Jaguar 1981 XJS
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Big car and big engine for not too much money.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Parts haven't seemed too expensive yet, 2 shocks and 2 new bonnet piston stays for under £100, although a quote of around £300 for a new headling from a Jag dealer sucks. Fuel consumption isn't as bad as I thought it would be but still not great.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    The best car I've ever driven, makes everything effortless! Parking though takes a little practice as rear visibility is at best limited. Drive forwards and you'll always love it.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Loads of go from even the baby engine in the range. Very direct steering and decent suspension for it size/weight.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Keep on top of the services and maintanence and it should be fine. I've had no problems apart from worn parts due to age/mileage

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Its a Jag!! Very few on the road and has a real presence on the road, moving OR stationary. Gets alot of attention in the car parks

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    The most comfortable car I've driven, super smooth and effortless on motorways, real cruiser on open roads. Just don't try getting into the back.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Not a great deal, apparently easy to 'pop' the door locks, get an alarm!!

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Bought from a Jaguar specialist and they where really helpful and professional. Not had the car serviced so can't comment on that side. Been advised to find a specialist rather than a main dealer

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Headling rotten (removed it, surprisingly un-noisy without it), front shock bushes perished, front nearside wheel bearing suspect, bonnet piston stays failed, Passenger window mechanism failed (got one from a scrappers for £10), some Elm trim cracked.

    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