3.2 Manual worth it?

[Ceramicolive]

I've been offered a 3.2 manual for £2500 I have never seen the car as it is about 300 miles away, however the seller tells me it needs a small area of both sills welding the paint on the roof is rough and the oil pressure gauge is reading 0. what do you who are in the know think?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1997-P-Jagua ... 1438.l2649

[pimgmx]

Manual XJs are getting pretty rare, I guess the worst ones have already been butchered for their drivelines.
This one doesn't look bad at all, but I'm insufficiently familiar with UK values to say anything useful about the price tag of this particular car.

I'd ask for detail pictures of the sills, especially the sill ends: they can rust spectacularly on an X300!

The two other issues are similar to XJ40:
- zero oil pressure on the dash usually means the oil pressure sender is kaputt;
- paint issue is most likely peeling clearcoat, very common with darker colours (I have the same on all horizontal body surfaces on my X300 XJR)

The wheel arches and bumpers on the car look pretty good, although detail pics of the wheel arches (they can rust far worse than on XJ40s in my experience) would be another must-have in my subjective opinion.

Interior looks quite solid, too: ask whether the radio and clock lcds still work (another common X300 weakness) and what the condition of the headlining is...

[Ceramicolive]

Thanks, I have asked for pictures of the rust but the guy says he is too old to get down there! I guess I'll just have to spend the money on a train down to view it. Going tomorrow so I'll know soon enough I guess.

[naki_k]

Thanks, I have asked for pictures of the rust but the guy says he is too old to get down there! I guess I'll just have to spend the money on a train down to view it. Going tomorrow so I'll know soon enough I guess.

It seems so many Jaguar owners cannot see anything that’s below their knees.
Definitely a good move to view before you decide “to buy” anything.
Are there any x300 out there that are not rusted in some shape or form? With that in mind, I think you know what to expect, as most will be the same. Let’s hope it drives well enough.

[SovverBovver]

I've driven one of these as a loan vehicle when my car was getting a service. Same colour too. I found it was pretty good fun and would consider one if it was in good condition.

[Ceramicolive]

To update this thread, I've found a beauty and I'm picking it up tomorrow! Guy in the picture is the seller and a thoroughly nice chap. The body and interior are in exceptional shape, this car has been and will continue to be cherished.

[naki_k]

Wow, great update. It’s been a long time coming? 2 years plus to find a tidy manual! What does that tell you!

Tell us more? Is this from the south coast somewhere?
Not the Scottish car I take it!

[naki_k]

Have you pressure washed it underneath? Everything looks wet? Or is it a Waxoyl coating?

[Ceramicolive]

Hi Naki,

I sent you a PM but its sat in my outbox? *edit : Just noticed it has been sent now.*

It has been a long time coming but well worth the wait.

It has lived it's life down south and obviously garaged and loved, the sheen is a protective coating by Krown uk the previous owner has just had it done, he's the editor of Classic Jaguar magazine and this car has been featured in two issues, the last issue detailed the rust proofing process, and the car will be in the next issue for the final time after I collect it.

I had a pdf of the article sent to me if I can I'll post it on here?

Thanks

[naki_k]

It’s a great find anyhow.
He’s been smart to protect the car now while it’s still good. And clear wax is ideal, as the metal underneath can be monitored easily.

(PM in the Outbox simply means it has not been read yet).