Can I get a refund on my lemon of a Jaguar?

Am I due a refund from my garage?

I bought my car, a 2016 Jaguar XE, in July 2023. Unfortunately, it has not been fit for purpose and has spent more time in the garage than on the road. I am outlining all the times it’s been back in the garage in the last year:

 31 August 2023: car went back to them for a week over NOX sensor issue.

5/6 of September 2023: car went in for oil issue got car back around 20th of Oct.

18th of Dec: went back to garage over engine and dying didn’t get back until 29th of April. A new six-month warranty was given to me.

Car went back to garage in August this year for air conditioning and EGR issue for about a month.

Car went back to garage on October 25 for DPF issue apparently and returned on 7th of November but not fixed.

Under the Consumer Act am I eligible for a refund or have I a good case legally?

Paul OConnor (Skerries)

Nov 2024 Filed under: warranty

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Expert answer

Hi Paul,

That sounds like a nightmare.

We're motoring experts, not legal, though I suspect it would be challenging to make a legal argument for a full refund this long after you first bought the car, a vehicle that was already seven years old - especially as it appears that you accepted a warranty extension and the returned car on several occasions.

I also suspect you’d have a stronger case if it was the same issue being dealt with for the past year and a half, but it’s a long list of seemingly unrelated problems.

Nonetheless, I’d urge you to get in touch with the good people at the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) before you make any decisions. And as in all such disputes, I’d encourage you to talk to the garage first and foremost, telling them you are going to investigate the legal options open to you, but is there anything they can do to fix the situation before you do.

Please do let us know how you get on so we can use that information to advise others.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor
@Shane_O_D