EPIC road trip purchase of my XJS! My first Jaguar!
#1
08-12-2013, 04:25 AM
EPIC road trip purchase of my XJS! My first Jaguar!
So I've been meaning to get on this site for a while as I recently purchased a 1992 XJS coupe. I've been on here a lot and all of the posts helped me with my purchase.
Thanks for all of the great stuff you guys post on here and I really like that there is a community of people that stay in touch for these vehicles. It really helped sway me to purchase an XJS.
It took me a while to decide which year coupe I wanted and I settled on the 93 model after seeing a beautiful ride on Craigslist in Utah. Unfortunately I got beat out for that car and someone purchased it before me. Luckily I came across a great deal for the car I ended up purchasing and I convinced myself that if it was available I wasn't going to pass up the chance on getting it. It was located in Michigan an hour away from Detroit and I quickly contacted the seller to set up a date to meet.
I decided that the price and condition of the car was too great to wait around for another deal like that closer to my state. It only had 85K on the odometer and the carfax came back clean. I rented a car in NYC and drove 12 freaking hours straight to Michigan with only 3 hours of sleep. (It was my girlfriend's sister's bday the night before) This was on 4th of July weekend. Traffic was horrible going into Michigan from Ohio. The drive was dreadful. Furthermore they gave me a crappy Mitsubishi Galant to drive.
I arrived late in the evening and was tired but was pleasantly surprised at what I saw. The car was beautifully kept. The car had a custom paint job, nice rims, the interior was clean, the tires were new and the engine sounded and looked great. The owner lived in the boondocks and had a three car garage. He had a nice Charger and a few other muscle cars. I'm not too handy with cars mechanically but aside from noticing that it needed front it's right control arm bushing replaced, maybe shocks, and the air conditioning wasn't working I was pretty much sold. The car drove and sounded great.
I purchased it cash and drove away to go get a hotel. I was exhausted.
Driving back to the hotel was great no issues. Got a cheap room at the Holiday Inn Detroit airport. Nice and modern rooms. Slept like a baby!!
I woke up the next day excited to get home and my girlfriend drove the rental back to Budget. I was also very afraid and on pins and needles hoping the car would hold up on such a long drive. I knew that I was taking a huge risk driving back so far in such an old car.
Everything in the beginning was great driving back. The car's engine was super quiet. The transmission shifted really nicely and I loved the car's seats and how low I felt to the ground. The Ohio turnpike is filled with huge Trucks and the speed limit is like 70mph so being a city boy I was a little taken aback from these huge 16 Wheelers speeding at 70 to 100mph next to me in a car that was so low.
Now on to the good parts!
Unfortunately....3 hours into my trip back the car started showing that the engine was getting real hot on the temperature gage.
I pulled off to the side of the Ohio Turnpike and was very worried. I've read this forum a lot and know that an XJS overheating is bad news. Many things can happen so I called a few local mechanics I found online doing a google search on my phone and I chose to go to a Tireman service center.
The mechanics were very nice but looks like they weren't very experienced with Jags. After 3 hours of tinkering they found that one of the fans had wiring that was sort of corroded and was shorting out once it rubbed against metal. They fixed the wire and got the fan to start working again. They also sprayed the radiator with a high power water hose. We drove the car and the engine temperature was back under control.
They only charged me about $45 bucks for fixing the wire since it took them 3 hours to find the issue. I was back on the road.
The drive was wonderful.
Unfortunately about 2 hours later while still on the Ohio Turnpike the car suddenly loses power!!! Luckily I was doing about 75 and was right next to an exit. I was able to pull out of the exit next to a toll station. The engine light came on and I was getting a code of FF14. I was pissed and afraid that I was royally screwed.
I called my roadside assistance and they towed me free of charge to a hotel since it was already late and most places would be closing. I was also exhausted and needed sleep.
Luckily the Jaguar of Cleveland Ohio in Solon Ohio was only 10 miles away from the hotel. We woke up early in the AM and proceeded to have it towed there free of charge again.
