Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) Anyone had an XJS?

All,

Just pondering the purchase of a mint late 96 XJS 4.0 Celebration.
Need something to use on the not so nice days and pottling to shops etc when 'driving like a loon' is not appreciated by my lovely passenger.

XJS is something I've always wanted since a kid, and these seem to be pretty fantastic value at the moment. All the toys airbags, cruise aircon etc - lovely interior and priced less than a new compact.

One I've spotted has 67k on it, dark blue, parchment leather all the toys and is priced at 10k...

Anyone had the pleasure of owning one of these beasties? Are there any downsides?

I had access to one of the special edition Jag XJ6s (it was not a Celebration) but one developed for a milestone in Jags history (can't remember which one! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> ).

The car was a nice GT, didn't handle 'that well' but was comfortable. I did have a few scary tail-out moments as it did like to waggle in the rain on corners and roundabouts.

Build quality wasn't the greatest and there were flimsy parts as well as electrical gremlins. The car also suffered from rust in certain exterior panels.

Don't really know if I can recommend it and if it was myself I'd be tempted to opt for an XK8 as they are better built and don't seem to have the same rust or as many build quality issues.

Hope that helps?

my ex had a 1995 xj and it would lend credence to Simons comments on the electrical faults. Hers was always showing warning lights and the windows, wipers and many other moving parts worked when they felt like it.

are you just looking for a nice car to use daily or was it that an xj has been on your want list and it would tick two boxes? If its a work horse you're looking for the older mercedes are great cars, the ones made prior to the american ownership.

The XJS was fairly well sorted towards the end of its production and most common problems have a fix available through the many Jaguar owners clubs, so my advise is buy with your heart and if a XJS is what you want then buy it, after all thats why we have Aero's as we all know they are not perfect but they give us great pleasure. (a bit like our wives). <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I owned an early 92 XJS. I found the build quality to be reasonable. Yes there were niggles but on the whole it was fairly reliable. I had mine serviced by an independent dealer and this was cost effective. A negative is that the cabin was on the small side but if you are not over 1.8 meters it should not be a problem.

I would recommend finding a good independent garage and buying the best XJS you can if you move ahead with this <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Michael

Have you seen this one on PH? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wow that looks mint!

If I were after an XJS that would be the one - assuming it stacked up right.

BtG

I have never had an XJS, but have had an XJ6 (new back axle after 653 miles!) and an XJ8. I think that they are a nicer drive than the XJS (imho) and are certainly more practical.

The second one was totally reliable, more than can be said for most MB's I've owned, and was much loved by Head Office; who really enjoyed driving it. Again, they seem to go very cheap these days and I really hanker after one again, but second-hand this time as the depreciation curve is impressive. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Brian

Thanks for the replies chaps. Having spent some time checking out XJX's it seems that [email]I@m[/email] a softie - I can't bring myself to buy a minter and leave it out in the rain to cover a mere 5k per year. On the other hand a knackered one is not a decent enough proposition either.

Leaning towards the XJ8 - another classic shape, and having driven an XJR I foudn it fantastic, (and they are great value if you avoid the nikasil issue). Main problem now is finding an insurance quote that doesn't make me spit out my tea.

Rang adrian flux, and got quoted 3560 quid on a XJR valued at 8k!

Maybe EVO is right and I need a fiat panda 100hp instead!

Hi Mr Tony

Why so much? is it your age or you driving record? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cop.gif" alt="" />

I agree with you the XJ8 and XJR are bot excellent cars and so are the XK8/R and all are great value for money.

Good luck in your search.