Jaguar XJ-S Buying Guide - Gorgeous British Luxury That Will Bankrupt You? (XJS)

[@georgemckenna4911]

Had my 1990 XJ-S in Diamond Blue, Blue Convertable top and Isis Blue Connelly Leather interior. Beautiful Walnut wood dash. 2 owner, first owner long term. Smooth, quick and a lot of high end power. Like new car. Loved it and never had issues, replaced normal wear parts and always had admires as we drove by. There were issued with XJ-S's that were onwned by the 3rd and so on owners, not maintaining the cars and running them into the ground. Happy to say, mine is not one. sold it to an avid Porche guy who always wanted one. He loves it. Hey, if you want one, go out and find yourself a good one and enjoy!!!!!!

[@robk4070]

That sounds identical to the one I had. Beautiful, smooth, fast car. Looked great in that colour too. I'm sure they could have sold a lot more of them if they'd made the coupe that shape in the first place, without the controversial buttresses. My car was perfectly stable at high speed, so don't know what they were all about. The engine was so quiet and smooth, I had to keep checking the rev counter at traffic lights to be sure it was still running. Took it on a trip to the Italian lakes and it got lots of admirers with people calling out 'Bella macchina!' everywhere we went. Like an idiot, I sold it in 1997. Been regretting that decision ever since. Nothing went wrong in 3 years. The 3-speed box was fine for most driving, but it could have done with an overdrive or a differently geared 4-speed like the Borg-Warner. The only niggles I had was that the recessed door handles were stupid - they faced upwards, so filled with rain/snow and the engine compartment looked an embarrassing mess of pipes. Not what you'd expect from Jaguar at all.

[@paulelverstone8677]

For a car that arrived, suffered and survived that complicated, mid-70s BL era; this car has aged magnificently. I still want one today...

[@jaguarrroman]

It's better to regret something you have done than to regret something you HAVEN'T done. Thumb up!

[@NorceCodine]

I will remember this advice when I again review the idea of driving over my mother-in-law.

[@jaguarrroman]

@@NorceCodine Don't do it, otherwise you can feel a strong desire to put the car in reverse!

[@jaguarrroman]

@Normal Channel Who knows, maybe crash and burn, but maybe crash and born. I don't know.

[@davidclarke7728]

I had a v12 for sixteen years and toured all over Europe , never ever let me down , but was well maintained, only sold it and moved up to XKR

[@club_rock]

When I was a teenager I was mad about Jaguar XJ and XJS. Two symbols of british elegance. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@thegearknob7161]

Some pretty solid advice here. The ones about water leaks can't be overstated enough. I had a nightmare job finding one which wasn't a colander. To put them right would have cost many thousands. Don't even consider one if you aren't willing to equip yourself with the knowledge required to keep it running. Most garages haven't got a clue so you're on your own unless you live near and are willing to pay for the specialists. They have systems in them that just don't exist in other cars, for example a hot start system to adjust the fuel pressure based on temperature, part electronics, part vacuum! Everything is all separate circuits with wiring everywhere. No canbus and modern scan tools here. It's a lot more analogue, but I'm talking in terms of things like voltage levels, not like carburetors! You won't want to drive it often because of the fuel costs, it's bulky for town roads and it hates traffic. However, when you have cause to use it for what it was intended for, then it's in a class of its own. The day I bought mine I had 2 hours sleep and had to drive the length of England. Was not looking forward to it. I got home less tired than when I set off, it felt less than 100 miles. I wanted to turn around and do it again! Modern cars just can't do that any more. They have to fulfill more than one role. They make them firm to make the "sportier". And no way will there ever be another interior as old world, low beams country pub as those later XJS ones are. They'll never make a car this uncompromisingly relaxed again, so drink it in. It's like having your own personal Concorde.

[@jameslatimer1432]

Car from USA California maybe

[@markeastwood74]

Great video. I now appreciate just how much you need to love an XJ-S to own one. I'll continue admiring from afar with a little more respect for the owner.

