I will be looking for an XKR in 2015 and would like the protection of a main dealer warranty but am nervous about what sort of service I'm likely to get. I know their rates will be higher than an indie for servicing and repairs etc. but what are most people's experience of their service and treatment?


The MB forums that I'm on, in general, do not have a good word to say about them - '*******s' is one of the better descriptions. (not sure why the noun derived from the verb 'to steal' has been censored there?)


If you were spending £20K+ on an XKR, would you try to find one at a main dealer or an independent Jaguar specialist or just anywhere that's got a well specced motor that ticks all the boxes?

 

I like to DIY everything I can (gradually more and more as I get used to doing jobs - started with oil & filter changes) but an indy for everything else.

I buy parts at the dealer and find their parts dept. good.

I wouldn't pay dealer price for a used car but each to their own choice.

 

The noun has been automatically censored because it is a banned word on this forum. We have a good relationship with Jaguar Cars Ltd and have no wish to jeopardise this by the use of offensive terminology.

I've used the same main Jaguar Dealer for over forty years - Stratstone (formerly Reg Vardy Ltd) in Houghton-le-Spring. I regularly use their Parts Department but it's many years since I used their Service Department, preferring like JagV8 to do my own maintenance and repair. This has not detracted in the slightest from the way I'm treated by the staff who are invariably courteous and helpful.

I've also purchased used cars from Jaguar main dealers in Ayr, Liverpool, Nottingham and Maidstone. Other Jaguars have been sourced from non franchised dealers but never privately. My experience has been that private sellers often have an unrealistic opinion on value and frequently overstate condition!

The decision on where to buy has always been based on a combination of spec, condition and price so my approach has been to go with the one that "ticks all the boxes" at the time.

Graham

 

I only ever bought one car from a car dealer, it is the only engine failure I have had in 50 odd cars and motorcycles,apart from a couple I broke myself!. But many people tell of the opposite side of the coin.
As Graham said, if it ticks all your boxes. You can always have a dealer check the car over for you.

Then again, not many dealers stock 1973 XJ6's these days!

 

If I had £20K to spend on a Jag I would have no hesitation in going to a Jaguar Dealer!

I have had cars from independents before and the warranties and accreditations/checks can be expensive and turn out to be valueless when the one item that goes is not covered..

Equally I have brought cars from individuals (such as my X-Type) and they have lasted very well considering the price point and no warranties whatsoever..

But with that degree of investment I would go straight to a Jaguar Dealer to buy, because they are better placed to supply backup, support, and specialist parts and with that amount of money involved I would want all the potential support and knowledge I could get... simples..

But that is my personal point of view - some people have bad experiences with dealers, some with independent sellers.. even though my first Jag (which came from an independent) only lasted a couple of months for it's £500 I still view the deal as a good one as it showed me what driving experience I could get for my money with a Jaguar! OK so it ruined me for any other manufacturer lol but to summarise - that much money I would definitely head for a dealer esp one that has been there (like my one) for as long as I can remember..

Saying that - I believe if I came into that much money where I might want a Jag top of the list I suspect my better half would quite reasonably move it down the list of things to sort :-)

 

Not sure about the MB forums in general but this and other Jag forums often have quite a few members who are past or present dealership employees. In many cases, and certainly so on this forum, lots of very good ( and cheerfully given) repair advice has come from dealership technicians.

I'm sure these people are well aware of the faults typically associated with dealerships and can accept honest criticisms. Often, though, we see summary dealer-bashing where everyone just joins in and speaks as though the dealership guys were not even in the room, so to speak. I'm fairly certain this has resulted, in at least a couple cases, in these folks deciding to reduce or end their participation.

While I'm on the subject I would like to remind everyone that high prices, in and of themselves, do not necessarily indicate dishonesty...such 'stealing' or 'ripping off'.

I can go to a modest restaurant and order a Beefeater martini and be charged $6.95. I can also go to a very swank 5-star restaurant and pay $13.95 for the very same martini. If I choose to patronize 5-star restaurant I don't complain that they are stealing from me or ripping me off merely because they charge a much higher price for the same product.

Cheers
DD

 

I don't seem to have the time at present to do DIY servicing etc, but when I retire in 12 months time I may try to do some of my own but not having the tools and equipment might make it difficult plus the high tech that goes into cars now. I haven't done much DIY for more than 40 years since my Austin 7 (original Mini, Hillman Imp and MG Midget) - do Haynes do a manual for the XKR? Maybe I should go back to night school?

 

Apologies for my breach of etiquette. As a recently joined member, I'm pleased to see that this is a very respectful place.


