Well I'm back on the hunt for the right XJS 6.0L V12 convertible -
I'm in the Los Angeles area so am expanding my search to San Diego - and up to San Francisco, and across to Nevada - basically a days drive home ......from where ever I buy the car from ....

Once I locate the right one in the $15 - $20k range I plan on having it checked out by a Jag Mechanic -

My local Jag dealer has quoted me $575 to do a full vehicle check up and compresion test on the engine - does this sound right - it seems a little high for a check up ? They did say that they'd need the vehicle for 4 - 5 hrs but thats $130 an hr labour rate ?

anyway I think the biggest expense is the compresion test - is it really necessary ? If the car sounds smooth , idles and accelerates smoothly and doesn't have any weird rattles, pings or knocking from the engine sould I save some cash, and just have them check the brakes, cooling system and suspension + electrics......etc

Is there anything else I should really check for ... I don't want to get burnt on this purchase.

Also can anyone recomend a good aftermarket warranty to buy to protect me from any unforseen engine / drivetrain disasters or are they a waste of money - they seem to cost arround $1500

cheers all

James Brinkley

1974 Jensen Healey #18149

Submitted by mktr@charter.net on Tue, 06/28/2005 - 22:19

james,i would buy the best example i could find .previous history being probably the biggist facter.ask to see service records,someone who really cared for the car would tend to keep records.make sure everything works.if the drive train is in very good shape now and you maintain it properly it should stay that way. if the car has had a lot of owners that could be a red flag. if these cars arent maintained they can bury you. if you get a good one they are wonderful. if every thing is in very good condition i wouldnt buy the extended warranty good luck.mark. 1962 fhc 1970 fhc

Submitted by dougdwyer@adel… on Tue, 06/28/2005 - 20:37

I agree that if the engine sounds, feels, and runs good with no smoke or scary sounds, a compression test is probably not required. These are mighty durable engines. Overheating seem to be the only thing that'll hurt 'em.

I would be most concerned with the cooling system and the climate control system. Problems in either area can be quite costly to correct. And the later XJSs have loads of electronic accessories.....make sure they all work.

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1987 XJ6 Ser III
1988 XJS V12 Coupe