[GDCobra]

Well after wanting an XJ for a few decades and and X350 since the came out and saving my pennies to do so I am now no longer the owner of the car I bought just one month ago.
In-fact I only actually had the car for 17 days before it went back but then the dealer decided they could not sort it and although they messed about offering me a 'like-for-like' replacement this was not possible as I wanted 'like-for-like' to include the same body colour and trim, even when I gave them a choice on this they could not deliver and I don't believe this was ever a serious offer.
The car had a number of problems from delivery which the dealer should have known about, worst being a leaking exhaust in the usual place filling the car with raw exhaust fumes, this was despite the fact that the car had only just passed an MOT. Having reported this the dealer messed around for a further 15 days before taking it in to sort out.
So that's the end of the line for me, I thought I'd done every thing right, reputable (supposedly) main dealer, one owner, low-ish miles, full history and so on but it seems these cars are just too un-reliable and poorly built so my dream is now gone and I'm left high and dry with no transport.

I'll certainly never trust this main dealer chain again, or have an XJ and I wonder if I should now turn my back on Jaguar completely, but I still like the brand, need to cool off and have a think.

So for the warning, I'd strongly suggest steering well clear of the Stratstone chain, certainly the Stoke-on-trent branch and if you really must buy there don't trust their quality assurances, check the car out like you would any dodgy second hand motor, be well on your guard.
Also if you are looking at a Frost Blue/Dove Sovereign, DA08OSU, be even more careful. If it has been 'repaired' it has probably been bodged. Hope this help someone avoid my mistakes.

 

[numptie-boy]

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.

 

[Maureensxtype]

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.

 

[GDCobra]

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.

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.

 

[GDCobra]

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.

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.

I've had some dealings with PV Dobson in the Lake District and have always had a good feeling from them, I've never bought a car from them (yet) but I've had my Mazda serviced there and they let me take out an XJ as a courtesy car, I've test driven other cars from them (Mazda and Jaguar) and they are happy to let you take the car out on your own and, unless they have it booked out again, don't pressure you to have it back in 10mins. Also what a fantastic place to have a test drive? They also come across as very pleasant to deal with without leaving you feeling like they were having to try at it.

I'll PM you later for you specialist list.

 

[dwainlondon]

Sorry to hear your trouble but don’t be put off not all X350s are in the same boat it’s the same for any car regardless of make problems can happen. I brought my xj6 last September its a 2.7d and i love the car.Ok i have spent some money on it since i brought it but these where the usual suspects that go wrong with this car when i took it in for its service.IE bushes brakes etc on a car that’s 6 yrs old these things will need replacing. I also think sometimes when cars go wrong its not always down to the car ,owners fail to get things repaired and these can lead to bigger problems down the line and more expense. So it’s always in my book to get the car serviced regular and checked over. Please don’t bin the X350s they are a good car when looked after and great cars to drive what ever model of x350 you buy. So maybe think again there are plenty of offers so just don’t let one car put you off.

 

[numptie-boy]

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.

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!!!

An XF may be the way to go. Never looked on their part of the forum for probs. but i'm sure i'll have one one day.

 

[GDCobra]

Well I now have my XF 3L Diesel S Premium Luxury so I guess I'll be popping over to that forum now, in many ways this is a better fit for me but I must admit I still like the look of the XJ.

 

[Fraser]

Well, at least your weren't put off Jaguar per se.

My X350 3 litre V6 Sport is still going well, although like some others, it was a bit expensive in its first few months fixing things the first owner should have sorted out under warranty, but Hey, I paid less than 25% of the new price for a one-owner, 30k miles car ! I test drove an XF at Royles, but they are still too expensive, and a bit avant garde for me, a traditionalist. 3 litre Diesel goes like stink, though.

As to main agents, I have found Royles of Wilmslow very good, but now I'm retired, I am going to independent specialist XJK of Newcastle-under-Lyme as they are a lot cheaper. So far so good.

 

[engine85]

Sorry to hear you've had such a disaster, the X350 is actually rated as one of the most reliable cars in its class by all the usual What Car, Parkers, JD etc.

I had a similar disaster last year with 2 cars, first a 2004 A8 then a 2002 S Type R, both had to go back within a month and never came back. Fingers crossed, i've had my X350 3.0 Sport for 10 months now, and all i've done is put air in the tyres once and filled up the windscreen wash twice

I think sometimes you just have a bit of bad luck and get a lemon, and they tend to make the headlines. Hope you have more luck with your next purchase.

 

[GDCobra]

Well Stratstone have the car up for sale again:-

2008 JAGUAR XJ SERIES JAGUAR XJ SERIES XJ 2.7 TDVi Sovereign 4dr Auto Diesel | eBay

I wonder if they've fixed it properly, just bodged it or are trying to sell it on regardless.
If anybody's looking at this car (it's certainly good to look at) drop me a PM and I'll talk you though what to check out.