[@louisjones2653]

Did a double take at 10:54 because that’s my old ski slope! That photo came from a forum post where I re-veneered it.

[@ofmanynicknames]

US-spec headlights on non-US cars always amuse me. Here in the US, some enthusiasts love to import not-sold-here bits like the solid headlamps on the XJS; we might as well have an exchange program to swap parts across the Atlantic.

[@juchetony1910]

I've just been rewatching Lovejoy, and his posh GF has a lovely L reg blue convertible XJS in the series shot in 1994. Seeing it brought me here.

[@andrewharper4296]

I have a ‘96 Celebration car. I love it and it was in near mint condition when I bought it ten years ago. In the last three years though the car has suffered badly. I’m afraid Where I live now I can’t garage it. So the tops of the doors are rotting, the front of the windscreen area is rotting along the entire width of the car. Rust in the top of the windscreen, all the chrome is going rusty, etc. the drainage design is very poor and water just sits in the drainage areas. Whenever it rains I now get wet feet (as mentioned in the video) The lacquer on the bodywork is also oxidizing badly and it looks like it’s been badly scratched all over. The car has only done 35,000 miles but with quotes of between £10-20,000 just to repair the rust damage alone I can see me having to pass it on. The real issue though is parts. The older prefacelift cars are slightly easier but parts for the facelift cars are almost non-existent or very expensive. Some vandals smashed my headlamps last year and the only second hand pair I could get cost me nearly £800. They were not great condition but after months of searching they were my only option. The front washer jets break and are no longer available so I designed them in CAD and had 3d printed versions made. The odd new one appears online but people ask £800 each for them 😂 Other parts that rot are the wing mirrors. They break at the swivel joint, expect to pay £900 each for those. Again unique to the facelift car so you can’t use the earlier ones. The circuit boards on the a/c blowers fail. You can get those reconditioned for about £300 each. Sagging headliners are a problem. You can get replacements but they only last a few years and then sag again. The door locks rot and you get stuck in the car, can’t get new ones anymore so I got creative on those as well so I bought some older versions and transferred the extra brackets from the newer design. The facelift cars also suffer from a high idle problem. The car can idle at 1,000 or 2,000 rpm depending on its mood 😂 the problem is easily cured via the Jaguar Pdu unit but no-one has them anymore (apart from the odd specialist) and I’ve known owners who’ve spent years trying to sort it. Mechanically the car is actually very solid. I’ve never had a single engine/gearbox type problem. I just service it regularly and it’s pretty happy. Just a shame that parts supply and any sort of repair is just so expensive. Most body shops I go to simply don’t want to touch it. The jobs are just too large and involved. If you want one, just make sure everything works and any repairs are top quality.

[@dhdove]

After five XJS’s I’ve loved them over many years, V12, 3.6 and 4.0. I would add that you should be aware of front subframe corrosion problems. Ask me how I know…..These rot from the inside out and shouldn’t be repaired (ideally!). You used to be able to buy Aston DB7 replacements but I don’t know if these are available. In any event it will be a very, very expensive repair. Original late Cibie headlights are no longer available although the JEC is investigating re-manufacture. My choice? The 4.0 AJ16, almost as much powers as a V12, smooth silky and reliable. God luck if your in the market for one, they’re truly beautiful cars but getting a big long in the tooth for me now. TonyS

[@sprezzatura8755]

The 4 liter 6 cylinder cars reworked by Ford are my top choice. Lots of bugs were fixed on the last series cars.

[@berwhaletheavenger]

The main corrosion area on the XJS is the bodyshell. The bit you point to at 1:11 is the rear trailing arm mount but this eventually rusts off anyway! They were lovely cars but I wouldn't have one now tbh. I had them 30 years ago and they were enough trouble then - perhaps a late model 4.0 Coupe that's been garaged and properly maintained. The older ones are too much trouble.

