I came across a stunning 1990 XJS with 55K miles. I'm an enthusiast but I know nothing about this car. Just fell in love at first sight. What do I need to be on the lookout for in the service records? Owner claims service records are spotless. Current owner has had it for 25 years, always maintained at same local and respected mechanic (not Jaguar). From what I can tell owners should be mechanically inclined which I am moderately so.

The one issue I've noticed so far is a high idle on cold start then it smoothes out, then after a few minutes of normal idle, the idle drops and bounces back up to normal then repeats. Owner claims you can just give it a little gas and it's fine.

Thanks!

 

That is a sticking AAV - the cold idle device. Easy to fix with a new part or servicing the old one. The only important questions (see the other thread on "should I buy my Uncle's XJS) is are you prepared to do all and any of the maintenance and repair work yourself, do you have a covered space to do it in? Are you prepared to buy the tool kit such work will need and look upon keeping the car right as a fun hobby?

 

With Greg 100%.

Mechanics or whatever that know and understand these cars are no longer around, its an age thing, and the few that are know that, so the $$ per hour are high.

DIY is EASY, and not as danting as many make it.

Over thinking things is a total waste, and drinking time becomes less, oops.

There will be challenges, hell yes, but anything that needs doing has been done,and well documented in teh archives. If that "search" proves fruitless, ASK, many of us have PDF of what we have done over too many years, and that will be readily available.

They are reliable 100%, NOT when you 1st get them, anymore than a used "whatever" is. Read the stickies (I have many more if needed) I wrote at the top that will clue you up somewhat.

All my Jags have been daily drivers since 1968, and most have done SERIOUS miles, and never let me down.

There will NEVER be another Jaguar remotely like the XJS, so cherish it, and remember to smile when driving around.