In 2008 I leased a lightly driven 2006 XJ8, and then bought the car in 2011 at about 38K miles. I picked up a AAA extended warranty that covered me through Sept. 2015 or 60K miles, which I am currently approaching. I probably got half the cost of the extended warranty ($3,500) back in reimbursed repairs. The vehicle proved to be more reliable than my fears. However, I'm not a car guy and pundits advise me that my Jaguar's trouble free days may be at an end. AAA quoted me $7,100 for 4 years/48K additional miles of Platinum coverage (see attachment). My local Jaguar dealer said that I would probably spend that much over that amount of time, based on what he projects the vehicle will need--struts, control arms, sway bars, bushings, air suspension, compressors, etc. Is the service tech correct? He doesn't have a dog in this fight because the warranty is not from him or Jaguar. I'd like to get another 10 years out of this car and I drive it less than 7,500 miles per year. Thoughts, opinions and experiences welcome. Attached is the coverage plan offered by AAA.

 

Hi Fred. I thought I saw some pretty good input on this question about a week ago outlining some maintenance items you should be encountering soon.

Dollars to doughnuts, your policy will not cover these at all as they will likely call them normal wear/maintenance (shocks, bushings, trans fluid changes etc.).

Your best bet might be to confirm with the dealership as they would have the most experience interacting with the carrier of the policy. Use the CATS compressor failure, shock failure as examples and get their feedback. Also the suspension bushings. These are likely going to have to be done if they aren't already in need.

Get estimates for the work and compare the cost of the policy to these, but IMHO I think you're answering your own question. $7100 - I'd bank it and find a good independent mechanic. Even then, you'll want to compare the cost of maintenance against the car's value, unless of course you want to keep her around at any cost.

 

$7000 is an awful lot when one considers that most of the items that will probably need attention are 'wear and tear' items not covered with these warranties. If it were me, I'd follow SW's advice. The only thing you might need a warranty for is major components like engine and transmission, and this would be a lot cheaper. Experience of these cars is that the major parts are very reliable, but wearing parts seem to wear quickly; what I call "unfair wear and tear". However a lot depends on driving style. Brake pads and discs will be needed for sure front and back and these won't be covered by warranty either.

Finding a good independent shop also means you won't be tied to Jaguar dealer parts prices, and can use the internet, indeed a good independent will do so, (like mine here in the UK). Most stuff is OEM (made by the original Jaguar supplier). At 60k miles your car is still a youngster, and good for another 60k without breaking sweat.