Jaguar XJ-S
Posted: 11:43am, 30 April 2007
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FOR Superb ride, strong performance and high mileage capability
AGAINST Complex electronics and poor build quality (for cars built before 1981)
Ease of ownership Good spares availability and wide sp The right car for you Post-1981 models (known as HE cars) are the best as they’re more fuel efficient and benefit from Jaguar’s ongoing mechanical development and improvements to build quality. They also have wood-veneered dashboards and additional chrome trim. Convertibles, made from 1988, look better than the Cabriolet (1983-1991), which has a stiffer bodyshell. For everyday use, the six-cylinder 3.6-litre (1983- 1991) and later 4.0-litre (1991-1996) models are the best bet. Early pre-HE V12 manuals are the rarest (only 376 made) and the purists’ choice, while the 6-litre (1991-1996) is the ultimate performance model. Beware Overheating from silted-up radiators – avoid cars with dirty coolant. Noise from the rear suspension. Rot in the front chassis cross-member and usual places. Worn upholstery and faded wood dashboard veneer. Electrical systems are complex so check that instruments, heating, central locking and electric windows all work. Are they easy to buy? Definitely, but you need to be careful as there are plenty around for £1000-2000 that could cost twice their value to run each year. A full specialist or main dealer service history and careful ownership is essential. Go for a drive The XJ-S is known for its sublime ride quality and turbine-like smoothness of its V12 engine, which offers strong acceleration. Interior space is limited and the cars can feel bulky on narrow roads. Can I use it every day? No problem. An XJ-S has modern levels of comfort and is capable of enormous mileages provided it’s had, and continues to receive, regular care. All models will run on unleaded fuel. What will it cost to run? These cars have never been cheap to maintain but specialist Ken Jenkins of Derek Watson (01629 640089) says: ‘A well-serviced example should be around £1000 per year for servicing and remedial work but a rough example can easily swallow £2000-3000 per year, and more.’ Insurance starts from £274 per year. Specialist support There are more than 200 Jaguar specialists in the UK and an XJ-S can still be looked after by any Jaguar dealer. Clubs are an excellent source of help: try the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club (www.jec.org.uk) and Jaguar Drivers’ Club (www.jaguardriver.co.uk). OWNER’S VIEW Bob Sweetman considers the XJ-S to be a very special car in Jaguar’s history. Says Bob: ‘For me it had to be a V12 and it had to be a pre-facelift model.’ His XJ-S has been reliable in the two years he’s owned it, although he is quick to point out that it can be expensive to run: ‘There’s no point in owning a V12 if you can’t afford to maintain it.’ To tell us about your ownership experiences, click the 'Add comment' button below Words: Glen Waddington Pictures: Classic Cars archive |
 Jaguar XJ-S, 1975-1991, 3590cc straight six – 5343cc V12, 221-285bhp, 134-153mph, £750 (rough) – £11,500 (perfect convertible) 
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