Classic Car Question -- N/A

Lawreston

Lawreston

En-Route
Joined
Feb 23, 2005
Messages
4,573
Location
Georgetown, ME
Display Name
Display name:
Harley Reich
Who knows about cars in the Jaguar category? I'm aware of a 1991 Jaguar XJS convertible with 61,000 original miles. Gorgeous; sounds smooth(I haven't driven it ------ yet); $14,500. There's something tugging at me to add another wing mate to my Austin-Healey. ???????????????????

HR
 

Attachments

  • Cessna & Healey Aug. 2000.JPG
    Cessna & Healey Aug. 2000.JPG
    140.7 KB · Views: 19
Lawreston said:
Who knows about cars in the Jaguar category? I'm aware of a 1991 Jaguar XJS convertible with 61,000 original miles. Gorgeous; sounds smooth(I haven't driven it ------ yet); $14,500. There's something tugging at me to add another wing mate to my Austin-Healey. ???????????????????

HR
Click to expand...
I own a 1986 XJS V12 Coupe. Be afraid...

If it is the V12 - insist on a full service history - be especially alert for any signs of overheating - the construction of the head means overheating is particularly destructive to these engines. Good maintenance of the engine and transmission results in very very long life (200000+ is not unusual). Look for signs of oil leaks, especially around the rear of the valve covers (half-moon seals). I would also ask if a recent compression check has been performed. If it has, look for all cylinders to be around 180-220psi - if not, take a folded dollar bill and hold it over the exhaust to check all cylinders are pushing (the rumour is Jaguar Dealers use a $1000 dollar bill for this test...). Any loss of compression is probably a bad valve seat, and is an expensive fix. Likewise, check for coolant color/condition, and oil color/condition (especially looking for any coolant contamination).

Look for rust around the rear of the driver's side front wheel arch - this would indicate coolant blowover - if you see any, walk away. Drive the car. Transmission in a '91 I belive is still the 3 speed TH400. Should shift crisp and smooth, without lag or delay. Acceleration will not be blistering due to the car's weight. At about 30mph in second or third, kick the acellerator to the floor and push harder. The transmission kick down should punch to 1st or second - check thiis operating properly - if it doesn't, the throttle cable probably is badly adjusted, or the microswitch on the capstan is inop. Any rattles, knocking or pulling from the suspension is not normal - and will need fixing. Check the operation of the brakes. Any vibration or pulling, especially from the rear, can be expensive. At a steady speed, step on the gas briefly, and then release. Listen for any knocking coming from just right of your right butt cheek. Trasnmission mount bushings are notorious for not being put back in right.

Look for any rust around the front of the rear wheel arches (and the radius arm attachment points just inboard and forward of there), tailgate lid/striker plate, base of the rear windows, base of the A pillars on the front windows. If you can, take it through a car wash and make sure there are no windscreen leaks (not difficult to fix, but a pain in the rear end to find!).

Check the operation of the Windshield wipers, all electric windows (especially the rear windows that should go down with the top), and air conditioning. Ensure the AC is working properly (should blow ice cold - if they say 'it just needs some gas' - why didn't they fill it already ? A new evaporator is about $1000, plus 6-8 hours labour to get in).

Paintwork should be in good condition - especially check the hood and it's heat shield - any crazing or chipping is a sign of overheating. Interior holds no real suprises, look for sagging headliners which are pretty common issues. Any smell of gasoline in the car is reason to walk away. It would indicate either a fuel line is leaking, the main tank is leaking, the recall rochester valve work hasn't been done, or the return lines are blocked. None of these are easy fixes. Check for pressure at the gas tank filler - there should be some, but not enough that you hear any 'tin-canning' from the fuel tank.

$14k is high. Unless it is a truly outstanding, show-standard example, $8-10 is more usual. These cars have NOT reached collector status yet - even the late 70s examples are not making much more than $15 in concourse quality.

Other than that, I drive my V12 to work every day :), do most of the light maintenance myself, and enjoy every minute of it.

Any other questions, feel free to PM me, or call me at (two four eight) eight nine five - four seven four eight.

xjs3.jpg
 
SJP said:
...blah blah blah <snip>
Click to expand...

One more thing - when you are driving it - check the Trip odometer works, the computer functions all work, and that the Temperature needle gets up to, but NEVER EVER above, the middle of the N on the gauge. Ignore any remarks like 'it has always run there' or 'thats normal for these'. Its not. The Needle should sit on, or just below the N if the standard thermostats are in place. If they have been removed (which happens), the needle takes a long time to get up to temperature - more than 4-5 minutes, and something is fishy....walk away. ;)
 
Holy, sh*, Steve, could you hold off until we got someone who knew something about the topic and would take the time to write it up? :rolleyes:

Mark "built*" a Jag on "A Car is Reborn"
http://www.i2itelevision.com/car-reborn.php


* = He gets a lot of professional help and enough of a briefing to look like he knows how to do it when they start the cameras.
 
