Where/how to buy ?

[DeadMeat_UK]

Right then, if all goes well, I'll have my grubby mitts on a deposit for my 993 over the weekend.

That means the search for the XKR begins proper ! So a few quick (and daft!) questions from a Big Cat noob.

I'm looking for an 06/07 car so I'm expecting most of them to come up within the official Jaguar network.

Are the "Official" Jag dealers actually affiliated with Jaguar, and each other ? If I find a car at, say, a Guy Salmon, will they transfer to Grange or do they operate completely independently.

Are there any recommended independents (especially in the South East) that would deal with cars this late and manage the Jag Warranty? (Feel free to PM if you have any tips of the naming/shaming variety)

Is the Jag Warranty worth having over an independent (I know, it's subjective) ?

Any general tips ?

Going to ask is KXEC as well, but they are seem focussed on the XK8 generation of cars.

Thanks all !

[NormanD]

In the past when we were looking for an X-Type estate 3Lt Manual we contacted our local Jag dealer HAFox of Guildford
They found one the correct colour and spec in Carlile

Before that when Weybridge Autos were arrond they had on their books that I purchased
That was infact in Hull

Both turned out good buys, northan prices for purchase in the south east

My personal feeling is Jag Warrenty (or any manuafacturer) isn't worth the paper, you have the Sale of Goods Act
A good Indy to me is the place to go

The XKEC are interested in the new XK's and have many members with those cars
Think the reason there isn't much going on that side is still under original 3Yr or what ever warranty
and usually owners of newish cars are not the ones to start getting under the bonnet

[jcelee]

Just curious (and a Jag owner albeit an XJ8) but what is up with the 993?

[Triple7]

A car found on the Jaguar Approved website, 'should' be sent to the Dealer of your choice, but don't expect it. It will be easier if the car is within group, but if it is a nice one the dealer who has it will probably want to keep it to sell themselves. A credit card deposit will be required to get it down, but tbh, only get it over if you are 95% sure it is what you want.

As for the XKR, the launch was Nov 2006, so the first ones are on a '56 plate. Any cheap XKR's on earlier plates will be pre-production/press cars....avoid. Mine was a 'launch' model and came beautifully equipped, however the early models were quite basic & required factory fit options to be added to get them up to what I would consider a sensible Trim level.

IMHO make sure it has:
20' Senta Alloys (19's were standard at launch, urrgh)
Lux Sport leather interior-16 way seats (Basic seats are 'orrible)
Premium audio (standard radio not the best)

My launch model also included heated front screen, adaptive headlights.

Keyless entry is also a nice feature.

In 2007 the mini facelift lost the ugly antenna & ditched the centre console aluminum trim, in favor of gloss black ebony. The 20 inch alloys became standard.

I would if you can go for a 4.2 XKR-S. The came highly specced, in black with black. Beautiful. I never found one with a recent search, so gave up......

Good luck.

[Triple7]

PS If you buy from a 'main' dealer the car will come serviced with 12 months warranty & is the way to go. If you want a intro, I have a good guy at Jag nr Slough

[Ubernoober]

DeadMeat_UK said:

asked a very pertinent question about dealers making cars 'universally' available

....interested to hear the answer......

[DeadMeat_UK]

jcelee said:

Just curious (and a Jag owner albeit an XJ8) but what is up with the 993?

I've had it for 4 years and absolutely love it. I think I will miss it dearly.

Unfortunately my girlfriend is losing her company car and it makes sense to share one vehicle.
She doesn't particularly find it relaxing to drive, and "it doesn't have heated seats, and the radio is rubbish".

I also want something (mildly) more practical, and relaxing on todays busy roads, but still with the ability to make me grin.

[DeadMeat_UK]

Triple7 said:

IMHO make sure it has:
20' Senta Alloys (19's were standard at launch, urrgh)
Lux Sport leather interior-16 way seats (Basic seats are 'orrible)
Premium audio (standard radio not the best)

Thanks for the tips - that's pretty much my desired list of options. I suspect the forward looking parking sensors are a bit handy with that nose as well.

I'm looking for dark leather and no wood, so I will have a limited pool of cars to choose from, and I think the -S may be out of my price range unfortunately but will keep an eye out.

[rfn]

DeadMeat: I can wholly recommend Kevin from Guy Salmon in Oxford, my father and some of his friends have purchased several cars from him over the years and the customer service has always been top class, both before, during and after sales.

[Simpo Two]

I always try to buy privately - proper Jaguar dealers are very nice and make nice coffee and have pretty receptionists but I prefer to avoid the multi-K premium that goes wiht it.

On the two occasions I have bought from indy I have been let down both times. So private it is for me. Save me money, take me chances

[DeadMeat_UK]

Simpo Two said:

I always try to buy privately - proper Jaguar dealers are very nice and make nice coffee and have pretty receptionists but I prefer to avoid the multi-K premium that goes wiht it.

On the two occasions I have bought from indy I have been let down both times. So private it is for me. Save me money, take me chances

Have you seen the receptionists at my local Jag dealer ? I want them replaced under warranty.

[DeadMeat_UK]

Deposit taken Saturday. The hunt is officially on !

Just in case you spot anything out and about.
My ideal car is:

XK/R 2006/2007 (Probably nearer 30k than 35k)
Jag Warranty
Dark Green/Blue/Grey or maybe White. Maybe black.
Dark leather, no wood.
20" non polished wheels
Premium Stereo, Sports Seats, Front parking doodats.

[rswift]

I have my car serviced at Chiltern of Bovingdon .. which is not far from Hemel Hempstead. They had a good stock of XK's of all shape sizes & pockets. Their service dept is excellent, I have been going there for 10 years. I know a couple of people who have been very happy buying late model/low mileage cars from them, and been equally happy.

I am a bight tight, light a previous poster .. buy privately/cheaper and take it on the chin if anything fails. My current x350 was £3k under dealer price for similar car when I bought it.

[m33ufo]

Not sure what the facts are on reliability but they seem pretty bullet proof?

[DeadMeat_UK]

Just put a deposit down on a 10k miler, Slate metallic. Immaculate !

[NormanD]

DeadMeat_UK said:

Just put a deposit down on a 10k miler, Slate metallic. Immaculate !

Congratulations, just in time for Growler

[markgregory1]

Just wanted to add congratulations on your purchase and to confirm that the XKEC (www.xkec.co.uk) do cover all X100 and X150 models from 1996 to the present day.