Jaguar SIII XJ / XJS - a much maligned classic?

245

Comments

  • geno3geno3 Member Posts: 12
    By the way just a comment on the bars leak thing. DON'T USE IT !!! My car was serviced by a dealer since it was new and they used it religiously hence my problem with a plugged radiator.
    The tune was $650.00 for the thing. That again was with no labor involved other than my own.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    Absolutely - the main ingredient is crushed nut shells - who would have guessed it wasn't good for the radiator!!!!!
  • geno3geno3 Member Posts: 12
    Just a note as to the status of the XJS as a maligned classic. I do not think the XJS will reach the "Classic" status the XKE or older XK series has today. The style and QC are not up to the expectations of what I think people look for from Jaguar. As in my missent message on the other board. I feel they could have done a better job. They will be around for a long time.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Given their spotty reputation they probably won't achieve any kind of true classic status, but they will, as time goes on, be sorta-kinda collectible as curiosities, like say old Bentley Mark VIs from the 1950s...not ever valuable, but appreciated by some for style and comfort. As with all cars, the 4-doors run the most risk of being junked or parted out to save the coupes and convertibles. Just about any ragtop car will be preserved if possible, but not if restoration costs vastly exceed value. This is why, say, a Chrysler Lebaron convertible will never be saved except by a hardy few.

    I think the older XJs are much-maligned, but I can't say that it is undeserved. What one might say in fairness is that *in spite* of a deserved bad reputation, the cars have merits worth noting and appreciating beyond the more common cars of the period. This is why I think they'll end up with the old Bentleys and not with the Jaguar 3.8 sedans, which were much loved in their own time and much so now.
  • alex65alex65 Member Posts: 2
    We need advice. We've looked at 2000 Jaguar "XJ8L".
    And I fell in love with this car. My husband did not. He says that the car has a bad reliability reputation.

    Any comments?

    Thanks a lot.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    It doesn't have a bad reputation as far as I know....where did he get this information?

    Perhaps there are some other reasons he doesn't like it? I can see where the car might appeal to a woman more, yes, so maybe this is more of an issue? (I'm just trying to put my own attitudes in the situation, as if I were the guy...:)

    Besides, the car carries a generous warranty, so what's to worry about?
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    I think the spotty reputation comes from the British Leyland days, and just after. Plus, I beleive Ford makes the electronics, not Lucas anymore. Although one poster in the S-Type forum in sedans has been having a string of bad luck. While his case is probably the exception other than the rule, it wouldn't hurt to talk to him.
  • duderanchoduderancho Member Posts: 3
    thanks for the advices,comments and recommendations. I think I'm just going to fix my dad's '76 corvette.
  • beachjagbeachjag Member Posts: 2
    Hello to all...I just bought my very first jag today...My Father just bought his first last year.
    Mine is very used: 1990 xj6 sovereign 4 door sedan...What worries me is this: I went to research the car of which I was told at first it was a 1992.. however.. turned out to be a 1990...
    Anyway tonight on the internet I discovered some very scary consumer complaints on the website for the National Traffic and Safety Assoc. (government category)...:
    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/compmmy1.cfm

    What frightens me is the fact that so many of these cars are surging themselves out of gear and into walls, cars, and even 1 consumer said his xj6 went into a pool... If you check under xj6 and also sovereign... you will see the problems reported and also recalls on this website.
    I am so worried with all of these cars slipping from drive to reverse... from park to drive... etc.. that someone could really get hurt.. I have small children and now I am panicked!!!
    Any suggestions as to why these cars are slipping gears? I even discovered other years in the jag doing the same thing. Can I depend on a mechanic to tell me I may or may not have a problem.
    Help Please...
    Or I'm gonna sell. Too bad I didn't know this information before I purchased. What a beautiful ride... especially for the price I got it for.. I couldnt' buy an "UGLY CAR" for this price... these cars really lose their value.. but certainly don't lose their curb appeal, looks... and lustre.
    Thanks anyone...
    Hey out there Mr. Shiftright.. you seem pretty knowledgeable.... any suggestions?
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    British Leyland? I don't recall them ever owning Jaguar.

    beachjag - I am not familiar with the problem, but then I don't know much about the V6. I would suggest that you search the archives at www.jag-lovers.org you will find details there if anyone has reported it, and you will probably find information on resolving the problem.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    The answer is simple in my opinion...it's driver error. You cannot accelerate a modern car with the foot firmly on the brake, as these reports claim. Try it yourself and you'll see. Somehow, in this alleged "defect", there would have to be a simultaneous failure that would ram the gas pedal forward AND defeat the brake mechanism....two separate AND mechanical systems.