Last edited:
mikea said:
Holy, sh*, Steve could you hold off until we got someone who knew something about the topic and would take the time to write it up? :rolleyes:

Mark "built*" a Jag on "A Car is Reborn"
http://www.i2itelevision.com/car-reborn.php


* = He gets a lot of professional help and enough of a briefing to look like he knows how to do it when they start the cameras.
Click to expand...

Now, that's funny; and thanks, Steve, for the response.

HR
 
mikea said:
Holy, sh*, Steve, could you hold off until we got someone who knew something about the topic and would take the time to write it up? :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

It's amazing how much you learn when you buy one that has at least half of all the things wrong that I just pointed out it shouldn't ;)
 
SJP said:
It's amazing how much you learn when you buy one that has at least half of all the things wrong that I just pointed out it shouldn't ;)
Click to expand...
Not unlike buying a used aircraft :D
 
Jerry, don't do it. That was the last year of the electrics by Lucas, Prince of Darkness, I believe. Then there was a good period. Then they were bought by FORD, enough said.
 
My uncle had one, All I can say is "RUN" and fast. If your looking for a Jag, don't buy anything older than a 1995, thats when Ford took over and made a bunch of changes.
 
bbchien said:
Jerry, don't do it. That was the last year of the electrics by Lucas, Prince of Darkness, I believe. Then there was a good period. Then they were bought by FORD, enough said.
Click to expand...

Actually, the elctrics are usually the least of the problems on the XJ-s. Most of it is simple, and straight forward. There are some stupid things (like the throttle pots) but most are straight forward repairs.

I haven't touched anything electrical on mine in the 2+ years I've owned it. ;)

Oh, and the 91 has the Marelli ignition, not Lucas :)
 
Dean said:
My uncle had one, All I can say is "RUN" and fast. If your looking for a Jag, don't buy anything older than a 1995, thats when Ford took over and made a bunch of changes.
Click to expand...

Ford took over in '92. Last production year was '96 on the XJ-s. They actually changed very little, a new transmission was introduced to replace the 20+ year old GM transmission (TH400). The ignition system was already Marelli, with Bosch computer behind it. Most of the rest of the changes were cosmetic, and quality control related...the actual design, running gear and driveline remains essentially unchanged since the original model from the late '70s.

As for reliability, my '86 has done more miles, and had less time in the shop than my wife's 2002 Liberty...but hey...glad I bought a modern domestic model in case the unreliable british classic went wrong ;) 95% of the repairs can be done with normal tools, no computers to get involved with (although the 91 may use one, but it's OBD-II standard just like your American car), and most of the spare parts are available over the counter at your local Auto store.

Like any classic car, of any make, you are buying a 10+ year old vehicle. A well maintained example is no more problematic than any other 10 year old vehicle. Lack of maintenance, and specifically the items I suggested, means you WILL have problems.

No, you can't just jump in it every day and expect it to run perfectly with no attention...but then I'm guessing he can't do that with his Austin Healey either ;)
 
bbchien said:
Jerry, don't do it. That was the last year of the electrics by Lucas, Prince of Darkness
Click to expand...

[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=+1]A collection of [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=+2]Prince of Darkness[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=+1] jokes.
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1](courtesy of Paul Mossberg, New Jersey Replicar Club, February 2001)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]
red1pixelbar.gif
[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]The Lucas motto: "Get home before dark."[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Lucas denies having invented darkness. But they still claim "sudden, unexpected darkness."[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Lucas--inventor of the first intermittent wiper.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Lucas--inventor of the self-dimming headlamp.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]The three-position Lucas switch--DIM, FLICKER and OFF. The other three switch settings--SMOKE, SMOLDER and IGNITE.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]The original anti-theft devices--Lucas Electric products.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]"I've had a Lucas pacemaker for years and have never experienced any prob...[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]If Lucas made guns, wars would not start either.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Did you hear about the Lucas powered torpedo? It sank.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]It's not true that Lucas, in 1947, tried to get Parliament to repeal Ohm's Law. They withdrew their efforts when they met too much resistance.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Did you hear the one about the guy that peeked into a Land Rover and asked the owner "How can you tell one switch from another at night, since they all look the same?" "He replied, it doesn't matter which one you use, nothing happens!"[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Back in the '70s Lucas decided to diversify its product line and began manufacturing vacuum cleaners. It was the only product they offered which didn't suck.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Quality Assurance phoned and advised the Engineering guy that they had trouble with his design shorting out. So he made the wires longer.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Why do the English drink warm beer? Lucas makes the refrigerators.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Alexander Graham Bell invented the Telephone.
Thomas Edison invented the Light Bulb.
Joseph Lucas invented the Short Circuit.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Recommended procedure before taking on a repair of Lucas equipment: check the position of the stars, kill a chicken and walk three times sunwise around your car chanting: "Oh mighty Prince of Darkness protect your unworthy servant."[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Lucas systems actually uses AC current; it just has a random frequency.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1][/SIZE][/FONT]
 
bbchien said:
Jerry, don't do it. That was the last year of the electrics by Lucas, Prince of Darkness, I believe. Then there was a good period. Then they were bought by FORD, enough said.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Bruce: and to others who responded. The vehicle near the Jaguar is a red Corvette -- don't remember the year -- 50,000 miles; $15,000.00. I'll slide on the XJS, and consider other potential alternatives.

