I am interesting in purchasing a 1988 XJS convertible with under 65K miles that appears to be in great shape. What should I look at paying? Any thoughts are appreciated since I don't know what to expect out of these cars.

 

Post pics: interior, exterior, and engine. Got service records? Cooling, electrical, AC, rear brakes all in order?

 

The value is so hard to gauge with these cars. Some people sell late V12's in good shape for 6K or 7K while I have seen mid eighties samples go for 10K.

Just keep in mind a proper strip/repaint will start around 6-7K dollars and a new interior around 2 or 3K .

If you are indeed looking at a car in "great shape" body, interior and mechanically kept, to me that cat is worth more than 8K. But remember a low milage car can mean you are buying into it right before original parts start to break down, so make sure everything has been maintained . As long as the cooling system is in tip-top-shape, you have good compression, and the evaporator is not leaking, plus the what i already mentioned on paint and interior, i would say you have good car.

Good luck

 

Thanks for the info...I haven't laid eyes on the car yet, only a few pics. I know it needs a ps hose and is currently under a car cover. Was garage kept until recently and according to owner, only driven on sunny weekends. I will look at it this weekend probably.

 

I'm a $3k XJS guy. You can find nice ones that only need a bit of sorting in this price range all day long. It would have to be a concourse piece for me to spend any more. Let us know once you check it out. You've read the sticky right? Lots of pre purchase info there and in Kirby Palm's e-book.

 

I paid $4000 for my 88 convertible in April. It's in great shape and mechanically sound. I had to fix some small things but nothing major. Car has 73,000 miles on it.

 

I have decided against the purchase but I appreciate all the input. It is on Craigslist Atlanta if anyone is interested...I only need one project at a time....lol

 

If it's that burgandy '88 H&E convertible, it's been for sale a long time. I looked at that one over a year ago. It was being stored at a small shop in the marietta area. It wasn't running then either so I wonder if it's been run at all in the last year. It did seem like a definite project when I saw it.

 

Yes, that is the one. I never went and looked at it. I only spoke with him on the phone. He is in Florida and the car is at his friends house he told me. He did say I could go drive it around the block. Maybe they did some work on it.....not for me to worry about though. If it is like you say, I don't need it anyway!!!