Wife wants a convertible.............

[fred cook]

I'm thinking about buying a 1995 or 1996 Jaguar XJS 6 cylinder convertible. Anyone have any experience with these cars? I see them for sale with anywhere from 20,000 miles to 120,000. The late Jag 4.0 6 cylinder engine seems to be pretty robust and these cars use a GM 4 speed automatic which should simplify maintenance. This would be a weekend cruiser/GT type car, not a pedal to the metal sports car (that's what the 911 is for!). Prices for these cars seem to be pretty reasonable, with nice low mileage examples selling in the $8 - $10k range. So, what do you think???

[onewhippedpuppy]

You should also consider the newer XK8/XKR. They can easily be had for under $10k, and are generally reliable as Jaguar was under Ford ownership at the time. Very nice cruisers, and very pretty cars.



Others worth considering - Mercedes SL, Mustang GT/Cobra, Mazda Miata, Saab 900SE/9-3/Viggen, Volvo C70, Toyota MR-Spyder, Nissan 350Z.

[fred cook]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

You should also consider the newer XK8/XKR. They can easily be had for under $10k, and are generally reliable as Jaguar was under Ford ownership at the time. Very nice cruisers, and very pretty cars.



Others worth considering - Mercedes SL, Mustang GT/Cobra, Mazda Miata, Saab 900SE/9-3/Viggen, Volvo C70, Toyota MR-Spyder, Nissan 350Z.

The XK8 is a possibility. Might consider the Mercedes SL. Too many Mustangs around, I like cars that are more unique. I am also considering the TR6 or Spitfire although I think the novelty would wear off pretty quickly for my wife. We used to have a 1971 Torino GT convertible that was pretty nice, so another Fairlane size car is not out of the question. Also might be interested in one of the 2002-2006 Thunderbirds. At this point, I think first choice would be either a 2 seater or a 2+2 design.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Unless your wife is a hardcore car gal, I think buying her a 1970s British roadster would land you in a world of hurt.

[Tilikum Turbo]

I think the early 1990's SL Benz(300 or 320, not the V-8)...one with low miles. Killer car, safe, and reliable. Plus it's the real deal, not the reconstituted glamour Blvd-cruisers MBZ puts out today.

[stomachmonkey]

I used to think those 90's era Jags were pretty.

Saw one in the neighborhood over the weekend and IMHO the styling has not stood the test of time.

If you want a fun reliable ragtop try to find an MR2 Spyder.

My mom is in her 70's with both hips replaced, she will only drive a droptop 2 seater with a stick.

This has been her DD for the last 10 years or so. She has a blast in it, dead nuts reliable with modern conveniences.

[HHI944]

If you're looking at 2003 and earlier XKs, the only real problem area is the plastic timing chain tensioners. It's common for them to have been replaced with an upgraded aluminum part, but not all of them have been swapped so you want to see some documentation of that work....aside from that, they're pretty solid little buggers.
The XJSs on the other hand......Oy. The straight 6 is an incredible engine, but virtually every electrical component on those cars is Lucas...

[Z-man]

Mrs. Z-man has a VW Eos with the 4 cyl turbo. Really a well executed hardtop convertible with a slick sunroof built into the retractable roof. Surprisingly good amount of trunk space for a 'vert.

-Z

[GH85Carrera]

So your wife is telling you that she wants to drive topless.

[Schumi]

Alternative:


968 w/ a tiptronic.

Unique, well built, will hold it's value. Easy to work on if you've worked on 944's before...

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by fred cook

I'm thinking about buying a 1995 or 1996 Jaguar XJS 6 cylinder convertible. Anyone have any experience with these cars? I see them for sale with anywhere from 20,000 miles to 120,000. The late Jag 4.0 6 cylinder engine seems to be pretty robust and these cars use a GM 4 speed automatic which should simplify maintenance. This would be a weekend cruiser/GT type car, not a pedal to the metal sports car (that's what the 911 is for!). Prices for these cars seem to be pretty reasonable, with nice low mileage examples selling in the $8 - $10k range. So, what do you think???

But you'd have to buy two of them ..................

[fred cook]

Again!

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

So your wife is telling you that she wants to drive topless.

[daepp]

Why oh why doesn't Toyota make a convertible hard top that can match the BMW in looks?

[gshase]

Again, My wife has a VW EOS and loves the car. I could post pics of my wife driving around with her top down if you guys request it.

[Drdogface]

Friend just bought an early 2000's Pontiac Solstice.... fast as heqq.. Looks a bit like a Boxter... Less than 10K

[Neilk]

Again, My wife has a VW EOS and loves the car. I could post pics of my wife driving around with her top down if you guys request it.

Haha...

[Shaun @ Tru6]

94-95 E320? Reliable, easy to work on, great value, prices seem to be appreciating if anything.

[nvr2mny]

I bought my wife an '89 XJS conv. for her B-day last year. WORST mistake I ever made (on a car that is). It's literally been in the shop 14 out of the 16 months I've had it. I love that body style, but that V12 has major elec. gremlins. I'll never buy another Jag, unless.....

[Nickshu]

I love the XK8. Beautiful car. Wife has a Volvo Convertible... Not as flashy as a Jag but tons of fun.

If I had one I'd walk around saying "it's a Jag" in a Jeremy Clarkson voice all the time.


Jeremy Clarkson Explains Jaguar Owners - YouTube

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by nvr2mny

I bought my wife an '89 XJS conv. for her B-day last year. WORST mistake I ever made (on a car that is). It's literally been in the shop 14 out of the 16 months I've had it. I love that body style, but that V12 has major elec. gremlins. I'll never buy another Jag, unless.....

dat's why you need to buy two. top have one to drive while the other is in the shop.

Shame too, they make beautiful cars but they're tow truck bait.