[xj-s] Thinking about buying a low mileage 1989 XJS

XJ-S
1

About 30,000 miles on it. I have an XJ8 and an E-type now,
and have done the work on the E-type myself. This one’s a
V12, so in a different league from the others.

What kinds of issues arise for a low mileage car of 18 years
that I need to be aware of?

This one runs nicely, all power items work, good A/C. The
tires (original, by the way) really need replacement because
of fatigue and age.

So, should you talk me out of this?

m–
Mark DeLong
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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2

Hi Mark,

If you like the feel & performance/handling of the car, go for it, and
most likely it will be a reliable car for you, if you do your own work
and take the time to learn about the car. There are many resources to
do that, including Kirby’s Book, available free online, this
list/forum, and JDHT CD’s for ~ $25 each with the Jaguar Service Manual
& Parts Catalogue, and the Supplementary Information CD with the
Electrical Technical Guides/Circuit Diagrams.

I bought an 89 coupe (Lucas CEI rather than Marelli) nearly four years
ago with only 35k miles on it. It was nearly as new cosmetically and
mechanically. Since then, the only things I have HAD to replace are the
coil and the A/C compressor for a total parts cost of ~ $250.

Of course I’ve done some other things just to make sure it is in good
repair, such as all new hoses, belts, new shocks, replace steering rack
bushings, new transmission mount spool, and I did have a leak in the
fuel tank. If you do your own work, $500 or less in parts per year, and
several hours a month for repairs/maintenance is a realistic estimate
for maintaining a 20-year-old vehicle.

I’ve had my 85 since 1991, and I’ve never had to get any deeper into
the engine on either car than changing the plugs and rebuilding the
Lucas distributor. I’ve never even had the cam covers off. If you don’t
overheat it, and a bad radiator or fan clutch can do that, it should
easily go 200,000 miles before you do any engine dismantling.

George Balthrop, Clifton, VA USA
85 & 89 XJ-S Coupes; 89 XJ40 VDP-----Original Message-----
From: Mark DeLong mdelong@nc.rr.com

About 30,000 miles on it. I have an XJ8 and an E-type now,
and have done the work on the E-type myself. This one’s a
V12, so in a different league from the others.

What kinds of issues arise for a low mileage car of 18 years
that I need to be aware of?

This one runs nicely, all power items work, good A/C. The
tires (original, by the way) really need replacement because
of fatigue and age.

AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what’s free
from AOL at AOL.com.

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3

In reply to a message from Mark DeLong sent Tue 24 Jul 2007:

I have driven a XJS 86 since 89, it was a low mileage at the
time. Over the years, I have probably averaged about
$1000/year in items, AC has been problem issue, and finally
converted, also replaced radiator, alternator twice, power
steering, variety of sensors, redid manifold gaskets, Most
hoses, belts, bushings, fuel rail hoses, will be need to be
replaced. I have done some work, but have a very good small
shop and solid mechanic here in Minneapolis.
Not sure if your car is lacquer paint, but if so, it will
need paint at some point, that is a big hit. Didn’t include
in annual cost. Interior leather seams will problably be
issue at some time.
If you have another car that can be available, then you’re
OK. It seems to be at least one unexpected visit each year
to the shop.
My logic is that car is great to drive, and considering
deprecaition on most vehicles, this is not a bad situation.
My ‘‘midnight blue’’ coupe is the only one in town, so even
today, the car is always a looker. Mine has never seen
Minnesota winter, lots of weekly washes, waxing, and I would
to drive for many more years.
Good Luck, I would be happy to compare any other notes with you.
PS, recently replaced org. windshield, and gasket around
glass was totally brittle, gone as a sealer. This is the
kind of stuff that will be out there on older model.–
The original message included these comments:

About 30,000 miles on it. I have an XJ8 and an E-type now,
What kinds of issues arise for a low mileage car of 18 years

–
Howell Owens
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

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4

In reply to a message from Howell Owens sent Sat 18 Aug 2007:

Hello mate, you asking about low mileage XJ-S, well look at
this, I found on the web site. A Mk1 with 24000 miles. This
must be one very find. follow the link :

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/cars_search.jsp?
page=2&searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=none&sort=3&hassearched=Y&make=JAGUAR&min_pr=75&source=0&model=XJS&max_pr=&miles=100&agerange=&mileage=&postcode=po30+5pq&bodyid=0&fuelid=0&colour=&transmissionid=0&ukcarsearch_full.x=49&ukcarsearch_full.y=10&ukcarsearch_full=SEARCH–
The original message included these comments:

I have driven a XJS 86 since 89, it was a low mileage at the

–
w.a.s.p
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

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