[@andrewjohnson2129]

I had a 5.3 V12. It was about 4 years old. Stunning car, but blimey it could absolutely drink petrol. 15/16 mpg was the norm, but if you put your foot down 8/10 was more the norm. At the price of fuel today, the condition of the bodywork needs to be really good, because if you're paying g for repairs and fuelling it, it will drain your bank account quicker than a Nigerian Prince!

[@Jagggggg88]

Just bought a 94 4.0 xjs! Ex california rustfree, racing green, love it!

[@timrains5011]

Had one years ago, loved it, never again. This guy reminds me of why.

[@georgebeaton4544]

Wow, you’ve really done your homework!! Great presentation 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks George, much appreciated! -Joe

[@markcarter9476]

My advise is buy the end of the line 'Celebration' model from 1996. These had galvanised body panels and therefore are less likely to rust. The rust is the main reason I would avoid an XJS but the styling, kudos and driving experience are all good reasons to buy and enjoy one.

[@mansellsautos]

This really is a great video Joe on the XJS.. very knowledgeable throughout and was interesting to watch from start to finish. They really are coming on leaps and bounds now a bit like yourself. Nice to see F60 coupe in some of the video as well.. now is the time to buy and I think you've set the bar now for new owners hunting out a glorious Cat. Well done 👍

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Chris, yours is undoubtedly the best I've driven! -Joe

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Chris, yours is undoubtedly the best I've driven! -Joe

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Chris, yours is undoubtedly the best I've driven! -Joe

[@psychosquirrel555]

Wonderful long video on things to look out for.

[@jameslatimer1432]

Youvneed to be a mechanic and body work expert and need a large cradit card for fuel but i still love them xx ❤❤

[@TheRonburgandy]

Great video and you’re such a natural behind the camera.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks very much! 😁

[@mykehyslop198]

I always wanted an XJS.Many years later, I bought an Aston DB9.I got my British V12.Looking for a late XJS as a second fun car.😁😁😁

[@faradaysage15]

May be selling mine, just bought it. got from original owner. No rust. Convertible 88 XJ-SC V12 58k miles. Has hardtop too. I have too many cars and will be moving in a year

[@Lawrencexxxxxx]

Looking on buying/swoping my bike XJS Convertible. Really valued your vid, told me a lot. Keep up the good work. Lance

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Glad I could help!

[@paullacey2999]

I love old Jaguars,but I would be terrified having one!

[@ElectricPaoloIAM]

Driving mine (sold) to work and back every morning the onboard 'computer' was showing 3 km to every litre at certain speeds.

[@jezchazania1336]

Great review thank you. I've had my XJS a year now. Always wanted one from when I was a kid. Yes they can be a pain at times, the Lucas electrics have a mind of there own and some parts are very expensive or no longer available. Then there's the water leaks lol. But thats all forgotten when you drive it looking down that long bonnet, it's makes you smile and feel special 😊 It would also p**s Greta what's her face off as well so win, win 🏆

[@NewtonInDaHouseYo]

And use the correct size tires which are 215/70r15 for the Lattice wheels shown in this video. Ideally Pirelli P5J or Dunlop Sport Classics. And not some cheap van tires in the wrong size as many do … also, replace the fuel lines in the engine bay if they are still original. Very pretty color combination by the way!

[@ndh641]

The car deserves more respect. Comoletely wrong car at the wrong time. And survived. Gold

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Arguably a classic in its own lifetime!

[@markjosephbudgieridgard]

Absolutely love the XJS just beautiful... Despite it being a nightmare to park!!!... And what about pulling out of a side road on to a busy main road? Mmmm challenging with the sheer length of the bonnet!!.... Let's face it you could have a bump in an XJS and not even realise its occurred!... But who cares these cars are just gorgeous especially with the silky smooth V12 never mind all the exotic supercars if iam fortunate enough to win the lottery a well sorted A1 condition XJS V12 is top of my automotive shopping list.... Follewed by the gorgeous RR corniche ❤️

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Another good video 🚤⛵️🛥👍👍👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@mattbod]

Great Job: I would like one while they are still affordable. I actually think the XJ S original design is a lovely looking car. The V12 if looked after is reliable and lasts. Criminal they stopped producing the manual v12 though.

