www.jec.org.uk

Quick query. I generally opt for the knowledge and pragmatism of independent Jaguar specialists. If a main dealer (Sturgess of Leicester, in this case), can do a basic service at a similar price, would you opt for the main dealer, or have they 'lost' the knowledge of 30 year old cars?

Thoughts/ experiences welcomed.

David

David,

You'll probably get a wealth of different views! IMO, the simple answer is that it's all about the individuals that will work on your car. I know some main Jaguar Dealers who I absolutely trust because they have good mechanics that worked on XJS's when they were current. By the same token, I know some dealers who have no-one who has seen an XJS.

So, talk to the dealer, ask to see and talk to the technicians who will work on your car and then decide.

Good luck with your choice and do let us know how you get on.

Paul

This has resolved itself naturally - the main dealer promised to come back to me to confirm whether they could service an XJ-S and with a quote. They have not done so.

I have gone to a local Jaguar independent (Farriers of Glenfield, Leicester) for a minor service and general health check. One of their mechanics has an XJS (Celebration) and knows them rather well. I have just brought the car back with a number of minor niggles sorted.

The car sounds better from outside than it does from in the cabin - quite a treat to hear it.
I am a very pleased driver.

Paul is absolutely correct. It is the person who will be working on your car that matters. Indi's can charge pretty close to, and may even charge more than a main dealer in some cases. It's often as well to get a quote for the work before agreeing to anything. Even if Jaguar don't list a time for a particular procedure the technician will be able to give a good indication of what is involved (price).

Where this falls down on the dealer front is where a part is NLA from Jaguar. I'm happy to be corrected but believe they will only fit Jag parts.

Nick