Hi All...

So I took my car (2001 VDP) in to the (inde) shop to have it checked out and here's what they reported it needs:

1) JOB #1

Engine crankcase breather hose 27.50
Valve Cover $235.50
Valve Cvr Gaskets $75
Bolt-O-Rings Center/Outer $77
Spark Plug Tube Seals 52.40
Labor $360

With tax, the above is: $869



2) JOB #2
Coolant Thermostat Flange $82
Seals $42
Cap $15
Thermostat $97
Coolant $27
Sender $57
Labor $225

With tax, above is $576


3) JOB #3

Lower control arm bushings $90
Labor $450

With tax, above is $548


4) JOB #4

Intake Manifold Gaskets $48
Labor $315

With tax, total is $367


All I knew is that the coolant light was on on the dashboard (said COOLANT LOW) and the idle was very rough.

I also mentioned that the driver's seat belt didn't retract properly (it was a bit loose). In the past, with other cars, dealers just fixed this free. Although this is an indie import car shop, they quoted me:

$302 for a new seat belt.... and $180 for labor. Huh? Can't this simply be adjusted?

Anyway... I knew there would be things wrong with the car and I'm not all worried because my extended warranty will likely cover. But I'm curious if anyone knows if these costs are out of line?

Any input would be appreciated.

Also, I'm a little turned off that the place took a day and a half to get me the estimate... and it was handwritten, at that. Sheesh.

If you were in MY shoes, would you go for a second opinion? This place didn't charge for the diagnostic.

And do these jobs seem to address a rough idle issue?

Thank you!

SirJag

 

My sense is that Jag dealers presume any owner who comes through the door as being rich or naive or both. Actually, I am assuming your story was about a Jag dealer and not an independent shop.....

But this happens all over. A higher-tab shop in my area latched onto my wife's 1998 Mercury Tracer (aka Escort) and came up with $2K worth of things they recommended. Car's not worth that!

 

I have a trusted mechanic so I'm lucky. However, he seems to hate every kind of car. Makes me wonder why he does what he does for a living but then again, that is why he hates all cars. Anyway, deal with priority issues first and deal with the rest with time. Not too much time of course.

 

By no means an expert here. Do you have the CEL on or any codes?

When was you last major service? Were the spark plugs changed?

Did they give you a reason for each repair option?

 

Pshhh! That's nothing! My '03 needs 1 02 sensor. Dealership wanted $1100 (gulp!). Then they said that a code pulled up for 3 possible coil packs. For this they want $1400. It is laughable. I have a mechanic that does my stuff on the side. The coil packs are BS, nothing wrong with them but the valve cover gasket is leaking internally which could set off a code for coil packs. He will also do the 02 sensor for me. I pay him $10/hour plus parts. Funny thing is, the car runs like a champ, not even a hiccup.

 

Job 1
A valve cover full dealer cost is $225 BUT include all the gaskets/o-rings that he his listing as additional cost.

Job 2
Thermostat full dealer cost $61
a sender is $22
intake manifold gasket is $2,75 and you need 8 = $22

Bottom line this guy is ripping you off

 

To be even more cynical than my other post above, I think many Jag dealers view Jag customers as checkbooks on two legs.

 

OP specifically said indy shop in opening post.

 

Parts prices you can check for yourself.

But, take a look at the labour. Are they not double dipping? And taking pretty big scoops at that?

Too bad you didn't quote an hourly rate with the dollars. But, let's say 120/hour.

3.0 hours to change a valve cover?
1.8 hours to change a thermostat?
2.5 hours to change intake gaskets?

So, 7.5 hours to do a light renovation on the top side.

The lower bushings have *nothing* to do with rough idle or coolant.

Ask them this: where *exactly* is the coolant leak. Then, make them *show* you.

Then, repair that one thing unless they can tell you in a sensible manner that some other system is related.

Better yet, top up the coolant, and get a second estimate from a dealer.

 

to plumsauce -
Yes, I did miss it the first time around, that these high charges were not even from a dealer. So even more astonishing!

One aspect of Jaguar service pricing that I don't understand, is the very high cost of auto transmission overhauls. Quotes of $3-4 K. My Ford or GM trannies get rebuilt for less than $2K.

So, is there something remarkably esoteric about the transmissions in XJ8s, that it should cost up to twice as much to overhaul them?

 

I regularly point out that these cars are expensive to maintain if you don't do most of it yourself. How many of you fellows who think these prices are high have someone do their work? I believe these prices are fairly typical.

 

Sir Jag: I don't know the hourly rate at this Indy, however he's no bargain. I can get good $40 hr. mechanics locally, however the South is not California.

Job #1 is a 3 hr. labor job. The valve cover should be around $190. He's charging $127 for 2 valve cover gaskets and a set of spark plug seals that can be bought for $35 plus shipping @ RockAuto (Felpro).

Job #3 Lower rear bushings can be bought for as low as $14 each aftermarket. They're approximately 5.2 hrs.--rear suspension appears to be a bear to pull apart.

I think it'd be beneficial if you got a second opinion--with and without the other shop providing the parts. Indy shops often go for the throat on parts--big source of profits.

I've found aftermarket Jag parts on the internet for substantially less. I'm also surprised that so many suspension, brake and cooling parts are readily available outside the dealerships. GOOD LUCK!

 

Maybe, if the jobs were separate visits. But, come on, two hours to change a thermostat when the car is already in the bay and the hood popped? And that's guessing the shop rate is $120/hr. If it's lower, the number of hours will be higher. You could fall asleep watching.

 

I will also add that he is way overcharging on parts.
Dealer sell at a discount, called trade or wholesale to auto repair shop and they should not resell it for more what the dealer full retail is

 

Thanks for your reply.

The only indicator is LOW COOLANT LEVEL light on the dash. And as far as servicing, I don't know. Just bought the car. I'm going to ask the dealer to run a history. I'll run a carfax too to see if anything comes up.

Yes... he took the time to explain things. It's a big (and immaculate) shop loaded with high-end cars. They've been in biz since 1988. I might try them for a minor job to see how it goes.

Thanks again!

SirJag

 

Thanks for your reply!

He said it's leaking at the thermostat flange. No, he didn't show me. Good advice which I will heed. Thank you!

SirJag

 

I doubt you can get everything it sounds like you need but check out this site http://stores.homestead.com/hstrial-...ing/Detail.bok
It ought to give you some ideas.

 

The charges are typical for CA.

If ever there was an incentive to do it yourself it is detailed here.

 

The link I gave you in the previous post has the new updated metal thermostat housing for 99.00. If yours is OEM it's probably plastic. Add a new thermostat and for less than 150.00 and some RTV from you local auto supply you can upgrade the whole component. I just installed the upgrade timing components from these guys and my car is in better shape than it was coming off the production line. Trust me I know the idea of diving into a Jag is a bit unnerving (I just did a full timing chain job, swapped the water pump, and thermostat) but if you know how to work a ratchet you should be able to find more than enough instruction here to swap out your own thermostat and housing. If not let me know and I'll go take some pics and walk you through it.

 

bluerdg - did you use the chains with the removable link.

I understand these have been used for years -- but not sure how you get the old chain off?