If you are in the market for your next vehicle and have been inspired by the range of wonderful cars Jaguar produces, you are among many who look to add the prestigious British marque to their driving history.
Whilst many prefer to buy brand new, there are plenty of us who decide that buying a used model may be the best option. The generous reduction in value can be as appealing as the car itself, but it isn’t something that should be rushed into.
As with anything second-hand, there are always concerns over reliability, condition, value for money, upkeep costs and more. We’ve decided to run through the main areas you should check when buying a used Jaguar, so you get full value for money. Then, once the car is yours, you can put your faith in RCV for reliable and high-quality Jaguar wheel alignment, MOTs and servicing.
Let’s take a look at what you should be checking when you buy a used Jaguar.
The checks to do before buying a used Jaguar
Service history & documents
Buying a used Jaguar comes with a degree of risk. When you first see it on the forecourt or online, you have no idea if it has been well looked after, how roadworthy it is or whether it’s a gas guzzler. Therefore, your first port of call should be to check its service history and MOT history. This gives a clear indication of the Jaguar’s maintenance history and whether there have been any issues with the car. A consistent service history will demonstrate that the vehicle has been looked after.
This could be enough to enhance your belief that this is the vehicle for you or put you off altogether.
You should also confirm that the VIN on the logbook matches the VIN on the car.
Vehicle exterior
Do a walk around of the Jaguar, looking for signs of rust or corrosion. This may be more prominent on older vehicles, but don’t discount the fact that it can also happen to newer models, too.
Pay close attention to sills, wheel arches and jacking points. You should also look at the paintwork. If you notice mismatches in colour or gaps in the panels, it could be a sign of repairs from past accidents.
Also, inspect the lights and trim to see if you spot any cracks or obvious signs of damage.
Then turn your attention to the tyres. Assess the tread, remembering the 20p rule (the outer ring of the coin should be hidden by the tread if you stand the coin in it) and look for any signs of wear and damage.
Engine & mechanical condition
Under the hood, inspect the engine. Look for signs of rust, corrosion or leakage. Neglected gaskets and seals can lead to oil leaks, and may not be something all drivers regularly maintain.
Inspect the cooling system too. Hoses, the radiator and the fan may all show signs of wear or damage, and on some models, these can be expensive to repair.
You should also start the vehicle when you go to view it, listening out for specific noises may alert you to problems that can be costly to rectify. The timing chain, for example, may rattle, or the engine may misfire. On some Jaguars, you may also hear a squeaking sound. These issues could be a sign that the timing chain/belt needs replacing, and this can be a huge drain on funds, depending on the model of the Jaguar.
When test-driving, you should also pay attention to the transmission. Are gear changes smooth, or does it seem challenging to move up or down a gear? Rough shifts or slipping gears aren’t always cheap to fix.
A general rule of thumb is to tell the seller you don’t want the car started before you arrive to view it. This means you see it “as is” and not after it’s been allowed to run, where it may mask some issues.
Electrical checks and Infotainment errors
Jaguars are often packed with an array of tech. This ranges from safety features to infotainment systems. There have been issues, especially with XE and XF models, that users have encountered, such as glitching screens, sensor errors and faults with the locks and windows. All too often, this comes down to some faulty wiring or maybe a stuck button. Test each button and function to understand what they do and whether they work correctly.
Suspension, steering and brakes
Three key features of your Jaguar are suspension, steering and brakes. If there are faults with either, the car may be unsafe to drive. When test driving, test the brakes to see if braking appears uneven. This could be a sign that there are alignment or calliper issues. Also, pay attention to how the car handles bumps. If the drive feels rough or unsettled, the suspension could be worn. Look at the steering wheel too, does it seem aligned or off centre? Do you need to turn it a lot to only create a minimal amount of turn? This could indicate issues that need fixing immediately.
It would also be beneficial to check the brakes when the car isn’t moving. Check the discs for signs of corrosion and inspect the pads for indications of wear.
Underbody inspection
If the interior and exterior of the car both appear ok, don’t assume the vehicle is in perfect condition. An underbody check will highlight faults you may not have been aware of if you take the car at face value. Use a torch and look underneath the Jaguar. Look for signs of leaking. This could be coolant, oil or transmission fluid. They will need to be fixed promptly, as any delay could lead to expensive repairs.
Take a test drive
You should always test-drive a used vehicle before you buy it. This allows you to assess how the car feels, whether you like driving it, and whether there are any problems.
Listen out for unusual sounds from the engine or when you change gear. Give the brakes a test to see how they respond, and check that the steering responds correctly and is not misaligned.
Have a professional inspection
If you don’t feel too confident, you could ask for a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic. They will carefully inspect the key areas of the Jaguar and complete a test drive, reporting back on any problems they discover. This may come at an extra cost, but it can deliver added peace of mind before you decide on the vehicle.
Questions you should ask the seller of a used Jaguar
Once you have completed your inspection, or before if you prefer, ask the seller some questions. The answers you get may provide an insight into whether this is the right Jaguar for you.
- Why is the Jaguar for sale?
- What is the mileage?
- What warranty does it have?
- Is there any maintenance due?
- What problems have you encountered with it?
- Can I book a third-party inspection of the car?
- Can I view the service history? (if not already seen)
- Can I take it for a test drive? (if not already agreed)
What used Jaguar should I buy?
Much depends on the reasons you need a car. If you are carrying the family around for school runs, road trips and more, you won’t want the F-Type. This is the sports car of the collection and is more suited to those who want a sleek, stylish vehicle that wouldn’t look out of place on the track.
The XF can be a great family option; it’s a little larger than the stylish XE, so it provides you with plenty of space whilst maintaining the stunning beauty Jaguar is known for. You could also consider the F-Pace. This luxury SUV combines style with power, versatility and technology to provide a good all-around driving experience.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Look at your budget, your needs, the running costs, and whether there is anything that tips the balance in favour of one vehicle over the other.
Buying a second-hand Jaguar can be a great way to get a high-quality vehicle for a relatively low price. It would be advisable to seek out a professional, authorised dealer rather than scour the web for people selling directly off their driveway. That way, you have the added confidence that the car will have already been assessed and tested by qualified professionals.
At RCV, we regularly service used Jaguars for owners from all over the South of England. If you require a Jaguar MOT or any other form of service, contact our friendly team today.