www.jec.org.uk

Hi Folks

I'd appreciate any impressions from a current X305 owner as to what a well sorted example drives like?

I took a test drive in one today, but a couple of things bothered me:

Front shocks were past sell by date I think as the car was clonking over bumps. The ride wasn't therefore the "magic carpet" I've heard described before.

The car didn't feel particularly responsive....I was wondering whether the throttle capstains on these later cars can also suffer from the same problems as older XJS cars and if not properly set up, can be sluggish and thirsty. I know the V12's are lazy, but I thought the 4 speed box was supposed to transform things a bit?
Brakes felt soft, but I think this was just a matter of having been sitting for so long and needing set up.

I think as with all other V12 jags, having them sat around for years is not a good thing.....and will spell trouble and big bills!

Would really appreciate some objective impressions from anyone with a well sorted car.

sbb

sounds to me like a neglected example

if there is a clonking at the front end, it could be a cheap fix such as the shocker bushes, 22 quid a set and an hour fix, however there are alot more bushes to look at, wishbone bushes, anti rioll bar bushes, another common and often missed problem is the delamination of the subframe/body sheel V mount, circa 150 a pair for genuine items, and a pig to fit on a V12

A V12 300 should be quick and smooth top whack will be 155 and 0-60 circa 6/7 seconds, mid range punch 40-80 should shove you in the back, throttle capstans, rods and bushes are highly sensetive to being out of tune, at the recent V12 seminar all the V12's present were set up wrongly according to David Marks, all bar one that is, mine!!!,

V12 as a unit will lay dormant ok for long periods, but any car has to be maintaned properly when stored, tyres flat spot, rubber hoses and seals deterioate, fluids become contaminated ete etc

I looked at a very low mileage V12 recently, the car LOOKED a million dollars, BUT the beauty was only skin deeep, maintenance had been poor as had the general care over the years, I advised the prospective buyer to walk away or offer significantly less than was being asked

pm me if you want to chat through a specific car

I don't know where you live Stuart but I have a really nice low mileage 305 Daimler DS. It's not for sale, but if you want to drive it to feel and see how they should run your welcome to take it for a spin. (Lancashire)

Many thanks for the offer.

I'm in Southampton, so a bit far.....unless I am up that way on the way home to see family etc. Maybe I can keep it in mind.

The couple of cars that are for sale currently are up your way, strangely enough.

Thanks again


Stuart