Is there a guide anywhere that shows what in particular to look for when evaluating one of these cars? The one I have my eye on is a 93 Vanden Plas in two tone gray over burgundy. Nice looking from the pics; meeting the guy to see the car in person in a couple of days.

I'd appreciate any pointers on specific things I should look for when giving this car the once over.

Thank you.

Mike

 

Welcome to the forum. Find your way around the forum, the information here is priceless. Read the stickys at the top of this section. You should go introduce yourself in the new member area as soon as you can, start posting, then you'll be able to use all the features here.

What to look for if buying one of these depends on number 1 your experience with cars in general, number 2 knowledge of a Jag.

Open the trunk, smell for gas and/or mildew. Get under it and look for rust. Open the hood and look for rust around the area where the shocks attach.

Listen to the engine, does it shake? sputter? not sound smooth?
Does it sound like a sewing machine?

Look for any smoke from the tail pipes.

Cosmetically is a matter of what you can deal with or not, it's subject to the buyer, that includes the interior.

Is the check engine light on?
Put the key in the ignition, in position 2, be sure every light is lit within the instrument panel.

Does it blow hot air? Are all the vents working? What about the a/c?

Push up and down on all 4 fenders and listen for squeaks/binding/snapping sounds.

Is the rear end sagging? Or level.

That's a start, let me know when you want more.

 

I doubt you will find a car of that era with properly running A/C lol

A blue plum of smoke is what you are also after , don't be afraid it's just valve seals

 

My ac works perfect in my xj40

 

Yeah, mine does too (after I fixed it!)

 

I bought mine off the original owner and got lucky it still works lol.