[@brianiswrong]

A picture paints a thousand words and the picture of the rotted out A pillar and windscreen scuttle, followed by the picture of the big chrome A pillar cover made me feel a bit sick.

[@wisher21uk]

I had a XJS v12 5.3 pre HE I was 23y/o at the time and got pulled by the police loads of times, on one occasion an older policeman said the forces were worried when these came out as they had nothing that could catch up with them

[@280925henry]

Some people really talk s h I t 😂

[@wisher21uk]

@ like yourself I take it 😂

[@dannyperfect9270]

check a/c drain tubes aren't blocked (located inside the central console cheeks) The dash will sound like a bucket of water if they are blocked. Shove a screwdriver up then from the underside

[@TXGRunner]

You certainly didn't gloss over the downsides and risks, but yeah, I want one too.

[@benschlotte8242]

I had an 82 XJS if you do t have extra money and lots of patience DO NOT GET ONE. This was. $600.00 tune up, $10,000 engine rebuild, $4000 for electronic upgrades from Lucas. When she ran she ran like a champ. But fuel injection will alway be a beast. Overheating can be frequent

[@iancross4631]

A fantastic review. It makes me want to get my cabriolet fixed, but the Princess is taking my money. You are spot on that an almost sorted XJS is a great car that makes you smile and, I think, better than most fully sorted cars.

[@James-cs2wi]

If the rear main oil seal is leaking on a Jaguar engine it means the engine is worn out and the crankshaft has dropped hence crushing the seal because it's it was made of a special string😊

[@HJ-vs7lf]

It has aged wonderfully. Will always be a pain in the ass but somehow worth it. I love how uneconomical it is. Big engine, jet a slow car. Big on the outside, small on the inside. Not a car to please everyone, but one to be adored by a lucky few. It's alive in a way most modern cars aren't.

[@frenchydampier2209]

The mechanical bits are extremely durable. But Only the last XJS’s had OBD2 so the fuel njection requires knowledge. It’s not something you can throw parts at ntil it works. ( but it’s actually very simple and reliable if maintained.). Regarding Rust? I live in the rust belt where 6 months of the year the roads are salted. Yet some were put away in the fall and not brought out brilliantly spring. And there is always southwest America where rain is a rare event.

[@sarariofrio6138]

Would anyone be able to tell me where the builder's plate of this model is placed please? Thank you

[@ethansaffier8037]

Im looking at a 1990 XJS right now, any common maintenance issues I should be aware of before purchasing? Very excited to get in and begin driving but a bit hesitant from the history I've heard of what I've heard with Jag and XJS. Nonetheless I am prepared the make the fixes needed to keep her running!

[@faradaysage15]

I have an 88. just change the oil (always synthetic) and garage it or get a good breatheable cover. Valve covers ALWAYS leak, just use thicker oil unless it's a bad leak.

[@johnclements6852]

Nice car Joe, hope you can get one.

[@RobertDore-w4l]

Jaguar wish list: XJR Facelift version - 1967 Jaguar S-Type - Series II E-Type (who wouldn't) - 1990 XJ12

[@bjrnegilvatne6197]

The later V12 with 4 speed GM auto, not Getrag.

[@a11csc]

great informative vid

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Chris!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Chris!

[@bahbahjs]

I have XJS v6 4.0 automatic with a problem of inter lights not off when the doors closed it keep on any suggestion

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Could be the courtesy light switch in the door shut - check they're working as they should!

[@ranjanaluwihare1511]

Is it worth it? Compared to current values and resale!

[@paulboyle6857]

Don't think it was actually meant to replace the E-Type;very different cars.I've always loved the look & they were.of course,successfully raced in period.One of these with a Chevvy LS V8 or even a Dodge Viper V10 would be sensational! Has anyone done this?

