I rev up my cars. They prefer it, and keeps carbon build up from forming. Either way you will be fine.

 

Overwhelmed and grateful by the extremely useful advice I am getting from you all. After reading all your posts, these are my thoughts that I beg you to correct if I am wrong because you are the experts, not me.
As someone wrote, I did not want to start a debate over which engine is better, either the straight six or the V12. I understand that V12's are more "exotic" and if I wanted the regular XJS coupé, I have no doubt that a V12 is what would make the car "special". But the cabrio versión is SO BEAUTIFUL that I am not that sure that the choice of engine would make any difference because the "competitive advantage" will be the look of the car, not its engine. Also, I am not that concerned about performance because I have a very relaxed driving style, and the 4.0 straight six offers me more than enough power to enjoy the car beyond my dreams. True connaiseurs will definitely appreciate and value a V12 engine, but a simple and cheaper to maintain but still powerful 4.0 straight six may be easier to sell in a future.
Someone also wisely adviced that the possible resale value would be negatively affected by the cost of ownership. Cost of maintenance does not scare me much if it is a 4.0 because I am a DIY and I have always maintained my cars myself. I only take my cat to that repair shop when the work to be performed goes beyond my mechanical expertise. I am aware that no matter how good may be the unit that I buy, it will need some work that costs money. I will leave that to those expert mechanics, but once the XJS is in perfect order, I will take care of it myself…..as long as it is a simple 4.0 straight six. If it is a V12, I may feel a little intimidated.
I know about that company (I believe it is Clarke's) that imports XJS from the US, but I do not think that massive imports to EU may happen enough to drop prices. The XJS is not a mass market car, so anyone interested in that model is supposed to have done proper homework and should be perfectly aware of the big problems that may come with poorly maintained units, so I doubt someone will be so silly to import one from the US without seeing it first. Even though it may be more expensive, I prefer to look in Europe where I can travel easily and I can inspect the car personally with máximum detail.
To put it in simple words, I do not want to buy an XJS to make the perfect investment. I want to buy a XJS cabrio that I can enjoy for maybe ten years as a weekend passtime, so I will not add a high mileage to the odometer, take impecable care of it because that's my nature with all cars I have owned, and maybe, only maybe, I may sell the XJS in ten years for a similar price I bought it for in case its value increases, so I will have had ten years of fun for free. ¿Do you think the cabrio 4.0 straight six may fit that purpose?
Either V12 or straight six, the cabrio versión is definitely a GORGEOUS car and I think that beautiful things will always have demand. ¿Don't you think so?
Once again, please correct me if I am wrong and I thank you in advance for your advice.

 

Santi, your thinking goes right along with where I was at almost 10 years ago. I would not drive a convertible aggressively or at very high speeds simply because it is not a safe thing to do with no overhead protection. I have always felt that if I were to buy a hard top XJS I would get one with the V12 and then do some mods so it would go like stink and corner like a beast. Thing is I did not buy convertibles to drive really fast or aggressively but rather to cruise around and enjoy the moment while soaking up the sun and feeling the air in my hair.

The 4.0L XJS vert does exactly what I want it to do and happy to say I get pretty decent gas mileage also. I also do my own wrenching and simply wanted a car that was comfortable for me at my skill and tolerance level to tinker on so the 4.0L was the right fit for me. Funny thing is after I purchased my second XJS I started to think about putting in a '95 to '97 XKR 4.0L supercharged motor. What I came to terms with was my XJS convertibles were made to be a GT not a true sports car. So I decided if I wanted a sports car I needed to go out and get one to add to the fleet so I bought a 6 speed manual Corvette. Now I have the best of both worlds and could not be happier. If I want a smooth GT experience I take out the XJS and if I want a sports car experience I jump in the vette.

The XJS is a very unique car no matter what year or version it is. The key is to find the right one for you and every day you will feel like you won the lottery. When I bought my red one the older lady who owned it started to cry when she was saying goodbye to it and even said if I ever decided to sell it in the future to let her know as she was going through some health issues but felt like in the future she might be healthy enough to buy it back. I must admit when I saw her crying I thought it might be an act but after being around the car and sharing so many great memories with it I understand now why she was so emotional giving it up.

We are so lucky to have a model that was built for 21 years because there are so many great choices to pick from. Now go out and find your "big cat" and start getting used to hearing " beautiful car" which by the way is easier to hear in traffic with the top down-LOL!

 

santi,

A detailed point but remember there's a big difference between an XJS Cabriolet and an XJS Convertible. The Cabriolet is the model that was built as a stop-gap before the full convertible was available. It's a pre-facelift car, available with either 3.6 or 5.3 engines. You're thinking of a late 4.0 Convertible. I think you want one with an AJ16 engine? Those were built from April 1994 from VIN 194775 onwards.

Good luck and do let us all know how your search progresses!

