Hey all, this is my first post here. I found a listing for an '88 XJS V-12 on facebook marketplace. It doesn't look to be in great condition on the exterior and it doesn't currently run (I asked the guy about it and he says he doesn't know much about it either and that he was planning to LS swap it), but it's listed for $1200 so I figured I might as well at least go check it out. Thing is, I know next to nothing about these cars. Any particular things I should be looking for to know whether or not I should stay away? I'll obviously check for frame rust, check for coolant in the oil and vice versa, check atf, etc. Anything else in particular I should be on the look out for? Thanks in advance

 

At the top of this forum, there is a How-to sticky. In it, you will find an XJS buyers guide, and an XJS Book. The buyers guide is the quick reference. The Book will tell you more than you probably want to know.
If you don't work on it yourself, a non-runner can eat money like no ones business. But if you are a good mechanic and diagnostician and willing to do your research, they can be rewarding. Beware of rust though.
My advice would be to buy a clean, well maintained, running car. It will be cheaper and more rewarding in the long run.

 

As long as the engine at least turns over, there is a good chance that all the mechanical stuff can be sorted out (for some money).
The one thing to look for that is a real pain is Rust, Rust, and Rust. 1988 and 1989 were the years with the highest production numbers.
So unless it has sentimental family value, there is no reason to buy a rusty 1988 XJ-S when you can find a rust-free one.
Well. unless the price is ridiculously low.

Good luck!

 

Rust is the big thing to look out for, in the rocker panels, in the rear trailing arm mounts, and behind the front wheels, Look around the windshield and rear window too. Check for particularly nasty looking oil or coolant, suggesting they have mixed, you don't want to put in head gaskets and if it has run low on coolant it may have major damage. I understand that paying for repairs on these cars is expensive, but if you do your own work, you can own a classic V12 Jag for a small amount of money. I believe the 88 did not get ABS brakes, so the brake system is not complicated, but the rears are hard to reach. The engine is really pretty simple, it just has 12 of everything. Good luck with whichever car you decide to purchase.