Should I stay clear of a 4 owner, 1 reported accident, 66000 mile, beautiful saloon? The price is incredibly tempting. This would either mean it sat more than they drove it, or it was plagued with so bad of problems, four guys punted before **** hit the fan? Any opinions here? Any gurus here?

 

If you're playing odds, then a four owner car would raise many red flags.


If you are playing reality, take it for a test drive, check the AC, check for a smooth idle, check for rust. Ask for any service history. If the price is right, it could very well be worth the risk if the test drive goes well.

 

a nice 1996 with 66k? Who cares how many owners. I'm the third owner of my 1997 with 90k. Do the math on time, that's four owners in 19 years or a new owner every 5, not that unusual if you ask me. A nice low mileage car is a nice low mileage car.

 

How bad and where on the car was it damaged in he accident? Unividy damage or just a fender or bumper that can be swapped over by unbolting the bad part and bolting on a good one?

 

I think the car should speak for itself. I had a 99 Carrerra, 6th owner and one reported accident, looked and drove like it came off the factory floor. Had a 2000 Benz S500, one owner, no accidents, total disaster and riddled with deferred maintenance.

I never really cared about accidents. I always figured, if the repairs were done well enough that I couldn't spot them under scrutiny then who cares. Just keep it simple. Does the motor sound good, no rattles, lower end noise. Does it take the shifts smoothly with no slipping? Does it track straight? Front end rattles/clunks? Good rubber/brakes around? Are the panels straight and colors a good match? Is the leather shrunken/cracked...the wood? A/C cold/ climate control cycling nicely? How's the undercarriage...wet? Any records? If not, assume you'll be playing catchup on maintenance, but that's not the end of the world. If it seems ratty, it probably is!

 

I bought a '97 XJ6 VDP and put 2 tires on it and an alternator.
I sent my wife to Las Vegas and back and it now only has 113k on it.
I could sell it but I've opted to keep "Kitty" because I still only have 2k invested in her.
It's the beauty not the money.

BTW, I am the 5th owner...of the car.

 

I would echo the sentiment that you have to evaluate that particular car and the shape that it is in today. Of course a full service history would be great, but as cars age and the owners stop taking them to the Jaguar dealer records seem to trickle away. I don't think that multiple owners is a bad sign in itself. Many times the original owner will hold onto a car for a long time, seldom driving it or keeping up on maintenance once the car gets old. I once saw an Acura NSX that was faded, dents and dings and mismatched tires. I spoke to the driver, who was the original owner. He informed me that he only drives this "thing" (his words) when his Porsche has to go to the shop. Better a multiple owner who cherishes the car!

 

My 1996 Jag Vandenplas. 76,000 miles, 3rd owner, pristine condition, no accidents. These cars are built solid. If the accident was not a structural one, you might be ok. But do check out the cost of replacing/fixing various sensors, filters, and all high wear and tear components. Just my two cents.