Jaguar 1981 XJ Saloon
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Get a fully specced-up Soveriegn for under £3k.

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Parts are really expensive, saved on labour by using a specialist rather then a dealership.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Big, big and Heavy down the B-roads, but cruises nicely on the motorway.

    Performance

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Quite slow - not up to usual Jag standards. I'd have a 4 litre next time.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Mechanicals not too bad, electrics a bit of a nightmare though.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Inherited it quite young so felt a bit like Arthur Daily, but it did command respect.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Silky ride, big comfy seats, if a little cramped in the back.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    No alarm or immobiliser as standard, although it was built in 1989.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Interior was always quite damp, which led to a lot of corrosion around the car, also the warning screen kept playing up.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes