I want to buy an old XJ Series Jaguar - advice please?

[SurreyGuy]

Hi folks

I've always wanted an old XJ, so I'm contemplating buying a Series 1 or 2 in the next few months. I reckon I'd only be able to run it for about 3 months, but I just want to say I've owned one - yes, sad! :o)

Anway, I'm gonna have about �1500 to "play with", so.........

a) what would I get for my money?

b) do all XJs have leather or part leather seats? I'd prefer cloth if possible?

c) any recommendations on a engine to go for/avoid?

d) any recommendations on a year to go for/avoid?

e) would I get a Series 3 or is that expecting too much?

Thanks in advance.

[123paul]

Get an XJS V12. The automatic, great lumbering hulk, red velour seats, rear is skittish in wet weather but goes like a bloody train once you wind it up.

Great fun. Some one will already have thrashed the nuts off it most likely, but 3 months of fun & a lifetime of heart ache if you keep it. Look in the trader, there is usually one or two about.

Good luck & enjoy. By the way, 2nd hand XK8's are really coming down in price now......

[jake-the-peg]

I'd start with Practical

[jake-the-peg]

I'm sorry I'll say that again!

Start with Practical Classics magazine but there are also a number of specialist magazines for Jaguar that you'll find at larger W H Smiths.

This website might also be of interest

http://www.jag-lovers.org/ They have ads and forums - it's international, you'll find British and American there.

PS I know XK8's are coming down but I doubt you'll get one for �1500 !

[SurreyGuy]

Cheers guys!

A V12, huh? I think if I had one of those I could only afford to run it for a day! :o)

[Toureman]

Hi,

I used to have an old Jag 1965 S Type...MAGIC

Have a look at....

http://www.jaguardriver.co.uk/

Live your dream!

[123paul]

jake your right; i scan read & thought it said �15,000. I have sen a decent one for �18,000 recently.

[SurreyGuy]

Once again - thanks to all the respondants.

[kepla]

I cannot imagine why anyone would actually want to have cloth seats, it just doesn't seem to make sense: great car, but the seatsare only cloth ? ? ? You'll only find a series one or two as either a decently-restored enthusiasts car - way aboue your budget - or as something needing lots of restoration - also well above your budget. The series three can be found for your sort of money if you buy very carefully. You will probably have to put up with the decent leather seats instead of getting the crappy cloth seats you want, though. The ones with the 4.2 engine have survived better than 3.4 and 2.8 and go for a later one with fuel injection. Expect about 20mpg around town and 22/23mpg on a run, but if you are fixated on fuel economy then forget decent cars and get a Fiat or Daewoo or whatever. Repairs on the series three a fairly straightforward and parts are easy to come by and reasonably priced. Looked after, one you buy now will probably outlast any new car someone buys the same day - unless you are a total idiot and insist on thrashing a classic to death. If you are really worried about fuel costs, ten you could always drop a grand on an LPG conversion and enjoy similar running costs to a corsa or fiesta. If you plan on keeping the car more than a few months, then invest in a couple of cans of 'waxoyl' and apply them everywhere during summer. If you are really not going to keep it more than a few months, then please let me know. I already have an XJS and would like a Series three to use as a family car. As it happens, the guy who does work on my cars - Jaguar trained and with several decades of experience - chooses to run a series three as his personal transport, and he could run whatever Jaguar he fancied. The 'Daimler Sovereign' versions are particularly nice ! Feel free to contact me if you want to discuss further. Enjoy !

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks Kepla.

The reason I don't want leather is coz I tried it on one of my previous cars (a BMW) and just couldn't "get on" with it.

Also, yes fuel economy would be a consideration for me, hence why I could only afford to keep the car for a few months :o(