I was curious of how to approach the following scenario. If I were to purchase a used Jaguar (preferably a 2010/11 XKR) from a Jaguar dealership, how would I go about getting an independent thorough inspection outside the dealership that is selling me the car. I understand the car will most likely be either a CPO car or have the balance of factory warranty, but I would still want a very thorough inspection for paint work/accidents as well as mechanics. The dealership selling the car will of course have "confiicting interests" and could not be truly partial. I would preferably like to take the car to another Jaguar dealership for inspection. Has anyone come across this before or have an idea how to approach it? Would the Jaguar dealership selling the car think this would be an unreasonable request? If the Jaguar dealership would not allow an independent inspection, naturally I would walk.

 

Hi Bocatrip,
You sound on the sensible side and quite rightly so, I don't believe the dealer would not allow you to cast a thorough independent inspection to the fore as it is quite an expense. The warranty should stand from new although the car should be officially recognised as "serviced and maintained" and that should be in the logbook anyway. I wonder if your insurance would be open to do an inspection or perhaps a well recognised inspection company like we would use in the UK, namely the RAC. Personally, I would insist on this and you should get your way and I would follow it up by arranging GAP insurance to cover you in regard to the car being stolen or written off in some unfortunate manner. You can also back this up by getting GAP mechanical warranty cover as well to make the car (almost) bullet proof to protect your investment as normal warranties are usually prone to being termed as "wear and tear". I totally understand your wishes and if possible, I would seek a friend or someone you trust as a friend in the motor trade to give you sound advice for your geographical area as I am aware the law is
completely different to us across the pond and actually I feel you are in the right place as the next post will undoubtedly be more helpful than mine in directing you toward the exact answer you require, but I hope I have helped, I do feel that many people make purchases when they are not fully aware of the small print and negatives in certain deals so I wish you luck and am sure your caution will pay off?
I would also hedge my bets and anything you are unhappy with before purchase can be of course used as a bargaining tool. Any nicks, scratches or points of concern can be etched out while you fumble for your wallet, if you know what I mean and I hope with the rest of the members here, you post some pics of your new baby after a Happy Arrival! Best regards, Stu

 

Boca:

I suggest you follow these 10 steps:

1) Get the VIN number first......if the car is listed on eBay, autotrader or carguru the VIN will be there or go to the dealer and look in the windshield yourself for the VIN. Most car dealership ads on the internet will also have the VIN listed in the ad. It is usually a requirement.

2) Then google the VIN number and see what shows up on google. You might be surprised what you find, or there may be little info. Google searches are free.

3) Go to Home : Free VIN Decoder - Vehicle Identification Number Check to find the original dealer cost and MSRP. You will simply input the VIN into the search box, again no cost for this service.

4) Buy a CARFAX on-line and get the information on the car. It will most likely show 95 to 100% factual information since it's a Jaguar and fairly new.

5) You can back up the CarFax report information with an Autocheck report to cross check the info on the 2 reports.

6) You should be able to walk the car and look at exterior things like paint and look for any dents.

7) If the car was serviced by the selling dealer then they will have a record of the history of repairs. In Florida, and especially near Miami, many dealers who sell Jags will send the car over to West Palm Beach Jaguar for servicing as they have an excellent reputation. If you discover that the car was serviced by West Palm Beach Jaguar, call over there and speak with Allen the Jaguar tech writer, provide the VIN, and he can provide with a repair and maintenance record of the car.

8) Be sure to go to www.edmunds.com or NADA Home Page and get current pricing on the year and model you are looking at. These sites will provide current dealer retail, private party sale, good trade-in value and rough condition trade-in value. You will need to know the current mileage on the car.

9) It is very important to complete your research and conduct your due diligence before buying one of these premium cars. You want to have a handful of information when your ready to make an offer to the dealer. Never buy the car for what the dealership is asking.

10) At this point you only have about $60.00 invested in research and your own time.

With all the information that you secure from the above tips, you will have firepower when approaching the dealership on any final offer.

 

Thanks Stuart Beattie and Richzak for your very valuable advice. Most Car Fax's are available although as we know are not all that accurate. The Vin info link sounds like a good idea and I will check it out. If I don't find a car at a Jaguar dealership, but at an independent dealership, I will be taking it to one of the 2 Jag dealerships near me for inspection. That should not present a problem. It would only be a conundrum if purchased at one Jaguar dealership and bringing it to the other.

 

Hi Bocatrip,
Thanks for the comments. another point to check is if the vin plate in the dash moves as it will be a copy and that will imply the car is not what you think.
There have been cases where the vin plate is covered over by a sticker or the engine vin plate is restamped over the real original numbers. In the UK, dodgey dealers and sellers have been making good money on stolen or previously written off cars where the car seems to be a bargain! Just be careful and many thanks to Richzac for helping you to check out the deal for your region! Your car will be a treasure and an investment for whatever you choose to utilise it for so again Good Luck Boca!
Cheers, Stu

 

Here in the UK I have a local independent Jag specialist who offer a "Warranty expiry check" which you can have done just before your warranty runs out. Maybe a dealer near you would do something similar?

 

Have the dealer run the Carfax for you, they should have the service available. Why pay?

As for bodywork and paint, I'd have the car inspected at a good auto body shop. If the car is under warranty, I would gamble a little on the mechanical issues if the Carfax and body shop check out fine.

Check the paperwork with car and look for gaps in history and a consistent locale for the repairs.

 

great advise, another option is putting a contingency clause in the deal - sale contingent upon passing independent inspection - most places want the sale so unless they have something to hide, it shouldn't be an issue or can be used as a negotiating point for them to throw in an extended warranty