Hello all

I'm a New Zealander living in France and I bought a 2003 XK8 4.2 convertible in the UK (so much cheaper, and I'm used to RHD) last year, on a bit of a whim (I was looking for a 3-series.. but the Jag was just so lovely to look at and to drive...) and brought it back to France to register it here.

Stupidly, I didn't get it inspected and the car that I bought for £8K has now cost me more than 4K€ for repairs (bushings, radiators etc.. as the French don't know these cars, I probably pay over the odds...).

After 6 months, unfortunately have had about enough and want to get rid of it.

The first problem is as it is not registered in France, I'll need to take it back to the UK to sell it.

The second problem is a droning noise from the rear of the car above about 40mph, and hesitation in gentle acceleration in 3rd gear that has just started last week. I suspect the problems are linked. I think the brakes are on the way out too..

I don't imagine a dealer is going to take a trade-in on the car because of the above (and before that I guess I'll need to get an MOT).

Would anyone have any suggestions about how to proceed? Any good dealers / specialists in the UK that I can take the car to, and trust them to do the necessary so that I can sell the car (or maybe even buy it as-is?)

Ideally I'd drive the car over then leave it with them to sort it out until I can come over to do a deal on a new car..

I'm going to lose a lot of money, I know, but I can't take the worry about what is going to go wrong next.. it's turning my hair grey..

Any suggestions from UK (or French) members are more than welcome!!

Thanks all

 

Welcome to the Forum. You're the nearest member to me! There are no independents who specialise in Jags I know of round here but many small garages are surprisingly competent.
Please take time to visit
New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
and introduce yourself so we can all say 'Hello'.
I've moved your post to the XK8 section where you'll get more specific help.