Jaguar always knew that its iconic E-Type would be a hard act to follow. Its original plans had been for a mid-engined sports car, but budget constraints saw the XJ-S emerge as a front-engined Grand Tourer. It enjoyed a long production run of more than two decades, and good examples can provide a satisfying and relaxed ownership experience. This 1988 model presents well for its age. It has a few minor issues, but nothing prevents it from immediately hitting the road with a new owner behind the wheel. The XJ-S is listed here on Craigslist in Moorhead, Minnesota. For potential buyers seeking affordability, this one ticks the box with an asking price of $8,850. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting this excellent survivor.

The XJ-S has always been a distinctive car with stunning styling. If buyers ordered them in the right color, it merely accentuated the low and aggressive appearance. This car’s combination of Jet Black paint, gold pinstripes, and mesh BBS wheels helps it to stand out for the right reasons. Its presentation is above average for its age but isn’t perfect. The paint shines beautifully, with a depth that few shades other than Black can achieve. There are a few minor imperfections, with some consistent stone-chips on the rockers being the most obvious. The problem isn’t severe, but it would be worth addressing before corrosion and rust develop. The panels are generally good, and like the paint, any imperfections are insignificant. Rust is always a consideration, and the news is pretty positive. The car looks clean, although I noticed this developing spot in the driver’s side lower rear quarter panel. A good paint shop should be able to tackle this when they repaint the rockers, thus preventing future heartache. The trim and plastic are in good order, as is the glass.

The interior of almost any Jaguar is unlikely to involve hardship, and this XJ-S contains enough sumptuous leather and walnut veneer to confirm its status as a Grand Tourer. Its condition is excellent, with no wear or physical damage. The seats feature the usual wrinkles that are an integral part of aging leather. Still, a few visible marks on the passenger and back seats would probably motivate me to consult a specialist to see if they could be addressed. The timber glows warmly, the carpet is excellent, and there are no issues with the dash or pad. In the spirit of a genuine Grand Tourer, the buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power front seats, cruise control, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player. One significant bonus is the glass sunroof, providing plenty of fresh air on sunny days.

It would not be unkind to describe an XJ-S engine bay as a plumbing nightmare, with hoses and pipes heading in all directions. Hidden below it is the beautiful fuel-injected 5.3-liter V12 that sends 262hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. The company didn’t plan for this model to tip the scales at 4,041 lbs, but there is always a weight penalty associated with life’s luxuries. However, its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16.2 seconds on its way to 149mph was surprisingly good for a car of this type produced during the 1980s. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 55,992 miles, although the seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying the reading. They recently fitted new tires, new brakes, and a new battery. They say this gem runs and drives well and that it is reliable. If the buyer continues to maintain this Jag appropriately, I see no reason why it couldn’t continue that trend.

Jaguar never planned for the XJ-S to have a long production life, envisaging that a replacement would appear within a decade. Unfortunately, the company became part of the larger British Leyland Group, which spent most of the late 1970s and 1980s imploding. Early cars were plagued by quality control issues, which wasn’t unusual for any brand within BL. However, later cars like this proved to be reliable if maintained correctly. That appears to be the case with this Jag, meaning it should have years of service left to offer its new owner. If you aspire to own an E-Type but find that climbing values put them beyond your reach, this could be an affordable alternative.