I'm going to look at a 1995 convertible XJS 6 cylinder with 86k on it ... Can anyone give me some pointers as what to look at ... Specific know issues etc. This is a replacement for my 2002 S-type V8 which was totalled.

Thank you

 

I recently purchased the same car 6 months ago with 58k. Besides the obvious pointer of avoiding rust and checking brake life, I would ensure the A/C works - mine did not and I didn't realize it. When I brought it to a certified "older-model" Jag mechanic, he topped off the coolant and found there was a blockage. He then informed me that it quickly becomes VERY expensive to identify where the blockage may be; thus, I ended up bagging it. Fortunately, I am in the Boston area where there are not too many days where putting the roof down is not cool enough for me.
On another note, I must sayd that besides the A/C issue, my XJS has been the most comfortable and exciting car I have ever driven, much less owned. If you can get a good deal, do not hesitate to buy this car!

 

Hey Maho- I'm up in Hudson NH. I'd ATLEAST try replacing the drier and the expansion valve before giving up. It's about $60 in parts and easily DIY. Then another $25 in gas to charge it up again... I fixed my AC myself by replacing the expansion valve that was leaking. Next job is to fix the passenger fan so the cold air can get out of the dash and onto me! I'll have it all fixed in time for Christmas.

-John

 

Thanks for the advice!

 

Clearly it would be nice to get a 16 year old car that has has a radiator rodded recently, all fluids serviced, breaks in good shape good shocks etc...but that applies to any car that age.

As far as the 95/96 idiosyncrasies I would say:

1-COP (coils) these can be expensive and the aftermarket ones are garbage.
2-CTS-coolant temperature sensor-
3-TPS-Thottle possition sensor-car will cut out sporadically while driving
4-EGR valve-caked with carbon
5-Thottle body cakes with carbon-needs to be removed and cleaned
6-CKPS-crank sensor-car might or might not start-might exhibit different symptoms as it is dying drivability issues etc
7-Water seeps thru and into the ECU connectors and wrecks havoc
8-Cracks on exhaust manifold
9-Temperature gauge reads above N even though car is not overheating-either poor grounding or temp sender in NLA part dac11079
10-Grounds, grounds, grounds!! Poor grounding all over the car can cause all sorts of bizarre behaviour all over the car, hunting, high idle, electrical parts that do not work etc etc
11-Seeping cam cover
12-Mechanical fan clutch
13-Radiator flaps on shroud tend to get stiff and break of.

Hope that helps

 

So overall v. an xk8, the xjs is less reliable with more issues thanks a Forduar? The reason I ask is that there's a decent 95 ragtop locally w/62k on it consigned to a *******. Always loved the xj but have been hunting the plentiful xk8 lately.

 

Actually the '95-'96 XJSs are known to be the most reliable of 'em all....all XJSs, that is. Still, though, 14-15-16 year old cars can start developing problems, often relating more to the care they rec'd than they orginal build/engineering quality.

I don't know about much XK8s so I can't offer a comparison but if you get an early example the same thing may apply: age/use/mileage eventually takes a toll.

Cheers
DD

 

Thank you all ... the owner blew me off ... twice, so I ended up with a 2000 XJR. Happy motoring!

 

You'll prob be happier in the long run.

MAKE SURE that the timing gear's been changed/updated. Not certain if the blown R has metal gears but the 8 model will spin at some time 40-90k miles and that's a spendy job finding a takeout engine to replace it with or a nice 5 figure rebuild. It just happened to my realtor in NY and she still loves her car(and her hubby is a mechanic luckily).

 

Ok, so just drove a 96 ragtop with62k on it. Been sitting a few months, jumped it and drove away decently-rough ride on old 4000Pirellis and maybe a slight right pull prob from the worn tires. A/C was cool but not ice cold, everything seemed to work, rad fan made noise at first and didn't listen after warming up if it quieted down. No exh leaks detectible, slight uneven idle when cold but it was sitting for about 3 mos. cracked diver seat leatehr on front bolster and side cushion, typical I imagine of connelly hides. NO idea on service history but maybe the local tech knows more.

Overall a nice car, not exciting but a fun boulevardier. I'm not convinced I don't need an xkr at this point in life but this would keep me clean with tight local gendarmes.

Head gaskets cost what to change out?

 

Ah, and what should this car cost, one nice repaint in white? Asking 10-10,5K which is book retail.

And I noticed the abs light on for the duration, any ideas.