In reply to a message from jrinam sent Sun 27 Aug 2006:
I guess, even though a lot of Jags have been imported to ‘‘the
states’’, there are still many more in the UK. I consistently hear
of people buying good running XJ40’s in Britain for $300-$500USD. I
always have to chuckle when I hear Phil P talk about UK prices and
values! Makes me want to move to the UK, Phil! Besides, it would be
nice to shake your hand for the help you have been to me!
In terms of US prices, I agree completely with SoCalSam. My '89 non-
VDP was $1,400 on E-Bay…plus $400 to get it moved 90 miles to me.
I expected to have to put in a master cylinder, but the boob I
bought it from had no idea that it was the brake booster that was
leaking (as well as one of the accumulator switches), not the MC.
Plus, the accumulator is probably on its last legs. It also needs a
new antenna and the AC compressor belt and clutch wire is
disconnected, so I guess the compressor is shot. Any rust needs
little more than a ‘‘touch-up’’ and the driver’s seat leather is bad.
So, did I get a good deal or not??? SoCalSam makes a good point
about intrinsic value. That value is different than book value.
The thing I have noticed with these cars is that the value takes a
jump when everything is already repaired and shined up! Also, there
are often different ways of making a fix…at different costs. On
my car, I could replace the accumulator, the leaking switch and the
leaking booster. Parts would be at least $750 to $900, without
labor. Or, as I have learned here (and am doing now), I can rip
out all that crap that Jaguar, itself, abandoned after a few years,
put in a vacuum booster and accomplish the task for $100 and a few
hours of tinkering. I am sure that the value will go up by more
than that when repaired. But, would it go up $1,000 by fixing the
hydraulic system? No way!
So, my suggestion…if the parts can be obtained cheap, is to fix
that car. $500 value + $500 in parts may turn it into a $2,000
car…and, as SoCalSam noted, maybe much more if you can find a
buyer who falls in love with it.–
olen soifer, '89 XJ40
Mays Landing, United States
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