Saleofcar.com :Jaguar

Jaguar XJS (1988)
for sale

Price: US $240.00

Description:

I bought this car with big dreams. They involved stand-along engine management, turning this into a 5-speed car, stripping all the brightwork off the body, and shaving the handles. The reality is that this will have to wait another decade.
This car was cleaner than most all the other XJ's I looked at, and I was pleasantly surprised at every turn. With just 53k on the odo, it has a completely clean carfax, and two previous owners. It's got a Tom Wilkinshaw body kit (British Version), and Lister rims in great shape. New Pirelli tires.
Exterior:
Paint is still shiny and an good shape. Body and panel gaps are good. There's a scratch on the passenger side parallel with the ground, some paint hazing on the left and right sides of the trunk lid, no dents you'd see from even a few feet away, glass is great, no rust on rockers, jambs, wheelarches. there's a spot of rust on the underside of the trunk handle area. The most noticeable exterior defect is a scrape in the rear bumper at the top edge - I don't find it bothersome. The rubber washer for the fuel lock is torn and sticking out. Some silicone used in the front bumper to body transition, and I just spotted a bit at the top of the windshield. I've seen no water ingress. I'll try to get underbody shots but I checked it out with a flashlight when I bought it and was pleasantly surprised. She's got the european headlight conversion.
Interior:
Surprisingly good shape! Wood is decent shape, and I'd imagine you could restore it. I checked all gauges and switches and I think just about every function worked except for the heated seats and the power mirror switches half-work. Headliner is drooping, and the pillar/roof trim pieces need some work. Passenger one is up, and the driver one has a crack in it and is in the trunk right now. Driver seat bolster has some wear on it but nothing too bad. Rear seats look great. Stereo is a modern upgrade and comes with remote (I still don't get remotes in a car). Full-sized spare in trunk. The windows go up and down at lightning speed. Air blows cold! Trip computer works as it should, as do all gauges.
Engine:
Runs just great - starts on first or second try, sounds really quiet, pulls just fine. Doesn't blow any smoke. I checked fluids and nothing seemed out of sorts. Compartment is a bit dirty, I left it as it was. Water pump was done within the last year. This is the HE (High Efficiency) motor with the swirl heads.
Driving:
These cars were just built to cruise, and she's happy doing that. My impressions from my outings with her:Steering feels a little strange, sometimes there's a little more resistance on the wheel than others. One theory was bad alignment (caster angle?). Another is a worn ball joint. I haven't even looked at it. Transmission shifts fine, brakes feel good though I was warned that they probably need a complete check-over. I had them get a bit soft on me once, but the next drive they were fine and the fluid didn't go down. Theory is occasional stuck caliper.Let me just say - it is amazing how quiet the ride is! There are virtually no rattles or knocks or squeaks. The doors clunk closed with authority. The trunk just shuts perfectly. Comes with one set of keys, an owners handbook, a Hanyes manual, and a car cover.
You are more than welcome to come check her out BEFORE the auction ends! You can pay for an inspection at any shop within 20 minutes of me. Ask questions if you have them. $500 deposit due within 48 hours of winning. The balance will be paid in cash or cashiers check drawn at your bank in front of me.

_{update: 2015-07-24}