    It may very well be that on these cars the spacing between gas and brake is too small, or the pedals are too large, or the shift lever is tricky to operate--I don't know--but that's still the driver motoring into the swimming pool, not the car.

    Forget it...enjoy your car, find a good mechanic, do your maintenance religiously and most of all, drive with safety and concentration.

    I think this is the old Audi nonsense all over again. It occurs in periodic episodes, like witch-hunting.
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    British Leyland did own Jag I beleie in the late 70's or early 80's, and thats when quality began seriously going down hill. The last few years before Ford bought them out, they were an independent company, though. Cars were better in those days, but not by much.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    My history isn't what it might be, but I think at that time both BL and Jaguar were owned by the British Government.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Yes, all of the above...Jaguar was returned to the private sector in 1984 and bought by Ford in 1989.
  • beachjagbeachjag Member Posts: 2
    thank you for your enlightenment... I really thought that maybe these people who complained may have made the error themselves... but were required through attorneys suggestions to post this information on the internet highway...
    I absolutely love this car...
    Any suggestions as to where to go on the internet with the vin number to find out what repairs have been made to the car?
    Thanks again...
    Beachjag..(Pam)
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Yes, you can try

    www.carfax.com

    They charge for the service, but you may find it useful...they'll tell you about any massive collision work or if the car was ever salvaged or part of a Lemon Buy Back. But they can't know everything, and if the car had a serious fender bender, it may not show up on Carfax.

    You can also (usually) go to the dealership where the car was serviced and ask to see the records.
  • gbeck41608gbeck41608 Member Posts: 1
    I bought my first Jag, an '87 xj-sc recently, the car seems to be a fine automobile, but this example was not given the care it deserved. The engine is strong and it is fun to drive. Mine is a cabriolet model, I understand that it is one of around 600 that were exported to the US. I am hoping to keep it running and restore it to daily driver condition. Jaguars have a reputation for unreliability which is not deserved since owner neglect is a major contributor to expensive breakdowns. This is a car that asks for a little extra attention and gives back more than most cars can ever hope to.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Oh, I would say it is deserved, or the failure rate would not have been so high. The record speaks for itself. Of course, you may be right that it is often the owner's fault, (e.g., when it overheats, STOP THE CAR!) but then why didn't Mercedes and Porsches fail at an equal rate? Smarter owners? No, there was some careless engineering and construction in the Jags of the 80s, and it came out in the wash with overheating, engine fires, electrical failures, etc.

    This is not to say that these cars are the worst by any means..one could point to equally troublesome Audis and Saabs of that era. I could run off a pretty good list of ills for those two! In that sense, Jaguars get more abuse than they deserve, they weren't any worse than some other European products. But no sense trying to rewrite history...some of those Jaguars were pretty awful, good looks aside. (Do we forgive beautiful cars as easily as we do beautiful people? I think so myself).

    But as usual, knowledge is power, and current owners have more resources and info than the first owners did! So you are fortunate in that respect, and you have a much better chance for success than did the original owner of your car. I can understand the deferred maintenance. The service and parts were outrageously priced and often badly administered when the car was new. $600 for an ignition module? ACK!

    There were 5,380 XJ-S imported to the US in 1987, but I don't have the coupe/cab breakdown.
  • wantajagwantajag Member Posts: 3
    I'm in the Jag market for a sedan, prefrebaly a Vanden Plas, 1987-1992. I work on my cars myself, but know no real facts about Jaguar upkeep, parts costs, the "real" problems with them, how many miles the internal components of a well-maintained engine lasts (i.e. at what point does it need a rebuild?), etc. Are there web sites ot user groups where I can post these questions and do research?
    Thanks for your help!...
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well, I don't think there is any ONE place, and I'm not sure every place you find will have the correct information, but there's lots of material out there. I would think the various Jaguar clubs are best, because they really get into the nitty-gritty and they are infinitely patient as well.

