Hi I'm new here I'm thinking about buying an XJS. I have my eye on this car and was wondering if anybody here knew anything about this car. I'm going to look at it tomorrow, is there anything in particular that I should ask about?

Thanks,
Matthew

http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1524C316

 

Welcome to the forum Matthew,

I assume it's being advertised in or around Redondo Beach, CA?

The Ad has plenty of photos which look good but it gives very little information about the vehicle, not even mentioning engine size.



The critical factor with any used Jaguar is Service History. A well maintained and sorted XJS is a pleasure to own and drive. A neglected one is a money pit.

Please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum and post some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.

Graham

 

Looks like a 4.0l. Not sure whats going on in the footwells though, looks like the carpets are/have been very wet.. Also seems to have something missing near the rear drivers side B post. Maybe a chrome bit missing. Looks like it will need a dam good look over.

 

Matthew,

At the top this XJS forum, you'll see the Sticky Links, look for the "HOW TO" quick link. In there you will find a "Buyer's Guide", an excellent resource and a must read before you start your search.
In that section you'll also see "XJS_BOOK". This is more detailed and a big help in understanding your car. The XJS_BOOK also has a Shopping for an XJS chapter.
I agree with malc4d, that carpet looks a bit rough. Pull it up and check for rust underneath.
And, in my humble opinion, $12,700 is a lot of money for a 6 cylinder XJS.

Good luck,
Bill

 

Especially when you can get an 85 in Chicago with 5 speed in good condition for under $5K.

 

It's missing 6 cylinders. I'd pass at that price.

Jagfixer, what's this about a 5 speed??

 

Ok, let's not let this turn into another v12 vs i6 battle.

Check to make sure the AC works.

Check the front spoiler for cracks and damage. Make sure the undertray is there too.

Check to make sure the idle is smooth at low 700s.

Make sure the top operates well, including the two quarter glass panels.

Keys work on all three locks (both doors and trunk). Make sure you get at least two FOBs and two keys.

Can't say that there's that much that can go wrong. The rest is pretty standard. Check fluids and look for rust.

Do the power seats work? Are the seats in good condition?

It does seem relatively expensive, but let's not let a gran or two get in the way of owning a low mileage car in great shape...assuming it is in great shape.

A test drive in the rain would help show off any issues with leaks...

 

Here's what I found.
There are a few issues.
1. the AC does not work and the passenger side blower is stuck on.
2. The front splitter is cracked.
3. The left rear tail light is cracked.
4. Drivers seat leather is cracked and could use some rehab.

It runs great. Drives great, and looks pretty good.
Given the above issues and a favorable PPI what do you think is a fair price?

 

Those tail lights go for $350 + each if you can find one.

 

Heck, I'd sell him a 1995 2+2 V12 in Arkansas (originally from inland CA, no rust!) for 6k if he didn't mind Sapphire Blue! Has 68k miles though so more miles than that other car but always well maintained.

 

No I don't think it's a fair price. The listed deficiencies are not a big deal, but it's still overpriced and down 6 cylinders.

Winter is Coming.

 

How long has it been listed? Make a low offer and be prepared to walk away. I did that with my car. I drove 3 hours to check it out and made low offer which he refused. 2 weeks later he counter offered and I responded $500 less as I would have to drive back there 6 hours return trip. He accepted my first offer and now it all mine. If you are not in a hurry, find the right car for you at the right price.

 

"What's a fair price?" is probably one of the most asked questions on the forum. And what it all boils down to is, the car is worth what the buyer is willing to pay.
My guess is that if you look up the book value, you will probably see something in the $8k range. There doesn't seem to be a reason to put any kind of "premium" price on the car. There are many more late model 6 cylinder cars around then there are 12 cylinder, so they certainly aren't rare. It doesn't seem to be a Concourse car. And unless it's been owned by someone famous, it's just a run-of-the-mill nice looking XJS.
There is a thread here, where people have posted what they paid for their car. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...w-much-101453/This might give you some idea what others think the cars are worth. For me, I bought mine two years ago. Everything on it worked, (it just needed a $90 brake accumulator) 94k miles and I paid $7k for it.
So, look around, educate yourself (by all means, ask questions) and let us know what you do.

Bill