XJS Advice Required Please
Discussion
Hey everyone,
I've got a bit of cash to spend on a car and was thinking of getting a Jaguar XJ-S, the question is though which variant to go for.
I was originally looking at getting a 5.3 V12 HE, but apparently the fuel consumption is judged not by MPG but GPM, lol
I do on average 200 miles maximum a week so can afford to lose a little MPG but not to the extent the V12 would acheive.
I have my eye on either a 4.0 or 3.6 litre variant, with manual transmission. I've seen that the 3.6 clocks up late 20's in MPG, which is what I'm getting at the moment so could definitely live with that.
The 4 Litre probably loses a little bit, but most of the 4 Litres I've seen have an Auto gearbox, which I definitely don't want.
Can anyone give me any stats, figures, advice etc on the different engine variants and which would be best.
I've seen that the performance stats for the 3.6 are supposedly 225BHP, 7.5 0-60MPH, 140MPH top speed, is there any truth in this at all? Because that's very good if there is.
I'm 22 and have 3 years NCB so all of the insurance quotes I've gotten (Even the V12) are very good, that's without even searching under classic car insurance.
Reliabilty wise is there any engine that's better than the other?
All help and opinions are welcome and appreciated.
Thanks,
Darren
I've got a bit of cash to spend on a car and was thinking of getting a Jaguar XJ-S, the question is though which variant to go for.
I was originally looking at getting a 5.3 V12 HE, but apparently the fuel consumption is judged not by MPG but GPM, lol
I do on average 200 miles maximum a week so can afford to lose a little MPG but not to the extent the V12 would acheive.
I have my eye on either a 4.0 or 3.6 litre variant, with manual transmission. I've seen that the 3.6 clocks up late 20's in MPG, which is what I'm getting at the moment so could definitely live with that.
The 4 Litre probably loses a little bit, but most of the 4 Litres I've seen have an Auto gearbox, which I definitely don't want.
Can anyone give me any stats, figures, advice etc on the different engine variants and which would be best.
I've seen that the performance stats for the 3.6 are supposedly 225BHP, 7.5 0-60MPH, 140MPH top speed, is there any truth in this at all? Because that's very good if there is.
I'm 22 and have 3 years NCB so all of the insurance quotes I've gotten (Even the V12) are very good, that's without even searching under classic car insurance.
Reliabilty wise is there any engine that's better than the other?
All help and opinions are welcome and appreciated.
Thanks,
Darren
The best XJS's are supposed to be the last ones, the Celebration models. They are 4L ones using the AJ16 engine out of the X300 XJ6.
There were a whole load of improvements applied these post Ford acquisition edition cars. I think these cars were galvanised
the spec can be found at
http://www.jag-lovers.org/brochures/xj-s/xjs_3-96_...
or you can look at other variants under
http://www.jag-lovers.org/brochures/section_xj-s.h...
There were a whole load of improvements applied these post Ford acquisition edition cars. I think these cars were galvanised
the spec can be found at
http://www.jag-lovers.org/brochures/xj-s/xjs_3-96_...
or you can look at other variants under
http://www.jag-lovers.org/brochures/section_xj-s.h...
Darren156 said:
Cheers for that!
I have a 1995 4.0L. I have nothing but good things to say. I have researched and found that the AJ6 (something like 1992 plus)is good. The AJ16, 1995 & 1996, is considered the best XJS engine and the last two years they were made. Late models have no rust issues as well.Edited by Jimbeaux on Thursday 24th April 22:30
I think a face-lift 4.0L is the way to go if you want cheapish motoring. Plus more non jag garages will be capable of working on the AJ6 engine. And remember a modified AJ6 is what powers Aston's DB7.
For ultimate motoring pleasure the 6.0L V12 is, of course, the way to go. However many mechanics wont touch them and to be quite honest many Jag dealerships don't have a clue about them anymore either. One look at that awesome engine and they lose their bottle.