    Various models and years will have their own sets of problems, but the newer you buy the better off you are with these cars.

    You should expect upkeep to be expensive, that's why the cars are so cheap! Everyone's reluctant to pay the costs or fear the repairs. As a rule of thumb, though, if you start off with a good car, $100/150 a month should take care of most maintenance items and the inevitable repair. Much depends on how much you drive and how hard. I myself demand a lot of a car and can't tolerate any defects so I might incur considerably more costs than the person driving conservatively 100 miles a week and who doesn't mind this little rattle and that non-working window and this little smell or that little leak.

    Working on the car yourself as much as possible is a great idea, if you have that skill, because if you just drop it off at the jaguar repair shop and say "fix it", you could get discouraged...so again, knowledge is power. Certainly, armed with a set of factory manuals, you should be able to do basic maintenance and save substantial money.

    Club members are very helpful, albeit very biased in opinion...so get a variety of opinions before leaping into something expensive.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    Have a look at www.jag-lovers.org and in particular subscribe to one of the relevant e-mail discussion groups. All previous posts are archived at the site to provide a lot of history and a lot of very knowledgeable owners are members.

    There is an affiliated commercial site www.jagweb.com

    These locations were a god send for information on my XJ-S
  • wantajagwantajag Member Posts: 3
    to both of you. To me, $100 a month and some elbow grease is not a problem, and this car is more intended for very casual, light driving than for extensive trips -it's the household's "second car". My live-in girlfriend is taking delivery of an Audi TT Roadster (Quattro drive, 229 hp) in July.

    Before I dive into this project, however, I do want to do my homework - this is just the beginning.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Sounds like you have exactly the right attitude for this car.
  • dynamics20dynamics20 Member Posts: 1
    hi
    i owned a bmw 740i right now and wondering to trade with a 96 jaguar xjr, but i heard that jaguars below 98 has an electrical problem and expensive maintanance, can anybody help me out here?? and give me some advice?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well, ANY luxury car will have expensive maintenance, you can't get away from that no matter if you buy BMW, Mercedes or whatever, especially once you are out of warranty. So this expense hasn't much to do with the car. Every car is repaired with the same labor rate...and luxury cars, being more complex than Hondas, will cost more to maintain and the parts will be more expensive.

    If you can support a BMW 740i out of warranty, you can support a Jaguar out of warranty. If the 740 would be a burden, so with the Jag IMO. AS for "problems", just about any complex car 4 or more years old is going to develop glitches...it would be, in my opinion, unrealistic to think otherwise. What you don't want is catastrophic failure, and there's no reason a very well kept rigorously maintained Jaguar of that age should do something that disastrous.
  • blink3blink3 Member Posts: 74
    All right folks. Here is the deal. A 1991 VP with 104K. It is a trade in at a local car lot in my town. No history on the car at all. It does run fine, looks ok. I can get this car for between $3500-$4000 (a friend of a friend deal). Everything seems to work on the car. Any thing I should check or be aware of??? I am kind of looking for a car I can do the general maintenance on and be dependable as a daily driver. I have restored an old '74 MGB so I am a little familiar with the British stuff. I see you guys saying $100-$150 per month on maintenance costs. Where does that come from????
    That is ridiculous to me. I also have a '75 corvette that I restored. I drive the piss out of it. All I have to do is change the oil and put gas in it. No problems. I want a "touring car". One I can drive from coast to coast. I thought that was the intention of the builders of the XJ6 Vanden Plas. From reading all the posts here, it sounds as if the Jag is all show and no go. Can you guys clue me in please??????
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    The Jag certainly isn't all show and no go, what it is is lots of show, lots of go, lots of maintenance, lots of money.

