I have a 1994 Audi 90 CS, 145k, automatic, in nice shape and a friend has a
1986 Jaguar XJS that he is looking to sell. I've lusted after XJS's since
the 80s and have wanted one. My dad had one when I was a teenager so I know
a bit about them . Anyways, my friend is looking for an older but nice car
to use for commuting, so I proposed we do an even trade and he accepted!
His car has 97,000 miles and is in nice shape, no rust, new brakes, new
tires, three owner, flawless paint finish, interior is nice except for a
couple small blemishes on the seats. Only problems with it I can see is it
has been driven only a few hundred miles in the summer for the last few
years, it has almost no service history, the tranny slips a little on shifts
during hard acceleration, needs an alignment, steering feels loose and vague
on the highway (might be normal?) ...other than that a mechanic checked it
out last summer and said everything else was ok with the car. It doesn't run
hot!
Soo my question is, should I make the trade? I realize that I won't get any
better fuel economy than a large SUV, that repairs are expensive, and it
will break down sooner rather than later...but I adore the cars and think
they're works of art. I have another car I could drive daily so if the Jag
was down it wouldn't kill me. I think i'd be kicking myself if I didn't do
it, like I said to myself...I can always find another cheap Audi to roll
around in, but a chance to get a XJS like this will probably never come
again. Any thoughts or opinions?
webserve - 16 Jul 2006 13:55 GMT
Yaker,
Without a doubt, you are getting the better of the deal. The RETAIL
book value of the XJS is $9100 versus the RETAIL value of the Audi at $4225.
So in terms of cold hard values, you are coming out ahead.
You need to know this car inside and out and the best way to do that is
to start with the Kirby Palm book on the XJS. You can download it for free
at: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xj-s/book/Jaguar.html
Since you DO have a backup car for those times the Jag is down -- I
would say that you should go for it. Regard it as a project until you get
the car up and running well and you know it inside and out. They are
magnificent beasts when cared for properly.
Webserve
> I have a 1994 Audi 90 CS, 145k, automatic, in nice shape and a friend has a
> 1986 Jaguar XJS that he is looking to sell. I've lusted after XJS's since
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> around in, but a chance to get a XJS like this will probably never come
> again. Any thoughts or opinions?
Jo Bangles - 16 Jul 2006 15:21 GMT
Yaker, I agree with webserve. The XJS will give you some problems, but
you know that going in. If you wanted reliable transportation, you'd by
a Toyota. A Jag offers something few other cars can. Since you have a
strong emotional attachment to the XJS, as it appears you do, you should
definitely get it. You will be sorry if you don't.
Happy driving!
Bo
> Yaker,
> Without a doubt, you are getting the better of the deal. The RETAIL
[quoted text clipped - 53 lines]
>>around in, but a chance to get a XJS like this will probably never come
>>again. Any thoughts or opinions?
WayneC - 16 Jul 2006 16:42 GMT
I agree it's a good trade, just realize that you'll be putting probably
$4k or
more into the car to cure the issues you mentioned (and no, the XJS
steering doesn't normally tend to feel loose and vague), so that will
probably make the trade an even one, based on the NADA price
guides. However, my experience locally is that the XJS sells for
considerably less than the guides say, probably due to it's reputation
for high maintenance $$$. Do you have a local repair shop that
specializes in Jags and can handle an XJS?
Trading cars might be a good way to lose a friend, however.
> Yaker,
> Without a doubt, you are getting the better of the deal. The RETAIL
[quoted text clipped - 41 lines]
>> around in, but a chance to get a XJS like this will probably never come
>> again. Any thoughts or opinions?
John - 05 Aug 2006 01:00 GMT
>I have a 1994 Audi 90 CS, 145k, automatic, in nice shape and a friend has a
>1986 Jaguar XJS that he is looking to sell. I've lusted after XJS's since
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>years, it has almost no service history, the tranny slips a little on shifts
>during hard acceleration, needs an alignment, steering feels loose and vague
I had to remove a couple of rubber bushings on the steering to get the
XJS approved at the local inspection, after I put them back. To much
play, they said.
>on the highway (might be normal?) ...other than that a mechanic checked it
>out last summer and said everything else was ok with the car. It doesn't run
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>around in, but a chance to get a XJS like this will probably never come
>again. Any thoughts or opinions?