Looking at a XJS today need help what to look for.
Below is a link


1989 Jaguar XJS V12

Thanks
Pummy

 

Judging by the leaves on the intake and other crustiness, that car hasn't moved in a long time. Brake work likely means rear brakes and / or ABS issues, the rear brakes of which can push on $1k in a heartbeat.

I would pass on the car looking at the pics, but it depends on what you're looking for. Seems a complete "project", but the price needs to be severely cut as a result.

Pig in a poke XJS =divorce or insanity, you choose! ;-)

Jeff

 

Just from the pictures I think it does not look too bad. The two biggest things to check are the engine and rust.

Run the engine long enough to get warm and make sure it does not overheat. The engine should run very smoothly and not have any valve noises.

Rust is very expensive to repair. Look carefully. If you see rust walk away. Even a small amount that is visible will turn out to be much larger.

The car has been for sale for more than 2 months. Brakes could be a bit expensive to repair. If it runs and drives well I think you could get the car in the low $2000 range.

Mark

 

Looking at the pictures, there are sure signs that the clearcoat is failing.

Don't be fooled into thinking you can 'just rub it out'. You'd be looking at a complete respray on top of any other issues.

 

It depends on what you are looking for, and what your repair skills are. It looks pretty good in the pictures, but there are no photos of areas prone to rust. Look at the floor pans on both sides and look at the trailing arm mountings for the rear suspension and at the bottom of the rear fenders. The brake work could be a little or a lot, depending on what it needs and whether you are doing the work, or paying someone else to do it. The engine compartment does not look like it has received any attention lately, so it probably is overdue. If the engine runs and sounds OK, coolant is full, no air, or excess pressure in the cooling system that could indicate a cylinder head or gasket problem, it may be OK. None of the pictures show the tires, I would be as concerned about their age as how worn they are. It looks like it could be a decent driver, but will start out as a project.

 

Got his down to $2000. THE BRAKES Feel spongy. Overall needs a major tune-up and im sure other things.

You guys think I should pull the trigger for 2k?

Thanks Again

 

Cosmetically, how's interior? Glass? Wheels? No rust is important.
The mechanical bits can all be fixed, just takes time and money. Not sure how much of each you have.

Good luck !

 

Plenty of time. This will be a weekend cruiser..

 

My two cents; I'd consider looking at a few XJSs minimum before choosing one. These cars are not that rare, particularly in a large city like Chicago. The general adage is buy the best you can. That 89 does look pretty good though.

As others mention, brake issues can be pretty Involved and expensive if the rear rotors or calipers need replacing and/or the abs is acting up. Most drop the IRS and do the whole deal while it's down. Calipers, pads, rotors, shocks, radius arm bushings, etc.

Definitely run it for a while and see if it idles without overhearing. Check condition of coolant hoses to look for signs of neglect.

Good luck whatever you do. This forum is a huge resource.

 

Looks pretty good for 2k. Id take a chance myself.

 

If She has a problem with the Brakes then I would be inclined to walk away, as if the ABS Brake Master Cylinder/Actuator is playing up, its almost impossible to buy another one.

Even if you could find one, then you would be looking Circa: $1,500!

That Car will be a hard sell for them, If I were you I would go and look at some others, as you could be spending a fortune to get her up to the mark.

 

Any $2000 XJS is going to need work. This is just the price of entry. Its the smallest amount of money you will spend during ownership.

If we were all worried about unattainable brake parts then none of us would have an XJS! But we do have them. We find a way to keep them on the road.

$2000 for a driveable, non-rusty XJS is a good deal. I would buy it.

Mark

 

As a recent purchaser of two! non-running XJS' for $3800 I completely agree with above statement.

 

I figure for 2k its not bad since it is a long term project.
that 2k includes towing and delivery.

 

dump the ABS system, go to regular vacuum brake system!

lot of parts for them, like master cylinder from a Ford truck fits no problem, $45. bucks advance auto, at least that is what is on my 1978 XJS, plus its aluminum, not cast iron.

 

I bought my '89 three years ago in pretty sorry shape mechanically, with a rip down the left side of the left front seat (which isn't pictured in this ad, so I'd bet it's torn too) and a few cosmetic items. It looked cleaner than this one does and I paid about twice what you're looking to pay and knowing what I know now, I would definitely NOT do it again. My XJ-S is pretty nice now but I'm way under water on it and it still needs work. All the time.

What everyone else said: Try a few XJ-S' out first. Spend more for a nicer one, if you can. Let it idle for 15 minutes, watch the gauge, anything over the middle of the N is too high. Maybe buy a later one where Jaguar had Ford's money to sort out the V12 and cooling system a bit more.

But if you have the XJ-S fever, you know, where you ask for input but you know you're going to buy it no matter what anyone says because it's so damned pretty and you just can't get it out of your system and that purchase price is just so amazingly low and you've always wanted one, then at least try not to fall in love with it right away and give yourself a limit to how much you're willing to spend and walk away when it goes over that point. How much can you afford to lose when you give up on the car? $5k? $10k? You probably won't see more than $10k back, should you choose to sell it later, so that should be the maximum you'll spend. If you can do it all for $10k or less (you can't), you're ahead.

XJ-S' are a trap because, even in terrible shape, they're more fun and more refinement than many other cars of even newer vintage. And they're so beautiful. And inexpensive to buy (but not to own). And they get under your skin, probably because we lose a bit of skin (metaphoric or real) trying to save them.

I probably won't ever sell mine because I'm a masochist and I love the mad thing and it's pretty nice now. Besides, I'd never get even a fraction of my money out of it but if I could go back in time and do things differently, I would probably have bought something else. Or, at least, a better example XJ-S.

Best of luck. Seriously.

 

Thanks


What are some betters years to look for? These car are so pretty. It sucks you in .

 

The 'facelift' models (1992-later in USA speak) are generally considered easier to own, especially 6 cylinder models. But this far down the road *actual present day* condition is more important than any pros-cons that any particular year may have had 20-30 years ago. A lovingly kept older model would almost certainly be a better choice than a later model that has rec'd only mediocre (or worse) upkeep.

Have you read the buyers guide at the top of this section? It's in one of the sticky threads

Cheers
DD

 

I might add that $2000-$3000 is a very risky price range....unless you're specifically looking for a project. And f your ultimate goal is an XJS to really be proud of, buy a premium example and pay the premium price. It's easier and less expensive than taking an average example and bringing it up to the same condition. Cosmetics are hugely expensive.

Cheers
DD

 

For the pre-facelift years, the '89 or '90 are as good as it gets in terms of reliability. A '95 or '96 with the AJ16 straight six from '95 to '96 would give you damn near the same power as a late '80's without the heartache, divorce or the propensity for catching on fire.

Higher purchase price but lower cost of ownership. The 6.0 litre V12 is supposed to be pretty great as well but will likely come with the Marelli (car on fire) distributor.

These cars can be amazing but, please, take your time and have a great XJS experience.