Hello all, new XJ-S HE (early 80s) owner based in the UK (London) here. I was wondering if there are any tips on servicing costs and servicing/upgrade/rectification locations? The car runs pretty well but it needs a full service and I will also need to do a fair amount of upgrading/replacement/realigning etc etc as and when budget allows, so any tips on experts/service centres etc. would be welcome ! Thanks

 

Classic Engineering at Waltham Cross are superb.

 

Thank you!

 

Welcome!
Servicing costs......... how many kidneys are you willing to sell on ebay? 🤔

I have owned an '88 V12 for one year. Some work I am doing myself, other stuff is done by my mechanic.

The general consensus is that typically after buying one you need to bleed $ to some extent to rectify 40yrs of neglected maintenance. These cars are typically run for a few thousand miles per year, so mileage-based service intervals rarely happen, and time-based ones may get neglected.

I bought a well sorted example, but have still spent around GBP 5K in the first year. This forum is fantastic. The most helpful people you will ever find. Living with a classic youtube channel also v. Useful. If you don't have service records assume all fuel hoses under the hood need replacing. The V12's cooling system needs to be running at 100% to prevent overheating, so another key service area.

 

I would always say to do your own maintenance but that's my opinion. Unless you find a vetted service center that knows the XJS they could end up doing more harm than good, as well as the consideration that no one but the owner will care more for the car. Find the free XJS book by Kirby Palm and browse it. It's a big one. Do you have the space and means to work on it yourself? Being timid is fine. You'll build confidence. It will be absolutely cheaper to DIY and you'll get to know the car.

 

Matts73,

Also join the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club. Members in your local region will give you advice on local specialists, you'll get 10% discount at SNG Barratt and you can probably negotiate discount with your local Jagua Dealer. You'll also have access to the Club Forum.

Whereabouts in London are you? Ray at Surrey Jaguar Centre in Redhill is very good and knows XJSs well.

Cheers

Paul

 

Hi Paul,
Im in west London - thanks for the tips, I was already a member but hadn't looked into the forums, will do that now,
Cheers
Matt

 

Whatever you do avoid the Jaguar dealer. First he will not stock parts that old so he will be buying the same parts from the same aftermarket sources everybody else uses.
Second. The last mechanic to work on a car that old retired 15-20 years ago. So they will give the project to a mechanic who has to learn everything for the first time.
Third dealer service rate per hour is brutal. If they even accept your car. ( many won’t)

 

Mguar,

In the UK, where the PO is based, the Jaguar Dealers (as with all overseas official Dealers) have full access to the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Parts inventory. Having said that, I probably wouldn't use my local Jaguar Dealer for work, but I do buy parts from them. As you say, labour rates are high and most of the mechanics will have limited XJS knowledge. A few of the mechanics at my local dealer do have experience of XJSs, but it's not a cheap option.

Also, a number of the Jaguar independent specialists that we have been recommending here in the UK are run by ex-Jaguar employees. Ray at Surrey Jaguar Centre, that I suggested, is an ex-Jaguar mechanic.

Cheers

Paul

 

Thanks for that information. I wasn’t aware they inventoried parts. Our dealers in the US don’t and most won’t accept cars that old. I’m guessing here but I think they stop working on anything more than 20 years old.
Aside from that, since most of Jaguars production came here to the states. As a result There are many Jaguar specialty recycling yards. Plus the odd Jaguar is often found in other Junk yards.
You’d be shocked at the quality of some of the cars they get in. Rust free, damage free, nice interiors, etc. They are junked because the heirs don’t want to be bothered getting the car running again. And won’t be bothered to look for the tittle.
Regarding knowledgeable Jaguar mechanics. You are right. That seems to be a common thread. Smart, ambitious former Jaguar Mechanics can make a nice living once they hang up their own Shingle and word gets around about them.