XJS wannabe !

[orangecar]

Hi
Been reading a few of the last XJS posts with interest. I am considering owning another one myself and am currently gathering info before I start viewing. You have probably been asked loads of times before about what to buy and prices etc but I am open to all points of view and would welcome any thoughts and experiences. I dont want to travel too far to find a car so I am limiting myself to distance. I have seen a few advertised with varying miles and varying prices !! Cant decide whether history and condition should over rule mileage (However I know some low mileage examples may need just as much TLC as a higher mileage one). I guess a car is worth as much as you think you are prepared to pay for it ! The last one I bought from a Jag specialist was good on the miles and looked stunning but it turned out to be an average one. In fact the underside was not that great. For example I have found a 1990 3.6 auto at a dealer (so I assume a slight premium already?)It has been described as near perfect so I will assume that is the case before I see it. 63k on the clock with full history and MOT's to back it up as well as a huge file. Its in (what I think) quite a nice colour combination - White with grey leather (piped in dark grey) with contrasting greyish-blue carpets and trim which again has been described as near perfect. Last owner 10 years (again is that a positive or not?!). Anyway its priced at £6,400.
Best wishes and thanks for any replies

[pr100]

I was underwhelmed by my 3.6. It's a very heavy car and to get the full Jaguar experience - effortless power, kickdown overtaking, eerie silence, etc - a V12 is essential imho. Should also be easier to find a good example.

[Markymark69]

1 owner for 10 years i always look on as a good thing (thats what my Jag had)

I would go for a later 4 litre one though if you can find a nice one, best compromise between V12 costs and not quite enough go in a 3.6.

[sdmurray]

orangecar said:

Hi

Its in (what I think) quite a nice colour combination - White with grey leather (piped in dark grey) with contrasting greyish-blue carpets and trim which again has been described as near perfect.

But that's just my opinion - you go for what you like. Agree with the others about the power of the 3.6 but everything you describe on that car sounds right in terms of ownership, history and mileage. You are also right that the miles become less of an issue so long as it has a history and has been cared for (i.e. ours has 97K on the clock but is quite honestly almost mint because it has a full Jaguar service history). There are lots out there so try to let your head take charge when looking and not be ruled by the heart. You WILL get one but if it is not right then look at the next one.

Edited by sdmurray on Tuesday 22 June 20:05

[Dominicc01]

Be careful with a pre-facelift version (i.e. plastic inserts at the end of the rear windows, rather than all glass - facelift was 1991/1992). These pre-Ford models had a much greater tendency to melt in the rain. I've heard many stories of people buying a beautiful pre-facelift XJS, only for it to dissolve into a pile of rust within a year or so.

You can get a sound 4.0 for that sort of money (1991 - 1996). That's what I'd go for. V12 is wonderful, but will eat your wallet with fuel (consumption of the V12 is in the mid teens rather than low to mid 20s in the 4.0) .

[richw_82]

Dominicc01 said:

Be careful with a pre-facelift version (i.e. plastic inserts at the end of the rear windows, rather than all glass - facelift was 1991/1992). These pre-Ford models had a much greater tendency to melt in the rain. I've heard many stories of people buying a beautiful pre-facelift XJS, only for it to dissolve into a pile of rust within a year or so.

Believe me, the facelift knows how to rust for its country too. Fortunately, if you're really bored there's still a few brand new facelift shells kicking around.

[orangecar]

Thanks guys for your comments. I too have seen some late face-lift cars with low mileage look very shabby! I am gonna view this white one this week. I dont think the 3.6 will be an issue as I wont use this car very regulalry and I would prefer to have a nice, straight low mileage example to look after (of course I may change my mind once I have driven it !!!) Rust appearing is always a concern after seeing what you think is a proper car. I know there are cars out there hiding a multitude of problems so there is an element of luck. I am told I can have access to the V5 and previous owner to clarify its pedigree and history over the last ten years. I will keep you posted as to the out come.

Cheers

[peter450]

From what i have read about the XJS (i thought about buying one too) the 3.6 is fine as a manual, but a bit sluggish as a auto