Jaguar 1981 XJ Saloon
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Lot of car for little money, why buy a second-hand Mondeo when you can have this car?

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Average 21mpg overall with a fair bit of motorway driving, other costs reasonable.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Super smooth on most roads, extremely easy to drive, expect to do a lot of manoevering in tight spaces.

    Performance

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Hit 'Sport' on the gearbox to have some fun. Very quick if you know how to approach corners on twisty roads, bit 'wallowy' at low speeds on 'long' corners.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Must have a good battery for starting, just moving the car on drive and then switching off can cause a lot of hassle starting next time, don't know exact reason.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Even my G reg has changed my image upwards! 'Oldies' love sitting in the back. Had to get used to not being let out at junctions, bus and truck drivers very sympathetic.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Excellent. You really notice the difference when you drive anything less.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Mine had a non-Jaguar alarm/immobiliser fitted, not Thatcham approved, caused some hassle with one insurance company but another accepted it ok, easy to get into though.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Headlamp units expensive, not many available from breakers.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Tappet noise, but garage reckons good for another 130k miles. Check regularly on oil.

    Other

    Some dash bulbs difficult to replace, had a run of blown brakelight bulbs, don't buy cheap bulbs!

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes