Hi,

I bought my xjr in February 2009 and have looked after it myself since then. In that time I've, among other things, changed the timing chains and rebuilt the front suspension.

I was asked to look at an xjr last weekend by someone that didn't know anything about them so I made a list of things that I would check if I was buying another one.

I thought the list would come in handy for new buyers so I've pasted the list below.

Best wises
aide




Things that I would check to help me decide if I would buy:

Outside:
1. Rust behind front wheels on sub frame where brake lines join brake hoses (no)
2. rust where bumper meets wing front (no)
3. Seams all the same gap (if not then no)
4. magnet to touch the wings (no)
5. stone chips
6. pin stripe all the way along the car (hard to respray this like new) (no)
7. doors open and have no broken hinges
8. rust wheel arches
9. rear bump stops
10. behind front mudguards for rust
11. front screen underneath rubber on bottom and top for rust
12. rear screen underneath rubber on bottom and top for rust (no)
13. rust rear bumper and wing under rear lights
14. check tyres and type (they are 1000 for a full set fitted)
14. even tyre wear
15. look at every panel for dents - trolley dents
16. look at quarter panel curve
17. blow in paint near roof rails (no)
18. blow in paint b pillar (no)
19. blow in paint just above pin stripe (no)
20. 2 key fobs, check that they work!
21. alarm.
22. green key

Boot:
1. lock nut
2. lock nut cover remover
3. condition of spare wheel and alloy
4. cd changer check

Engine:
1. belts
2. general rust in bay
3. rust where v-mount is bolted
4. dip for oil and check colour (no)
5. open rocker head and wipe finger inside to check for mayo (no)
6. rocker head oil leaks (-200)
7. head oil leaks (no)
8. open air filter to check for oil - should be dry (no)
9. listen to it running with bonnet open
10. original toolkit!
11. ask if primary and secondary timing chains were changed?
12. ask if thermostat was changed
13. ask if water pump was changed

Underneath:
1. check wheel hubs for play (no)
2. bushes - check all to see if they have gaps when torch is shined
3. brake lines for rust where the join the rubber hoses (rust is here is an mot advisory -200)
4. general rust underneath
5. waxoiled?
6. Diff leaks
7. dry cv joints on half shafts
8. brake pads
9. oil leaks
10. Rust behind front wheels on sub frame where brake line rubber meets metal line (no)
11. sub frame vee mounts
12. Exhaust should be solid and have no serious rust (rust is ok near joins but secondary boxes should be non rusty

Drive:
1. shocks knocking
2. window open gears engaging first
3. window open gears engaging reverse
4. cruise control
5. drive straight
6. do you have to fight to keep it straight
7. is the steering wheel straight
8. jgate, stick it in 2nd and floor it
9. kick down
10. drive slowly and stop, start, and stop look for clunk
11. temperature gauge position check
12. sub frame v-mounts, brake and car should not rise

Interior:
1. electric seats driver
2. electric seats passenger
3. reverse dip passenger rear view mirror
4. lock to lock the same position?
5. Shine light in dimmer and check to see if the mirrorrs dim
6. radio aerial
7. cd changer
8. aircon ice cold!
9. all heater functions
10. clock
13. lights
13. indicators
14. hazards
15. headlights position up down
16. wipers
17. washers
18. heated seats all
19. powerfold mirrors
20. ignition, traction control and bulb faults
21. dash lights
22. sunroof tilt and slide full range
23. door cards are not off the rivets on bottom


Go through service history, if there isn't a big folder of receipts then walk..