I'm looking at converts roughly 1992-2002. Can anyone advise me on best years... or...best years to avoid? Also common problems to look out for.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Submitted by jpbii@yahoo.com on Thu, 05/17/2012 - 02:38

In my humble opinion, the best three letters in the Jaguar world are XKE. Go V-12 if you want. Very exotic, but the smaller engine is more easily maintianed. I always wanted to get an XKE, any year, preferably the earlier models, pull the engine and store the original, and drop in a chevy 427 for dependablility and power. I can't see it getting much better than that. Think about it. An XKE with dependable Chevy power? You may need to adapt the drive train to handle the horse power. Maybe even reinforce the frame and enhance the suspension. But If I had the money to go that route, I'd do it.

Submitted by NC51-48645 on Fri, 05/11/2012 - 02:00

Bob, you may wish to give the 1995 XJS 6.0 V-12 tan/white convertible on Ebay a look. It has about 19 hours left to bid, but if the seller is motivated, you may be able to land an excellent vehicle. From all indications I would have to say he/she/they have been excellent caretakers of this vehicle. I remembered your post some time ago, so I thought to give you my 6bits of input.

Submitted by asimko@netsolnj.com on Sat, 05/05/2012 - 19:15

william is right,. i already had my mind made up to get a 6 cyl xjs, but reading his advice just confirmed what i already knew. i've had mine less than a month, and am still working the bugs out of it, but it is everything i expected

Submitted by SE21-64524 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 13:47

Hi Bob: we have had an '86 XJS 12cyl, a 1996 XJS cvt, 4.2, and now a 1994 XJScvt, 4.2. , also, a 1978 XJ6, series II. we are with an older one now, because hurricane Irene totalled our "96, which was becoming a classic. our '94 is the same color combo, but it has wire wheels instead of the original wheels, and we love the way they set off the rest of the car. we agree with Jerry, above, because of his comments, plus, they are a show stopper. ours is signal red with black top and hides, and we have drivers stop to look and discuss whenever we are out touring. we bought our current XJS from an auction house in Fraser, MI, with 99,000 mi, for less than $6000.00! have had a few minor elex problems, but were solved with the help of Mr. George Camp on the tech side. Also, parts are readily available, without having legs and arms with the payment checks! Obviously, we just LOVE our XJS, the ones before 1997. Ali and Stew KIng

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Thu, 03/22/2012 - 00:27

My advice would be a 6 cyl XJS they are a fantastic car relatively simple and trouble free AND for some reason inexpensive . Find a low mileage car with a history.

Submitted by SE21-33540J on Wed, 03/21/2012 - 20:03

Bob,

Go up one year to 2003. The 2003 XK8 introduced 90 mechanical changes that fixed any previous issues, they drive better and have the 4.2 liter engine with no problems and I believe the 6 speed auto which is reliable and the whole package gets good gas mileage. Hard to find though. I looked for a long time. But my next convertible will be 2003 or 2004.

Good luck