Hi
I have longed for a V12 XJS for years and test drove a beauty today. To say I was disappointed is an understatement. Is it me? On roundabouts I noticed the steering was "notchy" and almost felt as if it was tramlining. Frankly it felt unsafe. Is this normal and to be expected? I didn't expect it to drive like my Lotus but I did expect confidence inspiring low speed steering.
Also at 50mph when I expected it to kick down or at least surge powerfully forward when I pressed the accelerator hard it did pick up speed but not with any urgency. Again, is this to be expected?
The aircon didn't work, 1990 model should have aircon right?
The inside was cream and a bit ropey but I think I could fix that, no splits or tears just the usual cracking.
I don't want to dismiss the dream of owning an XJS on the basis of one drive but.....
Any thoughts from someone who has one or knows them well please?

 

Yes.

It's a 30 year old Jag that needs repairs Finding a poorly kept XJS is as easy as falling off a horse. To be honest, you can expect that even the better candidates will need some work. Ideally you'll stumble across one that has been owned by a enthusiast who will proudly describe all the repairs he has made to bring everything up-to-snuff. These cars are usually priced at the higher end of the scale but can often a bargain, as the effort and money he has expended will be purchased by you at a big discount.

Keep looking and driving. These are fabulous cars, but it takes some owner commitment to make 'em right and keep 'em right. Great hobby cars, tons of owner support, parts prices usually reasonable, and most repairs within the realm of a decent DIY owner

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks Doug. When you say "yes". Do you mean they all drive as I described?

 

The description you give is CLASSIC of a sadly neglected car, and there are more of those than decent or good ones.

The V12, when on song is QUICK, and I mean QUICK, stable, silent, predictable.

YES, they have Climate Air.

That is mine, and many others, BUT, getting it to that point took time. Mine was AWOL for 3 months, and refreshed, then off on a 25000kms round Australia drive for 14 months, never missed a beat, and we found the top end of the speedo many, many times.

Have a read of the attachment. It is still a WORK IN PROGRESS, and will be posted as a sticky when I finish it, soon I hope.

 

"Yes" was the answer to your question "Any thoughts from someone....."

No, they all don't drive like that.


Cheers
DD

 

Only the shitboxes, and money pits.

 

I think a short answer is that all XJS's need upgraded steering rack bushings, upper front shock bushings, trans mount bushing and to have the distributer serviced to drive as it should. There is a known list of repairs that you'll need to do, but when that is complete it'll drive like you're expecting. After that there will be some hit or miss issues you'll need to address as you use it.

 

Your description sounds like a neglected car. They are sublime, with grace and civility under pressure.

My XJS has jet fighter handling thanks to full poly bushing refit and will give any modern car a run for it's money. They hold their own even 30 yrs later.