Discussion
Hi everyone,
I am thinking of expanding my car collection and i have my heart set for an early (1977-1981) pre HE XJS. Should i go for it or choose something else instead. How easy are these cars to run in terms of servicing and generally running costs? Are parts easily obtainable? Are they easy to work on? Thanks
I am thinking of expanding my car collection and i have my heart set for an early (1977-1981) pre HE XJS. Should i go for it or choose something else instead. How easy are these cars to run in terms of servicing and generally running costs? Are parts easily obtainable? Are they easy to work on? Thanks
Good luck, and post pics if you manage to find one!
I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?
)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?
)http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
Edited by varsas on Friday 23 April 08:42
I've narrowed my search with certain criteria. Firstly, i don't want a car that was made after 1981 so i can import it as a classic back, in Greece were i live. Secondly i don't like cars that have returned from the US with those huge bumpers, although i quite like the four headlamp configuration. Thirdly, i don't really care about fuel consumption because it's not going to be an everyday car. What i do care about is rust problems and the complexity of that V12 engine. I managed to find a couple of good cars but they all lacked service history and and i wouldn't want to get involved with an engine rebuild because i heard that they can be very very expensive and hard to do, at least here in Greece where garages lack the technical expertise to work on such cars...Anyway what i did managed to find is an early manual LHD XJS that a friend of mine imported from Germany. He said that he might sell it but i does need a new set or rocker panels and sorting some electrical gremlins..Should i buy this car or not. He says it starts fine and that the engine is in great condition and that he will sell it for a good price.
varsas said:
Good luck, and post pics if you manage to find one!
I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
I'm also looking at getting an XJS, i've decided on a facelift 4.0, ideally in Kingfisher Blue or the dark red...I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?
)http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
Edited by varsas on Friday 23 April 08:42
Anyway, you say you got 20 MPG from your HE V12, was this around town, mixed urban driving? I had ruled out a V12 on economy grounds but if they will average 20mpg i may reconsider...
theironduke said:
varsas said:
Good luck, and post pics if you manage to find one!
I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
I'm also looking at getting an XJS, i've decided on a facelift 4.0, ideally in Kingfisher Blue or the dark red...I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?
)http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
Edited by varsas on Friday 23 April 08:42
Anyway, you say you got 20 MPG from your HE V12, was this around town, mixed urban driving? I had ruled out a V12 on economy grounds but if they will average 20mpg i may reconsider...
Markymark69 said:
theironduke said:
varsas said:
Good luck, and post pics if you manage to find one!
I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
I'm also looking at getting an XJS, i've decided on a facelift 4.0, ideally in Kingfisher Blue or the dark red...I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?
)http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
Edited by varsas on Friday 23 April 08:42
Anyway, you say you got 20 MPG from your HE V12, was this around town, mixed urban driving? I had ruled out a V12 on economy grounds but if they will average 20mpg i may reconsider...
I've been looking at XJS's too.
For the OP - I wouldn't worry too much about the V12 engine, it is remarkably robust and reliable. Problems are more likely to be with all the ancillaries and also the electrics were a bit dodgy.
I'm looking at the later HE cars. The V12 engine makes it one of the last true Jags from the Lyons era in my opinion. Having said that the last 4.0 litre cars were very good.
Has anyone had any experience running a cabriolet as there are a couple of nice ones for sale currently?
For the OP - I wouldn't worry too much about the V12 engine, it is remarkably robust and reliable. Problems are more likely to be with all the ancillaries and also the electrics were a bit dodgy.
I'm looking at the later HE cars. The V12 engine makes it one of the last true Jags from the Lyons era in my opinion. Having said that the last 4.0 litre cars were very good.
Has anyone had any experience running a cabriolet as there are a couple of nice ones for sale currently?
Markymark69 said:
theironduke said:
varsas said:
Good luck, and post pics if you manage to find one!
I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
I'm also looking at getting an XJS, i've decided on a facelift 4.0, ideally in Kingfisher Blue or the dark red...I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?
