Hello: Some 20 years ago I enjoyed an '87 xj6 sold it got an xj40 15 years ago, enjoyed it until an oak tree took it out then 2 years ago I enjoyed another xj40 until I had to sell it due to Covid 19 job loss. Well now I am looking at an '85 xj6. I ran the CarFax which provided me scant information like no record until 11/93 when a title and/or registration was issued with 112,000 miles.

The question I have is regarding the odometer. The owner sent me a photo showing 144447. Am I correct in thinking the next rollover will be at 200000 then 300000 and so on? The "7" in the current reading of 144447 is NOT a tenth of a mile counter. Is my thinking accurate. Just trying to judge if the odometer is fairly accurate at 144447.

I ask this because CF flagged Maryland as issuing an "exceeds mechanical limits" title to a new owner on 10/7/14 with 126,000 miles reported.

Thanks in advance for anyone's input.

Ren

 

Right.

There is no 'tenths' reading on the main odometer.

The tenths reading is on the trip odometer

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks Doug. Either this car has 144,447 or 1,144,447 miles. I'm leaning towards the former. I think MD's dmv system issued a false warning. Wouldn't that be something, 1,144,447 miles.

 

the truth is that the speedometers in these cars can be replaced in 5 minutes or less, so relying on the odometer is foolish when considering a purchase of a Series 3 XJ-6 or XJ-12. ( 1979-1987 )

Look at the overall condition of the car, and particularly the exhaust system and underside of the car. THAT area shows the real driven mileage.

The condition of the trunk's upholstery tells you if it has had owners that cared for preserving the condition of the car, or if the trunk was used as a trash can.

if the body paint is bad, and it looks like the original factory paint, that could be a good sign the car has not been in any crash and it also can be used as a price-negotiating point.

Like Jay Leno says: Never buy an old car over the phone, and never pay the asking price.

 

Jose: Thanks for the good input. I'll give it a good top-to-bottom lookover.

One point that I don't understand is why the CarFax report begins 11/5/93 with 112,000 miles. Why didn't CF pickup any records for the prior 8 years. I contacted them for an "official" answer. Good thing I only paid $9 for the report.

 

I've run into the gap in records before using Carfax etc. I think it might be due to some older records never getting transferred from paper or proprietary systems to newer searchable databases ( which I assume Carfax buys ).
On the DMV odometer flagging, they do that because alot of older vehicles would only read up to 99,999 so anything over gets flagged but it might depend on the state. NC flags on older stuff but I've not checked to see it it still does it for newer vehicles with 100k meters. But like Jose pointed out, it's a moot point unless it's a pristine low miles barn find like the Bring A Trailer $ 41k one since the speedo's can be swapped so easily.

I'll also second Jose's warnings; check for rust at windshields, rear fenders below gas caps, whole bottom of the car basically; interior condition = $$$ to replace, paint, and general running order.

Happy Hunting !
Brian

 

could it be because the car was not registered in the state where it is being sold now? I would ask for my money back. The report is incomplete.

I am very careful with cars from any cold climate where salt is used on the roads.They always rot from the inside out.

to add to Brian's advice, all Jags have 4 tire-changing jacking points, make sure you raise the car on each jacking point and leave it raised for 20 minutes or more. If the weight of the car pushes the jack through the jacking point, you know it is rotted. A salt car.

If the seller says he doesn't have the jack, beware! Time to walk away.

​​​​​​With these cars, it pays to buy the best example you can from the start.

If you can afford a choice condition example, contact Jeff here in this forum, he has a 1987 XJ-6 ( last year made Series 3 ) in excellent condition. Not cheap but you get what you pay for.

 

Jose is right, 5 minutes to swap out a speedometer showing lower miles. So when an owner's speedometer quit working he could just pick up a used one at the salvage yard and swap it out. Way cheaper and easier than removing the original, sending it off to the repair shop, reinstalling and paying for all that.

In Ohio when we sell a car they always recommend marking the title as "odometer reading not accurate" unless you are absolutely positive that the odometer reading is accurate. The reason is that if a previous owner pulled some shenanigans and you sign off on the mileage being accurate you (the innocent seller) are legally responsible for the fraud.

Jeff

 

Mileage has never been a biggie in my considerations. Especialy in a car as old as the one in question. Same for CARFAX. Recent cars only may have complete records.

Freeway miles are easier on cars than short trip stop and go.

Nothing beats a thorough inspection and test drive.

Any visible rust is only the tip of the proverbial ice berg .

Some cars just rust... My IHC Scout Ii was one. but,other than that, it was a great SUV!!! OTH, my jaguar has only a bit at a fender. No change since 2001, when I got it.

Example. It's speedo is nuts. Never got the guage to read GM pulses correctly. Digital converter notwithstanding.

What is it worth as a lump? Who knows. If I ever sell, it will be whatever the buyer and I agree on!!!

Carl

 

kudzu: good suggestions. thanks. there is evidence of rust just under the surface of the paint near the left windshield wiper. does this mean the windshield glass has to come out to get to the root of the rust? yikes!

 

ideally yes, but unless the rusted area is massive, it may be superficial.

All XJ Series 3 rust in the lower area of the front and rear windshields. some is minor, some is better to walk away from.

To check it, you need to remove the Dash Cap, then look at the wiper boxes horizontal area to see if it is rusting there. and even that is not a sure thing because that area is an inner panel over the outside body panel. If it looks bad on the outside, it is worse inside.