Re.: 1995 XJR- just bought 04/01/06, wow! 1st jaguar.

Edited on 2006-04-08 20:01:19

Edited on 2006-04-08 19:58:55

Edited on 2006-04-08 19:12:15

A couple random thoughts:

The repair list is misleading as some of the issues were allowed to build up over many years. Any other car with our Jag's mileage would probably be a beater by now but the Jag is barely worked in.

An addendum to the repair list is that I also need to connect/replace the British fog lights which are apparently OEM in France. I made quite a few tweaks but have to say (like the cars ads) " ... no disappointments".

I recall hearing the word "biscuit" used to describe "tan" hides but others would know better.

The reliability issue may be more a question of unreal expectations of Jaguar buyers.

One of my favourite things to do with the Jag is toddle out a small town in the Jag(speed traps? no-zoom,zoom) and have our anniversary dinner where the super friendly chef comes out of the kitchen and chats with us.

Regards,
Dan Lokun
Toronto Canada
90 XJ-S

Edited on 2006-04-08 19:14:12

Coupr random thoughts:

The list is probably misleading as some of the issues were allowed to build up over many years. Any other car with our Jag's mileage would probably be a beater by now but the Jag is barely worked in.

P.S. I also need to connect/replace the British fog lights which are apparently OEM in France. I made quite a few tweaks but have to say (like the cars ads) " ... no disappointments".

I recall hearing the word "biscuit" used to describe "tan" hides but others would know better.

The reliability issue pertaining to Jaguars may be more a question of unreal expectations.

One of my favourite things to do with the Jag is toddle out to a small town in the Jag(speed traps? no-zoom,zoom) and have our anniversary dinner where the super friendly chef comes out of the kitchen and chats with us.

Regards,
Dan Lokun
Toronto Canada
90 XJ-S

Dan,
What an excellent and comprehensive response, thank you for your effort.
Regardless of what I hear said (derogatory)- which is a pervasive and apparently wide spread misnomer to the marque- I shall remain steadfast in seeking and acquiring a 90's sapphire blue/parchment xjs. If money can fix your problems you really don't have a problem ( chasing electrical gremlins etc...)
1. sapphire/parchment
2.red/tan - Is tan the correct jaguar nomenclature?

Edited on 2006-04-07 18:21:09

Edited on 2006-04-07 18:04:46

Hi John:

The picture comes straight from the advert to buy. At least it looks like England.

The XJ-S design is very fresh to my eyes 30+ year later.

I would say the 1975 XJ-S design surpsasses (for example) the 1975 Aston Martin design hands down.

Lattice wheels are my preference for these cars - very classy. Lucked out on the decent condition of the rims.

Covertables are less common, but I like the HT for cold driving early and late in season (Winter driving not likely).

Also, I have read there is more rigidity in body of a hardtop (HT). Consider a cabriolet with the structural rigidity and fresh air - relatively rare too.

A V-6 would be standard stick as opposed to automatic. V-12, only with auto, but what a treat - smooth and fine take off (like scotch wiskey).

Our car is Signal Red/Doeskin (tan colour with a smidge of green tinting mixed in).

I am not too keen on white cars. I am partial to Black, Red & traditional BRG. White cars make me think of wedding limos. Sap. Blue is an eye catcher & not common up here.

We have had this car since about Aug 2004. First showings at JCNA events in June to Sept 2005.

When bought, the car was apparently mildly "lady" driven but a tad high on the mileage (kilomerterage). It was not religiusly maintained but the seller was not abusive and so I took delivery on what turning out to be a well sorted out XJ-S.

I would say that the XJ-S is the the "best-buy" Jaguar available bar none.

My mechanical/electical issues were sorted out with lots of help/work from my mechanically inclined friend, Victor, who came to all the JCNA shows too.)

The darnable issues:

1. I read Kirby's parts of Kirby's book, got scared & bought fire
exstinguisher;

2. Lots of little up-keep issues: (a)install new hoses (pass magnet to
retrieve dropped tools); (b) inspect 12 spark plugs(done by seller-
"whew"); (c) replace a fuse in dash (what a mish mash of wires);
(d) Repair tail pipe clamp (bump-klunk, bump-klunk: nuisance issue);
(e)Trannie flush, (why not?);

3. Install new rear springs in rear suspension (weirdly
spongy until this was done: didn't seller notice?);

4. Emission testing (now yearly) and take chance replace front bushings
(crunchy) before control arms bent;

5. Intermittent start problem - we bought a new battery THEN figured out
it isn't the battery AND THEN Victor gave three lucky smacks on the
crank shaft sensor and *presto* the problem seems cured;

6. Install a new power radio antenna;

7. Removal of non-OEM chrome without damage to paint (nasty, sharp edges
on that stuff);

8. New door panel (leather damaged,

9. New wood (cracked/faded) and driver seat (original worn-out) swapped
in.

Outstanding repairs:

1. Air Conditioning to be charged up;

2. Freshen up bumers with re-chroming.

Skinny on these cars? Read this article for a start ---> http://www.jcna.com/library/news/2005/jcna0206.php

Give an XJ-S to your wife - they love 'em.