    If the VP is a 6cyl then that will help as many of the problems are directly related to the 12 cyl engine. But make no mistake, a Jag isn't a MGB. It is hugely complex electrically, and is full of Lucas electrics - fo Lucas read lousy. Even in 91, Ford's impact wasn't being felt that much in Jaguar production lines.

    Specifically what to look for:

    Internal electricals - esp. cruise control
    Engine electricals - ignition, distributor
    Cooling system - blocked radiators, cracked fans, failed aux. fans
    Oil leaks

    Those are the obvious ones that speing to mind.

    The cost is so high because the parts are so expensive - a new cruise control actuator is around $500, I just bought a new set of cooling hoses - $460 Canadian plus labour (there are 22 of them).
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    $100/150 a month on average isn't ridiculous--if anything, it is fair and a tad optimistic. AS Andy Jordan points out, this is a complex and expensive car...it isn't an MGB or a 70s Vette, both of which are sturdy and primitive in comparison.

    If you want complex AND reliable (reasonably), then buy a Benz....but more often than not, complex and reliable don't walk hand in hand, unless the engineering, metallurgy and quality control are superb.

    Mercedes taught the world how to mass-produce a complex luxury car in huge numbers...Lexus got the message...Jaguar is catching up finally, as is Cadillac, Lincoln, etc. I don't think by 1991 all the lessons had been learned, but certainly some had.

    If you bought that 1991 and after three years you came out with $100/150 a month in total maintenance and repairs, if I were you I'd be grateful :)
  • bisg1bisg1 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone have comments / info on the reliability of the 1994 XJS convertible (V6)?
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    By 94 a lot of the problems were ironed out, a 95 or 96 would probably be a better bet, but I don't think that it is a bad buy - given all of the comments that Mr. S has already made. You will pay a hefty premium for the soft top, but such is life.

    I still have a hard time with a V6 in the XJ-S though - the 6.0 V12 was available in 94 too.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    The newer the Jag you buy the better off you are is what all the experts, drivers and statistics analysts seem to say most of the time. Of course, it makes sense that the newer cars will get better ratings since they haven't put on all that many miles yet...it is the rare XJ that you see advertised with the high miles of say a Benz...so when the 1996 on up models start pushing 150K, I'll be more convinced that the Dark Days are over. Hope so. Now we have to convince them to build sports cars again!
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    Don't wprry Shifty, the F-Type is on the way (at least according to internet rumor mills).
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Yep! I'm waiting! Jaguar has been in the yacht building business too long. Time to put a respectable sportscar on the road again and recapture the company's heritage. Yippee!
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    Hey, its those yatchs that got me to loving Jaguar. I'm happiest in a sedan big enough to strike fear in the hearts of SUV drivers :)!
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    You might win the collision but you'll lose the body shop bill! I mean, what does it take to fix a truck?
  • xjs86xjs86 Member Posts: 1
    I own a 1986 XJS that I bought new (14-year romance). A recent noise in the engine was diagnosed as a cracked valve seat. My mechanic suggested that a couple of seats on the other side of the engine may be coming loose, too. His recommended solution is to replace the whole engine with a 1988 V12 from Triple A Foreign Automotive. He estimates the installed cost at $9000. This includes a lifetime warranty on the engine from Triple A.

    Has anyone here heard of Triple A (supposedly a division of Ford)?

    Does this cost sound reasonable?

    Should I spend the extra money and upgrade to a new used car in the next decade (90's)?

    Otherwise, the car is in pretty good shape. It will probably need upholstery work in the next couple of years. The tran was rebuilt 7-8 years ago. Who knows what else might go on a car this age.

    This is a daily drive car.

    Thanks for the feedback.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    Question why the valve seats cracked / dropped. My money is on overheating (coz that's what always happens). If the car is running hot then you need to address the cooling system before you do anything else. This is especially true if you have used Jaguar to service your car - you wouldn't believe what they put in the system.

    The money sounds quite steep for what you are getting - a V-12 that few people have heard of. The valve seats can be repaired for less, but who knows what else might be wrong in the engine.

    You could 'lump' the car by putting a chevy V-8 in it (geez did I really say that).

    Or you could sell the car to a restorer and cut your losses.