The whole Jaguar staff was very professional and welcoming. They told me it would be an hour before they could diagnose the problem. They chauffeured my girlfriend and I to a nearby restaurant while we waited in a Range Rover and bought us breakfast.
About an hour later they called me up to tell me the bad news so I headed back to the dealership.
They had the car hoisted up and they showed me that the right Catalytic Converter blew and sent shreds down the exhaust clogging the whole system. They said it would take a few days for parts to arrive or that they could just remove the catalytic converter to get it back up and running and I could be on my way. $550 for the total job of removing the converter.
I initially told them to go ahead and start the job but after consulting with my brother in law over the phone, he said I should have the car towed back as other problems could arise on the way back. He also stated that I didn't want to be stuck in the middle of the countryside in Pennsylvania if the car were to breakdown.
The jaguar folks recommended a guy who said he'd transport the car for me on a flatbed for $500 bucks back to NYC from Ohio. Extremely cheap so I said yes.
I rented a car at budget again and left the jaguar in Ohio. This time I got a Volkswagen Passat which drove like a beauty unlike the crappy Galant.
Two days later the Jaguar arrived on a flatbed.
The car is still parked in an indoor garage and I have yet to take her to a mechanic until I decide what I'm going to do with her.
The mechanic in the Jaguar dealership said that he hated the v12 engine and because they were too expensive to service. He said I should swap the engine out for a V8. Not sure if I should do that but I'm entertaining the idea. I'll post another thread soon asking for advice on that topic.
I really don't know what I am going to decide to do once I get her out on the road but first I have to get the catalytic converter fixed and have a good mechanic look her over to tell me if there are any other issues besides the front bushing and AC problem. I'm thinking of taking her to Jag Pro in Bellemore.
Was I an idiot for trying to drive it back from so far away? lol Take a look at the car's pics and let me know what you guys think.
Hope I didn't purchase a money pit. haha Wish me luck. Thanks for reading my long *** story and take a look at the pic of my new toy.
Thanks for all of the great stuff you guys post on here and I really like that there is a community of people that stay in touch for these vehicles. It really helped sway me to purchase an XJS.
It took me a while to decide which year coupe I wanted and I settled on the 93 model after seeing a beautiful ride on Craigslist in Utah. Unfortunately I got beat out for that car and someone purchased it before me. Luckily I came across a great deal for the car I ended up purchasing and I convinced myself that if it was available I wasn't going to pass up the chance on getting it. It was located in Michigan an hour away from Detroit and I quickly contacted the seller to set up a date to meet.
I decided that the price and condition of the car was too great to wait around for another deal like that closer to my state. It only had 85K on the odometer and the carfax came back clean. I rented a car in NYC and drove 12 freaking hours straight to Michigan with only 3 hours of sleep. (It was my girlfriend's sister's bday the night before) This was on 4th of July weekend. Traffic was horrible going into Michigan from Ohio. The drive was dreadful. Furthermore they gave me a crappy Mitsubishi Galant to drive.
I arrived late in the evening and was tired but was pleasantly surprised at what I saw. The car was beautifully kept. The car had a custom paint job, nice rims, the interior was clean, the tires were new and the engine sounded and looked great. The owner lived in the boondocks and had a three car garage. He had a nice Charger and a few other muscle cars. I'm not too handy with cars mechanically but aside from noticing that it needed front it's right control arm bushing replaced, maybe shocks, and the air conditioning wasn't working I was pretty much sold. The car drove and sounded great.
I purchased it cash and drove away to go get a hotel. I was exhausted.
Driving back to the hotel was great no issues. Got a cheap room at the Holiday Inn Detroit airport. Nice and modern rooms. Slept like a baby!!
I woke up the next day excited to get home and my girlfriend drove the rental back to Budget. I was also very afraid and on pins and needles hoping the car would hold up on such a long drive. I knew that I was taking a huge risk driving back so far in such an old car.
Everything in the beginning was great driving back. The car's engine was super quiet. The transmission shifted really nicely and I loved the car's seats and how low I felt to the ground. The Ohio turnpike is filled with huge Trucks and the speed limit is like 70mph so being a city boy I was a little taken aback from these huge 16 Wheelers speeding at 70 to 100mph next to me in a car that was so low.
