looking at an xjs convertible,help wanted!

[Johnscotty22]

Hi There, I'm looking at an xjs convertible for sale. It has 36 k on the clock and paperwork to back it up, however i saw it today and the car looks great but it doesn't look like a 36k car in my experience...lots of cable ties underneath the bonnet, other bits and pieces. the body work looks very straight but i'm concerned about the mechanics... the oil pressure gauge seemed to vary quite a bit,a few drips underneath, maybe there was electronic ignition fitted, drivers seat was well worn.etc..I can email a few photos if anyone could help!!! ..
Cheers,
Scott

[cabriolet]

Hi Scott,
You should be concerned that your initial feelings about this car are a little negative. There is a booklet you can buy that points you towards areas to check on an XJS. You say there is paperwork with the car, so it is well worth studying the MOTs, service records and parts fitted to see if the mileage against dates seem correct. As you are probably aware low mileage convertables are now commanding high prices so there is an increased chance of getting a dud. It would be great to get a low mileage example but not at the expense of buying one that has not been maintained poorly. It would be interesting to see how much they are asking for the car and what selling site it is on.
When I first bought mine 3yrs ago I got carried away with the looks of the car and did not notice the underlying issues with it, so consequently it has cost me dearly correcting faults.
My approach now would be totally different where I would read as much as I can about the model and to get a visual look at the underneath at a local garage. My local garage has let me use there ramps for say 15 minutes at a cost of £10.
Good Luck
Alan

[Johnscotty22]

Hi Alan,
Yes I agree with you on first impressions.ill do a bit more research first I think!
Cheers Scott

[Tintin]

Good advice from Alan there. Even if it is 36,000 miles, the condition suggests that it may not have been well looked after. IMHO low mileage is no guarantee of good condition.

Robbie

[cabriolet]

Hi Scott,
You should be concerned that your initial feelings about this car are a little negative. There is a booklet you can buy that points you towards areas to check on an XJS. You say there is paperwork with the car, so it is well worth studying the MOTs, service records and parts fitted to see if the mileage against dates seem correct. As you are probably aware low mileage convertables are now commanding high prices so there is an increased chance of getting a dud. It would be great to get a low mileage example but not at the expense of buying one that has not been maintained poorly. It would be interesting to see how much they are asking for the car and what selling site it is on.
When I first bought mine 3yrs ago I got carried away with the looks of the car and did not notice the underlying issues with it, so consequently it has cost me dearly correcting faults.
My approach now would be totally different where I would read as much as I can about the model and to get a visual look at the underneath at a local garage. My local garage has let me use there ramps for say 15 minutes at a cost of £10.
Good Luck
Alan

I did a Trumps and “misspoke” where I stated —not being maintained poorly—should be maintained poorly. Please don,t impeach me from JEC

[davidr]

I'm not sure I can add much to the good advice you've received so far but my reflection would be that if it doesn't feel right and you think the condition of the car doesn't sit right with the low mileage showing then walk away. There are plenty of others out there.

[cabriolet]

Hi Scott,
I hope the car is not the red one on eBay that the latest bid is £7.8k as it has a category D insurance buyback registered against it. This model is advertised stating 36k on the clock. I have seen this for sale for some time now and I would not touch it with a barge pole.

[Johnscotty22]

Hi thanks for all your help. Went and looked at a few cars and have now bought one. I want to get it serviced before driving it back to Ireland. Anyone know of a good garage around bristol/southhampton? I did a quick google and swallows jaguar came up.
Regards,
Scott

[poprivet]

Anyone know of a good garage around bristol/southhampton?

Hollygrove at Ringwood are good and trustworthy guys:

http://hollygrovemotorsltd.co.uk/

[ng4xjs]

It's not difficult to change the odometer or spedo over.

Nick

[cabriolet]

Hi Scott,
In the end I think you must have bought the red 1989 convertable that was showing on eBay for £7.8k, as it is not for sale now. The car in question will always have the history of being written off, so consequently it will effect the resale price. I know category D write offs can be legally put back on the road, but It is the doubt that comes with not knowing what work was carried out. Good luck and enjoy if it drives well.

[Johnscotty22]

Thanks poprivit I've emailed them hopefully they can look after me.