    Oh, and bear this in mind - you could buy a low mileage 86 XJ-S for that $9000!!!!!
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I wouldn't fix the car, you could buy a beautiful XJS for that kind of money, and the XJs are never going to be collector cars, so I'd say bail out while you can and replace the car with a better year XJS if that's what your heart is set on. I think your mechanic's advice not all that well thought-out, except maybe for him :). This is a textbook 12 cylinder Jaguar problem you're having, so join the club...or should I say re-join the club with something else, preferably newer and with fewer miles that the one you have now.
  • simon_hs7simon_hs7 Member Posts: 2
    Hi,
    I recently found a '92 xj6 with 90,000 miles for $8,500.00. It looks to be in impeccable order, but I haven't even test-driven it yet. I need a car, and I would LOVE to own this one. I could afford it, but I'm aware of jaguar's notorious problems and high maintenance fees. I'm a college student, and I'm not rich. I guess what I'm wondering is whether it would be at all feasible for me to pursue it, or whether I should just look for something American. Any comment/suggestions? - Thanks
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    If you read back on this list then you know what both Mr. S and I are going to say.

    The $8,500 seems reasonable to me - though Mr. S is more in touch with US prices - but that is really likely to be the down payment on a car like this. The V6 engines are probably the most reliable of that era - but 92 is still in the 'problem' time frame.

    At the very least get it checked out by someone who knows Jaguars before you part with any cash - at least that way you will know what you are getting into. But if money is tight this might not be the best bet - even without problems you have gas / insurance / regular maintenance.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Simon, given your situation, I would run from this car screaming if I were you. You can't afford to keep a car like this up, and it's only going to depreciate further anyway. I know it's tempting and would be fun, but I think that nothing is fun when the person cannot really afford whatever that thing is. Go take a trip around the world, and buy that 1992 in a few more years when it's half the price.
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    Simon, I know how you fell. I'm in college as well, and I'm just sitting here as I see all kinds of Series III XJ6's for sale cheap. However, I have more sense than to beleive I could make one of these a daily driver. I'll wait till I'm out of college, and get one as a toy. As far as taking a trip around the world, I'd rather go to Wal-mart. It's closer.
  • bbng01bbng01 Member Posts: 6
    Does anyone know when is the best time of the year to buy a Jaguar? Has Jaguar given any rebates or incentives in the previous years, if so how much and when. My lease expires in a couple months and was looking at a 2000 XJ8 to buy. Any information would be great appreciated. Thanks
  • simon_hs7simon_hs7 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for your input. My parents are saying pretty much the same things. Now I'm considering a Jeep Cherokee or a Blazer, but I guess that should be a separate post. Thanks a lot.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    This conference is for older cars only, so I'd like to suggest you post in another Town Hall conference...either:

    >
    or
    >
    or
    (Finance, Warranty and Incentives)

    Host
  • jplee1jplee1 Member Posts: 1
    Hello,
    I'm considering a 1990 XJS convertible in near mint condition. Every little record has been kept. It has been used as a weekend pleasure car, garage kept, flawless paint and only 28,000 miles. I realize he's proud of it at $15,500 and it sure is a beauty...but that seems about $2,000 too much. Am I wrong? I have a 1974 1/2 MGB in perfect condition that gives me NO headaches. What headaches might I be getting into by adding this Jag to my collection? Thank you. I have appreciated all of your knowledge and am enjoying this forum. Great job!
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    The price is fair enough, but of course bargaining is always in order.

    With the V-12 Jaguar, your biggest obstacle is the mind-boggling complexity of the engine and its management systems. This will be in no way a do-it-yourself car like your MGB. So, if something goes wrong under the bonnet, you may be assured of having to go to an expert and of paying out substantial sums of money. That's IF something goes wrong.

    Given the complexity of the engine and the other electrical components (basically the car itself is sturdy, it's what they attach to it that can hurt you), any V-12 jaguar owner is wise to keep a few thousand dollars tucked aside for unexpected repairs...put that money in a CD, and should good fortune shine on you, you'll have peace of mind and maybe make a few dollars interest.

