It seems like more than a few folks on the forum do take their car to shops to be repaired. I am wondering if those that do ask that all parts removed and replaced are returned prior to payment? I know some parts are used as cores but many are not. I have always advised friends to get their old parts so they can ensure they were replaced. It has been decades since I paid a mechanic to work on my car so I don't really concern myself about these things. However when reading many posts I sometimes do wonder if the most difficult spark plugs and coils were actually replaced or not? Spark plugs are just one of the components on the X350 that are a pain and there are many more. Since there may be specific codes being thrown maybe it isn't as easy to short change folks as prior to the computerized days but I was just wondering.

 

If you have to wonder then you are using the wrong mechanic.

 

I advise the same to people.

Most of the time mechanics, through experience, have good strategies for those hard to access items. With difficult to access plugs in confined engine bays like ours, I usually raise or lower the engine, which sounds like a pain, but is really easy to do and makes life a whole lot easier. I have not done the X350 plugs yet, so I may sing a different tune at a later time, but I would wager there is an easy way to do it and a hard way. For a Jaguar example, when I replaced the A/C compressor in my X350 I found there definitely was an easy way and a hard way. I removed it the hard way and then saw an easier way for reinstallation. R&R on the compressor, excluding recharging the system, is now a 1 hour job compared to the 2 hours it initially took me to remove it.

I know I am being a bit optimistic, but most mechanics do not stoop to that level of fraudulence (but I believe it does happen though). I worked in the automotive field for ten years and never crossed paths with someone who would commit such an act. The worst that usually happens is overbilling or replacing parts unnecessarily (e.g., wiper blades or accessory belts). Claiming to exchange parts that were not exchanged is pretty egregious, and can often be identified by other attentive mechanics, so shops that allow this type of crime to occur won't get away with it for too long. It is still, however, a good idea to ask for your old parts if they aren't a core item.

 

plugs are 0/10 difficulty 20 minutes

the easiest job on the entire car lol

 

Wonder if the reason they can get away with charging as much as they do.
This is just too big job, for you to deal with.
Plugs are all buried, hidden with a coil for each one.
Not your ordinary type of car here, its a Jaguar.
A very complex, complicated piece of equipment
Sorry i just have to charge you accordingly.

 

Yes that is a very good thing to do. I always return all parts replaced and tell them they can take them now or I will throw everything away.
This is even more important when restoring anything. I never throw one bolt or washer away UNTIL the car is done!
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