)http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
Edited by varsas on Friday 23 April 08:42
Anyway, you say you got 20 MPG from your HE V12, was this around town, mixed urban driving? I had ruled out a V12 on economy grounds but if they will average 20mpg i may reconsider...
a8hex said:
Hedders said:
You might if your town is Milton Keynes
I found the problem commuting around MK was you go through front tyres almost as fast as fuel.I seem needing a new set of Eagles every 9K
Hedders said:
Markymark69 said:
theironduke said:
varsas said:
Good luck, and post pics if you manage to find one!
I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
I'm also looking at getting an XJS, i've decided on a facelift 4.0, ideally in Kingfisher Blue or the dark red...I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?
)http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
Edited by varsas on Friday 23 April 08:42
Anyway, you say you got 20 MPG from your HE V12, was this around town, mixed urban driving? I had ruled out a V12 on economy grounds but if they will average 20mpg i may reconsider...
Markymark69 said:
Hedders said:
Markymark69 said:
theironduke said:
varsas said:
Good luck, and post pics if you manage to find one!
I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
I'm also looking at getting an XJS, i've decided on a facelift 4.0, ideally in Kingfisher Blue or the dark red...I have seen a few early cars for sale, but they tend to be quite expensive (for a decent one, at least). I didn't find mine particularly easy to work on. There's no room in the engine bay, it's low to the ground and the HVAC (heating, A/C etc) system is very complicated. It also has lots of fiddly electrics, inboard rear brakes and everything is so damn heavy and such a tight fit it was a real pain however I'm the first to admit I'm not the best mechanic and don't have the proper facilities.
Pre-HE cars will drink fuel, as in 12mpg. I used to get 20ish out of my HE, 25 on a run to LeMans. Servicing is what you would expect for a V12, at least you don't have a cambelt to worry about. I had trouble getting suspension parts and air con pumps are expensive, I don't have a lot of experience buying stuff for them though.
The obvious answer to your question is to get a later 'HE' car, there are plenty around and although most will be a bit rough there are still nice cars out there. They seem to be worth much less then, and are much more common then, early cars while still being very similar. The 'sensible' advice is to go for a post-facelift car, which are practically a different car. I assume you don't like them for whatever reason. I wanted a pre-facelift car because of the looks but the fact is the later cars are easier to find in good condition and are a much better car, especially in terms of rust prevention, gearboxes and general build quality.
It might help to know what your budget is? Looks like you need somewhere near £5k to get a nice one?
ETA:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1650847.htm (shame about the 'leaper' on the bonnet, I wonder what else they have done to it?
)http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432149.htm
Edited by varsas on Friday 23 April 08:42
Anyway, you say you got 20 MPG from your HE V12, was this around town, mixed urban driving? I had ruled out a V12 on economy grounds but if they will average 20mpg i may reconsider...
Assuming my 928 dissapears in the care of its (hopefully) happy new owner at the end of the week i will definitely be getting an XJS.
After lots of thought i think i'm going to go for a facelift, as late as possible, 4.0 car. The thought of a V12 is nice but on the other hand the thought of anything on that engine going squiffy makes me reconsider. I know "performance" isn't a fitting word but i'm sure the 4.0 is more than up to the job even if it's not as silky smooth as the V12!
Colour wise i'd love either a racing green, kingfisher blue or metallic dark red car! with magnolia leather! Yum yum!
After lots of thought i think i'm going to go for a facelift, as late as possible, 4.0 car. The thought of a V12 is nice but on the other hand the thought of anything on that engine going squiffy makes me reconsider. I know "performance" isn't a fitting word but i'm sure the 4.0 is more than up to the job even if it's not as silky smooth as the V12!
Colour wise i'd love either a racing green, kingfisher blue or metallic dark red car! with magnolia leather! Yum yum!
theironduke said:
Assuming my 928 dissapears in the care of its (hopefully) happy new owner at the end of the week i will definitely be getting an XJS.
