Hi, guys. I stumbled on a '96 X305 today and am going to put eyes on it tomorrow. I've got a 1994 XJS 4.0 and a 1997 VDP so I have an idea of how an older Jaguar should conduct itself, but I have no experience or comprehensive knowledge about the V-12 driveline or what kind of fuel mileage it gets in the real world. I know the 4L80E is a 4 speed but I do not know if it has a lock up converter.
Is there anything in particular that I should be looking for that might put me on guard or send up a red flag ? This car has 100k on the clock and the ask on it is $6,000 which seems more than a bit pricey. I was watching a '95 that went off on Ebay for $3650 that had 136k on it but was stunning in appearance.
Any and all guidance would be more than appreciated.

 

Yes on the lock-up converter




All the same stuff as your 1997 VDP. You already know the ropes. On a V12 you have to make sure the cooling system is 101% but othere than that all the usual 'x300' stuff applies




In one sense is nothing less than a crying shame that these magnificent cars now sell for a mere pittance. OTOH, it's a real bonus as you're getting a helluva lotta car for very little money.....even if you paid $6000! What else can you get for $6000 these days?

Cheers
DD

 

I'm sure that after driving this XJ12 you will get a feeling for the difference in engine. More HP and torque, a different transmission and quieter running than the AJ16 could make it an option for you. If top of the line, last generation rarity is your desire, that would be an incentive too.

Practically speaking, the V12 will yield only about 14 mpg on average at best (in my experience). Also since you already own a fine, well equipped Vanden Plas, the features of the cabin will not be noticeably different, nor will the exterior. It might be tough to justify this purchase unless you plan to replace the VDP with the XJ12.

Also in my experience, I feel a bit overwhelmed at times with owning three older Jaguars! I have decided that my Vanden Plas "project car" will need to be sold off, as it will not be able to take the place of my trusty XJ6. But my XJ12 has many upgrades beyond the XJ6, and I love the V12, so she will remain with me.

Please let us (me and Doug, lol) know what you find out. History and maintenance records are very important. Don't get into a "project car" that you are not ready for (unless that's what you intend).

 

Doug and Richard, Thanks so very much for your inputs. Updates are nonexistent since, when I went to look at the old girl, neither seller nor vehicle were in attendance at the time and place specified. However, the car is still for sale. Perhaps, if all falls into place, this coming Saturday may work out. I'll keep you appraised as matters evolve or devolve.

 

So I hooked up with the seller today. He's got the books and comprehensive records. However, neither one of us could get the key to rotate the lock cylinder no matter how much we fiddled with the steering wheel. Consequently, I don't know the first thing about how it runs. He does have all three keys and I did see one fob (dead battery). He says he has the other fob.
Now for the ugly. He has three glue on plaques on the car that bear the legend "Limited Production". There are deer whistles on the front bumper, a glue on air foil at the leading edge of the sunroof, simulated chrome door edge guards on all for doors and another strip decorating the deck lid. There is also a luggage rack on the deck lid, a ghastly black disc about three inches in diameter glued to the inside of the windshield and a charming V pinstriped onto the hood dead center. Under hood the center cover of the engine has been spray painted a lively Carnival red.
The car has been professionally detailed so it makes a very nice presentation and also masks any leaks that might have been present.
This is becoming a chore and I am beginning to feel it to be a foolish adventure to chase a car that get a little more than half the mpg of my 4.0 VDP. nonetheless, I will take one more stab at it next Saturday if the stars align themselves properly.

 

That's odd! All of it. I suppose the key was fine last time he used it!?

I find it hard to believe that so many people trying to sell a car don't have the car ready to be shown! Not a good way to sell a car!

Well if the stars happen to align, and you get a chance at the V12, it might be worth a shot. I would bet you could get the price down for any number of reasons.

Now who in their right mind (Jaguarily speaking) would want to embellish a Jaguar, an XJ12 no less, with cheap, hokey adornments?? This car needs none of that.

 

Richard,
You are correct. The poor old girl is seriously tarted up. One concern is that paint damage may occur should the "glamor" be removed. Of course, the ignition switch is another. Should the event recur then I might very well be stranded where and whenever.
looking at the market it seems me that these cars sell like they are bolted to their garage floors and whoever buys one is likely to become the last owner. Consequently, price, mileage, maintenance and condition are paramount considerations.
I have found only one other example priced higher than this one and it claims to be of less than 29k miles. It has been for sale since January of 2014 despite two price drops. The one I am looking at has been for sale since early March of this year.
I will report back in Saturday whether or not the seller has gotten his gastro intestinal deposits together.

 

The car has been sold to someone else so the issue has become moot. If another one presents itself and I am still interested I may pursue it.

 

Sorry that one didn't work out for you, but it really does take some good luck to make a deal like this happen. Hopefully it is in a good home now and will stay on the road for a long time. With or without its extra bling!

Apparently, the 96 that was for sale in my area last year was sold. It was listed for something around $5500. It is a whole lotta car for small cash, and the V12 is a real treat.

 

The v12 is a nice car.

 

The V12 is a real nice car. Lol

 

Well, for better or for worse, another '96 has popped up. It's the same color combination as my '97 VDP. Sherwood Pearl Metallic over the Coffee interior. 112K miles. Seller states the a/c is inop and no idea why. Radio inop, no idea why. Everything else works with one exception. The engine runs glass smooth until 3,000 rpm and then it "stutters", whatever that means. His mechanic suspects a vacuum leak. Yes, the CEL is lit. He has no idea why. New tires, trans shifts like it should, rear is quiet. Interior is a 7 out of 10. I'm inclined to strike the proverbial iron. Oh, yeah, he says NO rust. Pics are great. Stunning cosmetics, no aftermarket glamor.
Anyone ever run into an engine run problem like this one ? I know the data is impoverished but it's all I have to go on.

 

This one's a bit scary too! Starting out with major issues is bad. The seller wants to unload his problems. Don't make them yours. If he can't be bothered even to check the engine codes, I would stay away. Also, 4 problems usually turns into 10 once you've investigated!

This scenario could work into a deal if the seller was willing to cooperate to diagnose the problems, but then again he probably doesn't want to concede the price down to "free".

 

Have you considered the ealier, short-wheelbase XJ12s? 93-95? They would be more different from your VDP in terms of handling.

 

I could muster no serious objection to the 1995. I do marginally prefer the LWB of the '96. I prefer the styling of the '95-'97 car over the '94. Therefore, my target vehicle would be a '96. If one drops out of the sky I'll strike. If not, then I will still have my other Jag-u-wars to console me.

 

I have a 1996 XJ12 with 128,404 miles listed for sale in the for sale section on this website. Check it out. Here is the direct link to the Craigslist ad:


1996 Jaguar XJ12 for sale.

 

Did you ever locate a V12?

 

No. After the first two experiences I pretty much abandoned the pursuit. I currently have a '97 VDP and a '94 XJS convertible so a V-12, were I to get one, would have to pretty much volunteer itself or fall out of the sky to reignite my enthusiasm.

 

I have a 96 XJ12 with 128,514 miles on it for sale. It's a 6.0L V12 engine making 313hp/353 torque. It's green exterior with beige leather interior. I am asking $4,800. I am located in San Diego, CA. PM me for pictures if interested.

 

I have a 94 xj12 for sale in Iowa. Only looking to get 4k out of it. Let me know if your interested