Does anyone know how I can access the service records for my XK8. My local dealership says they have no access and the dealership which sold the car - 20 years ago - is worried about privacy issues and says they're archived anyway. Any ideas?

 

The short version is that you can't reliably get these records on demand. But:

When I did research for my car, I started with the CARFAX report. I then called the dealerships around where the car had been, to speak with the service manager. I sometimes got a hit with the VIN, and service managers would then be willing to speak to me about the car's history, mostly big things like warranty engine replacement or tensioners. I made a point of calling out of busy hours (drop off or pickup), tried to be as polite as possible, and respectful of their time. As you pointed out, these records are kept at the dealership, in whatever the current system is, on a best effort basis. If the system changed, expect the old records to stay behind, no longer online. The only central Jaguar repository I can think of would be warranty work, but don't bet they are ready to share it.

Are you looking for something specific?

Best of luck.

 

Sounds like you didn't get the service record book with the vehicle.

My Dealer has always been prepared to lookup my successive Jaguars on the Direct Dealer Warranty System. This gives the original build specification, supplying dealer and any warranty claims or field service actions (recalls). However, it does not hold service records on older vehicles. (service history has been online since 2014 and it's a lot easier to trace now).

It's unlikely that a twenty year old Jaguar will have been continuously serviced by Jaguar Dealers so finding that history is going to be very difficult unless you can trace previous owners.

I always write to the PO as soon as possible after purchasing a used Jaguar asking about service, repairs etc. Hit rate for replies is around 80% and it always helps piece together the vehicle history.

Here in the UK, we can easily trace all PO's because our DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) is obliged to release this information to the current owner.

Graham

 

Many thanks for your reply. I did get a CarProof report on the car and had it checked out before I bought it. I tried basically the same tactics as you're suggesting with the local dealer (in Canada) yesterday and the dealer who sold the car (in the USA) today. I put the results in my original post. I wanted to get the service records to see what, if any, service notices had been acted on. The vehicle has very low mileage and I wanted to see what if anything had been done about the timing chain, tensioners etc.

 

Many thanks for your help. I did get the service record book. It's blank (the car only did 20,000 miles in 14 years). I got a pretty good handle on any potential issues before I bought the car. I can find out what I want to know easily enough but thought I'd play a long shot and see if I could access to any service records that might exist.

 

I always do the same thing that fmertz did. It usually takes a couple of hours to pull together everything I need, but I consider that time well spent. Just be prepared by knowing that some service managers are more cooperative than others. I do not waste my time talking to service advisors - they often do not want to help because they consider it a waste of their time if they get paid by the service jobs they are able to sell and schedule....

 

Jon89, Thanks for the message. You made a good point, one that I hadn't thought about and overlooked in fmertz's message. I didn't specifically ask for the service manager. I know that at the dealership that sold the car I was talking to a service advisor for sure. I may try again. Jim

 

Jim,

I can understand your enthusiasm to find the service history.

I like to discover as much as possible about my vehicles and they always have a comprehensive manufacturer, dealer, ownership, service and repair history compiled long before I pass them on.

Graham

 

GGG, I also need to find out what has been done to this car and what hasn't. If the timing chains, water pump etc. haven't been done (it's very low mileage) then I need to get them done. I thought if I could get the service records I could save time (and possibly money). But I must say it's also an interesting journey........

 

Frankly, unless you have positive proof the tensioners have been changed for triple sure, (as in: you have pictures or a receipt with the VIN), park the car until you can pull the valve covers and know for sure. Don't even trust somebody on the phone eyeballing some random record. There were more than 2 generations for these, too. Don't get fooled by the low miles, failed tensioners would get you to an ugly place. Remember, these cars not necessarily worth a lot more than the sum total of all the new engine parts required for a rebuild after failed tensioners...

 

+1

Even with a documented history and supporting invoices, I'd still want to check the three regular areas of weakness for myself:

1. tensioners
2. transmission fluid - change
3. cooling system - pump + all plastic and rubber components

Graham

 

Advice taken. The car is booked into a shop to have all the work done and I've arranged to have it transported rather than drive it in. Many thanks for your advice and help

 

Advice taken. See my reply to fmertz above. Many thanks for your advice and help.

 

 

I'd heard a rumour but haven't needed to request information since early last year.

Graham