Used Cars for Sale at Jaguar Land Rover Carlsbad in Carlsbad, CA

Stephen Taylor

Sep 16, 2021

After receiving a flyer in the mail today from Jaguar Carlsbad extolling their "highly trained technicians" and "cutting-edge diagnostic equipment" I just had to share the experience we had at their dealership. We have a 2007 XJ8 with only 67K miles and we love it. Obviously we don't drive it too often, mostly for 'luxury trips' to Vegas. Unfortunately, due to infrequent operation, the battery died and it wasn't until we had to get our smog renewal test that the onboard ECU had lost the data required to pass the test. Under California law, smog testing now requires 100% of all test criteria to pass or no registration renewal will be given. We figured not a big deal and were told to just drive the car on a few local trips and the 'computer' would collect the necessary data and then it would reset the 'monitors' and pass the smog test. So we drove the car over 200 miles at different times and distances over the next two weeks, but no luck, we were told by the dealership we just needed to drive it some more. Over then next 3 weeks we drove another 650 miles, here, there, and everywhere, but the ECU wouldn't reset. Now, with the renewal deadline approaching fast, we decided to have the Jaguar Carlsbad service department solve the problem, which they said they'd be happy to do . . . of course for a fee. Fine, we just need to get our beloved XJ8 license renewed, which we can't do until it passes the State smog test. Rather then drag through al the sordid details, bottom line Jaguar Carlsbad had the car for 4 days, ran test after test, put ice on the motor to make it think it was winter, on and on. However, when we were told we could come and pickup the car, (1) the ECU computer still wouldn't reset properly to pass the test, and (2) we were our over $400 for their 'expert service' support. So how did we get our XJ8 registered? We had to make an appointment through the State for a California Smog Check Referee program from the Bureau of Automotive Repair to have the vehicle analyzed. For us, the closest location was in Hemet, CA . . . another long drive. The technician worked with the car for over and hour, evaluated all the various operating functions the old fashion way using tailpipe sniffers and more. The outcome: The technician was satisfied that the vehicle met all the necessary California smog guidelines and authorized the license renewal, even though the ECU 'monitors' still were not properly set. As he handed us the paperwork he admonished that in two years when our renewal hit and smog would be required, there would be no ability to obtain another waiver. But knowing we had a two year reprieve to enjoy riding in or 2007 XJ8 made the day feel much better and helped to wipe away the frustration of dealing with Jaguar Carlsbad who couldn't figure out how their own car worked! Is this an unusual situation, you bet it is. Could Jaguar Carlsbad been more 'business savvy' . . . Absolutely. When they realized their 'best technicians' could figure our why THEIR Jaguar automobile wouldn't perform per factory specifications I would have thought the manager would have said: "We're really sorry and we just can't figure out what's wrong with your car. You'll need to apply to the State of California for special smog testing dispensation. But to make up for your trouble, not having your car for 4 days, and having to travel somewhere for additional testing . . . We won't be charging you for not finding the problem. Agai8n, we're really sorry about" THAT'S NOT WHAT I HEARD! Instead, in essence, I heard "HERE IS YOUR BILL FOR OVER $300 FOR NOTHING"

melanie landers

Jun 24, 2021

Tried to purchase a vehicle from this dealer. The sales person was very helpful but the finance department tried to refuse our credit unions financing to pressure us into using theirs. They lost our business and I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone.

Driea B

Mar 21, 2021

I was just curious and new Nothing about Land Rover, wasn't planning on making a purchase Jan 4. I was greeted by Jeff, and we stood outside and went over every single vehicle in order to find the right fit. I Love my Discovery Sport! There was no feeling of pressure at JLRC, in fact the Manager welcomed me to the family. I was so excited about all of the new features that I know for certain I will buy there again.

Jesse Field

Mar 2, 2021

I have had a Jaguar XF for four years. I have really enjoyed it. Great response and absolutely no problems. I also received a great price. A great car!

Cole

Aug 2, 2021

I have had 2 interactions with this dealership, the first of which was when looking for my defender. I felt as if they wrote me off for being young and not looking like a typical customer, I was shown the defender, and the price gouging was crazy, a 10k mark up. So as anyone would do i called the other nearest dealership being the one in miramar, got a great deal, and ended up buying a 110 that same day for msrp. Now only a month later I called to purchase some parts to upgrade and was told “to talk to the people i bought it from”. Typically like to offer benefit of the doubt, maybe they had a bad day but honestly each interaction ive had here felt stuck up and snootie.