1982 Jaguar XJ-S

XJ-S
1

Hi everyone,

I’m going to buy 1982 Jaguar XJ-S. I haven’t had similar cars earlier. Is there anything I need to know before purchase?

Would appreciate any advice.

Fred

2

Is there anything you need to know? Oh my, yes indeed.Are you comfortable with the idea of doing your own work on this car? Hopefully you are. I strongly suggest you download Kirby Palm’s excellent book about the XJS, available on this site, and read it cover to cover. Then, after you have recovered, read it again. There is much to learn! Read The Book BEFORE buying the car!

2 Likes
3

Hi Fred,

DavetheLimey +++

I would also recommend you to lookup car by vin number: https://trustvin.com/
With the help of this service you can get free VIN decoding and some additional information. You just need to click VIN Numbers at the bottom of the page, choose year, make, model and VIN number, and then you’ll get an access to specs.

I personally always use it, when need to get some total information on cars that are interested to me.

But you can also use other services such as https://www.research.com/, http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/?siteID=0, https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-a-vin-for-free, etc.

4

Thank you so much! I found the book and have already downloaded it. Read the book first and then look through the website.

Talk to you soon,
Fred

5

you can look threw the site without reading book, but read book before purchasing car! with any 35 year old car, it will have, or soon have issues. most of the common issues are covered so reading book lets you know what might be an issue and what is involved with repair. dropped valve seat from overheating would be my biggest concern. many have been parted out or had chevy engines installed as the cost to repair exceeds the value.

6

Hi Fred.
I bought a very sad 1982 XJS V12 coupe 3 years ago and spent a very intense 2,5 years restoring her and I don’t regret a single moment or dollar spent. A very memorable roller coaster ride. I have never had her to a mechanic… just sought advice from three sources… the book… the internet. …and the very helpful contributors to this forum.
Trev

1 Like