Seeking informed Jag thoughts...
Discussion
I'm considering acquiring an XJ-S next year. It depends on a few things and is based on sentimental reasons as much as anything else. My conundrum is that in an ideal world, I don't want it to lose too much value so I want to buy the right one. I'd get a decent, looked after, adult-owned model that has a good inspection to try to stay safe rather than a project. I feel I should probably buy a convertible but personally, I probably can't afford one and I don't really like rag tops because they're generally more expensive and, having had a few, I can't be doing with failing roof mechanisms, cracked canvases, replacements, leaks, vandalism, increased noise and particularly, a less stiff car with scuttle shake etc. Thing is, with regard to retaining as much of its valuable as possible, is it better to go for an earlier model or a later one? I know the earlier ones had electrical issues but for a car entering 'classic' status, is it better to go for an early model or to get a later, face-lifted model with gremlins supposedly ironed out? Also, looking around, there are some high milers out there - 150k and upwards...I'm guessing if I planned to sell it one day, a huge mileage wouldn't really help but would a FSH file help things? I think I'd try to get a 5.3L V12 but, failing that, a good 4.0 Celebration could be tempting because there seem to be a few around that have been well cared for although, obviously the latter are the newer ones. I'd welcome any input on this to help me make a more informed decision. Cheers
As with most classic cars my advice would be to buy the best example you can afford.
XJS values are rising, so if you buy wisely you should be safe enough. If you don't know enough to appraise the car yourself, take someone along who does. If you buy a bad example it will end up being very costly and you won't recoup the outlay.
Rather than get fixated on a particular year/model, which will narrow your options, I'd just keep an open mind and go for the best one you find.
The 4.0 celebration models are already attracting a premium, particularly low mileage examples. The rarer iterations will usually be the best investment but personally I wouldn't get hung up on that.
If you don't mind Japanese imports there are some cars in excellent low-mileage condition available for reasonable prices.
Good luck.
XJS values are rising, so if you buy wisely you should be safe enough. If you don't know enough to appraise the car yourself, take someone along who does. If you buy a bad example it will end up being very costly and you won't recoup the outlay.
Rather than get fixated on a particular year/model, which will narrow your options, I'd just keep an open mind and go for the best one you find.
The 4.0 celebration models are already attracting a premium, particularly low mileage examples. The rarer iterations will usually be the best investment but personally I wouldn't get hung up on that.
If you don't mind Japanese imports there are some cars in excellent low-mileage condition available for reasonable prices.
Good luck.
Have you considered the 3.6?
I've had two XJS's, a 3.6 and a 4.0.
Really loved the 3.6, it felt and sounded like a Jag should, whereas the 4.0 felt it should be taking me slowly to the golf course every time I got in it.
My wife felt exactly the same, maybe it's to do with age, had the 3.6 in my 30s and the 4.0 in my 40s.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C815854
This looks nice.
Edited to say I have no interest in golf which made me dislike the 4.0 even more.
I've had two XJS's, a 3.6 and a 4.0.
Really loved the 3.6, it felt and sounded like a Jag should, whereas the 4.0 felt it should be taking me slowly to the golf course every time I got in it.
My wife felt exactly the same, maybe it's to do with age, had the 3.6 in my 30s and the 4.0 in my 40s.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C815854
This looks nice.
Edited by vixen1700 on Thursday 8th December 12:21
Edited to say I have no interest in golf which made me dislike the 4.0 even more.
Edited by vixen1700 on Thursday 8th December 23:40
Thanks for that advice. I hadn't really thought about the 3.6 too much but I guess that's still a good sized engine to pull the car along and probably more responsive than the bigger lumps. I think I'll look for the best one I can get for whatever money I have at the time regardless of engine size. Is the suspension the same on all models? I've only ever been in a 5.3 V12 Cabrio and couldn't get over what an amazing ride that thing had - I just don't want a Cabrio now though.
The late Celebration models are amongst the most desirable but the other most desirable are the early pre HE cars.
Obviously it needs to be a good solid one as they rotted but survivors are rare and becoming increasingly desirable. The ultimate is a genuine V12 manual and I don't believe you would lose money on one bough correctly.
Amazing car to drive, feels so much more modern than its age. The six cylinder cars are wonderful and in reality close in performance to the V12 but ultimately you can't beat the experience in a GT car of that V12 up front. That or a V8
Obviously it needs to be a good solid one as they rotted but survivors are rare and becoming increasingly desirable. The ultimate is a genuine V12 manual and I don't believe you would lose money on one bough correctly.
Amazing car to drive, feels so much more modern than its age. The six cylinder cars are wonderful and in reality close in performance to the V12 but ultimately you can't beat the experience in a GT car of that V12 up front. That or a V8
Pre-HE manuals have already shot up in value, so you won't get much for your money with one of those. Pre-HE autos are rising sharply and have that seventies "style" if you like that sort of thing. But the bargains are to be had in the originally better selling HE market, where you could find a mint low-miler for attractive money. They're under-stressed with the auto box and a bit more economical to run than the early cars. If you've got a bit more to spend, then go for a 1990s face-lift. You seem to have ruled out a convertible, so you could take your pick of the less expensive coupés out there, maybe even an 80s TWR version. Personally I never liked the look of the original halfway-house cabriolet T-bar model, but that might be an option for you to minimize scuttle shake and still feel the sun on your head.
I'd prefer a V12, but a 6 cylinder would also be fine and easier on the juice. A 6 cylinder manual could be the sweet point? They all look the same anyway.
I'd prefer a V12, but a 6 cylinder would also be fine and easier on the juice. A 6 cylinder manual could be the sweet point? They all look the same anyway.
t really. Very badly made in 70's BL fashion only worse.I've recently sold one, a rare XJR-S, and already regret it. Don't listen to the doom-mongers, but do make sure you buy well. Rust will cost a lot of money to rectify, and a rusty car will sap your will to live.
As others have said, buy the best you can afford. Don't fixate on a particular model, just do your research, look at lots and buy the one that you think is lowest risk. In general, the later cars are better at most things, but the earlier ones are rarer and come in some fantastic colours! A V12 appeals because, well V12, but the 6 cyl models are good too. All of the engines are pretty robust, but you need proof of care.
If you're a classic or Jag newbie, I'd recommend the later cars in general, and a late-ish 4.0 would probably be the most sensible option.
Good luck; they are wonderful cars. Oh, and join the JEC - money well spent.
As others have said, buy the best you can afford. Don't fixate on a particular model, just do your research, look at lots and buy the one that you think is lowest risk. In general, the later cars are better at most things, but the earlier ones are rarer and come in some fantastic colours! A V12 appeals because, well V12, but the 6 cyl models are good too. All of the engines are pretty robust, but you need proof of care.
If you're a classic or Jag newbie, I'd recommend the later cars in general, and a late-ish 4.0 would probably be the most sensible option.
Good luck; they are wonderful cars. Oh, and join the JEC - money well spent.
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