So we're back in Cincinnati after a one-day whirlwind +/- 500 mile trip to Cleveland and back to check out a 560SL which turned out to be a real rat. Anyhow, needless to say, the car ran flawlessly the entire trip and I even got to experience the joys of having a limited slip differential in about 8" of packed snow on the ground in Cleveland. The Jag took it all with aplomb, and to think I was worried about the car's ability in foul weather. Bah! I'm sure the practically brand new tires on the car didn't hurt matters any, but my faith is solidified in a Series III's capability to slog through the worst of winter weather.
As for the exhaust, my bodge is definitely on its last legs, so a new (yes, new) cat-less y-pipe has been sourced for the princely sum of $45.00 from Worldpac and I'm either going to bite the bullet and replace the mufflers and axle pipes with new stuff, unless David Boger of Everyday XJ comes up trumps with solid used pieces. Funny thing is that when you're underway at 70-75mph, the car is not intrusively loud as it is when at idle or accelerating from a standstill. Hmmm, maybe I just need to make only highway trips in the old girl. Anyhow, we're at 5,000 miles since purchase and the total invested sum is just a hair over a grand at this point. Can't say I could be much happier and in fact, quite amazed at the fact that a Jaguar of all things, could turn out to be the cheapest-per-mile car I've yet to own.
Only one little scare occurred during the trip and that was when I was plowing down my parents' 1/4 mile long, snow-covered driveway, the battery light began to glow and I watched the volts drop on the ammeter. I assume I must have lodged some snow up in the alternator momentarily, but a few minutes of idling the car when I reached the house had all back to normal again. I still love this car.
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