Jaguar 1981 XJS
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Can't get much cheaper for 6 litre V12 with racing pedigree

    Costs

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Usual Jag - everything bar the engine and gearbox goes wrong eventually

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Stunning - better than any other XJS (but then it is an XJRS)

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    6.0 V12, 318 BHP - I can forgive it everything else

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Engine excellent if you look after it, likewise gearbox. Rest of it is as reliable as a New Labour promise

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Black with black chrome - a bit Miami Vice, but hey, this is an Eighties supercar!

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    All the wood, leather, aircon etc, but it's an old design and it shows

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    None! After market alarm and immobiliser fitted

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Not applicable - Jaguar would not touch it these days

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    None - keep it serviced.

    Other

    Electrics, headlining, brakes, etc.

    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