eBay Watch: Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible. Cheap to Buy. But To Own?
by Gunnar Heinrich ::: img via eBay ::: 1989 Jaguar XJS 12 for sale
POP quiz hot shot, there’s an ’89 Jag XJS with a V12 for sale on eBay with 49K on the clock. Seller lists no reserve, says the cars got a clean CARFAX (for what that’s worth) and the current bid price is $960 – what do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO??
I think I’ll forever associate the venerable XJS convertible with the Reeves/Hopper film Speed.
[eBay]
June 11, 2010
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
Distiller | Jun 12, 2010 | Reply
What you do? You say NO. It’s a dog to drive and upkeeping costs will eat you alive.
leo | Jun 12, 2010 | Reply
oh jag-woir…so cheap so tempting but anything jag-u-ar(with exception of some newer models) will do it’s best to emotionally,physically,mentally(and of course)financially bankrupt you.but it is so good looking in and out…(especially with the wood pack)
Jim | Jun 12, 2010 | Reply
It is a lovely boulevardier and women seems to have a visceral attraction to the passengers seat.
But a couple of questions.
Can you and do you enjoy doing your own maintenance?
Do you have another reliable vehicle so the Jag is a hobby?
If the answer to both these questions is yes, then go for it.
The XJS like the Porsche 928 are both hideously to fix when something major goes wrong, so it makes sense to buy the best example possible, enjoy it and dump it if something major breaks. While the 928 is reliable and durable, things that Jags aren’t noted for, the Jag does have strong parts support and a knowledgeable, well organized group of enthusiasts that can be of assistance in keeping the car running.
The mileage makes this car attractive. Most Jags of this vintage are near or over 100K and at the point where expensive problems are not only predictable but likely. One thing I’d like to know would be how was the mileage accumulated, regular use or a couple of years of normal driving and then it sat.