Stratstone are one of the dealers whose websites I have been keeping an eye on so your comments are very welcome. I don't think I want to go the private route with so much hard-earned money involved.

 

It won't be a windfall but from my decision to keep working past my normal retirement date for 12 months or so. My wife knows it's an opportunity to make a dream come true. So I guess I'm lucky, but 41 years of breakfast (or at least a cup of tea) in bed for her every morning was a good investment! As it will be hard-earned from a personal sacrifice that's why I want the protection of a dealer-bought car - either Jaguar or independent at least.

 

There was a guy from an MB dealership on the MB forum that I frequent and I always thought his contributions were very helpful putting a bit of balance into the discussion. Sadly he's moving to a Ford dealership so won't be around any more. As far as prices go, I will pay market rates and negotiate down to that level - having spent some years working in the Middle East and China bargaining has become second nature!

 

I'm good at breaking cars which is why DIY is not such a good idea for me. When I had my Mini I was forever stripping the simple SU carburettor and giving it a good clean. The Stromberg carb in the Hillman Imp was not so simple. I remember dropping a washer and thinking it had dropped underneath the car - unfortunately, I found out the hard way it had dropped down the inlet manifold into the engine. When I started it up the loud bang made me realise where it went. My 21st birthday present from my parents was a replacement half-engine. Anyway, we'll see what turns up when I've got the cash together - somewhere out there 'my' car is being lovingly run in for me and with good Karma, we'll meet up.

 

NO - nothing available from Haynes for either the earlier 1997-2005 XK8/XKR or current 2006 onwards XK/XKR.

The factory Workshop Manual (JTIS - Jaguar Technical Information System) is available as a free download from the forum but ends with 2005 models.

Jaguar dealer level support is online through TOPIx but is expensive. Printouts of the 2006 onwards TOPIx workshop manual are available as PDF's at low cost from a number of sources on the web.

Graham

 

So good, Doug; and the world would be a happier place if more people understood such things.

For my part, I have never received anything but quality, respectful, and courteous service (if not just a bit posh, which never bothers me!) from our local dealership (Fields Jaguar). But I don't have to go there for things all that often.

cheers,
Scott

 

As per all the good solid & useful comments above.....

We don't condone the alternative word for dealership here, with an "st" in front of it, for all of the reasons given, and more.

These high end car dealers all have rent / rates etc to pay, salaries, phones, heating, lighting etc and it is a business after all.
ALL Oem parts for any equipment are priced accordingly, you will always be able to buy aftermarket cheaper, usually for a reason.

The rule of thumb is, find yourself a good dealer and use them when necessary, a good indy is also a good idea in conjunction with at least some diy and use of the forum

 

I can appreciate that Dealerships have expenses, costs, labor, etc. I do not do their books and cannot tell you if they are fair. I have tried to use them but find the prices outside of my budget. I first looked for a pump for the convertible top. On Ebay the prices were around $400 for a used one. Looking further, I found two on line for around $280. The dealership wanted $4500 for a new one. Is it worth it? Maybe? In my calculations I could swap out over ten Ebay pumps to the dealership one and still come out ahead. I would love to deal with the dealership on parts, but to me it just dose not make sense. If you plan a perfect car it may be the way to go. I am very happy with good and working. I wish to be respectful to Jaguar, and do like this car, but I think they might do with a bit of a wake up and realize their parts are not $4500 worth of great. I have to say I am a bit of a tight wad, and don't like spending huge amounts where I don't have to, and I prefer to do work myself. I don't always come out ahead that way, but I do get satisfaction from a job well done.

 

My original question was not so much directed at servicing and repairs but rather at the original purchase. With servicing etc, I think it depends very much on what needs doing and the age of the car and how long you intend to keep it. MB dealers are trying very hard to get business back by offering good deals for older cars, discounts etc - maybe Jaguar are doing the same (I have no experience of this yet). When I've been looking at Autotrader, Pistonheads etc. I am definitely more attracted to those cars that have a full Jaguar service history, and I've followed suit with my wife's MB S211 up until recently now using an independent because he is more local and therefore more convenient.

 

Slightly off topic a little, but in answer to your FSH point

I used to be of the same opinion many years ago, but have since thought a little differently.

For example, my A6 was serviced faithfully by the dealer for the first 3 years, then a combination of Indy's and self service.
I have a stack of receipts inches thick covering every service, repair, nut, bolt, washer, oil & filter change....certainly a very comprehensive record.

I know others who have main dealer service history for the first few years, then a combo of Indy and self service. Some of these guys have excel spreadsheets with receipts for all work done, dates, costs etc etc

In all honesty in someways way more effective than main dealer work