'96 xjs 4.0 celebration coupe
Discussion
Seriously considering one of these as a runabout in the short term - heard nothing but good things, mpg seems ot be quoted as 20-25mpg which is fine for a 4.0l
Celebrations and all late xjs's seem to be galvanised so rot shouldn't be an issue.
Late cars have cruise, airbags (driver and passenger), the v6 seems from what I'v eheard to be a very robust motor etc.
Additionally XJS's seem to be holding their values very very well and are tipped to rise in the future...
So whats the potential downside to all this - is there one?
Celebrations and all late xjs's seem to be galvanised so rot shouldn't be an issue.
Late cars have cruise, airbags (driver and passenger), the v6 seems from what I'v eheard to be a very robust motor etc.
Additionally XJS's seem to be holding their values very very well and are tipped to rise in the future...
So whats the potential downside to all this - is there one?
Edited by mr_tony on Wednesday 31st January 14:58
I've always kicked myself for not buying one of the last Celebration XJS I test drove one when looking at buying an earlier pre-Ford model. But it was the Celebration we fell in love with, however it was a couple of K over what she who must be obeyed wanted to spend. I was after a convertible rather than a couple though. The very late V12s would be even better.
I'd agree with Gavin's comment about buying it because you want to enjoy it.
I think over here at least these very late XJS models will go up a little in value, but probably only for good examples. I think with the convertibles it's probably already happening. I haven't kept a close eye on the prices but that the general feeling I've got looking at ads in the club mags.
Go and test drive one and see whether it works for you.
I'd agree with Gavin's comment about buying it because you want to enjoy it.
I think over here at least these very late XJS models will go up a little in value, but probably only for good examples. I think with the convertibles it's probably already happening. I haven't kept a close eye on the prices but that the general feeling I've got looking at ads in the club mags.
Go and test drive one and see whether it works for you.
Not so worried about 'making a profit' - more security in terms of resale value at some point. Ideally I'll buy to keep as I ahve my Morgan, but never say never etc.
The one I've found is a low mileage dark blue parchment leather 4.0 V6 with all the toys. Only 67k miles and a very competetive price in comparison to some of the 100k plus cars I've seen.
Need to spend some time in it on saturday to make up my mind though.
The one I've found is a low mileage dark blue parchment leather 4.0 V6 with all the toys. Only 67k miles and a very competetive price in comparison to some of the 100k plus cars I've seen.
Need to spend some time in it on saturday to make up my mind though.
mr_tony said:
Not so worried about 'making a profit' - more security in terms of resale value at some point. Ideally I'll buy to keep as I ahve my Morgan, but never say never etc.
The one I've found is a low mileage dark blue parchment leather 4.0 V6 with all the toys. Only 67k miles and a very competetive price in comparison to some of the 100k plus cars I've seen.
Need to spend some time in it on saturday to make up my mind though.
The one I've found is a low mileage dark blue parchment leather 4.0 V6 with all the toys. Only 67k miles and a very competetive price in comparison to some of the 100k plus cars I've seen.
Need to spend some time in it on saturday to make up my mind though.
I hope it isn't a V6 or there is something seriously wrong. All those cylinders where in a nice straight line when they left the factory
The JEC mag list 4 Celebration Coupes this month
44K miles at £9,500
36K miles at £10,750
88K miles at £9,000
27K miles at £13,500 one owner.
I think you can find the ads from their website.
I've got one, well nearly, a 1994 with the same AJ16 engine. I like it a lot. There are too many about at the moment for it to be a real investment unless you get a really low millage one and pamper it and even then. Still you don't buy a car like that as an investment do you? And it does mean that prices are low. I think the XJS will be a popular future classic though. There aren't many cars to touch it for the money - if you wanted a sleek GT with a bit of class and power what else would fit the bill? Porsche 928 maybe?
Rust is under control on the late models but still lurks, especially around the screen and the front vents and headlights. Overheating can be an issue if the system isn't tip-top and the A/C can be a pain, as well as water getting inside. Pretty solid otherwise, even the electrics on the Ford ones. I would say that high millage isn't such a trouble, it's often motorway miles and the engine can take it. Service history is much more important. Mine has silly millage (160,000) and the engine still purrs. Parts aren't too bad either, labour can be an pain though as some jobs take ages. The late ones have outboard rear brakes which help. Like any old car it is a bit of a lottery but at least the original buyers where a pretty safe pair of hands and it is only the later ones who might let standards slip.
A motor with masses of presence and for only a few thousand you can drive something which puts many other much more expensive cars in the shade. People who don't normally notice cars like them and I get the "lovely car, what is it?" from people!
Oh yes - check the sill where the outrigger is, underneath the back of the seat - a bit of a weak spot, seen very tidy cars but with pin holes in the floor there.
You might like to consider a manual. Just a thought (although the clutch is pretty heavy).
Rust is under control on the late models but still lurks, especially around the screen and the front vents and headlights. Overheating can be an issue if the system isn't tip-top and the A/C can be a pain, as well as water getting inside. Pretty solid otherwise, even the electrics on the Ford ones. I would say that high millage isn't such a trouble, it's often motorway miles and the engine can take it. Service history is much more important. Mine has silly millage (160,000) and the engine still purrs. Parts aren't too bad either, labour can be an pain though as some jobs take ages. The late ones have outboard rear brakes which help. Like any old car it is a bit of a lottery but at least the original buyers where a pretty safe pair of hands and it is only the later ones who might let standards slip.
A motor with masses of presence and for only a few thousand you can drive something which puts many other much more expensive cars in the shade. People who don't normally notice cars like them and I get the "lovely car, what is it?" from people!
Oh yes - check the sill where the outrigger is, underneath the back of the seat - a bit of a weak spot, seen very tidy cars but with pin holes in the floor there.
You might like to consider a manual. Just a thought (although the clutch is pretty heavy).
Edited by cml on Friday 2nd February 00:04
Went to see a few, lots of variation, but the key car i checked out was a most beautiful example at racing green in ash vale. it is in such perfect nick i got the wobbles - it wouldn't be right to put a car as nice as that outside my house in all weather to only cover 5k a year. I just hope that the person who does buy it has a big garage and a polish obsession..
On that basis I'm going of the idea a little - a goo one will be ruined by me, and a rough one probably wont be very satisfying to own. Also its looking hard to justify the back seats. I've got a 2 seater already so a 4 dor is looking like the smart ting to do. I do love these but xjr's are at similar money and will do the job i need a bit better - and I won't feel so bad leaving i out in the rain!
On that basis I'm going of the idea a little - a goo one will be ruined by me, and a rough one probably wont be very satisfying to own. Also its looking hard to justify the back seats. I've got a 2 seater already so a 4 dor is looking like the smart ting to do. I do love these but xjr's are at similar money and will do the job i need a bit better - and I won't feel so bad leaving i out in the rain!
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff