ESSENTIAL CHECKS

1 Oxidisation can be found on the leading edge of the bonnet, front wings or on door corners. Very rarely does it spread more than a couple of inches. It can be a good bargaining point when it comes to negotiating price.

2 Parking distance sensors

are prone to failure, though carefully cleaning them with an emery board is reported to be enough to fix them, and they’re essential given that backwards visibility is difficult due to the small screen.

3 While air suspension

compressor failure is a common fault, it’s not massively difficult to overcome. The part is a Wabco component that’s also used on certain Audis, Mercedes and Land Rovers. New replacements can be bought from factors for around £250.

4 The XJR alloys look fantastic and are quite a common fitment on more ordinary Sport models as they were offered as an option.

But the 20in rims are only compatible with two types of tyre – a Pirelli or a Yokohama – and both cost well over £200 each. 5 Inside, check that the

touch screen works in models that are so equipped, as without it you can’t use the heater and air-con controls. Failures are rare but not unheard of, and the easiest way to replace it is to source a secondhand unit. More often than not, warning lights are commonly associated with a tired battery.

6 Avoid neglected cars, those with little or no service history, or any with significant electronic or mechanical issues; look for fluid changes every 10,000 miles, or 5000 miles for the V6. Repair costs can spiral, with a gearbox rebuild easily running to

£3000, while replacing an engine could cost anything up to £8000.