Hello everyone,
I have the opportunity to buy a 1994 XJS convertible with the V12 engine and reasonable mileage (75K). It has been stored in a garage for over 10 years but is started for at least 20-30 mins a week (I'm assuming it isn't actually driven). Other than the tires issue, what else should I be concerned about?
Apparently, body and interior are perfect, although I haven't actually been to see it yet. I have already read the XJS Buyers Guide so am aware of those recommendations. Any additional thoughts greatly appreciated!

 

Hi mileswindle

I think your Car may have an 'in-tank fuel pump' replacing that is the Job from Hell, so do make sure that She is actually running

And if She's running make sure that She's not overheating

 

I have one of those and they are nice cars. I would check that the tonneau cover for the convertible top is present. It should match the seats with the same contrasting piping and be fairly thickly padded and made from leather.


I'd check the brakes, as the cars used a nitrogen charged sphere to give brake boost and over time those lose their charge. I don't believe they are available any more.


The radios are fickle, and frankly were junk when new, so make sure it works and you have the code if it is still the factory radio.


Run the climate control through it's paces and made sure that it responds as it should. Even if the refrigeration circuit has leaked out the freon, on max AC for example all the air should come from the dash vents, and not out the floor. On defrost all the air should go to the windshield. If the upper blend door motor isn't working that's an airbags out, dash out job to change and probably near 2 days labour. A very expensive job to fix.


When testing the climate control also make sure both blowers work, it can be somewhat common to have the variable speed circuitry fail so only one motor works when set to speed 1 or 2, and both work on speed 3, as there is a bypass relay on high speed so the fans get full 12V. Again, changing fans is a pain, especially the drivers side as the instrument panel needs to come out.



If the AC isn't cold, common leak points for the freon are the fill ports themselves, there is a rubber ball as the check valve and over time and with heat the rubber goes hard and no longer seals. It won't show under a vacuum test as it will have hoses connected. Those ports are standard GM parts and screw on, so easy to change once the system is evacuated.


Then check for the usual V12 things, like cracks on the engine cooling fan blade, junk in between the radiator and condensor etc. If the rad is clean, you should be able to stand on the right side of the car just behind the tire and with the engine idling feel a breeze of hot air from the fan out from under the car.

 

After all of that, replace any rubber lines, flush the brake system, replace front and rear crank sensors to keep your Marelli ignition in top performance. Taking the radiator out, having it flushed, is great insurance. These are wonderful cars, and I feel that they are truly collectible cars already, even if the market hasn't recognized their value

 

Thank you for responses and advice....I'm going to see the vehicle later this week.

 

did you buy it?

 

Actually, I chickened out......the owner and I exchanged VMs/texts but never did reconnect. During that time, I got cold feet

 

maybe i bought it. how much was he asking?

 

bought my black xjs v12 from a genleman in Glen Gardner, NJ. He didn't drive it but only turned it once a month or so. Car looked ok but was worried about not being driven so I negoitated a big discount to get it road ready. I am picking it up from my mechanic tomm but I think the discount may not cover all the work so far:
complete tune up;
complete brake job, including calipers;
rack and pinion;
change all fluids;
complete detail (taking it to a body shop);
change relays; and
other misc items.

Learned a lot the hard way.
Feel free to ask me anything about my epxerience.