HR
 
Bill Jennings said:
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=+1]A collection of [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=+2]Prince of Darkness[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=+1] jokes.
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1](courtesy of Paul Mossberg, New Jersey Replicar Club, February 2001)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]
red1pixelbar.gif
[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]The Lucas motto: "Get home before dark."[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Lucas denies having invented darkness. But they still claim "sudden, unexpected darkness."[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Lucas--inventor of the first intermittent wiper.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Lucas--inventor of the self-dimming headlamp.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]The three-position Lucas switch--DIM, FLICKER and OFF. The other three switch settings--SMOKE, SMOLDER and IGNITE.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]The original anti-theft devices--Lucas Electric products.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]"I've had a Lucas pacemaker for years and have never experienced any prob...[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]If Lucas made guns, wars would not start either.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Did you hear about the Lucas powered torpedo? It sank.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]It's not true that Lucas, in 1947, tried to get Parliament to repeal Ohm's Law. They withdrew their efforts when they met too much resistance.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Did you hear the one about the guy that peeked into a Land Rover and asked the owner "How can you tell one switch from another at night, since they all look the same?" "He replied, it doesn't matter which one you use, nothing happens!"[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Back in the '70s Lucas decided to diversify its product line and began manufacturing vacuum cleaners. It was the only product they offered which didn't suck.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Quality Assurance phoned and advised the Engineering guy that they had trouble with his design shorting out. So he made the wires longer.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Why do the English drink warm beer? Lucas makes the refrigerators.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Alexander Graham Bell invented the Telephone.
Thomas Edison invented the Light Bulb.
Joseph Lucas invented the Short Circuit.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Recommended procedure before taking on a repair of Lucas equipment: check the position of the stars, kill a chicken and walk three times sunwise around your car chanting: "Oh mighty Prince of Darkness protect your unworthy servant."[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Lucas systems actually uses AC current; it just has a random frequency.[/SIZE][/FONT]
Click to expand...

I'm sending you the bill to fix my laptop from all the Coke that was just spewed into it! ROFLMAO
 
larrysb said:
Noooooooooooo!

My buddy from high school became a Jaguar mec, errr, Specialist Technician.

Geez, he made more money than Dr. Bruce!

I used to have coffee at the dealership with him on Monday mornings. They'd push the showroom cars out and wipe up all the stuff they leaked on the floor over the weekend.

Then there was the secret crankshaft campaign...

And his favorite saying about electrical and engine control gremlins..."Find the part with wires on it. If it doesn't say Hitachi, replace it with one that says Hitachi."

This was all late 80's to early 90's.

Other than the E-type, I have to admit, the appeal of a jag is lost on me.
Click to expand...

Like most dealerships, Jag will screw you at every opportunity.

Transmission Modulator Valve. Genuine Jag Part, $281. Identical part, from Autozone (for a 70's Chevy Cargo Van), $9.81. Oxygen Sensors for the '86 V12, 2 x $196 at the dealership - Bosch 11057 at Autozone, 27.95 a piece. Don't even get me started about labour costs ;)

Most of the time, mine never goes near a dealer - any work I need done that I can't do myself, I use a local independent specialist that has been working on these (and Es, Ds and XKs) for some 35 years.

The appeal ? Enjoying the warm embrace of fine leather, in perfect temperature control, while shifting into third at 105mph and watching that Jap Jockey cry on his iPod in the rear view mirror.....not that I'd ever drive that fast ;)
 
kevin47881 said:
I'm sending you the bill to fix my laptop from all the Coke that was just spewed into it! ROFLMAO
Click to expand...

A good motorcycle buddy of mine has a T-shirt with a big light switch on it: "Lucas light switch, on, off, maybe!"
 
SJP said:
The appeal ? Enjoying the warm embrace of fine leather, in perfect temperature control, while shifting into third at 105mph and watching that Jap Jockey cry on his iPod in the rear view mirror.....not that I'd ever drive that fast ;)
Click to expand...

I long ago stopped trying to have fast cars and went to bikes. Even slow bikes drop fast cars. I may not have perfect temperature control, but I do enjoy the embrace of fine leather.
 
Bill Jennings said:
I long ago stopped trying to have fast cars and went to bikes. Even slow bikes drop fast cars. I may not have perfect temperature control, but I do enjoy the embrace of fine leather.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, 6 months of the year in Michigan, the roads are unsuitable for bikes...the other 6 months they are covered in Ice and Snow ;)

When you have 16 cars at the side of the freeway replacing tires because of the monster pothole they hit - you know that that was one you were glad you DIDN'T hit on your motorcycle...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top