Good afternoon,
I am looking for an opinion on values of 1996 XJS models. I own a 1996 convertible finished in Jade Green over biscuit. I have deleted the pump for the power top and wired new circuits for each of the rear power windows in high quality #14 Southwire THHN copper wire. (I am an electrician) I am planning to fully repaint the car either in Jade Green or Corvette Black Rose Metallic. The original paint is totally shot. I have also removed the peeling wood vaneer from the door trim, stained it, and applied lacquer. I will be having the driver's seat bolsters re upholstered as they are torn. I am also repairing mouse damage to the wiring harness. I am planning to chrome the wheels as the wheels are somewhat corroded which is making the factory brushed finish look quite poor. I will also be replacing all bushings.
The 1996 is also the only year with OBDII and was only available with the six cylinder.
How much do you think I could get for the car when its done?

 

I would say do a search on autotrader, ebay, BAT, local classifieds local to you to get an idea what they are selling for (or at least what asking prices are).

 

Hard to say.

If you look at Ebay, Auto Trader, Hemmings Classifieds, Bring a Trailer etc. you'll find scores of XJS convertibles for sale. You can compare condition versus asking prices....and often take a look at how long each car has been in the market at xxx-price.....which can be revealing.

Old Jags are a niche car so sometimes it takes a bit time to pair the right car with the right buyer. But....if a car has been listed repeatedly, and/or listed for 3-4 months with no sale, well, there's probably something wrong with the car or something wrong with the price. If you spend enough time surfing the classifieds you'll see this.

Some of the sites have "past results" listings so you can see what cars actually sold for.

Some of these XJSs bring huge money. The ones with crazily low miles that virtually can't be distinguished from new. Few and far between but they're out there. Below that level there's usually quite a price drop.

Cheers
DD

 

Lexi,

A 1996 model will always be one of the most desirable XJSs. (Although OBDII was fitted from April 1994, and the V12 was available right up until the end of production. Maybe not in the US? The last XJS built was a V12 Coupe.)

The value will completely depend on the condition - Bodywork (level of corrosion), Paintwork, Interior, Mechanicals and Suspension. As you probably know, there is a huge difference in the price of a perfect XJS compared to a poor one that needs a lot of work (and money).

If I were you, I would recommission the car to standard spec wherever possible. I don't know what wheels you have, but, if they weren't originally the chrome option, I would have them refurbished in the standard diamond-cut finish. I would also definitely reinstate the power circuitry for the hood. An XJS convertible that doesn't have the standard electric hood will have a very limited market imo.

Good luck with the recommissioning.

Paul

 

Selling something yourself is really hard. That’s why so few hsalesmen make a living and the drop out rate is almost 98%.
You have to learn to deal with rejection. That said as a successful life long salesman ( only briefly in auto sales) the number 1 mistake every person makes is over estimating the cars value.
Common thinking is you can always go down in price but you can’t go up. The other part of that is once a car is “stale” ( been listed for a while) most won’t bother looking at it.
The exception being those who understand the desperation owners feel and are willing to accept any amount. Don’t put yourself in that situation.
Price it fair! Then be willing to deal.
The first to contact you is likely your best chance to sell it.

 

1. Hagerty's valuation tool should help find a value for you: https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools
2. Complete the improvements you're planning, then get it professionally appraised