Hello everyone,

Am thinking about buying an XJS 1994-1996 and wanted to know from the community what I should look out for. Any advice and suggestions are well welcomed.

While I am always on the lookout for that perfect one that I have always wanted I have found a 94 red on tan with 87,000 miles on the clock. Current owner says that it might have a valve gasket leak. He only drives it about 100 miles per year (yes you read that correctly) as the current owner collects XJS and has 5 currently and wants to unload one of them. What are your thoughts on this particular one? Oh and it has the 6 cylinder engine.

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the board! There's a sticky post here:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...k-links-20089/

which includes an excellent buyers guide. Read through that, then call the seller with specific questions: maintenance performed / deferred / impending.

Post photos here and we can advise on condition.

Oh yeah, the most important stuff - make sure it has:

- no leaper
- no chrome wheel arches

you'll catch on...

 

When I was looking to buy, I was looking for a 94-96 4.0 also. I found one that had a good history and appeared very clean so I contacted the local Jaguar club and the club president, who owned two XJS's, was kind enough to go with me to inspect and drive the car. After I got his vote of confidence, I negotiated the price and made the purchase. It's been about a year and I am extremely happy with the car.

 

Sorry Flint, love my leaper!

 

Never mind the leaper issue. It is easy to switch between the leaper and growler. Just ignore that comment.
Chrome wheel arches usually hide rust. If the car has them, check for rust. Bring a magnet to check for Bondo?

Valve cover leak is extremely easy to fix on your own. I wouldn't let that bother me one bit.

Check the tires for even wear.
Check the AC to make sure it runs cold.
Check the cruise control to make sure it works.
Check to see it idles correctly, about 600rpm when warm.

Once you get past those issues, you should be ok. I'm guessing you're going to pay just under $10k for this one?

 

he heh... NTSB banned them on everything but Jaguar sedans for good reason!!! The above posters gave great advice.

Now this is serious:

- drive it for at least half an hour / 45 minutes (con brio)
- let it idle for 10 minutes
- keep an eye on the temperature gauge
- test EVERYTHING (AC, windows, etc.)
- slam the brakes at speed (in a safe environment)
- read the buyers guide again
- read Kirby Palm's book again
- post here with specific questions

If you can, find a forum member in the area to take a look with you.

Post pictures. Need pictures. And have you driven a 12 cylinder?

 

I've gotta agree. Leapers rule.

I got my jag used from a local dealership, and the only non-negotiable part of the deal was that they MUST install a chrome leaper on the hood for me.

The sales guy looked annoyed, but I told him that to me it wasn't a Jag unless it had a leaper.

 

Uhmmm is the E type a jag
Cause you don't see too many leapers on em?

 

Absolutely!! I have your vehicle, except it's a '95. I believe that is rose bronze? It has the growler (medallion?), the leaper (figured that out), the chrome arches (no rust), the lattice wheels, AND the twin chrome headlight kit. Soon as I finish replacing the top and fix the brakes I'll put it up for sale.

 

Leapers rule!

 

Leaper part II

 

That's a first.

I think we've all heard of V12's repowered with a Chevy V8, but a Chevy repowered with a Jaguar V12? You get extra points for originality!

 

It pisses the Chevy guys off royal style, what a waste they say, should have put a 350 in it and been different like everybody else !!!!!!!!

 

 

That's a beautiful truck!

 

Sorry Quartzboy for hijacking your post, I hate it when people do that to me so sorry

 

I'd not be PO'd!!! Although, I "grew' up as a Ford guy, I like 'em all. and, a deep appreciation for the unique. and respect for the "purists" as well. even, if at times, they can be a PITA!!


Zeal has no boundaries.


40 Chev, huh. slick. Way back when, and Uncle and aunt embarked on a small dairy farm venture. Jersey and Guernsey cows for increased butter fat and raw milk. dispensed on site. bucking the big dairies.


The work horse was a 40 Chevrolet. Unc bought a 3 on the floor with pickup body, well used. O'hauled the engine, added 4 on the floor, a flat bed and widened rear wheels with Firestone town and countrys for traction. I got to drive it at ties. Brother and I. Loaded with bales of hay, go from feeder to feeder and lay in slabs. Followed by a line of hungry cows. .


It went from faded blue to red cab and black fenders. pretty snappy for a feed truck.


Carl

 

Well Quartzboy, what did you decide?