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First time here in the XJS forum. I've got a '92 Sovereign (XJ40) and had a '96 XJ12 (X305) as well. I've been looking around for a car to replace my '12 and saw a pretty gorgeous looking late-model XJS, a 1994 Convertible 2+2 in Oyster.
The listing claims the car is a one-owner Florida car. 87,000 miles. Straight-six 4.0L engine. Listing says that it could use canvas replacement. I see there are lots of sources for Sonnenland tops and the price isn't too bad; going by the posts here on top replacement, it seems very doable so I'd be doing it myself.
I've had plenty of experience working on my XJ6 and I'd imagine the engine/transmission side of things would be very similar. The things I'm not really familiar with is the hydraulic top, the chassis and the body.
I've heard the hydraulic top assembly is fairly reliable as long as seals are in good condition and the right fluid is used. From what I've seen, the rams are still available and I saw a decent price online for replacement units. The top is Black, would that be the correct original color with the Oyster paint? It also seems there is no tonneau cover for the top. Should there be one for the 2+2 or was that deleted?
I like that the '94 has outboard brakes like my '92 does. I also see the '94 has much more integrated electronics which is a plus. I like the improved switchgear inside the car, and the sedan-style dash. Memory seats are a plus too. I do own a working PDU and have the XJS software. It appears these cars would use the same diagnostic connector (PM-4 style?) and cable as my XJ40 for diagnostics.
The paint looks to be in very good shape with just a slight scuff on the front left bumper. It has the dealer-installed body side rubber moldings like my XJ40. The interior is in good shape considering the age, which only slight cracking in the driver's seat, which I'd likely repair and redye unless I lived with it. It does appear the LH rear headrest has a nickle-sized hole, perhaps from the top assembly? I'd have to patch and dye that.
They're asking $3,500. Should I take a look?
If so, anything to look out for? I know the AJ6 can have head-gasket issues with the original style gasket. Would it be a good idea to bring my block test kit if I look at it, or should I not be too worried about it?
Nick
Last edited by NTL1991; Sep 12, 2019 at 05:59 AM.
Reason: Added pictures
3500 is a steal, if you have the cash just be prepared to spend...abit more *cough* as problems arise. Look for rust in the usual spots, check for fluid contamination, leaks etc but I think if it's rust and water leak free its nice. That car has problematic windshields id try to dig under the chrome trim and check for rust.
You will be replacing more than just the canvas on that. You see the wear mark/hole in the rear seat headrest? The cables in the frame are broken. I wasn’t able to source one easily so I had to make my own.
Thanks guys! The price strikes me as a bit low. Also, one-owner FL convertible at a dealer seems odd.
Good catch on that cable!
Those rub strips are definitely more at home on an XJ40 than this XJS. I quite like them on the ‘40, but He more I look at them on the XJS the less they seem to work with the body. I completely agree about that chrome trim too.
I’m looking at a ‘96 XJ12 this weekend (it would be a shame to see my stockpile of ‘12 parts go to waste) but if that falls through, this may be next on my list to check out. 2 hours away though.
Worth looking at this '94 convertible?
