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Jaguars Series III
Mr Shipwright. I have read your responses to
questions asked concerning these car's plus the V12
version. Your replies were full of incorrect and
totally misleading information.ie stake down kits
are for holding the valve guides in place, v12
engines should be avoided, Jags are an endless
money pit. Parhaps it would be nice if you took the
time to educated yourself about these cars before
undertaking the task of advising people about them.
Judging by your replies so far, you have shown
beyond any doubt that you know absolutely nothing
about them.
questions asked concerning these car's plus the V12
version. Your replies were full of incorrect and
totally misleading information.ie stake down kits
are for holding the valve guides in place, v12
engines should be avoided, Jags are an endless
money pit. Parhaps it would be nice if you took the
time to educated yourself about these cars before
undertaking the task of advising people about them.
Judging by your replies so far, you have shown
beyond any doubt that you know absolutely nothing
about them.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
As far as the stakedown kit being for Valve guides, I know its called a "Tappet guide stakedown kit," but aren't tappet guides and valve guides pretty much the same? (Educate the uninlightened [mainly being me]).
That being said, I do intend to get one of these cars as soon as finances allow, although with an XK engine rather than the V-12. The idea of 12 cylinders is appealing, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that much Jaguar "quirkiness." Besides, I like 4 doors and the XJ12's are almost impossible to find in this country (USA). (Hey, I know I'm probably the only guy under 30 alive that prefers 4 doors, but there's no law says a sedan has to be boring ;-)
Yes, I do offer cautionary advice on the older Jaguars, and I feel as host this is a good service to "newbies" who may not know the ins and outs of older Jaguars as perhaps you do.
As for my opinions, I consult frequently with other expert sources, so all I can say is that if they are all wrong, feel free to tell them all you know:
Michael Cook, Illustrated Jaguar Buyer's Guide, especially comments on page 6 on cost of maintenance and repair, comments on page 7 on "ratings" of various models,comments page 140 on why not to buy 1988 and 89 models, reliability problems with the XJS, page 111, quality improvement measures taken by the factory in 1990, page 141, and finally, factory issuance of longer warranties to bolster public image, page 143.
Also of interest is the very detailed "Classic Car" article on Jaguar Sedans from November 1996, which discusses the V12's "daunting complexity".
Road and Track's November 1985 article on 69-79 Series I & II XJ6s, written by Peter Bohr, is very good and carefully explains pros and cons of these particular cars and interviews various experts in the US about weak points. Mentioned were cooling systems, brakes, steering box and climate control. The article concludes "No, it's not inexpensive to keep a Jaguar purring. But then, who said romance was cheap?"
Additional info comes from Michael Duffey, who writes for Sports Car Market Magazine, and analysis by Jacques Duval, in his annual "New Car Report" book. He comments: "Jaguars were certainly desirable from the outset, but they were nothing sort of insufferable after a few months of cohabitation" (speaking of 80s and early 90s models) As for the 1996 models he had been testing, he says "while it's still too early to give the new Jaguars a better reliability rating, it's fair to point out that the finishing shows very close attention to detail:.
Anyway, the list goes on and on, but I'm only mentioning these to you to assure you that I don't just pull information out of a hat.
Of course, I could be wrong about something and welcome correction. But there really is tons of documentation to support Jaguar's previously bad reputation on older cars. Please don't blame me, I didn't start it.
regards Bob.
But I agree, they are nice looking and pleasant to drive, you'll get no argument from me on those points. As for reliability, this often depends on the owner...I have taken cars with notoriously bad reputations on long trips with no problem, but I'm pretty handy with cars and don't need to rely on mechanics or the dealerships. But I wouldn't recommend the cars I drive to the average person, because I think they wouldn't work out for them.
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It's it worth paying 38gs?
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ANYWAY. Back to mbanville88 about that 91 Sovereign. I bought a 92 Sovereign last June and it has been nothing but delightful. I do maintain it regularly. She gets an oil change EVERY 3,000 miles for about $65. I have had the bearings re packed ($145). Belts, hoses, air filter (approx $110 plus labor of $128 (probably got ripped off there)). Electronic control module to fix the trip computer and cruise control for $800 (yikes - but that was optional really). New set of beautiful Pirellis for about $600. New Alpine CD changer for $400. Hand wash/wax for $70 a month. The finish is so smooth you can swim right into it.
I have bulb failures in the tail lights so frequently that I keep 5 or 6 handy to change out when they go (50 cents a piece). It drives me crazy to have anything on that car that does not work. Also, the hydraulic system has a leak somewhere that will have to be fixed (Aye carumba!). I keep an extra bottle of HSMO (hydraulic system mineral oil) in the car so I can top it off if necessary. My mechanic doesn't think its too much of a problem.
Find yourself a good mechanic, buy him a bottle of scotch and a box of cigars and he'll be there when you need him.
OK, its a money pit. But reliable and beautiful. Turns heads and makes my heart pound. If the car you are looking at has a well documented service history as mine did you're in for a real treat. And as for speed, if you pass a Jag on the freeway its because you were allowed to.
speedometor on the 1990 jaguar. is it 85 or 120 or 140. if you know
email me at mkitty@inreach.com or post it. ok!
Do the 1990 Jaguar have a rpm gauge? if so email me at mkitty@inreach.com
do the 1990 Jaguar have abs brakes? and is the Jaguar a automatic? if so email me at mkitty@inreach
Do the 1990 Jaguar have air bags? and what year did they put air bags in Jaguars.
-The Series III Sedan was introduced in the US during the 1979 model year in 6 cyl. and 12 cyl. form. Not many 1979 Series III XJ6's were sold in the US and only a handful of 1979 XJ12s made it across the Atlantic. Of course, no 12 cyl. Sedans were imported by Jaguar for the 1980-1993 model years. The last Series III model sold in the US was a 1987 model and in late 1987, the '88 "new" XJ6 (internally referred to as the XJ40) was offered for sale. Generally, the '88 and '89 model year cars experienced quite a few problems but by the 1990 model year quality was rapidly improving. As with all cars of these ages, a neglected example with drain your bank account quite hastily, but a well maintained car (especially one that has had many of the original design flaws fixed) can be a joy to own.
Also any comments as to its future value. Any one have production breakout for 1995 XJS? How many V12 coupes & Conv. as well as 6 cyl production?