Paul

 

Santi,

I agree with a lot of what you say, but in your situation what I would do is find the best condition car you can, in a colour you like. Don't worry if it is V12 or I6, a car that has been well loved and maintained is better than one in "ideal" specification that has been neglected. These cars are at minimum 23 years old now, how the previous owners have looked after them is now more important than specification I think.

I have owned several Jaguars of each kind - 5.3, 6.0 and AJ16 engined saloons, and I would pick the best looked after car, instead of the "best" engine. I bought a 1995 XJR that was only running intermittently, and it took a lot of time and work to bring it to the mechanical standard of my 6.0 XJS. I bought the XJR as a parts car/ engine donor so I wasn't too concerned, but even the "bulletproof" AJ16 in that XJR had plenty wrong with it from neglect and abuse.

So my advice is choose a car that has been loved, cherished and looked after and you'll get great pleasure from it, no matter if it is 4.0 or 6.0.

 

Haggerty, which in America, sets the industry standards for valuation of antique and collector cars, last week added Jaguar XJS to their recommendations to buy list. A coveted spot. Buy one!

 

Once again, I do not know how to thank you all for your useful advice.
After balancing pros and cons, I Will stay with my initial choice of a straight six 4.0 convertible. Not as special as a V12 model but less of a hassle if something goes wrong. I Will narrow the search to models with less than 100.000 Km because I am specially concerned about the automatic transmission. Everybody knows that the engine oil needs to be changed, but not everybody know that the automatic transmission oil and filter also need to be changed regularly. 100.000 Km with the original ATF is what I consider the limit before that old oil may begin to cause extremely expensive problems.
As I said, I have some knowledge of mechanics and I know where to look and what to listen to in order to distinguish if mileage has been "shaved", or if the car has been poorly treated. But despite how much I already know about this model (thanks to this forum), I am afraid I may miss something important. Fortunately, the guys at Mechanics Mendieta (those Jaguar experts in Barcelona) told me that they will make a complete list of what should I pay special attention to. They know XJS's like the back of their hands, and I trust their advice 120%
In any case, I Will be extremely patient in my search until I find the right unit. It took me more than a year to find my current XJ358, but my patience and homework really paid off because it was an exceptionally pampered unit at a very reasonable price. I Will be equally patient with the search of my future XJS, until I find the right unit, or better said, she finds me.

 

Santi,

Good luck with your search. Remember that the autobox in an XJS is very different to that in an X358. It doesn't use the longlife fluid that was introduced in the ZF boxes in the XJ8 from 1997. In an XJS the fluid should be changed at 48,000 miles. Any car that has done 100,000km on its original fluid is a already a candidate for failure IMO.

Cheers

PAul

 

Thank you Paul for your advice.
Despite the "long life" ATM that my XJ358 has, I always change it at approx 50 or 60.000 Km. The same did with my old Mercedes, whose automatic gearbox kept running like new even with 450.000 Km.
I have a question: does the 4.0 straight six engine has the dipstick (I am not sure if that is the right word) to check the level of ATM in the gearbox?

 

Don't discount the 1994< 4.0L. Milne wins best of show normally. They don't suffer from the coil burnout and leaking timing chest issues, nor the cracked exhaust manifolds. They are just rock solid.

 

yes it does, replace transmission filter and oil is super simple

 

Think of the purchase of an XJS as you would the decision to have children, or adopt a pet. For sure you will love the car, and will have plenty of bills that make no economic sense to pay over the course of its life. You will experience highs and lows, but throughout its lifetime you will have a strong sense of attachment and pride. It is not an economic purchase. Rather an emotional journey.

 

Having read the threads I am wondering why no one has suggested "Reading Codes". If my memory still works I believe it was 1994 when Jag went to OBD2. So regardless of the year, if there are codes they could be read by either OBD1 or OBD2. Early OBD2 scanners also read OBD1. That would then give you a list of codes (Or a list of faults as seen by the computer). Yes, not everything will set a code. But knowing what if any codes narrows the possibilities way down. As to the top, any convertible top only lasts so long and thus should be considered normal long term maintenance just like tires. As for the rust, cover a magnet with a clean scratch free cloth and go over the car. It will feel different in rusted or bondo'd areas. Buy an inexpensive paint thickness gage and go over the area it will also give you insight. And I might have just missed info stating that the car turned over, fuel pumps where heard, so on. And if the owner of the body shop is the seller, it is possible he/she/they/it are selling it to stay alive in these times of covid 19 uncertainty. It is very easily feasible that you might purchase the car for next to nothing. Get all possible information gathered. Then subtract those costs from asking price, see what is left. You never know until you try. Maybe no one has clearly shown him that what he wants 5k for is going to cost 4.5k to make roadworthy and safe. So he takes your 500.00 happily, and you get a great deal. As a carpenter, I do not see you condemning the house because the window trim has some rot.

A Jaguar is not a machine, nor is it a wife. It is much closer to your fantasy mistress.

