XK8 rust problem

[Nik a Sil]

I have just bought a 98 XK8 with 70,000 on the clock and full main dealer history. I washed the car for the first time today, and there is significant corrosion to both rear wheel arches - the paint has peeled and there is rust which appears more than surface-deep. Upon reading the Perforation Warranty it appears that this is not covered by Jaguar unless the car has been subject to a c(chargeable) annual check, which it hasn't, even though it was sold to the last owner by the local main dealer under the Approved Scheme.

I am aghast- my 17 year old XJS has les rust on it than the XK8! The 6 years warranty expires on Friday 4th June; is there a hope in hell that someone at Jaguar will realise that 6 year old well maintained XK8's with average miles shouldn't be rusting like this, and help me out?

All thoughts and comments gratefully received.

[GavinPearson]

I would take the car to the Jaguar dealer that sold it to the last owner and ask them what they can do to help you out given the imminent expiry of the warranty.

If that is no good I'd ask if there's a rep at Jaguar you can talk to to get it resolved.

I'd have to wonder though if you were duped by the prior owner, it sounds like he either didn't take care of it or knew there was a problem. He'll claim caveat emptor etc, but it's a damn sight cheaper to just avoid repairing the car by getting it a bit muddy and showing all the FJSH paperwork to a prospective buyer and flogging it at a decent price.