I'm considering purchasing an XJS convertible. I have had several foreign cars but not a Jaguar. It has 76k miles and all maintenance is up to date with documented history. Everything is working as it should. I love the car but am having second thoughts as I understand they are very prone to electrical problems. I am also concerened as all the ones I see for sale are extremely low mileage for the year. I am wondering if this is because they are prone to problems. Are there particular items I need to look for in the history? What items should I expect to go wrong in the future? I guess I'm looking for someone to push me over the line, one way or another. Thanks for your advice in advance. Mike.

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Thu, 01/15/2009 - 13:50

The V12 engine is a very strong piece of equipment, it is however human in respect to its frailty when its fluids are neglected.......... All cooling and lubricating fluids are likely to have an adverse effect on the engines life if they are not maintained to the highest level.............If you are not in a Jaguar Club you should sign up right away with one in your area, knowledge of members / and enthusiasts can help eliminate and or eliminate some of the downtimes these vehicles incur,
Good Luck,
Art Dickenson............... Pacific Jaguar .......

Submitted by mlindley3515@g… on Thu, 01/15/2009 - 08:30

I've decided to purchase the car. I'll let you know how things work out on my drive back to Indy from Florida. Thanks for all the help!
Mike.

Submitted by mlindley3515@g… on Thu, 01/15/2009 - 06:34

I've decided to purchase the car. I'll let you know how things work out on my drive back to Indy from Florida. Thanks for all the help!
Mike.

Submitted by mlindley3515@g… on Thu, 01/15/2009 - 06:30

I'm not sure when the Ford influence was made. I've heard good things about the 4.0 and the 5.3. I think your right, it's what is connected to them that causes the troubles. Thanks!

Submitted by mlindley3515@g… on Wed, 01/14/2009 - 21:59

I'm not sure when the Ford influence was made. I've heard good things about the 4.0 and the 5.3. I think your right, it's what is connected to them that causes the troubles. Thanks!

Submitted by mlindley3515@g… on Wed, 01/14/2009 - 21:58

I'm not sure when the Ford influence was made. I've heard good things about the 4.0 and the 5.3. I think your right, it's what is connected to them that causes the troubles. Thanks!

Submitted by dougdwyer1@com… on Wed, 01/14/2009 - 21:09

Souds like you found a well kept example....that's a bit unusual. These are fabulous cars.

With an 18 year old sports/luxury car there are gonna be some problems along the line, that much I can all but guarnatee. It sorta goes with the territory. But, these cars CAN be reliable...it just takes a little effort to make them that way and keep them that way. If you enjoy DIY tinkering from time to time it'll be a perfect fit. If you're expecting a Toyota-like ownership experience you'll probably be disappointed.

Have the car checked by someone who knows Jags. Make darn sure the cooling sytem has been kept in good order (overheating is the only thing that'll hurt a Jag engine) and try the climate control in ALL modes....repairs there are tricky.

Ask if the fuel hoses have ever been replaced. If they have then the seller is Jag-smart, If not, that'll be the first thing on your list when you get it.

A 1990 (if its a V12) will have Marelli ignition. It has to be kept in top order or big problems result. If the distributor cap and rotor, and plugs and plug wires, have been recently replaced that would be a real "plus".

Cheers
DD

Submitted by mlindley3515@g… on Wed, 01/14/2009 - 20:47

I'm not sure when the Ford influence was made. I've heard good things about the 4.0 and the 5.3. I think your right, it's what is connected to them that causes the troubles. Thanks!