[nearmiss]

I bought a vandenplas the year prior to Ford buying Jaguar. The car was a money pit.

The motor kept burning up. I replaced 3 motors at over 9,000 USD before I found a man that explained the problem.

I took it to a guy that had about 40 years experience with Jaguar. He took me into a back room about 12 x 12 feet square. In the room were six cylinder Jaguar crankshafts standing on end. There were so many of them they filled the room.

He said, "The rear main cap was cast iron and held so much heat the motor had to burn up". He said, "Put a small block chevrolet engine in the car and get on with my life". I told him I bought a Jaguar and I wouldn't change that. He advised I should then repair by align bore crank and replace bearings. Then I should drive as little as possible and give it a selling.

I paid 5,800 USD for align bore and rebuild. I traded to a dealership that got the bargain of a lifetime. LOL

The worst part of this... the guy told me Jaguar knew about the rear main problem all the time. He said they had used the same motor since WW2 and it was common knowledge among Jaguar enthusiasts.

To this day... I'll never own another Jaguar. If I were given one today by a well meaning friend I would sell it immediately.

I can't say enough bad things about Jaguar. I spent over $40,000 repairing that expensive piece of junk in 4 years I owned it. I wouldn't have any idea of what I would be saying if I had bought it used.

British pride took a beating with that dog that wouldn't hunt ... IMO.

It was the most beautiful car imaginable with the wire wheels and all. Sure was pretty sitting in my drive waiting for the tow truck to come pick it up about every 2 weeks.

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I should also add:

I wouldn't trust any magazine or quality pronouncements about any car company, especially Jaguar.

The proof of quality can only be determined over time with a car.

I certainly wouldn't trust anything about Jaguar on a short term basis.

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Pssst... I woudn't have a Porshe either, since all they are now just plastic cars.

Anything newer than 87 is just trouble... the Boxster is a prime example.