Regards,
Dan Lokun
Toronto Canada
90 XJ-S

Edited on 2006-04-06 22:54:35

Hi Dan
Good luck with spring.
Don't be silly, I think your car looks quite nice. I am of course partial to this design.
Your wheels look great.
Biased as I am, am seeking a nice conv. xjs v-12 or 6??? 12 v. 6??
94,95,96 1.sapp./parch very elegant- 2.red/tan wow factor, 3.wht./bis classy?? any of the three would be fine, partial to sapphire blue though.
what a terrible delimna :)

how long have you owned your car?
any mechanical/electrical issues?
a mechanic acquaintance down the street has a 90' BRG/tan xjs 12 for sale, his personal car, his wheels don't look nearly as new as yours though.
what's the deal with 90-96 xjs'?
Thamks,
Best Always,
JTD

Edited on 2006-04-06 13:25:37

Edited on 2006-04-06 13:23:04

Edited on 2006-04-06 13:14:29

Spring cannot come soon enough up here (75% arrived let's say).

Too heavy to slalom? no way. Jags from 30's and 40's are surely heavier and out and about around the cones.

I am committed to another Jag hunt at the moment so no XJR day-dreaming for me time will tell if the hunt comes together.

I am also skeptical about E-Bay but I am sure lots of eyes are scanning for 100s.

Like you, the XJR-100 beckons me in black body/black trim. I really love the look of the lowered suspension too.

I am not sure that there were/are any phoenix-red XJRs which would be a close match to the XJ-S in signal red but matching cars appeals to my vanity.

On a pragmatic level, a (non-100) '02 XJR will have the same HP as XJR-100 and is only becoming more affordable/tempting as time passes(I did see a nice '02 XJR slip by for $30K Cdn, recently in Toronto - what a deal!) BUT it is hard to pass upon the collectibility/exclusivity aspect of a 100 and its tag line "# (... )of 250 made".

I have a crappy pic (i.e. the one that the seller provided) which is below (the non-OEM chrome trimmings and foggers are gone).

Regards,

Dan Lokun
Toronto Canada
'90 XJ-S

Hi Dan,
How are things in Canada? I too am quite fond of the 02 XJR 100 (blk)- special car. One was just listed in VA. for 36,990, @40kmiles, no idea avail. still- cars.com, autotader, e-bay?
Slalom? Thrilling to be sure. My car seems a little too heavy for a good slalom- inertia, moment arm,am I mistaken? it's 5250lbs., immediate grunt (read torque)lacking- acceleration feels more refined like a rubber band stretched taut and released- then swooosh! Must consider I drive 72' stingray, as comp. it's 1500lb. lighter.
Indeed,though, XJR has excellent "meats" 255/45/17 Mich. sports.
If I were to replace the shocks are bilsteins the way to go?
Slalom, While living in Newport Bch. Ca. weekend autocross were big.
Nice to hear from welcoming jaguar community.
Thanks, open to shared knowledge/ suggestions upkeep & maintenance.
do you have pix your 90 XJ-S?
Best Regards,
JTD

Hi Greg,
Thank you for the courtesy of you response, also thank you for your recommendations. As my car has been garaged it's entire life, I shall look to purchase a nice sunscreen for the windsheild- hopefully a nice one with a growler in the center would be excellent. Prehaps some jaguar entrepreneur has manufactured- to protect the wood, leather. I wasn not aware to apply carnuba to the wood- great. Do you know of the better leather protectants? Did you recc. leatherique, I am not familiar with that brand where would one purchase leatherique?
I have used Lexol, 3M in the past, however I seek the superior product.
Yes,Greg, you are correct! I have simutaneously been pondering 94,94,96 XJS conv., the V-12 is my preference- possibly wht/tan or red/tan during the shop for the right XJR.
To Dan Lokun- Toronto, yes the 02 XJR- 100 is a fantastic ride, embrodiered seat, 370/387, 8 spokes. Wouldn't have to offer it twice:)
one recently listed in Va. for merely 36,990.00- gorgeous car.

Best Always,
JTD
1995 XJR BRG/Oat
hopefully- 94 conv.,V-12 red/tan/tan

Lucky you. It's nice to hear that you enjoy the performance of your car so much: you might want to it take out on a track and a slalom. I quite like the look of a 2002 XJR-100 (in black) myself. The Jaguar marque earns another fan - pass on the good word.

Regards,
Dan Lokun,
Toronto Canada
90 XJ-S

John:
Congratulations! your description of the Jaguar is perfectly accurate and represents the feelings of most of us. You will find yourself looking back at your Jaguar after you have parked it, spending extra time in the garage just contemplating those curves, and finding the longest route home. But you will never get uysed to the admiring looks your Jaguarv will garner at stoplights (very often from Mercedes and BMW and Lexus owners). Once you have owned a Jaguar, nothing else is quite good enough. And once you have owned a Jaguar, owning more than one becomes a very tempting thing. New or old, thay all have the same elegance and substance.
Recommendations: Leatherique conditioner for the leather. Keep the car out of the sun as much as possible (wood and leather are natural products and do not like excessive amounts of sun and heat); wax the wood with a good non-abrasive carnauba wax, the same as you will use on the paint.
You are in for a life-changing experience.

Gregory Andrachuk
Victoria, Canada
1992 Series III V12 Vanden Plas
1966 Mark 2 3.8
2002 X-Type