 

Jaguar went to a partial implementation of OBDII in 1995, and full for 96. So very few cars will have the ability to read codes. Earlier cars did have a code system, but you needed a dealer specific machine to be able to read them, and very few of those are left anywhere. For the vast majority of XJS, reading codes simply isn't an option.

 

I have a 94 XJS coupe that I've been trying to get right for a year. I bought a Snap On oscilloscope so that I can do trouble shooting. There is no-one in the Pittsburgh, PA area with the diagnostic tools or ability to do these cars. I've been searching for a Jaguar diagnostic machine for 3 years. I can't believe they just scrapped them. I was told this by the dealer that sponsors our local Jaguar club. JCNA

 

What's not running right? The systems are reasonably simple, I'm sure you're probably not the first person to have whatever symptom you're having and a solution is probably out there.

 

[QUOTE=Jagboi64;2338668]Jaguar went to a partial implementation of OBDII in 1996, and full for 96. So very few cars will have the ability to read coded. Earlier cars did have a code system, but you needed a dealer specific machine to be able to read them, and very few of those are left anywhere. For the vast majority of XJS, reading codes simply isn't an option.[/QUOTE

All cars sold in North America had to have OBD2 by 1996. Obd1 started in 1991. Some cars had computers before 1991 also. OTC made a scanner for Cornwell that would read Jaguar if you had the European package added. I am trying to remember what color the round plug was and how many pins it had.

But regardless, IF you turn the key to the on position and leave it, the codes will cycle across the dash.

stephenniz I am sending you a msg.

 

New XJS owner here. I've owned a variety of classic cars. All of them went up in value, some more than others. That's not why I purchased them, nor why should you. Buy what you like. If you like it, there is probably someone else out there who will too. There's an *** for every seat.

Now if you are looking at if from an investment standpoint, there are many muscle cars or Ferraris or what have you that are bought new, garaged on blocks and never driven. Of course they are worth more money. But what fun is that? That's not my idea of classic ownership, because again I'm not looking to maximize my investment. There are other investments that give much better returns, without the maintenance and storage etc that goes with classic ownership.

However, if you are looking for a classic that can be driven, and still hopefully appreciate in value, then buy what you like and take care of it. With inflation and time, classic cars get rarer and the good ones more so, so price will go up. Even a well-preserved Fiero is worth a bunch today.

When choosing amongst an XJS, my personal opinion is there will be some who prefer the V-12, and some who prefer the I6. For whatever reason. So to some one version is worth more, to others just the opposite. Don't let that be your factor in deciding. Both will likely appreciate about the same. What will really matter is condition, maintenance, color, provenance, year, options, etc. Color is a huge factor to some folks, myself included. I would never, ever consider a Jag with a black interior. Worthless to me. To others they may love it. So goes the world.

Whether an XJS will appreciate more than any other vehicle is unknowable. The market is currently undervalued for them here in the US. I suspect that won't last long, and judging by Haggerty's the secret is out. 911SCs were once unappreciated. Targas were out of favor. I bought mine when the market for them was low. Then the market for all air cooled 911s went way up. Now most don't care whether it's a coupe or a Targa. That's when I sold. Buy low. Sell high. That's true for any vehicle or investment. But importantly I did not buy it to make money, I bought it to drive it. The ROI was just a bonus.

I purchased a 1963 Corvette Split Window in the late 90s. Just on my bucket list and the right opportunity came along. It was fun to mildly restore it and made my garage look great. But it was horrible to drive. Then it became too valuable to drive. So I sold it. I did ok, but if I still had it it would be worth 3x what I sold it for. But who wants a garage queen? If you have the space and means then perhaps collecting cars makes sense. Not my thing.

IMO the XJS is a very unique, desirable car. The last of the true Jaguars as some have said. That makes it desirable in and of itself. Cars certainly don't look like that anymore, or drive like it, or have that rare combination of modernity but not over the top electronics. So it's modern enough but still analog and retains that British charm and heritage that we all appreciate so much. An E-type is ancient by comparison and not much of a daily driver candidate IMO, although desirable for entirely different reasons. So if you want all that British charm, combined with modern conveniences, but still drivable, fixable and different by way of today's vehicles - there ain't that many to choose from and getting less every day. The key is to buy the right car for the right price, same as it ever was.

Buy what you like. Drive it. Enjoy it. Take care of it. If you later decide to sell it, someone will be there to buy it. And they will probably pay more for it than you did. The lesson in life is to buy and hold, whenever possible. Easier said than done, but in strictly investment terms that rule almost always applies. Cheers.

 

[QUOTE=3Jaguars;2338755]This is what happens on my 1992 (built June 1991) 4.0--codes display on the trip computer, so probably all the facelift cars which started 5/91.

 

XJS is like a Harley Davidson, you need deep pockets and hope the good times out weigh the bad times. Make sure you have towing Insurance.