Jaguar XJS?

I love them and have considered buying one. Probably best to stick with a 6cyl from what I have read. The interiors on these are fantastic. Very high quality of fit and finish. The values seem to be increasing.

 

I'm a huge Jag fan but I'm not sure the XJS is the best they've done. If you can do your own work, I think they can be reasonable to own.

Honestly, I'd go older or newer (Etype or xk8) but if you love the xjs go for it.

 

Have owned a 6 and a 12 XJS. I agree with kdf that 6 is probably better. Less issues. One problem I had with the 12 was that the wiring would bake if the engine bay got too hot, for instance in long traffic jams during summer. I don't think the engine bay was conceived for a 12.

Difference in performance is marginal in this car, if you're using if for cruising and it's a great cruiser. The 12 is a thirsty engine too, remember, because the standard automatic doesn't have many gears!

I loved the car and could drive it for hours on end without getting tired. It has legs.

 

If you do get one, hold out for the 4 speed v12 instead of the 3 speed. Very rare and is the model variant that has any hope of real appreciation. 95/96 only.

 

I'm not an owner, but have always admired the lines of the car.

My next door neighbor, when I was in high school, owned one (well, they had a CRAPLOAD of cars, as they owned a used car dealership - XJS & the Sunbeam Alpine were the coolest in their driveway).

Talked my dad out of getting a V-12 version many years later - only because the car would have been wrong for him.

 

I have an 85 XJS and an 89 XJS Conv, both V-12s
Long-term second owner of both.
Both are wonderful, fairly trouble-free cars and lovely GT cruisers.
I doubt either will rise much in value in the near term.
And I seriously doubt they will be anything more than niche collectables. Ever.

 

I have owned many vintage Jaguars, several XKE's of various years and every model of sedan. The XJS was an insult following the XKE. I think the only good side to an XJS is the rear. In my opinion the car is a mutt, and I wouldn't waste the money.

 

Also owning a XKE my being a FHC ( fixed head coupe) I wholeheartedly AGREE with Glassman, as I too see NO upside in future values for a XJS.

How much was you budget?

I might have suggestions for cars with a appreciation upside in your budget!

 

If you have the money and want a car that will continue to rise in value..... bite the bullet and get an XKE hardtop roadster. This is one of the most beautiful cars ever conceived, and you will not be frowned upon by any other vintage car owners ever.

 

I think the XJS, coupes especially, look fantastic.

 

I have one - it's rough but the lines have aged well. I think the V12 (which is what I have) is a great car if you want an "exotic" engine at an attainable price, but surely the 6 is a much better option.

Mine is for sale, just need to post it.

 

I think they will be collectable. They are already becoming so in Europe. I am thinking about owning one again as i think they have aged well.

As an fyi a few simple mods can make the V12 much better. Top of the list is to gut or remove the cats to lower heat. On my last XJS I put on headers (removing cats) removed the foam surrounding the radiator, put in the available wider air boxes and the car drove cooler and with a noticeable improvement in pick up. Urethane steering rack bushings are also a great improvement.

 

For interest USA annual sales:-

1975 - 287
1976 - 1365
1977 - 869
1978 - 1050
1979 - 695
1980 - 420
1981 - 232
1982 - 1409
1983 - 2705
1984 - 3480
1985 - 3784
1986 - 4861
1987 - 5380
1988 - 4783
1989 - 4458
1990 - 4715
1991 - 2738
1992 - 2382
1993 - 3744
1994 - 4292
1995 - 4535
1996 - 2141
1997 - 47
Total - 60 372

Replaced in 1997 by the XK8 and XKR.

 

I good friend of mine has a silver blue 1990 XJS 12 that he bought new in 1990. It's a beautiful car and a real charm just being in the passenger seat... such a stylish interior and nice ride.

 

Many years ago I sold a 6 cylinder XKE and bought a V12 Roadster. Jaguars V12 is a *****cat. What a let down. But I drove the crap out of that one.......it just wouldn't die.

 

Back to the original post. One 1986 targa XJSC with an in-line six and 5 speed Getrag did not sell this week at $8,450. I know reserve was somewhere around $12k.
I posted a "wanted" add on other cars here because I am in the market for a nice, no rust, no stories XJS Coupe with an in-line six and 5 speed tranny. These cars are still hibernating....the dealers and flippers are busy with Porsches right now. the time for XJS to climb will come. But I really admire the car's low profile and lines...that's MY reason to purchase one....not because it will return my investment. Cheers.

 

I'll sell my v12 coupe for $2500. Needs work but it's not a basket case by any means.