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.
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.