For the absolute ultimate I'd recommend the model I used to own, the face-lift XJR-S. It was certainly a bit special. It was the sight of the engine that sold me on the car. I couldn't stop giggling and I know I just had to have it.
Fuel economy wise. In winter on the rush hour commute I got 11-17 mpg. Knocking around in general I got 17-22mpg. My efficiency record was just over 25 mpg driving very conservatively on a motorway trip between Manchester and Devon. Not too shabby for a 6.oL V12 when you consider I only get an average of 23mpg out of the 2.5L Boxster I know own.
As an aside. I know that you get both good and bad cars of any make. However the XJR-S was the best car I have ever owned. It never let me down and ran faultlessly throughout my years of ownership and has cost less than my Boxster despite the fact that I haven't owned it as long. The secret is to use them regularly and find a good independent specialist. I wish I still had mine.
For ultimate motoring pleasure the 6.0L V12 is, of course, the way to go. However many mechanics wont touch them and to be quite honest many Jag dealerships don't have a clue about them anymore either. One look at that awesome engine and they lose their bottle.
For the absolute ultimate I'd recommend the model I used to own, the face-lift XJR-S. It was certainly a bit special. It was the sight of the engine that sold me on the car. I couldn't stop giggling and I know I just had to have it.
Fuel economy wise. In winter on the rush hour commute I got 11-17 mpg. Knocking around in general I got 17-22mpg. My efficiency record was just over 25 mpg driving very conservatively on a motorway trip between Manchester and Devon. Not too shabby for a 6.oL V12 when you consider I only get an average of 23mpg out of the 2.5L Boxster I know own.
As an aside. I know that you get both good and bad cars of any make. However the XJR-S was the best car I have ever owned. It never let me down and ran faultlessly throughout my years of ownership and has cost less than my Boxster despite the fact that I haven't owned it as long. The secret is to use them regularly and find a good independent specialist. I wish I still had mine.
Edited by bobfrance on Friday 25th April 10:24
one like this is what your want, is late modle with manual box.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JAGUAR-XJS-4-0-COUPE-MANUAL-...
Try not to think about the performance figures the cars aren't that fast, people have them for what they are. Any modern hot hatch will be much faster, but If you want an XJS that just wont do. 4.0 manual feels faster than V12 auto anyday.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JAGUAR-XJS-4-0-COUPE-MANUAL-...
Try not to think about the performance figures the cars aren't that fast, people have them for what they are. Any modern hot hatch will be much faster, but If you want an XJS that just wont do. 4.0 manual feels faster than V12 auto anyday.
Tame Technician said:
one like this is what your want, is late modle with manual box.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JAGUAR-XJS-4-0-COUPE-MANUAL-...
Try not to think about the performance figures the cars aren't that fast, people have them for what they are. Any modern hot hatch will be much faster, but If you want an XJS that just wont do. 4.0 manual feels faster than V12 auto anyday.
True, but I find that from about 70MPH to 140, it holds its own against tuned rice. Plus, most youngsters are intimidated or don't know what they are looking at and just don't try. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JAGUAR-XJS-4-0-COUPE-MANUAL-...
Try not to think about the performance figures the cars aren't that fast, people have them for what they are. Any modern hot hatch will be much faster, but If you want an XJS that just wont do. 4.0 manual feels faster than V12 auto anyday.
I used to have a manual 3.6 which was a lovely car to drive,the build quality wasn't much good but the engine was silky smooth.It did 130mph easily with more to spare and people would try and race you off the lights,but it was just happy to bumble along.Try the J.E.C and for insurance try Footman James-happy hunting!
I went throuogh the same process and bought a late model 4.0 manual with the AJ16 engine. The dream lasted two and a half years. It is, in my humble opinion, a staggeringly beautiful car.
It is more fun to drive a manual most of the time undoubtedly, but the car does suit an auto and the clutch is heavy for traffic. It is fast! (these things are relative of course, I was very embarassed by a Porsche Turbo once but them most things are) Not in the simple drag at the lights where lighter and newer cars leave you, but once you're running up to speed you catch 'em on the hills - lots of torque. At motorway speeds most things get out of your way, something to do with the huge low bonnet as well I think.
