XJ40, Opinions.
Discussion
If it's a good one they are fantastic.
Check service history. Make sure everything has been done when it should have been although don't worry too much whether it's dealer, specialist or even private.
Rust can be a problem on leading edge of bonnet & wings, behind front wheelarches, bulkhead and back end of bootlid. If rust is present in these areas then also check the very bottom of the A-pillar - I have seen these completely rusted through on occasion.
Engine should be bombproof as should the rest of the drivetrain, although the diff can require rebuilding every few years (not too expensive).
Bushes need replacing when they are worn and this transforms the car, definately not something to ignore.
Electrics were pretty much sorted by 1990 but beware that an apparently simple fault such as headlight not working 'could' require a new control unit for a 3-figure sum.
Interior is very hard wearing although drivers seat bolster wears through with use. Also the internal door cards usually sag leaving a gap between the two parts of trim just below the window.
Finally, the original wheels were metric causing tyre costs to be high. Check to see if the wheels have been replaced with imperial sizes and if not factor in the cost of doing this. Typically a metric tyre is approx double an equivalent imperial tyre for this car.
They are great cars and I realy regret getting rid of mine.
Check service history. Make sure everything has been done when it should have been although don't worry too much whether it's dealer, specialist or even private.
Rust can be a problem on leading edge of bonnet & wings, behind front wheelarches, bulkhead and back end of bootlid. If rust is present in these areas then also check the very bottom of the A-pillar - I have seen these completely rusted through on occasion.
Engine should be bombproof as should the rest of the drivetrain, although the diff can require rebuilding every few years (not too expensive).
Bushes need replacing when they are worn and this transforms the car, definately not something to ignore.
Electrics were pretty much sorted by 1990 but beware that an apparently simple fault such as headlight not working 'could' require a new control unit for a 3-figure sum.
Interior is very hard wearing although drivers seat bolster wears through with use. Also the internal door cards usually sag leaving a gap between the two parts of trim just below the window.
Finally, the original wheels were metric causing tyre costs to be high. Check to see if the wheels have been replaced with imperial sizes and if not factor in the cost of doing this. Typically a metric tyre is approx double an equivalent imperial tyre for this car.
They are great cars and I realy regret getting rid of mine.
I've had two now a 3.2 and 4.0. Fantastic cars, but they can rust badly, normally the bootlid and bonnet rust from the inside, also check under the bonnet where the expansion tank bolts on as that often rusts (and on the other side) plus the engine cross member can rust (not weldable as it's filled with foam), other than that just the usual sort of issues you'd get with a 14 yr old (or older) car.
My 3.2 was going strong at 190,000 miles when I sold it with no service history prior to me buying it. I love the Daimler version, lovely walnut picnic tables in the rear!
If it's not rusty and runs ok then go for it, there are several specialist breakers around that will get you parts cheaply if anything wears out. If you get it joining the Jaguar Enthusiast Club is worthwhile. HTH
My 3.2 was going strong at 190,000 miles when I sold it with no service history prior to me buying it. I love the Daimler version, lovely walnut picnic tables in the rear!
If it's not rusty and runs ok then go for it, there are several specialist breakers around that will get you parts cheaply if anything wears out. If you get it joining the Jaguar Enthusiast Club is worthwhile. HTH
I think you should go for it! I have an XJ40 XJR and it's fantastic! As said, they're great if you get yourself a good example and keep it that way. You can pick one up for a couple of hundred quid but it's likely to have plenty of problems in store. A post '90 high spec 4.0L is the one to go for, forget the slower smaller engine models, and you really need that service history.
All models suffer quite badly from rust in all the usual places. They're strong mechanically, durable engine and gearbox. Electrics can be a problem, especially on pre '90 cars with the digital dash. Ebay is great for cheap spares, plenty of folks out there breaking XJ40's.
If you want that proper Jaguar experience of good performance and magic carpet ride, then you have to be realistic about servicing costs of keeping the car in good condition. They get through bushes, subframe mounts, ball joints, etc.
I hope that's of some help!
All models suffer quite badly from rust in all the usual places. They're strong mechanically, durable engine and gearbox. Electrics can be a problem, especially on pre '90 cars with the digital dash. Ebay is great for cheap spares, plenty of folks out there breaking XJ40's.
If you want that proper Jaguar experience of good performance and magic carpet ride, then you have to be realistic about servicing costs of keeping the car in good condition. They get through bushes, subframe mounts, ball joints, etc.
I hope that's of some help!
I just brought one of these (1991 Daimler 4.0), picked it up on Saturday. I think it's fantastic, an absolute pleasure to drive. I live in Putney, we'd picked it up from Cambridge direction and after a couple of hours driving back to SW London were enjoying the car so much we just kept going to Brighton 
a real event, it feels special every time I get in it.
Big recommendation here
a real event, it feels special every time I get in it.Big recommendation here
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