Thanks Numpti-boy, it certainly was a horrible experience, I feel like I've had one of the most stressful months in my life, certainly in the top 10!Horrible experience. Go and buy a cheap old X300 and it'll probably renew your faith in Jaguar. Under a grand for a reliable, good looking well made Jag.
Don't get me wrong. I like X350's, providing you get the right colour/wheel combination. But i wouldn't have another in a month of Sunday's.
Hi Roger. Yes I think 'third world' is a good description, I guess I could be accused of letting my heart rule my head but I knew this was the case and thought a main dealer should be working to at least a minimum standard and wouldn't even have a car for sale unless it met this standard. In fairness (to me) the car did look good when I viewed it and although I would have had it inspected normally the assurances I got from the sales shark allowed me to lower my guard, I detailed my position to them and all they did was take advantage, obviously thinking because I ddin't know the Jaguar XJ inside out that I was a complete dipstick, annoyingly it only took me a short ride to realise all was not well and I guess if the test ride had been handled differently I may have had a chance then.Sorry to read of your bad experience you deserved better. Don't let it put you off Jaguar, perhaps consider numptie-boy's advice.
We have bought two cars from Stratstone & we found them,
how can I put this a bit third world. We have always used the following rules when buying from them. My comments refer to one Dealership.
Rule 1. Buyer Beware.
Rule 2. Even if no faults apparent have car inspected. Before you pay any money out.
Rule 3. If work needs doing don't let them touch it, either walk away, or get a reduction to cover cost of getting work done properly.
Rule 4. Any nonsense walk away.
In fairness we found Colliers of Tamworth always did a fair job.
Jaguar Inspection, most Jag Specialists will do this for you, modest cost. I keep a Database of Jag Specialists covering the UK. If you need to know your nearest? just send me PM with your Town & County then I can send list. Same information available to any one on Forum, just ask.
Roger.
Yeah i think a second second car may be pushing it a bit. You're right, nothing else feels like a Jag. A mate of mine has a '7' series, same age as my old X300 ('97) and it is a truly awful, woeful thing to drive. Always feels like a big ungainly barge whereas the Jag feels nimble and quick on twisty roads despite it's size. Then you look at the shape, then the interior. No contest!!!Thanks Numpti-boy, it certainly was a horrible experience, I feel like I've had one of the most stressful months in my life, certainly in the top 10!
I don't think I could own an X300 as a daily driver and unfortunatly (or fortunatly depending on you point of view) I already have a second car (and a motorcycle, and a second motrocycle), I don't think I'd get away with having a second-second car!
One 'problem' to come out of it all was I had an XF as a courtesy car and did really like that vehicle, it was only Luxury spec' and had a few annoyingly dumbed-down features, but the Premium Luxury corrects these. I've looked at a few other cars over the last week (Audi's, BMW and so on) none of them have the same feeling of 'specialness' that the Jaguar had. An XF may be on the cards.
