Looking for advice on buying an XJS
Discussion
No idea why I've never bought one other than I probably wouldn't use it much, but I always remember an XJS being my favourite toy car when I was a kid. Never had room for one as I have a daily drive and a "fun weekend" car but now have space to garage a 3rd car and I thought I should I turn back the years and go and get myself an XJS.
I'm thinking V12 only and a not a soft top. Looking on here and autotrader there seems to be a LOT of difference in prices between relatively similar years and mileage. Can anyone offer me advice on what to look for when looking for a V12 XJS please?
I'm thinking V12 only and a not a soft top. Looking on here and autotrader there seems to be a LOT of difference in prices between relatively similar years and mileage. Can anyone offer me advice on what to look for when looking for a V12 XJS please?
TorqueDirty said:
You and me both!A whole load of the run out, late, V12 XJS
I've only seen one before.
I was offered one of these back at the time when I ended up buying my X300.
Pity they're mostly LHD ones.
I'll just have to buy somewhere on the continent to use it 
Hello Mark, they're not as scary and perilous to own as what people make them out to be! My thread 'A V12 sized gamble' is probably worth a read over in Readers Cars from when I bought my XJS. It never let me down in all the time I owned it.
I would probably recommend paying a bit more and getting one where everything just works, there were silly things on mine like the electric aerial and air con not working and they were nagging problems that tarnished ownership a bit. As has been said rust is the big one to look out for, they do like to rot there's no doubt about it.
Overall though they are a lovely car and get nothing but looks and positive comments everywhere you go, prices can only go up from here so if you're thinking of buying, do it soon.
I would probably recommend paying a bit more and getting one where everything just works, there were silly things on mine like the electric aerial and air con not working and they were nagging problems that tarnished ownership a bit. As has been said rust is the big one to look out for, they do like to rot there's no doubt about it.
Overall though they are a lovely car and get nothing but looks and positive comments everywhere you go, prices can only go up from here so if you're thinking of buying, do it soon.
a8hex said:
TorqueDirty said:
You and me both!A whole load of the run out, late, V12 XJS
I've only seen one before.
I was offered one of these back at the time when I ended up buying my X300.
Pity they're mostly LHD ones.
I'll just have to buy somewhere on the continent to use it The guys at Clarkes are amazing. They really care about their cars and spent ages with Mrs RB and I running through all of the different cars, various foibles etc... And what a place hey have. They have a wonderful collection of great quality cars and it's a pleasure looking around (I could feel my wallet weeping).
So anyway I collect my 1st Jag next weekend and can't wait. The XJS seems to have passed under the radar a bit for me, but now, after driving one I can really see the attraction, they are wonderful cars and I'm very much looking forward to ownership..... 6 sleeps to go :-)
I have had a 3.6 , 4.0,5.3 and 6.0l and each one was different but huge fun. I had a 96 celebration that was just perfect. Rust is an issue on lots of cars that are close to 20 years old, Driving one usually gives you a good idea of what sort of Car it is but Clarkes will supply a very good car. With an XJS you get what you pay for.
As mentioned above watch out for rust and buy a late one. The later post 92 facelift models are are better rust proofed, 93 for outboard rear brakes, 94 for the AJ16 engine and the celebrations have all the toys. My '94 4.0 appeared almost perfect but a bit of investigation revealed a can of worms at the bottom of the windscreen. I use mine as my daily driver and it's a fabulous car among the boring euroboxes. Reasonable MPG and always turns heads and gets longing comments from men in their 60s
Get good one in your garage you wont regret it
http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/176910/1994...
Edited by dantournay on Saturday 12th March 01:28
some of these Cars are now 40 years old so yes they will have a lot of problems to consider. Rust on the windscreen scuttle and the Turretts and in engine bay in line with the suspension struts.
Inboard brakes can be difficult but I always think when you drive a good one you will know.
Prices have gone mental these last few years and whilst £4k or £5k would have bought a decent car a few years ago they seem to be upwards of £7k or £8k now and that is for an average one.
Inboard brakes can be difficult but I always think when you drive a good one you will know.
Prices have gone mental these last few years and whilst £4k or £5k would have bought a decent car a few years ago they seem to be upwards of £7k or £8k now and that is for an average one.
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