So, i have been looking for an XJ-S recently, as i have an itch that i need to scratch before i emigrate from the UK to South Australia in 7 months time....

I have had 6 previous Jaguars - but an XJ-S has always alluded me.

When i started my search i was set on the following criteria:

1988 - 1990 Model Year
3.6 engine
Auto Gearbox

The reason for the above, being that i prefer the look of the cars built before 1991 and i am assuming that all the changes that happened in 1988 were all for the better?

However, having looked at some real dogs in my £3500-£4000 budget I have found a car local to me, that (having read the advert and spoken to the owner) sounds like a real gem - The only problem is, that it is a 1987 car and its a V12.

Are the early cars good? or are electrics and corrosion even more of a minefield than the post 88 cars?

This is the advert for the car: (clicking the image makes it bigger)

XJS V12 coupe, 1987,, £ 3,000.00 - The site to buy and sell a jaguar car, parts or related services. Brought to you by the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club

I am hoping (weather permitting) to view the car on Tuesday evening.

 

A coupé without aircon is an undriveable car in the summer, IMO. Even though I have a pre 1988 car, undoubtedly the post 1988 (ie cars with the Recaro seats, Mark III Delanaire aircon and more robust Ford indicator stalks) are better cars. No rust difference though. The golden rule in cars is never buy a car on which something is not working.

Unless you are taking the car with you, lost of guys on here from Oz, who will steer you to a decent car over there. I say, never be in a hurry to buy an XJS...

Greg

 

Richard,

I don't know if you are intending to take the car to Oz with you? If not, you may well end up spending more money to fettle the car in the next few months and then sell it at a loss next March (when prices are slightly lower anyway).

With XJS, condition is more important than year, IMO. Why not contact the JEC who can provide contacts to undertake an inspection on the car to see if it will fulfill your needs without significant expenditure.

Good luck

Paul

 

My 89 (post 88 ) has the standard BL stalks still... The flimsy little ones...

@ TE

I held out for an 89 V12 because I wanted a few little things which all were available in 89:

1. the older stalks
2. the Marelli ignition
3. more wood inside (post 87)
4. the Recaro seats
5. the sports steering wheel

It basically rules out everything BEFORE 89 and everything AFTER 89

Rustwise: my car has a few little spots of rust just starting (so nothing serious) and therefore easy to remove.

 

Personally I'd broaden the search and place more emphasis on condition rather than model year features/changes. For example, an exceptionally good '86 might well be a better buy, and make for a happier ownership experience, than an average condition '89.

One thing to remember is that '88 onwards the cars gradually became more complex year-by-year. Anti-lock brakes, air bags, security systems, and such. I'm not saying to avoid the later cars but some owners, especially some DIYer types, have a "less is better" philosophy.

Cheers
DD