[@ElectricPaoloIAM]

Driven mine (sold) on the circuit of Zandvoort (The Netherlands) next to a professional driver. On the straight very fast, but brakes let it down approaching bends.

[@212MPH]

I've had a few XJS over the years, one big problem to mention is the front suspension, if the car tramlines then your in for a big bill, every bush will need replacing on the front end.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

I'm at that point on my 1991 Jaguar Sovereign XJ40. It is eating its front tires. I replaced all the ball joints and tie rods (inner and outer) and I'm at the same place. 2 new tires good for recycling, again. The problem is the bushings became bad, due to age, making it impossible to align it properly. I have ordered all the parts and will do the job in May. I'm in Canada so the car is sleeping for the winter.

[@JAYPCARS]

Good job I saw this video 2 years ago before I bought my V12 - oh wait 😅

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Just focus on its looks! ;)

[@Imw101]

The two happiest days of my life. The day I bought an XJS and the day I sold it.

[@phensriwood8081]

Never seen a rusted subframe in Australian, only uk imports.

[@Satchm00]

So everything rots then 😂😅

[@ernesttravers829]

My Xjs used to register 23mpg on the Guage You can't hoon in it cos it goes so fast

[@maxnicholls7254]

As to interior space; I've driven four adults (6') in mine 20 miles without too much complaint

[@lukashodgson]

Did Joe fart at @03:08? 😃 "A lack (farts) obvious seam"

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Haha not quite! I bent down toward the microphone as I said "lack 'f an obvious seam..."

[@lukashodgson]

@@ClassicsWorldUK Phew! I hope that didn't get you in trouble 😅. The spirit of the Super Seicento waiting to burst out at every opportunity 😸

[@-DC-]

Inspect every bit of metal and every inch of wiring on these, Very few are worth having TBH.

[@Andyc351]

Later V12's have a GM 4L80-E not a Getrag.

[@bumfluffmcregor3730]

Is it vetter just to buy something else then

[@mohdkhedzir3996]

STILL THE BEST CAR!!!

[@Justkevin377]

Time for a GM engine I know most wont like it but much better for servicing it.

[@ronniewilson6597]

Like all classic cars, if your not good with the spanners buy the best you can or the ownership will not be nice,

[@redchthonic]

Nice to have a realistic review. Nice car but except if you are a very good panel beater and paint sprayer you will go broke. The major chassis rust must be done very well or disaster follows. With this much rust your lovely new paint will bubble soon. For the money you could buy a rust free Beemer. You know it makes sense.

[@EzekielAmy]

920 Vicenta Common

[@georgekriese4687]

My 2 cents are keep your XJS, or any old car for that matter, in a garage with a dehumidifier. You won't regret it.

[@tonyhancock3912]

My dad used to swear by a couple of dollops of mayonnaise if he suspected a head gasket was on it's way out

[@alexandrecouture2462]

I'm so torn on the XJ-S. On some angles, it looks cool. On some other angles, it's a monstrosity. I have an XJ40 with the 4.0L AJ6 and it isn't that fuel efficient either. Imagine how bad it could be on the V12.

[@berwhaletheavenger]

They're not a pretty car and are best described as 'elegant'. They are very colour/angle dependent.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Because I am generally a bit of a masochist, my XJS of choice would be an early V12……….is that road rash I see on your arm Joe?

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Hard to disagree with the lure of an early V12! Alas no, I fell over on my morning jog the day before... -Joe

[@p__jay]

for a innvestment, what makes the most sense? coupe or cabriolet? V12 or 6 cylinder? older or newer model?

[@geoffclarke8934]

Have always liked the styling on the XJS and the V12 is a brilliant powerplant. A shame though that Jaguar stopped offering a manual option on the V12 fairy early in the cars life, only offering the lacklustre 3 speed auto.

