Hello,
I've never owned a Jaguar but am thinking of buying an XJ (351) in the UK. Of those listed on Autotrader, one is an import from Japan. What issues might this bring, compared with buying an equivalent used UK model? I suppose the dealer in question may subscribe to this forum/observe this thread. I'm thinking particularly after the dealer-warranty expires, servicing/parts and later selling-on the car (though I'd not expect to do this for several years).

 

Needs research for sure (and don't believe on face-value what the dealer says - I've known them to say ANYTHING to get a sale). Insurance companies always ask if a vehicle is imported, so may lead to higher premiums (XJs are already not cheap to insure). Also, not sure if servicing may be an issue if the software / interface is somehow 'different' for JP variants. May need some kind of certificate of conformity to show it meets UK standards (some foreign vehicles do not - eg US are allowed different types of indicators and reversing lights not permitted in UK). There would have to be a really good reason to buy an import for a vehicle that is readily available in the UK. The only rare X351s are V8 Autobiographies and XJR575s (also V6 petrols, but poss less desirable that the previous two). Resale will definitely be poorer A lot of buyers are put off by the thought of an imported vehicle.

 

The dealer has no interest and is for sure not reading any forums. They sell cars. Same as as any salesman selling apples or houses.
You did not post any details of the car?
Can you DIY anything at all? That is the real key to owning a used Jaguar.
Otherwise it will be an expensive life lesson!
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Thank you for replying.
https://www.exclusiveclassiccarsltd....-x351/1214013/.[/QUOTE]
This is the car/dealership. I didn't realize it before but they appear to sell imports only. My questions remain: this dealership and its previous customers are probably the best people to answer. I'd have thought a car sold new to Japan have a different spec. from one sold new in the UK but not anything mechanical, perhaps?
I do not DIY anything (car-related) and I appreciate that will make running costs more expensive for me: I'd look for a local specialist (Manchester), beside dealerships. The latter certainly would have an opinion on servicing an imported model.

 

Navigation maps might be an issue and also the FM radio in Japan works between 76 and 90 MHz. Not sure if these are changeable? I recommend to see the car yourself, because nobody will import well available vehicle from Japan without an reason. Too expensive. (R34:s are different story)

 

A few UK dealers are now importing Jaguars from Japan, including the previous X350/358 models. So far, I haven't seen any negative stories. The plus side is that road salt isn't used in Japan, so the cars come in fairly good even immaculate condition.

 

This may help:
https://www.thecarexpert.co.uk/shoul...ed-from-japan/

 

Thank you everyone. Food for thought.