Need another Jag

[cooky]

Hi, anyone ever come across MJD, or Missing Jaguar Dissorder?

It's been nearly 2 years since I sold my old XJS Convertable, and my E Class daily smoker just doesn't push my buttons. It's uber reliable, spacious and a great mile muncher, but it has no soul, journeys are boring and at 40 I'm turning into an old fart.

Hence I need a Jaguar back in my life. I don't want another XJS or XK as I have a capable weekend toy and need a family car. I'm Not sure about the current S Type so I 'think' I'd like an XJR. Can anyone please advise the main differences between the 6 and 8 cylinder variations? Performance, ride quality, toys, etc. Any particular niggles or faults to look out for?

This will be my daily companion and I do about 20K miles per year, mainly motorway but I do enjoy driving in the main, so plenty of grunt and comfort when required is a must.

Many thanks

[bigdavy]

There is a big difference between the 6 cylinder and V8 cars, especially reliability. The late 6 cylinder cars are generally considered bombproof but the V8 has a few big issues, namely nikasil liners failing - this gives poor compression -new engine req circa £7k, best to do a search for nikasil and read the details. Also V8's have timing chain tensioner issues, they need upgrading to later version or can fail without warning - again new engine. the other one to watch is water pumps, plastic impeller can fail so again upgrading to newer version is required.
However if the car has been well maintained there is a good chance all these issues have been dealt with and will be ok, however its very important to know about and do the required checks.
Hope this helps

[groomi]

Do a search for the V8 XJR and there are loads of threads about it. Great car, but several things to look out for.

[johnniem]

If you decide upon a 6 pot then gimme a call through my profile. I have a 1995 manual which has given me 6 years of excellent service and has been well cared for. It is a manual version (very rare) and is a joy to drive. I totally agree with the last poster, the 6 is practically bombproof. I ma considering getting myself a TVR Chimaera as I am due a mid-life crisis and need a 2 seater!

[cooky]

Thanks for the info so far chaps, From what I gather the V8 is maybe higher maintennance, and possibly more troublesome. Although it is about 50bhp more and a bit more torque how does it perform against the 6 pot? has anyone driven both. Acceleration times are pretty close considering the size of the car, although the later 8's are lightened. Don't get me wrong I don't want to spank the car but I am interested in how the power is delived in both types.
Also the V8's seem a little better kitted out for toys etc, what is the level of kit in the 6's and the 'Harmon Kardon' sound upgrade..is it any good?

Many thanks
Cooky

[groomi]

I have driven both and chose to buy the V8. The main difference in driving is the gearbox (5 speed as opposed to 4 speed - and quicker shifts).

I think the V8 is the better drivers car but the straight six is the 'sensible' choice.

[jagdpanther]

groomi said:

I have driven both and chose to buy the V8. The main difference in driving is the gearbox (5 speed as opposed to 4 speed - and quicker shifts).

I think the V8 is the better drivers car but the straight six is the 'sensible' choice.

And given the fact that its Cooky asking the questions here, sensible doesnt come into the equasion!!!!!

[Cooky]

Still not found the one for me yet, seen a nice black '92 XJS, needs a bit of work nothing too drastic, looks like it could make a stunner, but there is this strange hankering going on for a Black XJR v8...it seems to be an itch that needs scratching.
Esp as there is a method of increasing the 370 to nearly 500 BHP for not a shed load of folding very very tempting...what do I do....help?

[groomi]

Cooky said:

Still not found the one for me yet, seen a nice black '92 XJS, needs a bit of work nothing too drastic, looks like it could make a stunner, but there is this strange hankering going on for a Black XJR v8...it seems to be an itch that needs scratching.
Esp as there is a method of increasing the 370 to nearly 500 BHP for not a shed load of folding very very tempting...what do I do....help?

For a start, forget the 500bhp unless you do have a shedload of money. 450bhp is easily achievable with a pulley mod though.



HOWEVER... any sane person would also spend lots (and I mean lots) of cash on a big brake upgrade at the same time as the standard items aren't exactly briliant with 'just' 370bhp to control.

So, in answer to your question...





...Get it bought!

[jagdpanther]

Agreed

Get out there and do it mate



then let me drive it

Edited by jagdpanther on Monday 26th February 22:51

[james s]

The match between engine and gearbox with the V8s is just fantastic. I've had both and the V8 is miles beter in my opinion. As others have said the V8s are perhaps not as bombproof.

I have had to rebuild the box on mine, but then its done 160k

[Cooky]

Think I've found one...looking at an XJS Convertible today


....could the JDS (Jaguar Deficiency Syndrome) be over?

[jagdpanther]

Ive just received word from the Almighty Cooky


JDS is finally over

Cooky has just purchased a beautifull Jaguar XJS convertible

No doubt he'll update us all later

Congrats mate

[Cooky]

Better late than never, got around to posting a pic, all polished up and ready to roar



Many thanks to Scott (Jagd) for popping over and taking some 'arty farty' shots of the old boy

more to follow

[Cooky]

Jagd in David Bailey mode


Here's my boy enjoying his first encounter with a well groomed Pussy

[Marshy]

PS. Don't dismiss all V8s as a potential pile of trouble: they came improved from the factory in around 2001, so beyond a certain point there should be no/few worries. And, as has been said, the V8-autobox integration is superb on these cars - best I've driven for a seamless autobox.

PPS. Cooky - is that an E32 7 series I see lurking in the background?

[Cooky]

Marshy,
Aye that is the Burgundy Battlecruiser that belongs to His Lordship Baron Scott Von Downey aka 'Jagdpanther' of the 1st Yorkshire Armoured Division. It is fine fettle and looks lovely when polished up. I think he has been busy this weekend after jumping into Halfrauds and taking advantage of the Autoglym 3 for 2 offer....so it's everyone round to Scotts this afternoon for a free wash and wax.

I agree the later V8's seem a great option and prices are very agreeable at present, however I feel the XJS is still very underated and is certain to appreciate in value.
The V12 is not exactly cheap to maintain, but when kept in tip-top condition it is a glorious beast to enjoy. It is most surprising to see how well it performs when pulling away from a standstill, although it is heavy, the torque gives it a lovely instant response without having to pile in revs. That said it is more of a gentlemans cruiser and not an all out sports.....when Jaguar do get around to building a monster that performs and sounds like a TVR I may have a dilema to consider, until then I'll just enjoy the best of both

[kieran2006]

That looks like a lovely example of the XJS Convertible, great pics!

[jagdpanther]

Marshy said:

PPS. Cooky - is that an E32 7 series I see lurking in the background?

Lord Baron Scott Von Downey of the 1st Yorkshire Armoured Division reporting for duty SIR!

Aye it is my old Battlecruiser sat behind Cookys Jag..
as he said, I thought Id nip down for a pot of tea and with the weather being nice, I thought Id take the camera along and get some shots for him

I couldnt resist having a good poke around the XJS, shes a lovely motor indeed!!!

Heres the battlecruiser after steps one and two of the Megiuars deep crystal treatment



Im looking forward to our next outing General Phillip Smith Cookson Esq...we'll done our goggles and flying caps and take the Jag out accross the penines

Hoooraaahhhh

[Marshy]

The 7 looks none too shabby fella. 'twas a 1990 735i that first kindled my passion for big engined barges - same colour as that one, too.