[@paulb1034]

Jaguar were using up left over manual boxes from the ceased e type series 3 production, finding a XJS with one of those boxes is a rarity indeed.

[@frenchydampier2209]

If you don’t know how to maintain the XJS yourself it will cost you too much. However if you can do the work yourself it’s a very affordable car. PS Thousands of engines were rebuilt because the mechanic just wanted to look inside it. Or needed a big paycheck. Properly maintained the engine will outlast both you and your grandchildren.

[@GERntleMAN]

By that measure, you should not buy any US cars between 1950 and 1999 or Opel or Ford. And all the prices on the parts are not more expensive than for a modern car and that is more than okay. I have a XJ12 and was surprised how affordable parts for an oldtimer of that calibre are. Not more expensive than for my Touareg V10, Audi RS6 C5 or Audi TT Roadster

[@DeborahJohnson-n2j]

Johnston Freeway

[@jamiespinks3657]

My Jaguar XJ-S buyers guide: For the love of all that is holy, don't! You'll save yourself a world of hurt. They're like dating a beautiful, high maintenance woman; enjoyable at first but they will very quickly drain your wallet and your sanity.

[@francoisgauvin9240]

An expression i like very much: Owning a Jaguar is like being married to the most beautiful woman in the world with a very, very expensive Heroin habit. 🤣😂😂

[@NorthernMan932]

Fine to have if you have bags of cash.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Certainly not a cheap car to own...worth it though!

[@michaelkilbride2927]

I had two jags one 1978 one 1983 both new they spent more time in the dealer getting fixed than being driven 1978 one had two engines fuel pumps under rear wheel arch what heaps of shit they were never again

[@simonchampa9961]

"That will bankrupt you" Yes

[@Jim-v3o]

Wow, and I thought all the negative stuff about British cars was reserved for my Aston

[@kramnam4716]

They are horrendously expensive to restore and keep going. There’s a reason they cost £3.50. Awful piles of committee built rubbish . Make running a Porsche 928 look running a Hyundai i10. I had “good” one too.

[@DanRudolf-h8r]

Jermey Plaza

[@MrBeugh]

First bit of advice. DON'T!

[@jamesstuart3346]

Might have been more instructive to show us a rusty one 😮

[@JeremyThompson-r2y]

Abshire Ville

[@JayB-bq7hh]

Sexy classic with painful problems.......................

[@steelballjpeg1787]

so everything rusts? lol

[@ernesttravers829]

Obviously you didn't try to get into the back seats They are armchairs Don't comment on anything until you have tried it

[@jonboy9912]

How many warnings do you need? Don't buy one!!!

[@ask-mw5hk]

True

[@crowman1450]

What do recommend as an alternative to 1 of the greatest grand tourers of its generation? What gives a better ride than an XJ-S and has a smother engine?

[@crowman1450]

Let’s bear in mind the XJ-6 & XJ-12 are the best riding saloons also…

[@Zgreasewood]

Had 2, one for over ten years, had a sall problem with the 😊GM trans, never did anything to the engines , head liner was replaced on the 88 , sold the 76 with a small amount of rust for more than I paid for it. XK 8 needed engine timing chain tensioners and a fuel pump Ford item. Once a year all fluids were changed, oil at 4,000. Only wear items were rubber ends on the front springs, tires, wipers and driver's door window gears twice.

[@bumfluffmcregor3730]

There all rot boxes they were prone to rot anyway so now there like 25 years old and obviously rotten

[@NancyClark-o6e]

Barney Crossing

[@MelissaLewis-c2n]

Walter Trail

[@jamesneely766]

Bsst advice....don't

[@williewood6790]

Perez Sarah Martinez Kenneth Thompson Richard

[@deanstanley5799]

Nice motors but for me it’s the alloy bodied xk v8 better on every level I just couldn’t live with the rust worry 🤷‍♂️

[@bigchiponmyshoulder7573]

So basically avoid these rust buckets like the plague. Typical crappy jags