hello,
I am looking at upgrading my car. I have a '95 XJ6 with 224xxx mi on it but runs amazingly but has little rust.
I was looking at a supposedly no rust '88 XJS coupe with 35xxx mi. Would the XJS be a good choice? I do live in Wisconsin, meaning rough winters, and will drive it to school everyday. I understand there are some quirks and reliability problems with the XJS as well.
I am just afraid I'm trading a well running car for a headache and money pit. I don't have a lot of money seeing that I'm 16 years old with no job.
The XJS I'm looking at has a power steering leak (small) and the ac doesn't work. otherwise, the ad says it runs fine. Is it worth it?
Thanks much,
Dexter

 

Dexter, at the op of this section, in one of the sticky topics, is a buyers guide that you should read. It coves the basics.

An XJS of that vintage CAN be reliable.... owned an '88 XJS for several years....but it takes some effort (and *money*) to make it that way and keep it that way. If you like DIY repairs and advanced tinkering then it's all part of the fun.....but fun can turn to misery if you don't have the time, ability, and funds to get the car sorted out.

My XJS was fine in snow up to maybe 4-5 inches. After that...not so much. Not much ground clearance.

Cheers

DD

 

I know the feeling. I have both, a '96 XJ6 that is in excellent shape and runs strong, and an '89 XJS I have owned for about 2 weeks, and have yet to drive since it is still at my mechanics. In your situation, I would not recommend swapping one good running car for one unknown car. Especially if you have no income, and the car will be your daily driver. In my humble opinion the XJS is a good car to have IF you already have a reliable car for your daily driver. I was in the same position as you, wondering which one to keep, and which one to sell. I like the uniqueness of the XJS, and the fact that everyone around here drives a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but you don't see many Jags much less the XJS. If I keep the XJS the XJ6 will have to go, and I really don't want to get rid of that one and end up with a money pit. However, my situation is different in that I have a Ford bronco and a Ford F350 I can use should the XJS break down. how would you get to school if your XJS broke down? Or, for that matter, how would you fix it if it did break down?

Jim

 

I just am not mechanically inclined and know people who could diagnose the problem, but not fix it. I love the looks of the XJS but just wonder if it will be worth it as a daily driver. Could the XJS be reliable enough to swap out and take the risk?
Also, I am looking at a 214xxx mi '02 XJR which might be more reliable even though it has high miles.
I looked at the buyers guide and noticed that they can be reliable but not necessarily will be.
Thanks so much

 

I have decided to go for the 2002 XJR. What's the reliability mark for these. Even though it has 214,000 mi?
Thanks

 

Generally good, about like your 1995 XJ6. I think by 2002 the V8s all had the updated engine parts (chain tensioners, water pumps, etc) but someone more familiar with them will surely chime in.

If it has been well cared for....presumably it's had good care to make it this far....it might have plenty of life left in it.

Or not.

214000 miles is a lot of miles no matter how you slice it. Age and miles eventually take a toll on *any* car. IMHO, that kind of mileage brings a car into the realm of "anything can happen".

To be honest, if reliability is what you're after, stick with what you have. You *already know* how reliable it is....or isn't. Looking for reliability in 10-15-20 year old Jaguars with 200,000+ miles is a gamble at best.

Just my two cents.

Cheers
DD

 

Alright, thanks so much. I think I'll wait a little until a different one comes along my path.
Thanks everyone for their help and input.
Dexter