Hello all,

This is my second post ever, I purchased a Jaguar 1991 XJS V12 with 47321 original miles for just under $1100, it needs about AT MOST $3000 worth of work (mechanically) the body at most $1000. I have a 1995 Ford Thunderbird, low miles, custom paint, runs great, nice system (subs) that I am thinking of selling to finance the Jag (and have some cash left over). I am an apprentice to a Jag mechanic so he is giveing me a discount, the question I ask is is it worth it? The Jag has collector potential but the T-Bird is sentimental (first car) and after fixed the Jag can fetch a good amount on the used market.

Monetarily speaking what would you do?

Thanks

Jesse

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Fri, 04/16/2004 - 15:41

Jesse,

As is often said, you're comparing apples and oranges. The XJS and T-bird are two very different animals. Having owned an '89 XJS Coupe, I can tell you that it is a great car to drive. But it does take a bit of time, effort and money to keep it on the road and in tip-top shape. If you are going to be doing most of the work on the car yourself, then it ain't the worst thing in the world.

Don't look at the XJS as an investment, however. It's not going to go up substantially in value, especially if you drive it. Restore it perfectly and put it away for 20 years, maybe. But what the other commenters say is true -- drive what you like. Don't pick one or the other because you think it will be worth big bucks some day.

Now, if you decide to keep the XJS and work on it, I'd strongly recommend visiting www.jag-lovers.org and following the links to download "The Book" by Kirby Palm. You'll find it on the XJS-lovers page there and in the library. It's about 600 pages of the accumulated knowledge of XJS owners and is invaluable. Print it out, put it in a looseleaf binder and consult it regularly on anything you plan to do with the car. It's more important (or just as important) as having the Jaguar shop manual and parts manual for the car.

Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'72 E-type 2+2
'70 XKE FHC
Former '89 XJS owner

Submitted by jk@omegachemical.com on Fri, 04/16/2004 - 07:18

Jesse, I think you are betting on a questionable proposition if you expect the XJS to someday have a as high a collector value as, say the XK-E. I think it will do well, particularly the pre-Ford, post HE V-12's, but in my opinion, this will take the better part of a generation.

The level of engineering of an XJS is in an entirely different category than a T-Bird. If that is something that has significance to you, then keep the XJS. If not, then drive what has the most personal appeal for you.

1984 XJS coupe
1992 XJS convertible

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Thu, 04/15/2004 - 23:04

Jesse , drive what you want to most, money can only be enjoyed by spending it, just as you will enjoy the Jagn by driving it, the later S's give decent mileage anyway, unless of course you thrash them on a track, aint too good at all then but lots of fun.............
Art Dickenson.
1983 XJS GT \"Silver\""