And the Real Winner Is…

I purchased an XJSE, 5 speed, 4 cyl., 4x4 new in 1994. Rock solid drive train. No surprises. Lasted 11 years and 265,000 miles. Slower than a turtle (I didn't care-did what I needed in NH), never failed, always started from 30 below to whatever. Yes, the fit and finish had a lot to be desired, but it is up to this day it is the best, most reliable vehicle I ever owned since 1969. Let it go to NHPR donation with the original clutch that did NOT slip. At that point it was MAYBE loosing 1/3 quart every 3,000 miles. Anyone who puts these vehicles down have no idea what they are talking about.

I have a '95 that just rolled over 198k yesterday. These are fantastic vehicles. Over the past 11 years, I've averaged about 20 mpg. I don't know why people are saying these are fuel-swillers. Just last summer, I got 24 mpg 2 tanks in a row, going 75 mph with the AC on. I've never gotten less than 16.9. They're pretty tough off-road, and the styling has aged well. Mine's been rear-ended twice with no ill effects. Very simple utiltarian vehicles. There's just not much to break on these. My engine still runs about as strong as it ever did, although has a small oil leak now. Also, I think the handling would surprise a lot of people. The steering could use more feel, but these things corner flat and hard. Most car mags were getting about .84g on the skidpad, and that's on all-season tires. That's sports-car territory...especially considering the competition when these things were new. In all this time, my only unscheduled repairs have been a couple water pumps, a cat, a starter, and some persistant rear-brake issues. I'm still on the original clutch. Practical cars, too. The back is big enough to sleep in, visibility is better than anything I've ever driven (I can put any corner within a couple of inches of where I want it), and it's rock-solid going 80. Fairly light-weight, too. My 6-cyl 4wd is about 3500 lbs.