Hi everyone in the Jaggg community,
It's a pleasure to be here, took the time to read the previous thread on the forum and damnn this is one big jaggg community.
I'm currently on the look out for a XJR and stumble across this particular XJR with a long service record. My question is, should I take the risk ? Should I avoid at all cost. I need advice since this is going to be my first Jaguar.

2014 Jaguar XJR LWB

• July 2021 (46,861 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, brake fluid flushed, front brake discs and pads replaced, engine air filter replaced
• November 2020 (41,550 miles): Water pump, coolant hoses, and coolant replaced
• June 2020 (39,167 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, motor mounts replaced, coolant crossover pipe assembly and expansion tank hose replaced, front right wheel bearing replaced
• September 2019 (35,004 miles): Throttle body vacuum pipe reconnected, exhaust hanger replaced
• August 2019 (34,375 miles): Driver side headlight bulb and ballast replaced
• June 2019 (33,469 miles): Right rear vanity mirror replaced, engine oil and filter changed
• May 2019 (32,900 miles): Driver rear exhaust hanger replaced
• March 2019 (31,423 miles): Rear brake discs, pads, and sensor replaced
• November 2018 (28,776 miles): Passenger rear exhaust hanger replaced, telematics unit reprogrammed
• June 2018 (26,381 miles): Engine oil and filter changed
• February 2018 (24,980 miles): Battery and windshield wiper blades replaced
• November 2017 (23,899 miles): Air suspension compressor and connector replaced, passenger side headlight bulb replaced
• June 2017 (22,096 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, differential control module updated
• August 2016 (17,755 miles): Rear exhaust hangers replaced, tire pressure sensor replaced
• June 2016 (16,388 miles): Engine oil and filter changed, passenger side wheel repaired
• August 2015 (9,909 miles): Diagnostic module tank leakage (DMTL) unit replaced, tire pressure sensor replaced

Thank you in advance, and I would really appreciate some advice.

 

Welcome to the forum kennedyhow,

I'll start with the caveat that buying a used Jaguar (or any used vehicle) is a lottery. The safest way is a CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) example from a Jaguar Dealer as it will be thoroughly checked and have the benefit of extended warranty. Going lower cost and higher risk is buying from a non-franchised dealer and riskiest but lowest cost is direct from an owner. You know where you are on this risk scale.

Downside:
It's 8 years old - things wear out with time as well as mileage. Suspension bushes and dampers are an example. Water pump is a common failure and can cause irreparable damage with the engine overheating but it has done another 5K miles since this was changed so suggests it's not a problem.

Pluses:
relatively low mileage
regular use
regular services (presumably backed up with a fat file of bills?)
PO has kept up with replacing worn/damaged parts

From your question, it sounds as if you are not mechanically inclined and/or do not have the knowledge and experience to check the vehicle yourself. In this case, an independent assessment is well worth the money. It'll cost a few hundred but find any serious issues and probably a few minor ones that could be used to negotiate the asking price.

From the description, it's definitely worth considering but almost impossible to be sure without seeing the vehicle. Even minor body or trim damage can be expensive to repair. There's a lot of switches and functions on recent Jaguars and some apparently minor issues can be costly to fix.

Careful assessment is critical. Whether you leave this all to a qualified expert or do do some yourself is a matter of choice but don't be blinded by the beautiful design and shiny paint - even the dogs looks good!

Graham

 

I think I can safely say that it's the first vehicle I've ever heard of that goes through exhaust pipe hangers more frequently than the (engine) air filter gets replaced.

 

Yes there are some strange entries? 4 times the exhaust hanger has been repaired/replaced?
I think Graham hit it on the money? You really need to DIY the car repairs or it will be very costly. The good thing is this forum has all the answers and has been the best tool I have to keep my Jaguar's up and running properly.

Now compared to my 2014 XJR that car has had a LOT of repairs!

I have had the water pump and plastic pipes replaced under warranty. Then after warranty ran out I had to replace one O2 sensor. I am at 53K miles right now. Also a windshield replacement but that depends on road conditions and I can't blame the car because I caught a rock to the windshield either.

Any warranty? Hopefully a CPO one? Car is getting old so probably not?
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Yeah that many exhaust hangers is a strange one. Perhaps the exhaust keeps getting caught on the ground during wheelies?

The service records do indicate an attentive previous owner so that's really good,

Without a link to the actual car and knowing what the asking price is (and who is selling it) there is no way to give you any serious advice.

Agree though that if you can't fix it yourself you need to plan financially for repairs with either warranty or setting aside funds for when you WILL need them.

 

I don't know when the 5yr/60K mile warranty started but if the warranty was in effect in 2014, it looks like the owner took advantage of the warranty. The Jag is well maintained and the owner is on top of it. Though, I am questioning his or her driving style and habits to what I saw on the dealer's maintenance record. If you knew something about cars drive it and have a feel in the car's performance. If you don't, have it check by a qualified mechanic. It has to be raised on a hydraulic lifter to get it check all around.

 

LOL,I noticed every 1000 miles or so, the Jag is in the dealer. And also at 31K + miles the brakes has been replaced. The driver must be very hard on brakes. My Jag is at 33K miles & disc pads are still thick

 

kennedyhow, If you're a first time Jag buyer and you want the best experience, I suggest that you look for a pristine CPO at a dealer and take the risk out of your buy. This one seems risky because you know nothing about where it came from or who drove it. Plus, the service record gives me pause since there are things that I would seriously question. I drive a 2014 XJ with close to the same mileage and my maintenance is not anywhere near the fixes this car has experienced. Frankly, it looks like somebody was padding the bill with hanger replacements or else something really strange was going on with the way that car was driven.
I'd pass on this one. Look around at various dealers and don't be in a hurry. Jags are pretty and it's easy to overlook issues that tell a story.

