looking for some insight from those more mechanically inclined than myself.

this looks like an appealing option to me for a few reasons, except for this transmission issue the poster describes.

Jaguar : XJS Jaguar : XJS | eBay

does it sound like a potentially easy (read: cheap) fix? or is this going to be a several thousand dollar outlay to remedy?

 

I'd be more alarmed by the fact that Autocheck says it has had 7 owners...

 

Could be the cable, or the tranny. No way to tell if seller is being honest. Considering there is rust issues I think you could do better for that price.

 

thousands of dollars? lol
sounds like the cable is one incrament off. on my old pontiac you could adjust it via a small cable and clip under the steering column. although, a better question is why it was replaced in the first place.

all you need to know is if it still shifts into overdrive when 2nd gear is selected, and if it still shifts into 2nd when 1st is selected.

i wouldnt mind a car like that for 2k. i mean, its hard to lose with a good running jag for under 3k. i paid 3,500 for one that didnt hardly run.

 

M90:

Thanks for the note. My thoughts exactly with regard to a <3000 car. Few rust spots that I'm not too worried about and the AC. I have been reading about your saga with your car. Congrats by the way.

Anyhow, thanks again, I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

Worst case scenario: transmissions are cheap. I would go for a John's quarter breed 4 speed.

 

My gut feeling is that the trans thing is just a cable adjustment issue.

The A/C might just need a recharge, yes, but who knows what evil lurks ? :-)

It looks better than most $2000 XJSs but to be honest the rust would worry me. Repairs could turn an inexpensive Jag into an expensive Jag very quickly!

Cheers
DD

 

I agree with Doug, most likely cable adjustment is off. But then again if it was off reverse would be where nuetral is.

If the A/C "needs a recharge" there is a leak. As long as it not the evaporator things are not too bad. The evaporator is a ton of labor but again it is doable.

My experience with rust is that what you see is only the beginning. I would look somewhere else for a car and pay a bit more for rust-free chassis. Mechanical work and trim are a lot easier and cheaper to do.

 

It often costs more to repair "minor rust bubbles" than to rebuild the transmission. Beware an inexpensive, rusty Jag.

Have you priced replacement seat upholstery? Again, recovering two front seats can be pricey.

Also, that 89 has those stupid motorized belts. I notice they are disconnected, which says something in itself. They fail, are difficult to have repaired, and are awkward at best when they do work. They are covered under warranty as a safety item forever, but if the dealer cannot get parts, they cannot be fixed.