It's time for a change, and I've decided to part ways with my beautiful old Eldorado. I've decided to join the club and pick up an XJS and am doing some basic research (always loved 'em, saw a show last Saturday on History Channel that put me over the edge). I'm looking for an early- to mid-90's convertible and have some basic questions:

1. Opinions on the 4.0 liter I6 vs. the V12 (is this a loaded question?). How is the V12 for reliability and maintenance, and how is the I6 for performance?

2. How much, approximately, can I expect to pay for a V12 XJS made in the years metioned above. Obviously mileage has a lot to do with it, from what I've seen on eBay the ones I like have 50K - 80K on them.

3. What type of maintenance is required, both when (and if) I first get the car and on a regular basis.

4. Are there model years to avoid?

5. Where's a good place to look? I'm checking eBay, Hemmings, even Craig's List. Other ideas?

Any thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Andy B

Submitted by SE21-31278 on Tue, 12/26/2006 - 20:31

Andy,
My 1992 V-12 is for sale. It is all sorted out, even the climate control. Engine perfect, cosmetically darn near perfect. Lots of stuff done/replaced. E-mail if you want some pictures.

Bill Cooper
1992 XJS V-12, 1995 XJR, 1985 Sovereign, 2000 VDP

Submitted by allanmjones@ea… on Fri, 12/22/2006 - 16:42

Andy,
I've owned an '86 XJSC (currently up for sale)for the last 12 years. Here's what I'd look for or expect to fix in the near future.
Top of the 12 cylinder gets pretty well cooked. New hoses all around, new electronic ignition module, new air conditioning compressor and associated hoses.
Front suspension: bushings, most have had ball joints replaced long ago, brakes with new rotors, calipers and hoses
Rear suspension: Inboard brakes (rotors and calipers, while your at it might as well rebuild differential with bearings and seals
Transmission rebuild
Body- expect some rot around lower rear quarter panels.
Still one of the fastest, most elegant rides around!

Submitted by dougdwyer@adel… on Fri, 12/22/2006 - 00:30

I wouldn't focus too much on mileage. Signs of proper upkeep...preferably fastidious upkeep....are more important.

The six cylinder cars have plenty of power for regular driving and are popular...you can't go too far wrong. The V12s are magnificent but more complex, and more difficult to repair. In either case, past care has more to do with future reliabilty than the intitial design. With care...especially with respect to the cooling sytems...either engine will last darn near forever. 'Tis the little stuff that can aggravate.

Unless you find an exceptional example the typical scenario is that you'll spend some time and money sorting out neglected repairs and over-due servicings. Once you get back to square one you'll be fine. These cars are not like a Toyota where you look at the engine every 2 years just to make sure its still there, but with a bit of attention can be a pleasure to own.

Within reason, finding the right car is more important than finding the right price. These are not rare cars, so look at as many as you can and you'll get a feel for what's out there. Be patient.

Make sure the climate control is fully operational. Repairs here can be expensive. Until '94 they had inboard rear brakes. Caliper and rotor replacement is labor intensive so proof of recent replacements would be a "plus".

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1995 XJR
1988 XJS