4 - General Advice ( ,  )

4.1 - Bodywork ( ,  )

Few problem areas. The main rust spots are:

At the front of the door, level with the base of the window, seems like the water running off the windscreen gets in here and starts it off.

The usual water traps around the chrome trimmings.

Also check for under brake master cylinder where brake fluid drips may have eaten away the paint.

Accident damage is important to look out for as well. See that the VIN# tags are still on the hood, doors and decklid.

One odd thing on the early cars (aside from the trunk water leaks) is that slamming the boot can crack the tops of the tail lamps.

4.2 - Electrical ( ,  )

This was a big problem on the 87s to 89s. HVAC Control panels like to go dead, these can cost $250 for a reconditioned unit.

The warning system, especially the ‘bulb warning’ can be erratic.

Trip computer failures on 90s and 91s, and again, the 88s and 89s had notorious gauge problems.

Basically, anything and everything CAN fail, so be sure everything is working properly.

It is worth considering that most of these problems will have occurred already, and will already have been sorted, or won’t occur. So long as they’re not there when you look at it you should be fairly safe.

4.3 - Drivetrain ( ,  )

The driveshaft carrier bearings frequently go out, these cost about $90 or so to replace from what I am told. This causes a vibration when you let off the gas. Differentials like to eat up their bearings, oftentimes, a recon. unit must be fitted. Engines and transmissions are generally reliable.

The engines can suffer from head gasket oil leaks.

4.4 - Summary ( ,  )

Generally reliable especially if well maintained. However, unless you really know what you’re doing (and if you do, why are you reading this?) find one you feel happy with and then get it checked out by a JAGUAR mechanic.