I am considering buying a 1985 XJS with 44,500 miles. Any advice welcome. I haven’t driven it yet but it looks like it’s in good condition.

 

At the top of this forum, under the How-to sticky, is a Buyers Guide, and another called "XJS Book". Those two documents will point you in the right direction.

 

If you have a Chevy Swap contingency plan, leave it alone and find another car to tinker with. Other than than start reading the stickies.

 

You either need to be brave and technically handy or have lots of extra cash.

 

Unless there are a bunch of receipts for recent service and maintenance, it will likely need a lot of deferred maintenance done. Figure on, all belts ,hoses, fuel lines,injector lines, vacuum lines. Spark plugs and ignition. Fluid flushing and replacement. Most if not all suspension and steering bushings. This doesn't mean that these cars were poorly built, they just need the proper attention over their lifespan. All of these areas need to be kept after. It's a rare owner that has kept it serviced. Someone has to have this work done. If it isn't the previous owner and current seller, then it will have to be you. But at least you will know that it has been done. Inspect the car completely before purchase, nothing wrong with buying a project, but go in with your eyes open. I almost bought a car with dropped valve seats. Try to buy a car that is already in good shape, then you'll be able to enjoy it for awhile. My car has languished in semi driving condition for many years. Good luck.

 

Hello everyone,

l would have answered each of you individually but I was unable to do so.
Thank you again for the feedback. It is very helpful in my search.

should you wait for a problem or better to change Ball joints Tie rods Spart plug wire fuel hose accumulator and belts to prevent them?

What about the ac. Nothing to do if it is working properly. ? Thank you.

 

This car has reached the point where miles DON’T COUNT.
in addition you will need brakes, pads, and rotors, repack wheel bearings, and Oh yes tires
i believe this model also has in-board brakes, which if so will most likely need the cage dropped & rebuilt
BUT when finished you will have one heck of a ride

Enjoy the Journey

 

Just wanna point out this thread is over a year old.

 

😂 i don’t know what i did wrong when i responded though.

 

I assume you were looking through threads on what to look for when buying an XJ-S? What you did was you replied to one rather than starting a new thread of your own. Unless one has specific good reasons for reviving a thread its better to start a new one.

 

Admin,

You can probably delete last 6 posts including mine.

Paul