Automakers built some of the most beautiful cars in the ’70s and ’80s, like the Lamborghini Countach, the Maserati Kyalami, the Porsche 928, the BMW Z1, and the Lamborghini Jalpa. These were decades of great technological breakthroughs, when advancements altered the course of history, so it’s not surprising that even automakers felt more experimental. They released beautiful vehicles that stood out not only through their design, but also on-board technology and engineering prowess.
Take, for example, the Jaguar XJS. This luxury grand tourer was originally styled by the legendary Malcolm Sayer, who was responsible for designing the aerodynamic shape. Moreover, a powerful 5.3-liter V12 engine that put the Jaguar on a par with the Lamborghini and Ferrari cars of the decade powered the car.
Evidently, the XJS was truly impressive. It could speed up from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.6 seconds and reach the top speed of 143 miles per hour. And the original Jaguar XJS featured other outstanding attributes besides speed and power, like the Borg Warner Model 12 transmission with a cast-iron case and a bolt-on bell-housing. Later models had the GM TH400. Additionally, the GM 4L80E electronic four-speed automatic was available for subsequent models of the car. However, despite its distinctive features, this car had certain drawbacks, with maintenance and repair costs ranking as the major one.
The Jaguar XJS Had Callbacks And Reliability Issues
In December 1970, President Richard Nixon created the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the past 50 years, the EPA has become something like the Bogeyman to car fans. Muscle cars lovers especially have serious issues with the EPA, as they consider the agency at war with gas-guzzling cars. Needless to say that once the EPA entered the scene, things changed drastically in the automotive industry.
As for the Jaguar XJS, it meant that in 2001, the British luxury car had to issue a recall for more than 3,500 vehicles “for emission control components which may cause them to fail federal clean air emission standards.” According to a 2001 EPA press release, the recall impacted the XJS with the 6.0-liter V12 engine for model years 1994, 1995 and 1996. Meanwhile, RepairPal highlights an additional recall, which was issued for the 1992 Jaguar XJS, and it affected roughly 700 units. This recall happened because of electrical system issues. In addition to the recall, the 1995 Jaguar XJS also had to overcome seven consumer complaints, which ranged from problems with the seat belts and electrical system failure to issues with the parking brake.
These Are The Worst Years For Jaguar XJS Ownership
Considering the exceptional lifespan of the Jaguar XJS and the fact that the British automaker sold a record 84,104 coupes and 30,896 convertibles of this model, it is understandable that some model years were less than stellar, so consumers should avoid them at all costs.
For example, Hagerty points out that buyers who purchased the Jaguar XJS in the first five years of production complained about various defects, including issues with the cooling system, rusting components, and concerns with the electrical system and power steering. “Road & Track’s owner survey identified problems with the air conditioner, alternator, body parts, brakes, cooling system, differential, distributor, electrical system, emissions controls, exhaust, fuel pumps, instruments, power steering, starter and wheel bearings,” says Hagerty.
Evidently, the Jaguar XJS improved over the years, but the damage to its reputation was already done and sales collapsed from roughly 4,000 units per year in the first five years of production to 232 units in 1981. After Ford purchased Jaguar in 1989 for US$2.5 billion, the automaker addressed some problems and the car improved significantly, but regrettably even this couldn’t rescue the storied automobile for too long.
“Ford updated the XJS in 1992 (eliminating the hyphen). The new Jaguar looked the same, but was simpler, with fewer stampings and better rust proofing. Hard-to service inboard rear brakes were moved outboard in 1993,” adds Hagerty.
Maintenance And Repair Costs Are High
This is a no-brainer, but maintenance and repair costs for luxury cars are always expensive. It goes without saying that Jaguar is not an outlier. According to Your Mechanic, the annual cost estimate to maintain a Jaguar XJS is approximately $1,045. The website also highlights that the window motor/regulator assembly – driver side rear replacement on a 1984 Jaguar XJS 5.3-liter V12 will cost owners $1,020.43. Meanwhile, the windshield wiper motor front replacement on a 1995 Jaguar XJS will come with an estimated price of $2,894.19 and the valve cover gasket replacement on a 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an estimated cost of $745.60. Elsewhere, the fuel injection replacement on a 1987 model has an estimated price of $6,787.76 and the door mirror-driver side replacement on a 1995 model will force owners to spend another $667.92.
