I just took my car to the shop and this are the prices for parts and labor for my 2004 XJ8:

Labor: coolant pipe at head leaking, will need new -- 220.00
part: jlm 209722 -- coolant/antifreeze 1 liter -- 24.00 x 2 = 48.00
part: aj8 9486 -- thermostat housing --91.50

total -- 359.50

Labor: motor mounts need replaced -- 250.00
part: mnc 7500ab engine mount -- 119.00

total -- 369.00

Labor: rear suspension -- 300.00
part: mna 3505ae sway bar link -- 84.00 x 2 = 168.00
part: mng 2960aa and mng 2961aa control arm -- 635.00 x 2 = 1,738.00

Labor: ac compressor( i have it) 250.00

total -- 250.00

Labor: front brakes -- 140.00
part: c2n 3427 brake disc set -- 590.00
part: mxd 1550ab brake pad set with shims -- 195.00

total: 925.00

Labor: ac vac and fill -- 100.00
part: freon -- 1.99 x 28 = 55.72

total -- 155.72

All labor = 1,260.00
All parts = 2,537.00

Total = 3,797.00 + tax OUCH!!!


Ive been looking around on Ebay and found the parts much cheaper. What do you guys think about the labor??? Too much or fair???

disc set on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JAGUAR-VANDE...6c2b99&vxp=mtr

would those be ok???
thanks guys!!!

 

It's hard to tell about the labor prices since they vary from place to place. I have local quotes for $125.00 an hour at a Jag specific mechanic, but the work needed on yours is pretty generic.

The parts estimates look very high to me.

 

I think the parts are too high also. I found all the parts on ebay for much less.

 

I don't think eBay is a great benchmark for the price of parts. Hell I could go to a salvage yard and find parts cheap or find somebody with an extra part that they sell for pennies on the dollar.

Not making any judgements on the pricing...just comment on your benchmark for comparison.

 

Thanks...I'm just trying to save some money so all advice is appreciated.

 

Since Jaguar main agents charge Jaguar official spares prices, you are being hosed on parts prices. Rear control arms, at $635 from your agent, (called wishbones here in the UK )can be bought on the internet for £235 = $370. They are made by the same manufacturer that supplies Jaguar.

For labour, to exchange an air compressor, I was charged 30 minutes time. Your $250 for this item looks excessive, but you don't say what the labour rates are. My main agent invoices have the rates plus the times.

It seems to me your shop is pushing the boat out. I suspect they can do this because they have no competition from independent shops. First off, I would challenge them on labour rates and times, that for the compressor looks way over the top. As main agents they are constrained to supply parts from Jaguar, and could lose their franchise if found not to be doing so.

 

i think you already know from here and your shopping online that you should by the parts you need elsewhere and have the shop install them. also if your mechanically inclined with a proper tool chest you can do majority of this in your drive way with exception of maybe the coolant pipe and ac refill.

 

Well, the dealership isn't going to be able to compete with Ebay (or any other source) on parts prices, but you knew that. On the other hand, returns on defective parts may be easier in person at the dealership. =)

As far as the labor is concerned, I recommend checking with Alldata or AlldataDIY for estimates on the shop hours that should be billed. An account with them is inexpensive, and the information is worth the price.

Also, the dealership can tell you what they charge per hour, as this varies from one area to the next. They'll be happy to let you know their hourly charge. Compare this with a qualified independent mechanic. Qualified - I can't stress that enough. A shade tree mechanic may cost you more than you can imagine. However, if you use independent parts sources and qualified independent Jag mechanics you can save a bundle.

Oh, and the brakes aren't difficult, do them yourself or take it to a brake shop to save a bit.

Let us know how it goes!

 

I just looked up the labour rate at my local Jaguar main agent who did the last service. Rate is shown as £87.50 per hour, but this is the reduced rate for older cars, (and owners maybe !!). So the tariff rate for newer cars is £115 = $180 per hour. Labour time for the service (8 years), was 1.7 hours. The really expensive stuff on the invoice was oil (Castrol Magnatec Professional 5W30) @ £11.25 a litre ($17.55) I thought this rather expensive, and told them so, although I was charged just over £10. ($15.80).

 

I'm going to buy the parts myself and then I'll shop around for jag mechanics that might charge a little bit less for labor. I'll post all the links to ebay and you guys let me know if they are good quality parts! Thanks a lot for the help, I really appreciate it.

Btw, the labor rate is $100.00 per hour.

 

Since you guys tell me that most of the labor is pretty "easy"...should I have any licensed mechanic do it for less once I receive the parts? Or should I still go with an independent jaguar specialist?

 

This is just MY opinioin. I would rather have an Indy Jag Specialist do the work. They know the cars and will do it right. I have heard first hand horror stories of regular mechanics really flouling up a jag. Not saying all of them are bad...I just like the piece of mind..and I realize I don't drive a Hyundai but a high end luxury vehicle.

 

I agree with Orlando's comments. Don't trust your car to just any mechanic; take it to one who specializes in these cars. Remember, there aren't many of them on the road. You don't want your mechanic "learning" on your car and charging you for the privilege. Tires and brakes are an exception in my book, though, as these are so very similar across many makes and models.

 

I'm going to start ordering some parts in a few days and wanted the advice of all you guys that know jaguars a lot better than I do. What do you guys think about these:

JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS/XJ 8 [FRT+RR SET] *CROSS DRILLED* Brake Rotors | eBay



VANDEN PLAS/XJ 8 [FRT+RR Set] *HIGH FRICTION CERAMIC* Brake Pads with Shims | eBay

Are those good quality parts for my 2004 xj8? Or do you guys recommend other parts/brands? Thanks again for all the help and putting up with my silly questions.