Manual Jaguars. Good or Not?

[CharlesdeGaulle]

Chaps, I need some advice/opinions. I'm interested an an early 90s Jaguar. Specifically, an XJS. However, and I know this is a bit unusual, but it's a manual. Anything to know/worry about?

Obviously most of these were sold as autos, and that's the preference of the market, but is there anything 'weak' about the manuals.

Hoping to view tomorrow so quick responses appreciated.

[davepoth]

A quick google suggests it's a Getrag 265, same as the one fitted to the BMW E30 M3 amongst other things. Supposed to be plenty sturdy.

[CharlesdeGaulle]

Thanks davepoth. I never thought to google it!

[Mike Hawthorn]

I owned a 4Ltr face lift XJS factory manual for a few years and it was a great car. The gear box never showed any signs of failure despite some abuse. I sold it to a friend who owned it for another 2 years without any problems. the car had covered about 120,000 miles. I have now an XJS V12 fitted with a manual gearbox from an X300. As you can imagine this motor can put a lot of power through first gear and while it has not stripped first gear yet I do try not to boot it in first to often. That said once into second the car is great fun to drive if a little nose heavy for any serious driving on back lanes. Being a soft top does not help! In my opinion the 4Ltr manual was the better all round car, this car was a Coupe and handled better probably because it was lighter at the front and stiffer I guess. Also I seem to remember the gear stick did move about a bit but I understand this was not unusual. Also both gearboxes in my mind whine a little. Nonetheless both gearboxes have proved reliable so unless they make nasty grinding noises I'd not worry too much. If you find a nice one and choose to buy I don't think you will be disapointed.

Hope this helps, Mike

[LordFlathead]

I had a mk3 XJ6 4.2 that had a manual box. It was a fun car and made a nice noise but personally, I found the manual box a bit clunky and it took away a lot of the refinement from the ride.

The V12 5.3 would be better suited than the 3.6 IMO as you have 300ft/lb or torque to play with with a bucket of cogs but the ancient auto box is both smooth and wafting.. again something that may be lost with a manual box.

Hope this is not seen as a negative post as not intended. I loved the quirkyness that a manual gave, but on reflection I would go auto the next time around

[rumple]

Mike Hawthorn said:

I owned a 4Ltr face lift XJS factory manual for a few years and it was a great car. The gear box never showed any signs of failure despite some abuse. I sold it to a friend who owned it for another 2 years without any problems. the car had covered about 120,000 miles. I have now an XJS V12 fitted with a manual gearbox from an X300. As you can imagine this motor can put a lot of power through first gear and while it has not stripped first gear yet I do try not to boot it in first to often. That said once into second the car is great fun to drive if a little nose heavy for any serious driving on back lanes. Being a soft top does not help! In my opinion the 4Ltr manual was the better all round car, this car was a Coupe and handled better probably because it was lighter at the front and stiffer I guess. Also I seem to remember the gear stick did move about a bit but I understand this was not unusual. Also both gearboxes in my mind whine a little. Nonetheless both gearboxes have proved reliable so unless they make nasty grinding noises I'd not worry too much. If you find a nice one and choose to buy I don't think you will be disapointed.

Hope this helps, Mike

I was going to say very apt username, but that is your name.

[Mike Hawthorn]

Yup, it's my real name. "Nice one Dad"

[CharlesdeGaulle]

Thanks everyone. I'm interested in the car but there are viewers before me so I suspect it will have gone. I'll update you if I get it.