Another new owner

[Mcgoonagall]

Hi all,

Just wanted to say hi! I've just become the proud owner of a '90 3.6 Auto with 42,000 miles and in a very lovely condition. It's suffering from severe underuse (why have a car like this and never use it?) but I'm very much smitten with it and will enjoy driving it once it's had every possible fluid changed and brakes 're-commissioned'. It's booked into Lodsworth Garage but I would be interested in opinions of specialists in the Sussex/Surrey area - already it seems like a challenge to spend money with some of them - I want to spend it but they don't seem to want it!!!!!

It's not my first old-ish British car but it is my first Jaguar and I'm looking forward to many years of enjoyment interspersed with the odd tear and occasional horrifying bill

Looking forward to perhaps meeting some of you in the future!

[dhdove]

McG

Welcome and Congratulations!
Your first Jag, an XJ-S, low mileage and your first XJS Bulletin Board post! That's quite a list.....
I'm sure you'll enjoy your car very much, it sounds lovely, colour and trim?
I can't recommend anyone in your area but I'm sure the guys will be along to chip in with some sage advice shortly.

Very Best Wishes
TonyS

[Mcgoonagall]

Thank you Tony!

It's Regency Red with beige leather/red piping. So far, so good as far as ownership goes - I tip-toed 80 miles back home last weekend, as I'm very wary of its very low use (the MOT's/history suggest 800 miles in the last five years) but I haven't used it since. We're off to car boot-camp tomorrow where it will be pampered (or bullied?) to its heart's desires! Although I drove it very gingerly back home, I completely get what the fuss is about. It may only have half the cylinders of some but it was wonderful to drive - and I got over 25mpg!

I may change my opinion once I'm in receipt of the garage bill but I'm wishing I had done this sooner......

Warm regards

Martin

[poprivet]

Martin, welcome from me as well. Late 3.6, a very good choice!

[dhdove]

Martin

Sounds great. I owned two 3.6's, both autos.
I bought a low miles little used 95 4.0 as my last XjS.
Brakes were dodgy, old fluid and collapsed rear flex hose.
Cooling system proved dodgy eventually under load, new rad.
Air con US due to seized compressor, new compressor.

I tell you this not to depress you but to illustrate that there are costs involved in re- commissioning an under used, low miles motor. BUT, the satisfaction gained from ticking each item off and the end result when you have a gleaming low miles XJ-S is well worth it.
First things first though. I would suggest an inspection and service, oil, filter, plugs, maybe brake fluid, check anti freeze concentration/effectiveness (needed for the cooling system efficiency) and then see how you go.

Good Luck
TonyS

[Mcgoonagall]

Thank you Tony,

I had an inspection before I bought it in the hope that I could at least go into it with my eyes open! I am dropping it off tomorrow to have all fluids etc etc etc changed (especially anti-freeze, brake fluid and oils - they are all clean and smell right but I have no idea how old they are!) and get it sorted and serviced. I'd like to do it myself but don't have the time right now. I'm ready for some expense and take your point re brakes/cooling/air con. If it drives half as well after this is done and it's been fettled as it did getting it back home last weekend, I'll have the biggest grin.

Thanks for your comments - I'm a proper, signed up, fully paid XJS convert now!

Warm regards

Martin

[ptjs1]

Martin,

Congrats on your purchase and thanks for taking the time to update your membership record with your vehicle details!

I can thoroughly recommend Surrey Jags just south of Croydon. Ray, the owner is an ex-Jaguar master technician, offers great value knowledge and service and will look after your vehicle. Tell him I sent you!

Good luck

Paul Sinnott

[Mcgoonagall]

Great! Thanks for the info Paul.

Martin

[BRIANH]

Mcgoonagall Hi,
Glad to have you on board and hope you enjoy your time with us. It's a very good time at the beginning of summer to be joining a motoring club, especially ours. As you have probably been told we have plenty of articles BB notes and archives to find out most things that you need to know so enjoy.
All the best,
Brianh