So I found two cars around me that I am interested in. One is an '87 VDP with 100k miles that the seller says is in great shape. Another is an '85 that needs a paint job and has double the mileage. The price difference between them is only $600 and they're both firm on the price. My question is what should I look for when inspecting this particular generation of XJ? What are the weak points?

 

1985 was a good year for quality at Jaguar, 1987 not so much. But the Vanden Plas is a nicer model, and 2 years younger more or less.

Never buy any car sight unseen, if you cannot drive it home, not worth having.

Look for rust, repaired accident damage, rust, rust, exhaust system. Headliner collapsed?, everything works? what doesn't work?

remember you are usually buying someone else's problem.

 

Thanks Jose. The '87 VDP seems like a no brainer given it needs less work from the start. That $600 can quickly be burned through. Here they both are if want to take a look.

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/c...850652043.html

https://appleton.craigslist.org/cto/...860243726.html

 

you're welcome. Definitely the Vanden Plas. Grab it before someone else does but only if you can see it and drive it in person.

pictures can be 10 years old, you must confirm the condition in person. Good luck.

 

There's a buyers guide in one of the sticky threads at the top of this section

Cheers
DD

 

Indeed, don't know how I missed that considering I did click the top two. Will definitely read that.

 

Never, ever, buy a car in the rain., Been there, done that, Not great!!!

Drive it, as said, a must.

Carl..

 

I'd let the vendor of the '85 dream on ! That car looks a complete dog. Best to buy the VdP, but even this one is likely to need work. 92k miles is not a lot considering the car is 32 years old.