Now on to the good parts!
Unfortunately....3 hours into my trip back the car started showing that the engine was getting real hot on the temperature gage.
I pulled off to the side of the Ohio Turnpike and was very worried. I've read this forum a lot and know that an XJS overheating is bad news. Many things can happen so I called a few local mechanics I found online doing a google search on my phone and I chose to go to a Tireman service center.
The mechanics were very nice but looks like they weren't very experienced with Jags. After 3 hours of tinkering they found that one of the fans had wiring that was sort of corroded and was shorting out once it rubbed against metal. They fixed the wire and got the fan to start working again. They also sprayed the radiator with a high power water hose. We drove the car and the engine temperature was back under control.
They only charged me about $45 bucks for fixing the wire since it took them 3 hours to find the issue. I was back on the road.
The drive was wonderful.
Unfortunately about 2 hours later while still on the Ohio Turnpike the car suddenly loses power!!! Luckily I was doing about 75 and was right next to an exit. I was able to pull out of the exit next to a toll station. The engine light came on and I was getting a code of FF14. I was pissed and afraid that I was royally screwed.
I called my roadside assistance and they towed me free of charge to a hotel since it was already late and most places would be closing. I was also exhausted and needed sleep.
Luckily the Jaguar of Cleveland Ohio in Solon Ohio was only 10 miles away from the hotel. We woke up early in the AM and proceeded to have it towed there free of charge again.
The whole Jaguar staff was very professional and welcoming. They told me it would be an hour before they could diagnose the problem. They chauffeured my girlfriend and I to a nearby restaurant while we waited in a Range Rover and bought us breakfast.
About an hour later they called me up to tell me the bad news so I headed back to the dealership.
They had the car hoisted up and they showed me that the right Catalytic Converter blew and sent shreds down the exhaust clogging the whole system. They said it would take a few days for parts to arrive or that they could just remove the catalytic converter to get it back up and running and I could be on my way. $550 for the total job of removing the converter.
I initially told them to go ahead and start the job but after consulting with my brother in law over the phone, he said I should have the car towed back as other problems could arise on the way back. He also stated that I didn't want to be stuck in the middle of the countryside in Pennsylvania if the car were to breakdown.
The jaguar folks recommended a guy who said he'd transport the car for me on a flatbed for $500 bucks back to NYC from Ohio. Extremely cheap so I said yes.
I rented a car at budget again and left the jaguar in Ohio. This time I got a Volkswagen Passat which drove like a beauty unlike the crappy Galant.
Two days later the Jaguar arrived on a flatbed.
The car is still parked in an indoor garage and I have yet to take her to a mechanic until I decide what I'm going to do with her.
The mechanic in the Jaguar dealership said that he hated the v12 engine and because they were too expensive to service. He said I should swap the engine out for a V8. Not sure if I should do that but I'm entertaining the idea. I'll post another thread soon asking for advice on that topic.
I really don't know what I am going to decide to do once I get her out on the road but first I have to get the catalytic converter fixed and have a good mechanic look her over to tell me if there are any other issues besides the front bushing and AC problem. I'm thinking of taking her to Jag Pro in Bellemore.
Was I an idiot for trying to drive it back from so far away? lol Take a look at the car's pics and let me know what you guys think.
Hope I didn't purchase a money pit. haha Wish me luck. Thanks for reading my long *** story and take a look at the pic of my new toy.
The following users liked this post:
JimC64 (08-29-2013)
#2
08-12-2013, 05:34 AM
Welcome to the forum BadKat174,
Good to have you here with us at Jaguar forums. Great Intro - I hope you get the XJS fixed soon.
I know you've already found your way to the XJS section so no need for a link from me. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top of each is a good place to start for info on regular issues.
Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.
You can also visit the US North East Region section by following this link North East US - ME NH VT MA RI CT NJ NY PA - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to find other members in your region.
Enjoy the forum.
Graham
Good to have you here with us at Jaguar forums. Great Intro - I hope you get the XJS fixed soon.
I know you've already found your way to the XJS section so no need for a link from me. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top of each is a good place to start for info on regular issues.
Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.
You can also visit the US North East Region section by following this link North East US - ME NH VT MA RI CT NJ NY PA - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to find other members in your region.
Enjoy the forum.
Graham
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BadKat174 (08-12-2013)
#3
08-12-2013, 06:09 AM
Join Date: Apr 2012
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BadKat174 (08-12-2013)
#4
08-12-2013, 07:21 AM
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Sorry you had problems but welcome aboard. That was a great write-up. I was on the edge of my seat ! :-)
It's rare to find a used XJS that doesn't need a bit of sorting out. Yours sounds like it fits the pattern.
Just work thru the problems one at a time and then you'll really be able to enjoy the car
Cheers
DD
It's rare to find a used XJS that doesn't need a bit of sorting out. Yours sounds like it fits the pattern.
Just work thru the problems one at a time and then you'll really be able to enjoy the car
Cheers
DD
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BadKat174 (08-12-2013)
#5
08-12-2013, 09:40 AM
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BadKat174 (08-12-2013)
#6
08-12-2013, 06:17 PM
Thanks for the welcomes everyone!
One of the main reasons I bought this car was because of the vast community of Jag enthusiasts that support one another with information on these forums.
Makes me a little less apprehensive in having to sort out the issues the car may have when I can ask for advice on here.
Thanks for taking the time to read my write up!!
I'm definitely thinking of giving the V12 a shot if I can find a reliable and affordable mechanic who can maintain the cooling system for me and it's other components.
One of the main reasons I bought this car was because of the vast community of Jag enthusiasts that support one another with information on these forums.
Makes me a little less apprehensive in having to sort out the issues the car may have when I can ask for advice on here.
Thanks for taking the time to read my write up!!
I'm definitely thinking of giving the V12 a shot if I can find a reliable and affordable mechanic who can maintain the cooling system for me and it's other components.
#7
08-12-2013, 06:23 PM
BTW anyone know what would be the cost for parts and labor on a catalytic converter? Also, besides upgrading the cooling system with new parts....what can be done to modernize the exhaust system on this year jag?
I know that most new cars don't have two catalytic converters. Is this something that is totally necessary? Keep in mind that NYC has strict emission laws so I can't just rip them out.
Thanks!
I know that most new cars don't have two catalytic converters. Is this something that is totally necessary? Keep in mind that NYC has strict emission laws so I can't just rip them out.
Thanks!
Trending Topics
#9
08-14-2013, 02:28 AM
BTW anyone know what would be the cost for parts and labor on a catalytic converter? Also, besides upgrading the cooling system with new parts....what can be done to modernize the exhaust system on this year jag?
I know that most new cars don't have two catalytic converters. Is this something that is totally necessary? Keep in mind that NYC has strict emission laws so I can't just rip them out.
Thanks!
I know that most new cars don't have two catalytic converters. Is this something that is totally necessary? Keep in mind that NYC has strict emission laws so I can't just rip them out.
Thanks!
Graham
#10
08-14-2013, 04:05 AM
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Great Intro..really enjoyed the read,thanks for taking the time. Great looking ride and one step at a time. Seem small issues really. A faulty wire and worn out CatConverter. Fix the obvious and as the Jag Dealer made no mention of any other problems you could be on a winner. Be nice to keep us posted,you have my interest.
BTW Welcome to the Forum!
BTW Welcome to the Forum!
#11
08-29-2013, 08:39 AM
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Hey there and welcome aboard....... good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums
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Please also take the time to check out the regional section for your area!
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Please Jump on in and enjoy the site........
See you in the forums....
#12
08-30-2013, 12:26 PM
Veteran Member
Welcome aboard.
You will find a ton of helpful information for all things Jaguar around here.
We have model section "How To's", great and helpful tech minded members.
And a model specific FREE Tech File Download Library.
Which apart from the various forum menus can be found through the Download link in my signature.
You will find a ton of helpful information for all things Jaguar around here.
We have model section "How To's", great and helpful tech minded members.
And a model specific FREE Tech File Download Library.
Which apart from the various forum menus can be found through the Download link in my signature.
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