than 150K, most over 200K. Current 92/93 XJS 4.0 just turned 215K and current XJ308 160K+. THE KEY is "drive 'em".
I particularly agree on comment about low-mileage examples. There's either somethun fishy (check the Carfax thoroughly) or it's gonna need work.

Dave in AZ

 

Sounds like the name of the game is preventative maintenance, additional maintenance, and then some more maintenance. And a sufficient purse.

This will certainly be a new adventure but like someone said…owning a Jag is about the experience.

 

You don't own an old Jag. You have a relationship with one

Cheers
DD