1990 Jaguar XJ-Series Review

Pleasure to drive

Written by: E J Clout on 06/23/2008

Vehicle

1990 Jaguar XJ-Series 2 Dr XJS Convertible

Review

My pride and joy. A great roadster. Plan on buying a hardtop XJS. These are great world class autos.

Favorite Features

This is a large long roadster. Great on long trips.

Suggested Improvements

Easier spark plug replacement.

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Good, but not great

Written by: felipeart on 05/29/2008

Vehicle

1990 Jaguar XJ-Series 4 Dr XJ6 Sovereign Sedan

Review

Have had my XJ6 Sovereign for 6 years now. A great entry model into Jaguar driving, but get as late a model as possible, 1990 on up or later. Don't get 1989 or lower. If possible get a 1995 or later.

Favorite Features

Fantastic engine - bulletproof. Nice styling, silky ride. Few have a Jag, it stands out. I love to drive it, the serene interior keeps me happy in traffic. A car for someone with stronger individualistic tendencies, and more money, although you can get a real nice one now for under $2,000.

Suggested Improvements

Finicky electrics, needs better fitting of interior parts. Expensive to repair. Anything that goes wrong is noticed easier when a car is highly refined. Not very rust resistant to corrosion in certain spots. Runs on premium gas.

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Smooth Rider

Written by: soccadad on 10/01/2006

Vehicle

1990 Jaguar XJ-Series 2 Dr XJS Coupe

Review

I paid $3K for this car via a friend in the Jaguar business. It was a single owner car with 35K miles. The gel coat was bad, plus I immediately spent another $3K on brakes (a full rear end job is very expensive on any XJS model prior to 95), and it's been worth every penny. I'm about to splash out on a paint job, because I love the old fashioned style of the car, and this one has chrome wire wheels as well. I may have had about 10 Jags, including 3 XJSs, 3 XJ12s, and an XJR (8) and my wife has a 2005 S-Type with all the "bells and whistles", and I think I am enjoying this as much as any, even the XJR. Don't let the low initial cost fool you though. It's not a cheap car to own.

Favorite Features

It's smooth, has that great V12 growl, and is a real head turner. Old fashioned and hand built but with many of today's features like ABS. The chassis is incredible, with ride and handling like nothing else. This is not the car for everyone, but if you like the "character" of Jaguars you'll love it.

Suggested Improvements

I wish it had the 4 speed gear box of the 95/96 model. It lacks "quickness" off the mark. Make sure you start with a good example, otherwise you'll at least triple your orignal investment in repairs to get what you want.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Great exotic Grand Tourer

Written by: Rick on 04/15/2006

Vehicle

1990 Jaguar XJ-Series 2 Dr XJS Convertible

Review

The XJS convertible is an awesome car, its supercar V-12 is unlike any other. It produces a sound better than a Ferrari's V-12 and can keep up with one too. Would recommend this car to anyone, especially since preowned prices are low. Great ownership experience never had to take to shop other than scheduled maintenance. Very much like an Aston Martin from the same period; a fast, sophisticated, luxurious, beautiful (inside and out) British GT.

Favorite Features

Exotic V-12

Suggested Improvements

none

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Inexpensive Introduction

Written by: Barry Carter on 07/11/2005

Vehicle

1990 Jaguar XJ-Series 4 Dr XJ6 Vanden Plas Sedan

Review

I bought this car from it's second owner in Dayton, Ohio in '04. It drove like a dream all the way to Dallas. It rained across OH, WVA, VA, TN, & AR. IT got warm in TX. Since then I have replaced the AC compressor, headliner, rack & pinion bushings, some PS hoses, had a brake job, repaired both rear door handles, and tinted the windows. There is some minor body rust to repair. I'd also like to replace the Blauplunkt w/ an original radio. I'm trying to find OEM wheels to replace the current alloys w/ plastic Jag caps. If you are patient and want a great daily driver that doesn't look like everything else on the road, this one was affordable. Which makes restoring it less painful.

Favorite Features

Drivability and interior.

Suggested Improvements

Don't the British drink beverages in their cars? No cup holders in this one and the placement of cup holders in my '99 XJ8L is from Mars if you shift or smoke.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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