Need some input on another car
 

I have an opportunity to buy a 1994 Jaguar XJS convertible. The car has 3,700 original miles on it!!!!! It's been in storage a long time next to the Porsche 928 I bought. I don't think it even had one oil change since purchased. It's basically a new 94. I have not seen it yet, but rest assured it's in mint condition. I don't think it's a collectors car yet as many were made.

I think they are cool cars. The cosmetics should be great but 16 years of non use will take its toll on seals, gaskets, old gas, ect....It will take some work to bring it back to new. If you can land it at a good price it would be fun.

+1...most likely head gaskets have dried up and will be compromised, brake cylinder seals??, fuel delivery??...but great ride!!

I say go for it.. a cosmetically perfect car is the best starting point for a restoration.

At the end of the work, you'll have a car that is basically as it left the factory.. something a restoration on a higher miles car can never be.

Those old V12's are also disappearing at a high rate.

I think you already know the answer on this one.
Hopefully by the time you read this it will be in your garage.

The rule with jags is that if it is low miles, it has a problem that is difficult to fix.

Like I was told once,twice,three times or more,Go buy the largest can of coffee.Perferably in a red can. Dump the coffee out, stick the empty can between the seats and for every mile you drive stick a buck in the can.Thats about what it will take to keep them going.Over the years working in the automotive field thats not to far off. Well not quite that bad. The newer Jags seem to be in the shop lots also.Not as bad after Ford got involved.

Something tells me this one is near-showroom like its stablemate 928 was.
Pamper it similarly and its got to give more pleasure than you could possibly buy for the money any other way.

Yes, It is from the same person. I hope to see the car soon and I think the price is around 12K to me. It's in storage in another city right now. My power just came on after 5 days, because of storms here!!! So other issues to deal with at the moment.

If you really want it for yourself I'd say go for it, rare opportunity etc., but if the plan is to fix it and sell it, I'd pass it on to somebody that wants it for themselves.

Well the owner asked me if I knew anyone who would be interested in it. I hope to see it soon and make a decision. I am sure it's real clean and was kept inside in a heated garage with my 928 he had. I know there are issues with a car sitting but it didn't seem to be too detrimental to my 928 which sat for 19 years in his company garage. This is a guy who has his own private jets (2), $400K motor home, etc. Typical Porsche owner right?

SO the question might be...do you want to be a Jag owner/maintainer? Is there any significant future for the model and year based upon the usual for non-classic car Investment??

From the sounds of things might only have to deal with some internal seals and gaskets (I would at least replace head and water-pump gaskets)...you may have a nice Brit'...better than my 74.5 MGB. Playing with and maintaining English cars help you really appreciate German engineering.:D

Cheers!
Jon

Here you go.. roadtest comparing a Jaguar XJS V12 versus 928 S4

:)

Jaguar XJS V12 Vs Porsche 928 S4 1988 - a set on Flickr

I think Ford bought Jaguar back then around 1994 but they sold it. Yes British cars are a pain to maintain, especially the old ones. Not sure about the new Jags.

I like to play with cars...but prefer ones that don't have computers...they really help me keep problem solving skills fresh.

And when you get them "dialed in" they love the road and I like the ride.:cool:

Jon