Cruising a garage sale today I came across an old jag. Seems mostly complete minus the convertible top and some of the interior was taken apart. Its missing the title, but im looking into getting that and then fixing the car up and then flipping it (or if I really enjoy the car keeping it). The paint is absolutely mint 11/10 red, interior is slightly taken apart but I would say a 8.5/10. I dont know if its running. 80,000 miles on it and an automatic. I can get it for $400, which sounds like a steal to me but after browsing these forums for a little it seems like they have some reliability issues. What are common problems (and prices for a DIY mechanic to fix them) with these cars? How much do you think this car is worth? Are enthusiasts interested in buying stock parts off a car like this?I would jump on this in a heartbeat but just yesterday I picked up a e30 BMW and I dont know if 2 projects at once is a good idea. Im also unsure of the year, the vin decoder I found said a 1973 but it doesnt look like thats correct.

 

Nowhere near enough info to answer your question properly. No offence, but buying a $400 dollar Jag without a roof and not knowing if it runs ....and worrying about "reliabilty"....is a little silly :-). This has "money pit" written all over it !

Its worth $400 as a parts car, if nothing else. I'd snap it up on that basis. Then if it runs and a convertible top can be found ($1000? $2000?) maybe it'll be OK.



Cheers
DD

 

Im trying to decode the vin, and I wrote down:

SAJNW48433LC166925

I think I made a mistake writing it down as I can not run a carfax on it. I think only one 3 is supposed to be after the 484...maybe?

 

Pictures:





Im going to go back today and snap better pictures and get the correct VIN.

 

I see that some headlights are different then others, can someone give me an estimate of the year of this car? Also how around how much would it be worth in running condition with a conv top and a title.

 

I would think if nothing else it's well worth it for selling off the parts if you have the time and motivation. Although it doesn't look to be in to bad of shape so knowing me I would look at restoring it lol.

 

Judging from the "166925" I'd say its about a 1990 or so....can't find my chart right at the moment.

Looks pretty good, and has a nice Nardi steering wheel. :-)


Providing the engine isn't hurt and you can get a top, it looks like a good project. If its like most used XJSs it'll probably need a whole list of small problems fixed, so be ready for that.

For the money you can't go wrong.

Cheers
DD

 

multiply the sales price by 50, add 10% to that and youll have a ggod idea of your total expenditure in money if you do most of the work...building many cars from the ground up and very well versed at having way more in a car than youll ever get out.....2 things come to mind...buy a rebuild it cause you always wanted one and love the car, or
2 part it out as a parts car soemone esle is rebuilding and youll be able to profit from your initial investmest 10x

 

Excellent summation, Brutal :-)

DD

 

If you are looking for purity,then Brutal's estimate is fairly close. If you want to do most of the work yourself, you may want to consider "lumping it". Put in a big block chevy, clean up the interior and put on a new top and you're ready to go. Easier said then done however. This could be a money pit like everyone else said.

Mike

 

Ok based on what you guys have said/my research it definitely does not sound like the right car for me. The V12 + convertible was what was appealing to me, and if the v12 is junk then its not worth it. I figured for $500 I could get it running and sell it for a small profit but apparently not!

 

Probably a money pit to restore it but you should be able to part it out pretty good. The wheels look like there worth atleast 400 alone even though they are an older style.

 

I just recently purchased a 1990 XJS with no missing parts for 300.00
No battery so it didnt start. But i didnt want to start it since it has been sitting for 5 years. Its currently at my family mechanic. After all the fluids get changed i'll buy the Battery. Mechanic said its mechanically and cosmeticly in great shape. Needs a part to put the alignment in order, Dont remember what it is, But other than a broken windshield and ripped headliner(After all the fluid changes) i want to do the hoses and the fuel lines..
This project is exciting!

 

Whats a good estimate for the value of this car in running order?

 

Anyone? Ive been looking through autotrader and ebay motors and it looks like this still has the possibility to be a good deal

 

Also, its a 1990 and the carfax is pretty clean. Also agrees with what the owner's son is saying about the car. 80k miles

 

Ignorance is bliss.

 

Ill be purchasing this car later in the week hopefully.....keep an eye on ebay after I fix her up! I will keep this forum updated

 

You could sell the headlight assemblys and steering wheel to make back your $400 :-). I'd buy it, and like some of the folks have said, what the heck is the risk, $400 is nothing money in the car world, I've spent that much on seat covers.