 

If it's this one, I'd pass. It has a rebuilt Texas title, which means that it was wrecked and the insurance company declared it a total loss, and sold it at auction as a salvage vehicle.

https://www.autolist.com/listings/SA...aign=vdp-share

 

Graham,
Thanks again! We picked up the '08 from the Dealer and they did the CPO checklist. However, they told us since the car was so old, they could not offer the extended warranty. We can, of course, buy and extended warranty. I've NEVER bought these types of warranties before. With the perception that Jags have lower reliability (yes, your point on it being a lottery is right on...), waddya think about dealer warranties. Seems like I pay my $3k+ now for coverage (plus any $500 deductible) or pay later IF there is a problem. Seems like a coin toss...

Regards,

Carl

 

exhaust hangers seem normal - the two canadian spec cars i've had experience with both had issues with them melting.
iirc you can get aftermarket hangars that are more durable but the exhaust sits lower than OEM spec

 

UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WARRANTY AND AN EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT


.
A "warranty" is a promise (a contract) by the manufacturer of a product to repair or replace it at their expense within a specified period of time for specific failures caused by defects in materials or workmanship. Only a manufacturer can issue a warranty. The Jaguar Select Certified Pre-Owned program IS a warranty because it is backed by the manufacturer, Jaguar. It extends the original manufacturer's warranty subject to certain limitations and exclusions. The Jaguar Select CPO Warranty is a real extended warranty.

So-called "Extended Warranties" that are sold by Jaguar dealers and by other sellers on the internet are not real warranties. They are extended service contracts issued by various companies unrelated to Jaguar, and are like an insurance policy for car repairs.

Upon the expiration of the original factory warranty, Jaguar dealers will offer to sell you an "extended warranty" for various lengths of time and miles at varying prices. Jaguar dealers sell them because they're highly profitable. But they're not real warranties.

Salespeople often intentionally confuse consumers by saying "extended warranty", when what they're really selling is an "extended service contract". Even if that so-called "extended warranty" is summarized on a Jaguar dealer's letterhead, it is an extended service contract, and not a warranty. BUYER BEWARE! Aftermarket extended service contracts contain deductibles, exclusions and limitations that are often ambiguous and are used to deny claims. YOU MUST GET THE ENTIRE CONTRACT AND READ THE FINE PRINT BEFORE YOU SIGN AND PAY FOR IT! A sales brochure is not enough to make an informed decision. You must do your own due diligence. Those contracts typically state that the contract itself is the sole governing authority, and that you cannot rely on anything said to you or given to you in writing by or from anyone else.

If you think a particular extended service contract is attractive, be sure to Google it for complaints before you buy it.

Companies that underwrite extended service contracts are in business to make money. They have mountains of data, know the likelihood and cost of repairs by vehicle and component, and how to price their products. They also know how to write the fine print to deny claims. Any extended service contract company that loses money won't stay in business.

Think of it this way. It's like a casino in Las Vegas; the House always wins. Why? Because it's their game and they make sure that the odds are in their favor. Sure, once in a while someone hits the Jackpot. But that's just how the House keeps everyone else in the game - to make them think that they, too, will be winners. That's the same business plan for companies that sell extended service contracts.

Buying an extended service contract is a crapshoot. Just know that the odds are against you.

So, is there anything else that I can do? Yes. Assume that the cost of the extended service contract is $5,000. Instead of paying that money to the seller, put it in a separate savings account in your bank and use it only to pay for repairs that would have been covered by that extended service contract. If the exclusions and limitations would have denied or limited payment of that claim, treat that repair money the same way. Odds are that at the end of the term of that contract, you'll still have money left over in that bank account. That's the equivalent of the company's profit.

Forum members will tell you about their great experiences with their aftermarket extended service contracts, but few, if any, will tell you about getting ripped off because their claims were denied. That's because they sold "that POS Jaguar" and left the Forum.

As I said earlier, it's a crapshoot. Although occasionally someone will hit the jackpot, the House always wins. Jackpots are a psychological warfare tool the House uses to make losers think that they can win, too. Don't forget that you're the amateur playing against the pro and the odds are against you.

It's your car, your money, and your choice. If buying an extended service contract helps you to sleep better at night, then it's worth the cost ... unless those pleasant dreams turn into a nightmare.

Stuart

 

Stuart,

Thanks for the wisdom. A good read. Yes, I agree it is a crap shoot and contracts always have super exclusions. As a former insurance guy (albeit on the IT side), I get they are in it for the money and have actuarial data that supports them 'winning' in the end. I like your idea of just reserving money (and maybe adding to it every year the amount of a claim deductible). never use? Forced Savings use it? I've saved money to pay for it . Great idea. Win/Win for me!!!

Cheers,

Carl

 

Carl,

Welcome to the Forum. You're a Newbie, and should know that if you like a particular post, you can express your thanks by pressing the button at the bottom right of that post.

You can also abbreviate "Cheers" by pressing in the Smileys list. Just press the smiley face in the reply toolbar to open the list.

Stuart