After lots of thought i think i'm going to go for a facelift, as late as possible, 4.0 car. The thought of a V12 is nice but on the other hand the thought of anything on that engine going squiffy makes me reconsider. I know "performance" isn't a fitting word but i'm sure the 4.0 is more than up to the job even if it's not as silky smooth as the V12!
Colour wise i'd love either a racing green, kingfisher blue or metallic dark red car! with magnolia leather! Yum yum!
If I was going to get another one (never say never...) I'd get a late facelift (the 'celebration' ones are the ones to have, apparently...) it's just a better car, far less hassle. I think I'd get a V12 just because that engine is so wonderful but the straight6 apparently makes the car handle a bit better and it's still a nice engine so swings and roundabouts. Maybe if you find a nice V12 you might want to go for a quick test drive....or maybe that's a dangerous thing to do! Good luck!After lots of thought i think i'm going to go for a facelift, as late as possible, 4.0 car. The thought of a V12 is nice but on the other hand the thought of anything on that engine going squiffy makes me reconsider. I know "performance" isn't a fitting word but i'm sure the 4.0 is more than up to the job even if it's not as silky smooth as the V12!
Colour wise i'd love either a racing green, kingfisher blue or metallic dark red car! with magnolia leather! Yum yum!
a8hex said:
varsas said:
Maybe if you find a nice V12 you might want to go for a quick test drive....or maybe that's a dangerous thing to do! Good luck!
Dangerous for the pocket probably, A dealer I know keeps trying to persuade me to try the manual V12 they've got.Hi OP
I own a 1976 pre-HE XJ-S with the 4 speed factory manual.
Having owned the car for almost 18 months, I agree with all the comments made. The fuel consumption, in particular, is terrible (about 12 mpg around town and 16 mpg at cruise). It's marginally better than that of a Jensen Interceptor, which was one of its competitors at the time of launch.
The V12 is incredibly smooth and flexible, and the manual transmission showcases the engine's elasticity.
My car was subject to a number of suspension, brakes and steering and other reliability-related upgrades by KWE Jaguar. The car has been completely reliable since the work was carried out and KWE is a fantastic outfit.
I have owned a number of 1970s GT cars and there is really nothing like the XJ-S, from the distinctive styling to the virtually silent running and turn of speed.
Do PM me if you'd like to discuss further.
I think you said you live in Greece. Given the high ambient temperatures, make sure the cooling system is working properly since the V12 is particularly vulnerable to overheating events. As a precuation, I replaced the flexible rubber fuel lines with the later HE fuel rails. This deals with the vapourisation problems that are a common feature of the pre-HE V12 engine.
I own a 1976 pre-HE XJ-S with the 4 speed factory manual.
Having owned the car for almost 18 months, I agree with all the comments made. The fuel consumption, in particular, is terrible (about 12 mpg around town and 16 mpg at cruise). It's marginally better than that of a Jensen Interceptor, which was one of its competitors at the time of launch.
The V12 is incredibly smooth and flexible, and the manual transmission showcases the engine's elasticity.
My car was subject to a number of suspension, brakes and steering and other reliability-related upgrades by KWE Jaguar. The car has been completely reliable since the work was carried out and KWE is a fantastic outfit.
I have owned a number of 1970s GT cars and there is really nothing like the XJ-S, from the distinctive styling to the virtually silent running and turn of speed.
Do PM me if you'd like to discuss further.
I think you said you live in Greece. Given the high ambient temperatures, make sure the cooling system is working properly since the V12 is particularly vulnerable to overheating events. As a precuation, I replaced the flexible rubber fuel lines with the later HE fuel rails. This deals with the vapourisation problems that are a common feature of the pre-HE V12 engine.
varsas said:
a8hex said:
varsas said:
Maybe if you find a nice V12 you might want to go for a quick test drive....or maybe that's a dangerous thing to do! Good luck!
Dangerous for the pocket probably, A dealer I know keeps trying to persuade me to try the manual V12 they've got.The details are here
http://www.winspeedmotorsport.com/carDetails.php?s...
No connection, just a happy customer.
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