I've been looking for a project car and ran across an '83 XJS for sale nearby. According to the seller, there's no rust. From pictures, body and interior are seem clean and in good condition, though I haven't yet seen it in person.

The vehicle has 60k miles but does not run. According to the seller, there is no fuel coming from the injectors. The vehicle hasn't ran since he bought and he hasn't had time to try to fix it (been there, done that!).

I haven't previously owned a Jag so just trying to get a bit of advice for possible xJS specific gotchas.

As far as the engine goes, I think I'll do a compression test to ensure there isn't some sort of issue with the valves. Any other things to be on the lookout here as it relates to the no start issue that might be potentially costly to fix (more than $1000)? If the seller is correct regarding the no fuel issue, I can imagine a variety of electrical issues or possible fried ECU - but it feels like diagnosing that might be challenging but that kind of issue doesn't feel high risk based on some googling for prices. But maybe there is something here that I'm overlooking?

As far as the body, are there common rust areas?

I appreciate any experience and advice. The sticky PDFs are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

The injection system isn't overly complex but the "could be" list for inoperative injectors is pretty long. We can help you repair it. Not that big of a deal, usually, for a decent DIYer. Injector wiring, clogged injectors, dead fuel pumps, rusty fuel tanks, poor grounds. All DIY fixable. ECU failures are not that common.

The V12 engine itself is nearly indestructible. The one nemesis is dropped valve seats resulting from cooling system problems/neglect.

A compression test is not an easy thing on one of these. Just getting the spark plugs out will be an hours-long ordeal for a first timer.

These are great hobby cars for a DIYer. Virtually all the faults and fixes are known. Parts are not too expensive as hobby cars go.

If you can't do your own work you'll need very deep pockets.

Be prepared to repair every sub-system of the car. Suspension, brakes, cooling system, fuel system, etc. The typical scenario is to spend a few months and several thousand dollars sorting everything out and then enjoy the car. And they're fabulous cars to drive when everything is fixed.

These are not too difficult to work on if you're patient, thorough, and methodical.

Most here, including me, will tell you that a well sorted XJS is worth the effort.

Cheers
DD

 

I am with Doug 100%.

60K in 30 odd years, OOPS, a bucket load of sitting around, NOT good for any car.

Read the stickies at the top of this section, should give you a heads up.

I repeat what Doug said.

Slowly, patiently, systematically. ONE system at a time.

Keep the beer fridge full, and remember YOUR sense of humour, that latter is a must with a Jag, especially the V12.

 

Sounds like it's a matter of cost vs time. Is the car being listed cheap enough? I'd say like $3K on a non runner if everything else looks good. I recently went and looked at such a car. Great deal but didn't run. If body is good, interior is good, paint is good, I'd risk it on the mechanical side if price is right. I've got the time to fix it.

 

For comparison, I bought a time capsule, 57k kms, climate controlled garage kept example(that had sat for ~15yrs. It cost me around 14k CAD in repairs to make it turn key off the trailer when I got it home, of course this would be less money if you do it yourself. Also, mine was running when I bought it.

 

Doesn’t run is how I buy all my Jaguars
99.5% of the time the engine is fine. To make sure I bring the required socket and a long handled flex head ratchet. If the engine makes a few rotations change that 99.5 to 100%
As is mentioned, simple things that require a systematic approach to identify.
This time of year $500 is the most I’ll ever pay.