Hello! I'm a new forum member from Virginia!
I'm looking for a 6-cylinder XJS coupe to be a project car to work on with my dad. We have basic mechanical skills and tools. I'm an electrical engineer, so I'd like to think I can work on the electronics. I'd like to get one that doesn't need much that we can't handle ourselves.
Any advice would be appreciated!

 

the sixes are a.lot harder to find than the twelves. too scared of the mighty jaguar v12?

 

Yeah, pretty much. It's a little daunting that even changing the spark plugs seems to be a big ordeal.

 

Six cylinder coupes are a bit rare compared to six cylinder soft-tops, but they're out there. Nice cars, IMHO.

Shouldn't be hard finding on that needs a bit of work. That describes the majority of used Jags! Some are horrible, some are pristine, most are in the vast middle ground of needing "some amount" of attention.

You might want to read the buyers guide at the top of this section.

Cheers
DD

 

Just sold one.. In the UK though so may not have been much help anyway!

 

I've been reading the buyer's guide - it's great. Very comprehensive.
I'd be happy with a car that needs a little attention. Shipping from UK seems a bit extravagant!

 

All of the 6-cyl ones I have seen are in good shape (this is Canada and USA) because they are all facelift cars which are much less prone to rust (fewer body parts, fewer welded seams, and galvanized lower panels) and they're not as old as a lot of V12s that you'll see for sale, since the V12s were available for 20 years and the 6s only for the last 4-5 yrs.. Therefore to get a resto project coupe you're really restricted to higher mileage cars, and you may not see any rusty ones at all. You may end up having to pay someone to do the big jobs and not have much to do yourself, other than cosmetics.

You're going to have very little to choose from if you're looking for <$5K or so. Go up to $8K and things get more interesting. There's a 6-cyl 5 speed one for sale in Toronto right now (autotrader.ca). In fact, I'm pretty sure Canada has more 6-cyl coupes than the US, population notwithstanding. And we don't drive them in the winter. So look up here too. You're only a day's drive from the Ottawa-Windsor corridor which is where the Jags are. Importing to Canada a car over 15 yrs old is very easy so I imagine it's not much different going your way.

 

Would you consider a XJ6 for a project? Lots of 6-cyl ones out there, say 1990 or so to 1997, and you'd have a lot of choice for less money. They're awesome cars.

Could be a good way to get hooked on Jags though

 

Mkii250, thanks for the input. I'd definitely consider importing from Canada, but I'd definitely have to do some more research first.
Part of the project is just going to be maintenance, things like changing the spark plugs and spark plug wires, changing hoses, replacing brakes, etc., so I think the 6-cylinders' durability and quality is a plus for me.
I have been considering shifting my focus to an XJ6, and if I can't find an XJS or XK8 to fit the bill, I may go that route.

 

Heh heh. I looked on Ebay yesterday. A total of thirty five XJSs listed. Only two coupes.

I never made the Cananda-Coupe connection before but, in thinking about it, I believe it to be true. In thinking about it I've seen more face lift coupes (especially late face lift) at Canadian Jag shows than anyhwere else.

Anyhow, keep looking. One will come along.

Cheers
DD

 

This is exactly what I had in mind for a $5000 XJS coupe: 1994 Jaguar XJS Coupe - Ontario Cars For Sale - Kijiji Ontario Canada.

Good condition overall, but 125000 miles.

 

If you were looking for a V12 project car, here's one in your neck of the woods that is going cheap!
Jaguar : XJS Two Door in Jaguar | eBay Motors

 

Mkii250, that looks like what I'm looking for! I've got a couple of leads locally (I'm also considering an XK8 coupe), but will broaden my search if necessary.
Stillill, I think that's more than I can handle!

 

Well then. How about this one. Also right near you. $3900, but, alas, also a V12
Jaguar : XJS Base Coupe 2-Door in Jaguar | eBay Motors

 

And, since Im on a roll, there is this interesting craigslist post, also right up the street.
1985 & 1986 JAGUAR XJS V-12 TWO CARS

 

So I'm not the only one constantly trolling auto ads for Jaguars that I can't afford and don't want...but will work hard to justify anyway.

 

HA! I spend 30 min every day looking at the Jags for sale within a 250 mi radius. Im not in the market for one, but if something pops up that is too good to pass up, I want to make sure Im the guy who scoops it up. For instance, if I saw a 4L 92 XJS with a Getrag 290 5-speed pop up, Im pretty sure I'd have to go make an offer :-)

 

Last one Rando. I promise. I think I got the one for you. 4L. Coupe. Southern PA (not too far away) and cheap! Good luck!
1994 Jaguar XJS Coupe

 

Hilarious. I just came back to this thread to post the same car ad. Yup, that's the car to look at.

So I can keep this one to myself: ***JAGUAR XJS BLACK***

 

Wow! There's more out there than even I had found!
Stillill, I'd seen the V12s on Ebay and Craigslist, but that 6-cylinder coupe looks great!
Mkii250, that black XJS is beautiful! I just don't think I'm ready for a 12!