Hi All

I am looking into buying my first Jaguar (1996 XJS convertible) and wanted to know what I should look for. The seller already mentioned there is a few rust spots near back wheel arch. But overall the Jag looks good. I have not seen it in person yet just pictures.

Its the 6 cylinder with 160,000 miles. Is that too high for miles? He is asking $5000 so just wantws your feedback

thanks

 

In the "How To" topic at the top of this section is an XJS buyers guide. Might wanna take a peek.

Rust? Gah! Almost always worse than it looks and always expensive to repair. Wouldn't you rather find a rust free car?

160,000 miles might not be too much if the car was very well cared for. My '95 has 165,000 and runs like a watch.

OTOH, 160,000 might be wayyyyy too much if the car has rece'd only average sub-average care and feeding.

I suggest reading the buyers guide, go look at the car, and then coming back with more specific questions. My gut feeling is that you're stepping into 'project car' territory with this XJS. That's fine....if that's what you're looking for.

Beware the inexpensive used Jag. Might be a bargain, might be a nightmare. It's almost always cheaper to spend more money up front and start off with a better car.

Cheers
DD

 

I agree!! The least expensive thing you do with a Jaguar is purchase it.

 

Thanks I will have a look at the car and check the amount of rust.

cheers

 

Yes, I agree with Doug on the rust issue. What you can see is usually just the tip of the iceberg. Be very, very careful when it comes to rust on the XJS or any older vehicle. Take a look at some of the restoration work done on the XJS' with rust at KWE.com. It is a real eye opener and will help illustrate how big an issue rust can be on any XJS.

My advice is buy the best you can afford and do not under estimate the cost to do things like painting the car or refurbishing the interior. What can seem like a great price getting started can quickly turn into a large money pit.

 

Like the others said. I do not think mileage is an issue with these engines. You will have to replace things like u-joints, and suspension parts being that these cars are just so damn heavy. The engine could go to 300k, I'm guessing. I think we will start to see more of this as time goes by (90s xjs going to 300k without oversizing pistons.).