Looking at getting rid of a car payment on my current 2010 Lexus 350 C with change in how much is coming in. Got about $8-10k to spend if I get rid of it. There is a 1994 XJS for sale at a reputable dealer that they are asking 48k for. In reading I've discovered that the 4L is more reliable than the 12 cylinder (and this car is the 6). It's never been wrecked and seems to have a pretty good service history.

How daft would I be to get this as my daily driver.

I drive about 10 miles a day round trip (including running home for lunch). I would walk or bike ride but I get called out to go to hospitals etc that I need to have a car handy. I move about every 2-3 years (military) so it would need to be reliable enough to make those trips. For instance, I have a seminar in Denver that I'd like to drive to in July - if the car is well maintained would I trust it to go from KC to Denver?

Also, as far a future value. Where does it stand in being a 'used car' versus a 'collector'. To me sounds somewhat in between?

What should I look for in a test drive?

Thanks for trudging through all this and hopefully some answers

Tony

 

$48K for a 1994 XJS... RUN FAR FAR AWAY...

$4800 is another story.

 

Oops, didn't get the shift button hit. It's actually $7995.00

 

Typical price, how many miles? 6cyl is supposed to be a fairly bulletproof engine, you have to watch out for hoses and electrics although in 94-96 were light years ahead of prior XJS'.

I would check all the electronics, heat, AC and the electronics again.

 

It has 88,000.

 

Any other input? I posted the question in a similar format on a few generalist auto forums I visit and got the expected "reliability nightmare' responses that have about swayed me away. Like to give another shot to the folks that know and love these cars before I chuck the idea all together.

TIA,
Tony

 

Ask for maintenance receipts, check that everything works, put $2000 in the bank for an emergency "repair fund"; Then buy it, drive it, love it, maintain it.

The whole time with a big *** smile on your face.

[edit] Also look for coolant seepage around the hoses in the engine, if you see white sandy looking residue, get new hoses. [/edit]

 

I've my 95 XJS for 2 years and I am using it as daily driver for 2 months now . Mine has 140k miles on it. So far it's been reliable. From what I read, the engine is probably more reliable than my 93 Mercedes E class (the E class has head gasket and wiring harness issues). Parts are pretty cheap too. I replaced the alternator, fan clutch, shocks, brakes and they are the same price or cheaper than Mercedes/BMW. Handling is not as good as BMW. Ride is not as good as the Mercedes but it's not bad. The German cars are definitely have better and more complicated engineering but I love XJS' unique style and look.

 

I've just purchased a 94 XJS Conv. With 40,000 in perfect condition and am extremely impressed with it's everyday drivability. Although I must admit my last Jag was an 88 XJ6 "I still have it" was a nightmare. The XJS is fun to drive and feels much more reliable then the XJ6 and the 2006 Saab I just sold. Although I must admit I have a 2009 Dodge Ram diesel that I drive pretty regularly and keep the Jag in the garage. I think you can't go wrong with the Jag, but it will require some care.

 

Think this is the same car from this post:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ont-end-53853/

Here's the link to the dealer (it's the only jag but I couldn't link right to it):
http://www.countryhill.com/Pre-Owned...x?DealerID=579

Here's the car:
http://cdnedge.vinsolutions.com/AP/5...-0/9562436.jpg

Might go monday and look at it.

 

Anybody else? Might go look at it tomorrow but the suspension issue is scaring me away a little. Doesn't look like it would be too hard to fix if it's just the bushes and tie rods but still...

 

Just a personal preference...but I'd shy from a convertible as my daily/only. If you haven't yet "married" the XJS as a "must-have" I think in your price range you'll find a better selection of well-kept cars in the X300/X308 lines.

If so...they sure are pretty...would love to have one myself but not in lieu of the VDP. Here are a couple of comparables for you:

Cars for Sale: 1995 Jaguar XJS 4.0L Convertible in ARLINGTON, TX 76001: Convertible Details - 298485088 - AutoTrader.com

Cars for Sale: 1994 Jaguar XJS 4.0L Convertible in Houston, TX 77055: Convertible Details - 273891768 - AutoTrader.com

MAybe a few miles away from you...but everything else I've seen lately is $11.5k-$13.3k - so they are probably not owned by non-smokers...and I don't mean tobacco

 

Did a test drive yesterday. Think it's a little more work than I'm willing to take on right now.

1. Parking brake light would not go out. (not as worried about this one, probably a sensor right?)

2. Brakes were weak and slightly spongey.

3. Air con didn't feel strong. Was 69 degrees and humid but the air only blew cool, not cold.

Also noticed that the foot box was rather narrow for my size 11's in combat boots.

 

people who say the v12 is unreliable are either people who didn't properly maintain the car, bought a 20 something year old car and just expected it to be totally flawless and not in need of maintainence because its a jaguar or people who have HEARD they are unreliable from those people.
To a certain extent all cars are pretty damn reliable if they are taken care of, and the case of the jaguar XJS is very similar to M16s in vietnam, stupid people assume they need no care because they are supposed to be expensive nice cars and so they go to ****.


While nearly every inline 6 i have ever heard of seems to be a bulletproof engine, if you get a well cared for v12 and take care of it yourself, it shouldn't be any problem.

unless you are hard on for a newer XJS i would try finding one a bit older, for the same price or less you could get one a bit older with less miles on it. You may really want a convertible too so idk.

i don't suppose there are a lot of XJSs in kansas though so maybe its the one