New member, old jag

[stuart27]

Hi Folks

Just bought an 1989 XJS 5.3V12...so far so good!

She's only done 62,000 miles and seems to be in really good condition. There's a few odd dents and sctatches, but virtually no rust. I had a good look underneath today and was amazed how good she looks.

I think she's been pretty well looked after...only 2 previous owners.

Only thing's I've noticed mechanically is I think the offside front shock is dead....at least I hope it's the shock! Just get a real thud going over bumps. I also seem to have an odd fault with the steering. When going round a roundabout...the steering seems to "over steer" as if the power steering over powers....it's a difficult thing to explain, but it feels odd.

I'd never driven an XJS before so don't really have a frame of reference.

The engine seems great, first time starter and very smooth and stable.

I'm taking her to a jag specialist in my area next week so he can give her a good look over....just keeping my fingers crossed none of the above items are too serious.

First impressions are great with the car...I wasn't prepared just how old this car feels....and I mean that in a good way. It just makes you want to take care of it. Also amazed how well sorted the interior is. I'd expected a degree of cheapness in the quality of the interior...but it's fantastic. I had a new S type a couple of years ago and there's no way it's interior would be as good as this one in 20 years!

Hope to make good use of the forum over the next few months...lots of good advice here!.


Stuart

[dhdove]

Hi Stuart and a very warm welcome to the XJS Bulletin Board, I hope you get as much pleasure from your car as we all do.

Do keep us posted re your specialist inspection. Could the U/S shock be a contributory factor to the "oversteer"? I would have suggested rear trailing arm problems, but if it's good underneath perhaps not unless the bushes are shot. Otherwise it sounds like it may be a steering geometry problem - perhaps a full laser 4-way alignment check plus castor/camber would be in order? I take it you have already checked the tyre pressures?

Best Wishes
Tony

[PaulE]

Hello and welcome to both the JEC and the XJS BB. Looks like you have bought a good one your few problems will soon be sorted out I'm sure - you will find plenty of help here. You do not say where you are based. If within driving range of the Lincs. North region which meet near Brigg you will find another more local welcome. Details in the Club mag. Still time to book your Christmas Dinner places for December 21st. Paul.

[stuart27]

Hello Paul and Tony

Many thanks for the welcome!

I'm in the Southampton area so unfortunately Lincs may be a little bit out for me in terms of mileage...especially in a v12!

I'm taking the xjs to Hollygrove Jaguar in Ringwood for a check up this week so will keep you posted. My main aim is to get the suspension / steering sorted first.

I noticed a bit of oil on the garage floor this morning, so will get that checked out too.

I think I'll get her properly serviced as a starting point and just tend to other things more gradually. There's the usual cosmetic stuff....droopy headlining etc. but the interior is otherwise 1st class. I see there is a kit available for that (headlining) on the web, so I will have a go myself.

I gave her a good clean today so noted that she has been resprayed at some point....it looks to have been a reasonable job, but time will tell. I'm fortunate enough to have a garage for her so it should help to keep rust at bay for a while. There are a few dents on the drivers door, which I'd like to sort out as it is quite noticeable as the rest of the car bodywork is so good. Also getting some bubbling on the alloys, but I think that's a relatively easy thing to attend to.

Thanks again for the welcome....look forward to the forum.


stuart

[poprivet]

Welcome Stuart. Hollygrove are a good team, Barrie and Peter there will see you right.

There's a few of us not far from where you are so maybe we will arrange a meet-up once spring arrives.

Let us all know the outcome of the suspension/steering.

[stuart27]

Hi...thanks for the feedback on Hollygrove.

From the initial discussions I had with them they sounded quite reasonable and pragmatic. I guess they stand to make some money from an XJS owner so they need to be!!!

Will let you know how I get on.


Cheers


Stuart