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In my intro to the forum I discussed trying to make decision between an XK or XJS, and have made up my mind completely, have to have an XJS. So here is the story so far........ 20 years ago I traded my 1971 E-Type in for a wife, kids, and prose to get another in the future. Well, the future is finally here, but E-Types are a bit out of my range (my old one sold for over 80K last time it sold before I lost track of it). I have always loved the XJS, and am a sucker for the more rare, and slightly odd. I have learned so much from y'all and hope for some input on a couple choices I am trying to make. First off there is the 95/96 4.0, I know bullet proof and the "most desirable", but I stumbled across an 87 XJSC that has big time caught my fancy. I am not at all scared of the V-12 as I wrestled with one in my 71 and loved every minute of it. Any input on this one is much appreciated and here is what I know so far: The soft top is not present, the leather and top are freshly redone, pretty much what is in the pictures is what there is. I plan on checking it out within the next week or so and would love any of input of what to look for and what not from the experts here as I trust you all! Thanks! https://arizonamuscle.com/project/19...iolet-xjsc-he/
I guess I was not quick enough. Was on my way over to inspect it and got a call that it had just been sold. Oh well, the search continues. Thank you all for the input, there is a good chance I will post for opinions on whatever I find next. I have heard word of an 85 coupe with red interior that might be on the market soon......time will tell.
I had an XJS. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Beautiful car but the V-12 was a nightmare to fix, $1,200 tune up, the brakes $400 per wheel, the windshield wiper motor $911, constant overheating, $1,400 catalytic converters. Got to the point where I could afford to buy it but not fix it. It spent more time in the shop than I drove it. I can't remember a time when it took me somewhere without a problem. The XK8 would be a much better decision but it's your $$$ I now have a 2006 XK8 and love it. Would never go back.
I had an XJS. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Beautiful car but the V-12 was a nightmare to fix, $1,200 tune up, the brakes $400 per wheel, the windshield wiper motor $911, constant overheating, $1,400 catalytic converters. Got to the point where I could afford to buy it but not fix it. It spent more time in the shop than I drove it. I can't remember a time when it took me somewhere without a problem. The XK8 would be a much better decision but it's your $$$ I now have a 2006 XK8 and love it. Would never go back.
I think the XK8 still looks too modern. I think it’s a beautiful car, and certainly prettier than the XK that followed it and the F type, but the XJS already has that vintage aesthetic. But yes, if one is not mechanically inclined, an older V12 of any make is not wise.
I had an XJS. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Beautiful car but the V-12 was a nightmare to fix...
<snip>
...It spent more time in the shop than I drove it.
My 86 has done 30,000 miles in 3 years as my daily driver. Lovely, reliable beast!
I had an XJS. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Beautiful car but the V-12 was a nightmare to fix, $1,200 tune up, the brakes $400 per wheel, the windshield wiper motor $911, constant overheating, $1,400 catalytic converters. Got to the point where I could afford to buy it but not fix it. It spent more time in the shop than I drove it. I can't remember a time when it took me somewhere without a problem. The XK8 would be a much better decision but it's your $$$ I now have a 2006 XK8 and love it. Would never go back.
Experiences no doubt shared by any others.
These old Jags are not for everybody. And that's not intended as a criticism in any way. But, the fact is, if you're not a DIYer, the expense can become astronomic in a hurry. And, adding to the woes, many shops/mechanics don't know the quirks and tricks. If you're not well versed on the quirks and tricks, well, you're sunk.
As a hobby car, though, they're fantastic. The internet support/shared knowledge is among the highest....perhaps the highest....I've seen. And parts prices are generally reasonable. In a sense, an old Jag is easier to own now than it ever was.
Thanks for the input! I looked at a couple XK8s and I just dont fit, and am not nearly as fond of the design. I do all the work myself and that help with cost ton, this one will not be a daily driver, but will get driven weekly. Back when I had my 71 E-Type V12 I commuted 100 miles each way every day in it, caught a lot of flack for putting that many miles on it but was worth it to me. I always had a smile on my face, was the happiest person at work every day, and never got home in a bad mood.....just something about spending time piloting a dream car. Spending the time under the hood keeping it so you are doing because you want to and not because you have to is at least half the fun for me.
I have both the XK and XJS. The XK is bit more civilized since the systems are more universal,
but Im at home in the XJS. The XK is a bit more sophisticated but the XJS is understated.
I had an XJS. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Beautiful car but the V-12 was a nightmare to fix, $1,200 tune up, the brakes $400 per wheel, the windshield wiper motor $911, constant overheating, $1,400 catalytic converters. Got to the point where I could afford to buy it but not fix it. It spent more time in the shop than I drove it. I can't remember a time when it took me somewhere without a problem. The XK8 would be a much better decision but it's your $$$ I now have a 2006 XK8 and love it. Would never go back.
I hear you - my first XJS was like yours. Now with this forum, iPads, and youtube... a lot of jobs are DIY even for the not mechanically inclined. I can't wait to buy another XJS.
Well, my search ended this weekend. Found a super condition 1995 Sapphire coupe with the AJ16, maintenance records from the last 10-15 years, basically what I really wanted but a combination I didn't think I would ever find. It was 350 miles away, went and looked, test drove, reviewed records, and drove it the 350 miles home with a grin that only compares to the one I had when I met my wife. My wife who only has experience with my old E-Type "hates those stupid Jaguars" yet loves this one and even told me to offer whatever it takes to get it. My youngest daughter, 19, got to drive it tonight and looked at me with that same grin and said "Dad, I get it now. I totally understand the car thing, the Jag thing, and the driving is a passion thing you always talk about". It needs a few things here and there, but It is amazing and one of those deals that was too amazing to believe. I honestly would have paid over twice what I did......yes it is that good. The previous owner is an awesome dude, heck we spent 3 or so hours with him checking out the car and hanging out. there truly are great people and great cars out there, just have to be patient! I will start a new post to follow the story of it's life from here on. Again, Thank you for all your insight not only on this post, but for all the knowledge!
dge I gained from this site!
Request some input from y'all, possible purchase.
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