Ditto, I bought the last 3 sight unseen, from a great distance away and had them shipped in. My trust in fellow man coupled with the provision of service records and new pics was enough for me. I was not disappointed.
Mind you, they were still all in factory warranty and included the extended factory warranty.

Yes, I would do it this way again.

 

I think most of this falls under "trust but verify". When buying from a Jag dealer the importance of documentation is paramount. If a CPO car there should be the normal check list that is available. If working with a good dealer they should be able to get the service record. Now for a private sale , having the owner take the car for an inspection is critical. Next would be pictures , pictures and more pictures. If you can find a Jag buddy to look at the car that would be good too. I sold my car to a fellow in Ca. and sent him about 30 or so pictures. Had the car inspected by my Jag dealership using the CPO checklist. Let the new buyer talk to the service manager about the car. Provided all service records from the 1st owner along with my records. Closed the deal over the phone and exchanged title and check.

 

I bought my XK from a Jag dealer and it was a trade in on a newer XK. I bought it sight unseen and had it shipped. Saleswoman said the car was "like new, perfect" which IMO is not vague or open for wide definition. She sent me pictures and it looked the part. Car was totally as described. Quite happy with the transaction.

 

My first one I purchased (unknowingly, at the time) from a former Forum member (he's the one that told me about the Forum).

Me: "I'd like to ask you a few questions about the Jag you have for sale"
Him: "Sure, but let me start by saying that I'm a certified Jaguar mechanic, and the vehicle is both cosmetically and mechanically perfect. Do you have any further questions?"
Me: "Uhhhh ... will $500 hold it until Thursday?"

I flew down to the desert SW where he lived, paid him in cash, and drove the tires right off of it on the way home. It was glorious.

My 2nd one I purchased from a private dealership in FL, but had all of the service records & history available to me. It was also a glorious ride home. I live driving.

 

Couple of points:

1. Don't buy it if you can't get the service records. What they did is important to you as you plan how to bring the car up to the quality you desire, and avoid doing things that already have been done -- as well as things that have not been done and should have. Water pump and duckbill done? Check! Tranny fluid never done? Plan it! Oil every year? Great! Etc.

2. Assume vacuum leaks on these 5-13 year old cars. Plan to fix them. Learn how Fuel Trims work, since they (and a smoke test) are the best practical ways to solve them.

3. I developed a simple spreadsheet of what's been done so I could solve problems before they became disasters. Copy below. Almost done with fixing things, refreshing all fluids and so on.

4. Spreadsheet is also a good place to make notes, as you search for part numbers and best prices.

Best,

Panthera.

 

Great Advice pantera999 and everyone else. Still looking.

JDog