What should I know about buying a Jaguar XJS?
If the coolant in the XJS you’re thinking of buying looks brown rather than clean and green, then find another car. The V12 is famously smooth, of course, with only the rattle of a loose timing chain (a common feature on higher-mileage cars in particular) to spoil the serenity. If the engine you’re listening seems noisy, then walk away.
How many units of the Jaguar XJS were made?
It wasn’t the best, but the XJS was still a very pretty grand tourer with a lot to offer. Over a 21-year run, Jaguar produced 115,413 units of the XJS, before eventually replacing it with the XK8. Having been built for so many years, the XJS was the recipient of several engine options.
How many miles does a Jaguar XJ need?
The ideal car is one that gets regular, light use on suburban or rural roads in the south of England. Up to about 100,000 miles is ok for a V12 before it gets expensive, and at least 150,000 miles for the XJS 6 cylinder engines. The old 4.2 XK engine in the XJ saloons is needing reconditioning at about 80,000 miles on average.
What kind of rust does a Jaguar XJS have?
Even the galvanized, post-facelift (1991-on) XJS isn’t immune to rot, one of the most common areas being around the windscreen scuttle, which is tricky and expensive to repair properly. And on post-1993 cars in particular, there is often rust on the forward edge of the roof, where it meets the stainless steel fastener.
If the coolant in the XJS you’re thinking of buying looks brown rather than clean and green, then find another car. The V12 is famously smooth, of course, with only the rattle of a loose timing chain (a common feature on higher-mileage cars in particular) to spoil the serenity. If the engine you’re listening seems noisy, then walk away.
What kind of paint does a Jaguar XJ have?
1986 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe, only 69,000 miles, totally rust free, stunning Sebring Red paint, perfect Biscuit leather, excellent chrome, smooth and powerful 5.3… More 1994 Jaguar XJ-S ConvertibleAn XJS as a convertible is a carwhich is not so easy to imitate.Noble walnut wood dashboard and real leather interioraccentuate… More
It wasn’t the best, but the XJS was still a very pretty grand tourer with a lot to offer. Over a 21-year run, Jaguar produced 115,413 units of the XJS, before eventually replacing it with the XK8. Having been built for so many years, the XJS was the recipient of several engine options.
What was the problem with the Jaguar XJ-S?
Overheating was a problem with V-12s; make sure both cylinder heads were rebuilt. Also check for evidence of engine fires, though such disasters frequently destroyed the car. Automatic transmissions are usually trouble free, but leak. Rear main seal and differential leaks are expensive to repair.
When did the Jaguar XJ-SC V12 come out?
Although the V12’s power output of 291bhp (for the 1983-on HE model) was always the ultimate, the AJ6’s initial 221bhp was powerful enough for most buyers’ needs. The XJ-SC was launched solely in six-cylinder guise, although Jaguar did belatedly announce a V12 version in 1985.
Can A XJS be fitted with an automatic gearbox?
Whichever automatic gearbox is fitted to the XJS you’re thinking of buying, check for smooth, quick changes up and down the gears, plus non-hesitant ‘kickdown’. If there’s any knocking from underneath, this is usually a problem with the gearbox mount, allowing the box itself to move.
What kind of engine does the Jaguar XJS have?
At the time of its launch, of course, not everyone appreciated the XJS’s styling (particularly its trailing rear buttresses), nor the fact that the only power option was Jaguar’s less-than-frugal 5.3-litre V12 at a time when the most recent energy crisis was still fresh in everyone’s mind.