Jaguar X-type mileage anomaly problem

The Jaguar X-type was the only car that didn’t give Karen Eynon chronic backache, so she found a seemingly pristine two-year-old, low-mileage model. It had a premium price but the badge, warranty, provenance and mileage check promised by Lancaster Jaguar in Sevenoaks clinched the deal.

The car had Jaguar’s seal of approval, so Karen didn’t panic when the paint started to flake. However, her local dealer, Harwoods Jaguar Chichester, found that two of the doors were misaligned and the car had been extensively resprayed; it would cost an estimated £5000 to put right.

Karen then made her own history checks: when she’d bought the Jag it had 9434 miles on the clock. The National Mileage Register, however, stated 20,000 miles. She rejected the car and when that was refused, contacted us.

We called Jaguar and Lancaster Jaguar, who investigated and produced records verifying the 9434 mileage. A data entry hiccup was to blame, and the register was then updated.

Paragon, who had prepared the car, examined it and, reporting no evidence of a major accident or repair, carried out a full machine polish. It could not explain why the car had been resprayed.

Lancaster Jaguar maintained that the car was roadworthy and in good condition for its age but acknowledged it should have resolved the mileage anomaly sooner. It offered Karen three options: a part-exchange at £4000 above market value, a three-year Bodycare warranty, or 50% of the cost of an independent inspection.

‘These offers are derisory. I paid thousands of pounds extra by going to a Jaguar dealership for expertise and checks they did not perform,’ said Karen.

What if this happens to you?

• Always carry out your own car history and mileage checks before buying. Don’t rely on the dealer to do them for you.
• Keep dated photographs of any paint defects or bodywork issues and report any problems as soon as they arise.
• Check service history, MoT test record and logbook are correct.

We've prepared lots of useful advice, including a full guide on warranties that could help you with either a new or used car.

If you need our help, email us at helpdesk@whatcar.com with a few details and we'll be in touch.