    So my advice would be--if you can accept that fact that you cannot work on this car yourself, and you can accept the fact that you may kiss a few thousand dollars goodbye in the next year or two, then buy the car and enjoy all its attributes. But if you are not comfortable with that reality, then maybe this isn't the car for you.

    A thorough checkup at an expert shop, plus you yourself trying EVERY electrical component over and over again prior to purchase, may help you to have a successful relationship with the car.

    Once you own the car, keep in mind you're not driving a sportscar. Also, you'll use gas at a good clip...also, never, ever, ever, let that engine overheat...become intimate with the heat guage and with how to properly fill and drain the antifreeze regularly. This in itself is great insurance.

    What you are getting for all this is a great ride, luxury appointments, prestige and pretty good performance for a big car. At $15K, that's pretty cheap for all that.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    A few practical experiences.

    If the car has been dealer serviced prior to 95 then the radiator will probably need attention - and I can't emphasize enough what Mr. S said about overheating, the main problem caused by heat in this, or any other, bi-metallic engine is a dropped valve seat - expensive.

    Look for cracks in the fan - especially if the original yellow one, or a slipping fan clutch.

    Pay particular attention to the condition of anything that is housed in the V of the engine - no matter how well the car runs the temperatures here are horrendous, with associated problems.

    Do some research as to cost of repairs - some parts are still cheap (relatively) and easy to obtain, some aren't and your price should reflect that. For instance a new rad is only $300, a new cruise control servo is $550.

    One final point on overheating - a fluid change, or even a flush, may not work as there is no drain plug on the XJ-S (go figure), so there is always a little bit at the bottom of the rad that can't be gotten at.

    Another final point - go to www.jag-lovers.org and download a copy of Kirby Palm's book on the XJ-S - it is free and is an invaluable reference, as is Kirby himself who is a regular contributor on the mailing list which can also be accessed from the site.
  • dmax1dmax1 Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 1996 Jag xj6. I inadvertantly let the gas go down to about 10 miles left before running out. Stupid! I know! When I put gas in it and started to drive the vehicle acted as though it ran out of gas. I pulled over the vechicle stalled. I sat for about 30 seconds and started the vehcle without a problem except now the check engine light is on. The vehicle appears to be running fine. My question is this. Is this something that sounds familiar to any of you? Can I reset the check engine light myself or do I need a jag mechanic to do it? If so how do I do it? Does it sound like a major problem?

    Thanks for your responses,

    Darren
  • geno3geno3 Member Posts: 12
    In reference to the price and condition of the 1990 XJS. Sounds like the previous advice as to negotiation is required. I recently bought a 1989 XJS for a fair price and have about $1,000 in aditional repairs that were or are required that did not show up on the test of the vehicle. I admit that I was caught by suprise about the cost of a new radiator ( the old Barrs Leak syndrome)and had it replaced. If you cannot do the repairs yourself, it is expensive to have it done at the shop. Overheating is the only thing I have had problems with and I am still fighting it to keep it running. The temp gauge is accurate and the car runs fine but the gauge still creeps into the hot area after about 30 minutes of driving. The radiator is new and all the hoses and thermostats have been replaced. I did find out that there are many different manufactured thernmosstats listed but have not found any after market ones that work the way you would expect them to. Check out the interior head liner for age related dry rot. I was told that the headliner could not be replaced seperately and it costs a bundle to replace the top. As stated by others, the engine compartment is subjected to an extreme amout of heat. Check the wiring and all the hoses in the engine compartment to see if they are brittle or cracked. These can be replaced by you if you follow them one by one and are willing to take the time to do it. I love the car, but there are some things to keep an eye on continuously. The temp gauge, the transmission fluid and all the rubber parts in and around the engine compartment. Again the advise of checking Kirby Palms book cannot be over emphasized. It has saved me a lot of money and time. I am glad I took his advise on several items. The 1989-1993 XJS have a tendency to shake. Less body reenforcement. Parts are expensive when you need them and since it is ten years old it sometimes takes time to get the parts. I do enjoy the car when it is running. The body is solid and the ride is very comfortable. Get it checked out completely before purchase.
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