All cars rust - mine went in the bulkhead and rain dripped inside - if there are any wet carpets after it has stood out in the rain you can either never drive it in the wet and keep it in a garage, pay thousands for a very extensive fix (dash out for a start) or get used to having wet legs.
Petrol consumption depends entirely on how you drive of course, you can get over 30 on long trips and you can get 15. Around town you won't see the other side of 20.
Get a late model V12 - only the cost of maintaining the engine is different and (fingers crossed) if you get a good one that shouldn't be a problem - specialist independants know this engine well. The other costs are all very similar apart from the juice. The Jaguar V12 is a masterpiece of an engine. In the end I wished I had been brave enough.
It is more fun to drive a manual most of the time undoubtedly, but the car does suit an auto and the clutch is heavy for traffic. It is fast! (these things are relative of course, I was very embarassed by a Porsche Turbo once but them most things are) Not in the simple drag at the lights where lighter and newer cars leave you, but once you're running up to speed you catch 'em on the hills - lots of torque. At motorway speeds most things get out of your way, something to do with the huge low bonnet as well I think.
All cars rust - mine went in the bulkhead and rain dripped inside - if there are any wet carpets after it has stood out in the rain you can either never drive it in the wet and keep it in a garage, pay thousands for a very extensive fix (dash out for a start) or get used to having wet legs.
Petrol consumption depends entirely on how you drive of course, you can get over 30 on long trips and you can get 15. Around town you won't see the other side of 20.
Get a late model V12 - only the cost of maintaining the engine is different and (fingers crossed) if you get a good one that shouldn't be a problem - specialist independants know this engine well. The other costs are all very similar apart from the juice. The Jaguar V12 is a masterpiece of an engine. In the end I wished I had been brave enough.
Edited by cml on Wednesday 7th May 00:18
cml said:
The Jaguar V12 is a masterpiece of an engine. In the end I wished I had been brave enough.
Know the feeling. I was offered one of the last batch of V12s new. But it was a shed load of money and I've loved the X300 I bought instead. But I still think... if only... Edited by cml on Wednesday 7th May 00:18
Darran. Don't know if this will help but here is my advise. I've owed a V12 XJSC Auto (1985) and a 4Ltr XJS Coupe (1992) I now have a V12 XJS soft top mated to a 5 speed manual box (1988). I sold the 1988 XJSC and replaced it with a 3 year old XK8 soft top and for me, great car that it was it was a disappointment. All V12's are going to be heavy on petrol try not to kid yourself your not going to put your foot down, or your going to take it easy. You won't and why should you? these are no racing care but equally they drive so nicely at a "far lick" that it's hard to keep in the economy zone.
The 4ltr cars are rare with a manual gearbox but can be found. The 4Ltr manual is much quicker than the V12 off the mark. And faster top end (I think) in the real world than the V12 Auto. (The V12 manual is a different story) I drove this car many times on the continent were there are few restrictions and it would always show 145 mph on the clock. I'd guess the clock over reads but I'm happy it would top 135 mph but frankly who cares.
The 4ltr engine has more torque than the 3.6 however the 3.6 I understand has a shorter stroke which allows it to rev better. I think that’s why the people who track day these cars like the 3.6 or it may be just that they are more easy to get hold of? The 3.6 cars are much easier to find with a manual box so this may be the way to go.
My advise is try and get a 4ltr first or 3.6Ltr The 4Ltr I had I sold to a friend who still uses it for fun and Le Man's etc. it has done about 103000 miles and runs lovely and uses no oil of any significance. The engine is really easy to work with and relatively cheap to look after if you do it yourself. I once got 28mpg out of it on a long motorway run but typically 23 was the norm unless thrashed. I hope this helps if you have any questions just ask. I don't know it all but I've lived with these cars for a while and whichever one you choose you'll just love it.
