Hi all
My name is Michael and I am looking at buying my first Jaguar, a 1987 XJ40 with 255000km on the clock.
What are some things I should look out for when I go to look at this car. Keeping in mind I know little about these cars but am willing and very keen to learn!

Thanks
Michael

 

When I looked at the one I bought, I was more that the electrical stuff worked, Windows, seats, locks, a/c and heat ect. When I drove it I looked for smooth power and good shifts.

IMHO if the brakes and tires are worn that's an easy fix. Even the suspension was not a deal killer. Maintenance I could fix trim and electrical they need expensive parts.

 

depending on what year, but the door handles can be a pain in a butt. Make sure all the indicators work on the panel. Outside just a few things they are good cars.
If it has good records is always a plus also.

 

Hi Its a 1987.

 

Gotcha.. The brain read right over it when referring to the door handles. I don't think that year has issues with them.

 

Michael:
You know, this does not seem to be a question the XJ40-ers get asked a whole lot any more, at least in my observation - so thanks for asking! The best/good examples of this car are going to have been taken care of by their owners along the way and shouldn't probably need too much. Bad examples of this car cannot be said to be much more than cheap transportation and will probably require extensive and expensive repairs to set straight!

Off hand? Lots of things could go wrong: door handles mentioned above; head gasket/valve seals; rack & pinion; wheel bearings; differential; HVAC blend flaps & controls... Then there are those little electrical niggles you are going to need to be cognizant of seeing as you are looking at such an early car.

Some of these things you can do yourself if you are industrious and like research. Otherwise, you gotta befriend a good, independent, Jaguar mechanic. My near-ish-by dealer will still look at my car if I asked them to; but I think that's only because they are being nice - and the cost is out of this world. An independent technician will cost less and may indeed appreciate the unique challenge of the car.

Search archives, here and elsewhere, to read up on well documented common faults. Happy hunting!
Scott

 

Michael,
Sorry one more thing... Yes, pre-1990 cars will likely have the air suspension known for failure. Most guys have converted it to a conventional set up - which I can only imaging the car you are looking at has already done. But if it hasn't, and if you are planning on keeping the car for a while, write it into your budget!
Scott

 

I spoke to my local Jag Dealer before buying my XJ and he said the engine and gear box are good and will last forever. (Even if not in their prime condition) but the main thing to look out for is any sort of noise from the diff.
He also mentioned to check it for cancer in the boot under the carpet.

 

Hi guy's thanks for all the welcomes and advice. The Jaguar acquisition has been put on hold for the time being but I will still keep an eye on this forum for info etc. Will let you know what happens.
Thanks

 

Another area on these early XJ40s is the bulkhead around the plenum to the heater. I remember reading about a repair to this area a few years ago. It involves a lot of dismantling to get to the corrosion.

 

Good point, '88 XJ40 was very scary when I pulled up the carpet . Thankfully my '93 is not .

 

I would check out that engine and transmission thoroughly....that car's got a helluva lot of mileage on it...

 

From personal experience, if you inspect a potential purchase XJ40 and it has any electrical faults at all, walk away. They are plagued with all the usual Lucas faults. A common problem is that the battery drains to dead flat over seven or eight days. I've spent two years and around $2,000 and whilst I have resolved many electrical issues, I still have a few challenges to find and fix.

250,000 kms should not be a major problem if the car has been well maintained.

Despite the electrical issues, I personally believe the XJ40 is truely one of the best Jags ever.



Bob in Oz