I have a friend that is having a hard time finding one. His budget is <$15k any color but white. Do yall have any recommendations on where to search. Craigslist, FB, OfferUp, Ebay are the usual places for me/

 

Pirublues,

I assume your friend appreciates that there just aren't many for sale at any one time?

He may not appreciate that there were only 302 V12 XJS Coupes built between 1994 & 1996 (total worldwide production LHD & RHD). There were also some built in 1993 that you guys refer to as "1994 cars" but the number is still very small overall.

That may influence his choice of condition / colour etc to consider for the ones that he does find.

Good luck

Paul

 

Consider a ‘92 as well. The windows, headlights, sills, and grill are all as per later cars. All it lacks are the plastic bumper covers.

 

And the 6.0 engine

Cheers
DD

 

I considered a 6.0L not long ago. Kinda wish I wouldve gotten it.

 

You friend should also consider an inline 6. The V12 coupes are rare and for some reason many of the few built ended up in Germany.

As a practical matter the I6 is better in every way. More fuel efficient, nimble, easier to service, almost the same performance up to 80 MPH. Better engine sounds and far better drivability because of the more modern transmission and all at lower purchase price.

From an emotional stand point I understand the allure of rarity and 12 pistons moving about. That said... As built the V12's have no meaningful sound and the GM 4 speed auto completely dulls any of the V12's enthusiasm and zest. That would all be different IF the V12 had a 5 or 6 speed manual, sport exhaust, rear anti roll bar and upgraded suspension bits. I've done all that to a 6.0 V12 coupe and it's a different car and a different experience and probably one of the greatest GT cars that was never built. The uncorked V12 with 3 pedals also takes the emotional driving experience to higher and exclusive place. It's a very pleasant involved GT experience.

Bottom line...I've had one V12 coupe and a three or four Inline 6 coupes and unless you must have 12 bits of aluminum moving to-and-fro there is ZERO practical reasons to own one as built. I miss the 6 speed manual v12 every day but I've got a few new toys to hold me over until I can build another.

 

Yeah he likes to buy rare Euro classics.

 

I don't recall ever seeing any that weren't white.
That was both online and in the flesh.
Since I had one, I was keenly interested.
Mine eventually went to a new home for $1000.

 

Nah, he wants a v12. He has Ferrari, 911's, v12 Mercedes, older AMG's, etc. He isn't looking for practical lol.

 

Given how rare they are in coupe form, I'd tell him to create a "Want to Buy" ad on the various Jaguar forums, as well as JCNA.com, Craigslist, Facebook marketplace and also keep an eye on autotrader, Hemmings and bring a trailer. He's more likely to come across an owner who has one and thought about selling but hasn't gone to the trouble of listing it for sale.

 

A this point place a wanted ad

 

Engine aside, I like the interior of the V12 cars, they are much nicer than the 6 cylinder cars I think, as the leather is of a higher grade and there is a lot more of it..

 

less than 15k lol. 5 years ago nice examples were trading for 25k. If I just happened to have one or know where 3 would be I wouldn't even bother with any contact. 15k is a driver quality inline 6 XJS coupe price. Let Mr. Ferrari AMG 911 know he's a bit off base.

 

I appreciate the insight. This is why I asked here because he doesn't know the appropriate prices of this market and neither do I. Especially when the car market is so out of whack right now. His car collection ranges from cars he's bought for $1000 to over $150,000. He does like harder to find cars and harder to find features/specs. He isn't snobby but he likes obscure and quirky cars.

So to be clear, he should be looking for at least $25k or $25k price average?

 

Decent late V12 convertibles are getting over $40k now, so I would think that $25K for a coupe might be a low starting point.

 

Are these recent selling prices or asking prices?

I've seen an exceptional XJS with 8k miles go for$40k+ on BAT and an XJR-S on BAT. But I've not seen these prices for just decent cars going that much on average.

 

Selling, but those were convertibles. The broader point is $15K isn't enough these days.

 

About damn time… Ive been waiting for XJS prices to go up. Sure I get priced out but so do the jackasses who ruin them.

 

And the jackasses who don't ruin them as well.

I'm out, too.

Too bad. For the longest time these old Jags were cool, interesting cars that any hobbyist could afford. Dirt cheap.

Oh well. It was good while it lasted.

Cheers
DD

 

I hear ya Doug! You’re a legend in the Jag scene, and to hear it from you it’s the truth! It was good while it lasted, and it lasted for well over 20 years. But lets face it, we’re getting long in the tooth too. So keep the ones you own and if one ever gets wrecked or catches fire, you will be compensated handsomely for what you cherished, as long as you keep it insured. It was bound to happen. Dont fight it… go with it. I just feel bad for the not so wealthy bastid that pays a mountain of cash for a car that used to sell for less than 5k. Happened with 93-94 xj40s… I miss mine so bad…