Mike
The 4ltr cars are rare with a manual gearbox but can be found. The 4Ltr manual is much quicker than the V12 off the mark. And faster top end (I think) in the real world than the V12 Auto. (The V12 manual is a different story) I drove this car many times on the continent were there are few restrictions and it would always show 145 mph on the clock. I'd guess the clock over reads but I'm happy it would top 135 mph but frankly who cares.
The 4ltr engine has more torque than the 3.6 however the 3.6 I understand has a shorter stroke which allows it to rev better. I think that’s why the people who track day these cars like the 3.6 or it may be just that they are more easy to get hold of? The 3.6 cars are much easier to find with a manual box so this may be the way to go.
My advise is try and get a 4ltr first or 3.6Ltr The 4Ltr I had I sold to a friend who still uses it for fun and Le Man's etc. it has done about 103000 miles and runs lovely and uses no oil of any significance. The engine is really easy to work with and relatively cheap to look after if you do it yourself. I once got 28mpg out of it on a long motorway run but typically 23 was the norm unless thrashed. I hope this helps if you have any questions just ask. I don't know it all but I've lived with these cars for a while and whichever one you choose you'll just love it.
Mike
I have had 2 xjs, a 5.3V12 on a B plate - cant remember the year, and a 94 V12 6ltr convertible (4spd Auto). The 5.3 was a great engine to drive, very smooth and pulled like a donkey to an indicated 150mph, however it was a bit slow after that. On a motorway cruise I would easily get 25mpg if I drove at about 80mph, round town it was a disaster, I reckon about 10/11mpg.
I reckon if you try a V12 you wont want a 6cyl model, the 4ltr is very good, I have an X300 with an AJ16 engine in and its a fine car to bowl along in, however when you compare the 5.3 or 4ltr to the 6.0ltr V12 (not an R spec, a std spec car) then both of them feel slow and saggy.
There are a lot of 4ltr cars around which are now nearing the age that requires a lot of expense, the owners so far have got away with the better build quality of the later cars which means they havn't has to spend so much on them. Whatever you go for get one that has regularly had money spent on it, and if you can get a specialist to check it out or give you some advice.
My gut feel is to spend some time looking for a well looked after 6.0 V12 coupe, convertible is better but they are like rocking horse poo. You'll get loads of fun out of it, drive it gently you'll get low 20's and when you want to go it will surprise everyone around, especially when the auto box is in sports mode - when it chooses 2nd gear on of the motorway cos you want to give it some you'll never forget the feeling!
If you want to talk to someone who looks after these things I suggest you try Richard Beaty at Wolf Direct Racing as he used to build the Le Mans jaguar engines and can talk to you for hours about finding a good car. His web site is http://www.wolfdirectracing.co.uk/
Good luck and let us know how you got on!
I reckon if you try a V12 you wont want a 6cyl model, the 4ltr is very good, I have an X300 with an AJ16 engine in and its a fine car to bowl along in, however when you compare the 5.3 or 4ltr to the 6.0ltr V12 (not an R spec, a std spec car) then both of them feel slow and saggy.
There are a lot of 4ltr cars around which are now nearing the age that requires a lot of expense, the owners so far have got away with the better build quality of the later cars which means they havn't has to spend so much on them. Whatever you go for get one that has regularly had money spent on it, and if you can get a specialist to check it out or give you some advice.
My gut feel is to spend some time looking for a well looked after 6.0 V12 coupe, convertible is better but they are like rocking horse poo. You'll get loads of fun out of it, drive it gently you'll get low 20's and when you want to go it will surprise everyone around, especially when the auto box is in sports mode - when it chooses 2nd gear on of the motorway cos you want to give it some you'll never forget the feeling!
If you want to talk to someone who looks after these things I suggest you try Richard Beaty at Wolf Direct Racing as he used to build the Le Mans jaguar engines and can talk to you for hours about finding a good car. His web site is http://www.wolfdirectracing.co.uk/
Good luck and let us know how you got on!
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