Which to choose? 1989 XJS Convertible or 1992 XJS convertible??

kent - your understanding is incorrect - the first factory convertibles were in 1989 - which was also the last year before ford took over.

i agree on the radiator work - mine ran hot and even stalled out on me once in summer traffic. since getting a new radiator - it runs below normal.

PS, just below NORMAL is actually NORMAL for the V12s....

kent - your understanding is incorrect - the first factory convertibles were in 1989 - which was also the last year before ford took over.

i agree on the radiator work - mine ran hot and even stalled out on me once in summer traffic. since getting a new radiator - it runs below normal.

Edited on 2010-05-01 19:24:54

Edited on 2010-05-01 19:05:55

Jennifer,

You have big decision to make! You, first, have to decide which style you like better. Some things to consdider with an XJS; Pre-92 or post-93 styling, or the "in between" styling of the 1992 and '93s. The '92 was the first year of the restyled head lamp and tail lamp assemblies and incorporation of the side marker lights into the bumper surrounds, among a few other body/trim changes. The 1993 was the last true roadster, sans a back seat. Although the exteriors underwent change, the interiors of the '92s and '93s were very similar to the earlier models. From 1994 on, the XJS body styling and interior stylings were different from the relatively unchanged stylings of the 1976 through 1991s.

If you like the later styling, then you have to decide which engine you want. I drove 1994 XJS-6 and did not like it very much. Perhaps it was the car, but I had a 1994 Vanden Plas that I purchased when it was a year old and I always thought it was under powered. I much preferred the V-12.

If you want a V-12 engine, you have the 5.3 litre of the older cars or the 6.0 litre of the newer cars to select from. The 5.3 is married to a 3 speed automatic without overdrive and the 6.0 is married to a 4 speed automatic and provides a more "peppy" feel than the 5.3.

Although I, personally, would prefer to have the 6.0 V-12 and running gear, I like the styling of the pre-92s. I'm not sure when the ignition systems were changed over in the older XJSs, but as I understand it the Magnetti Marelli system in my 1990 was "better" than the older system (I do not know if there is any truth to that, but that's what I have heard.)

As for a 1989 convertible, it is not a "factory" convertible; it is an authorized conversion of a coupe' to a convertible by Hess and Eisenhardt. The first factory-born convertibles were 1990 models, if my understanding is correct. Put my 1990 convertible next to a Hess and Eisenhardt convertible and you will see some differences. That is not to say the H&E convertibles are taboo or hack jobs. Such is not the case, as H&E was a very reputable coach builder, commissioned by many marques to make various vehicle conversions, including limousines.

As for a V-12 (either the 5.3 or the 6.0), yes they are more complex than the straght 6, but if the car has been well-maintained, it should not be a money pit, necessarily. Your first priority is to ensure that it does not run hot. I have the lower-temperature thermostats on mine and I just had the radiator removed, rodded out and flushed, and I put in a new fan clutch. Although my car did not run "hot" according to the temperature gauge, the needle would get to the top of the "N" sometimes whilst sitting in traffic in the summer with the A/C switched on. At that temp, post-shut down heat buildup would put the needle north of the N. With the radiator service work I just had performed, the needle rides a bit below the N, even while sitting in traffic with the A/C on. While driving, it is only halfway between the low mark and the bottom of the N. It made a HUGE difference and I highly recommend doing that to any XJS, regardless of the mileage. Mine only has 30,000 miles, so it's an age thing as much as a mileage thing.

At the end of the day, I absolutely love my car and am very happy with it. I much prefer the styling of the older XJS, compared to the updated look. I just wish Jaguar had a CD changer available for it in 1990!

Hi Jennifer,
unless you have a large amount of disposable . do not buy a V12, hang in there and find a 6 cylinder convertible.. the 6s are much less costly to maintain and their reliability is apparently above the v12s........... they have 4 speed auto boxes which also make them very quick..........Personally I have several V12s, but I am able to service them myself.. if I could not I would be unable to have these beauties in my yard...........Perhaps we will see you at the ABFM on Labour Day weekend, we /I have attended for the last 15 years or so. great Brit Car event.
Best Wishes, Art........