Jason, thanks for sharing those links. I've been searching for about a month now, and I can tell you that most of the cars I found when I started looking are still for sale, so don't jump in to anything too quickly. I think it's a buyers market for these cars.

TopHatChef, The $350 price I found was on jagbits.com!

After talking with this guy for an hour last night and reviewing his paperwork and some additional photos he sent me of the cosmetic imperfections, barring any unforeseen circumstance or misrepresentation of the car, I think this is going to be the one!

 

Maby I got mine from Coventry West. I thought it was Jagbits, but I could be wrong. The prices could have changed. It has been some time now.

 

No problem on the links and good luck. I'm getting close to buying two this weekend if the sellers will come down a bit more on price. I have cash in hand, so that could help a little bit.

 

Done Deal! Drove it back from San Francisco yesterday. Pics coming soon!

 

Which one?

 

Yeah, which one?

I am still searching. You are lucky...there seems to be many for sale in CA.

I was interested in this beauty but I can't see driving 900+ miles to buy it. I don't have a problem paying to ship it, but I don't feel comfortable dealing long distance on craigslist.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/2020223425.html

 

I went with the black on black 97 xj6, 110k, with 10 years of service records. $4200. Hadn't driven in over a year. I didn't even negotiate on the price. I found it to be pretty much as described and, since he knew I was driving it back, he went had it inspected, oil and filter, and fitted 4 new tires a couple of hours before I arrived. Oh, and a fitted Jag car cover as we walked back to the car after the deal.

After a year, not a single hiccup the entire 400 mile trip. It actually runs much better now... I think the throttle flap may have been a little stuck when I first picked it up.
Definitely not near as nice as the one above, that one is making me drool a little, but very serviceable.

I was a bit leery of doing the long distance thing, but it was the right color and the guy was straight up with me. Turned out to be the best car buying experience I've ever had. I'd say if can ask the right questions and get a good feeling about it, do it. Take a round trip flight to look at it in person and have it shipped if you don't want to drive back

 

Congrats on your buy.

I found another that is very promising, but the gentleman is 83 years old and does not know how to do digital pictures, email, etc?

$4999 1996 VDP Burgandy (83K Miles)
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

 

Here are the photos I promised. That's just condensation on the trunk, paint is shiny!

I haven't had a chance to take my own photos yet so these are from the ad. My brother has been doing some sick HDR photography lately so those will be forthcoming. Just need to find a good location to shoot them. I'm thinking Mulholland Drive or a canyon in Malibu.

Here's an example of his work:

 

That Jag looks really nice, although I think you should get a bright grille surround for it. Looks a bit funny completely black, especially when the rest of the car has full bright trims.

Where is the engine bay shot?

 

There was no pic of the engine bay in the ad I'll be taking some pics soon though, I'll make sure to include it!

The black grill is what attracted me to this particular car in the first place. It was the only one I found. I'm thinking of replacing the hood ornament with a black chrome version, as well.

 

Black Leaper? too much black for me. Each to his own, I suppose...

Maybe these pics will inspire you...

 

Oh, I see what you're saying, chrome surround with black grill... that does look pretty sweet.

 

I have black on black 97 XJ6, wow it is loaded and in great shape other than paint faded. Arizona car no rust. Just bought it.

 

I just bought a 97 Vanden Plas.... Titanium on Oatmeal / mink. I'm owner three, paid $5700 for it. Sold new here in Vancouver for $85K. 120 Kilomoters on it (or just over 100k miles).

Most important to me was finding one with reasonable miles, one that had never been in an accident, AND one that ran and drove out well. Check check check....this one was never hit, has original paint, and drives out surprisingly tight. Normal wear and tear. The interior was worn; the rear seat was damaged (color) from the guy hauling his dog around. I spent $600 having the leather professionally re-dyed where needed (with the right stuff) and it's just gorgeous again. Interior basically looks new, with the exception of the headliner begining to separate in some areas. Wood, dash etc is perfect.

Mine has a acceptable few issue, like telescoping wheel cable needs replacing, radio light (night driving) does not work, and typical clock read out problem. The pinion seal could use replacing, as well as the front crank seal. Some moron replaced the original hood leaper with a 94 or earlier version- going on to drill a hole in the hood to mount it (unbelievable!! ). But, again I only paid $5700 for this car, so I'm happy. I have like $7K in it now after leather repair and new Michelins.

I enjoy tinkering with it. Bought it to use in real estate as my first year car. perfect for hauling folks around- love that rear seat.