Anyone know of a good shop for my XK8? I live in Warwick (home of a dealer) but they are mucho expensive. I try to do most work myself, but looking around just in case.
Mike

 

I'm in SE Mass and I have the same issue. I try to steer clear of the Jag dealer. Although I just had a bunch of service done at Jag in Norwood and I was surprised by the bill. It was less than I expected to pay. I'm looking for the same as you, a good outside tech to work on my Jag.

 

Any leads on this? I just bought a Jag and would like to stay clear of the ***********.

 

Nothing yet. Have had mine for 4 yrs now and have managed to steer clear by using Valvoline for simple service stuff. My first trip to he dealer was cheaper than I expected though.

 

Used them for some minor repairs, impressed with Tom the owner and the shop overall. He is relaxed and has walked me through everything he's done on the car. The shop is full of older exotics as well as plenty of more recent jags and germans. The bills seem fair and he definitely does not oversell anything.

Actually got the referral from my mailman, and a local tow driver also gave him a big thumbs up.

Home Page

 

I've had pretty good luck with Dana at Upton Motors in Upton Mass. Straightforward guy and prices are reasonable.

 

There's a place in Wakefield, Custom Transport, that specializes in all types of Jaguar's. But I'm not sure if his prices are relatively high, average, etc.

 

Hate to dig up the dead, but I do know of some decent shops.

Sgambato's in North Providence, RI is a little "urban", but they do good work for about $40 per hour. They don't really have a speciality however. Usually, they work on what ever comes in from the area, which would be crappy city cars that don't deserve the life they lead now. Sgambato's also is quick with the turn-around. They are also recommended by other mechanics in the area and by tow drivers. Just remember, however, they're mechanics, not a customer service department.

Jake Kaplan's Jag in Warwick is basically a great place if you have an open wallet. If you don't, then don't waste your time. I only go there for oil and coolant changes, and very small things. I mostly go there because I enjoy looking at the newer Jags. They'll do anything you ask, as long as your wallet can back up what you say. They WILL try to screw you any way they can.

AutoPaint RI in Cranston does very good work, and the shop manager basically gave me a set up where I would order the parts, and they'd install them. Gave me the part numbers also. They do many expensive and classic (pronounced old American) cars, including newer Jags. They are NOT cheap however, and if a part they order is crap, you have to pay for it. They do paint jobs, and they do body repair. If you arn't paying for the bill and your insurance is, this shop is the one to go to.

Generally, I'd say order the parts yourself and bring them for the mechanics to install. If you have them order them, you don't have control over the price and what exactly your getting. For me, that's important because in some cases, OEM is much more $ than aftermarket, or the other way round. For my Jag, parts are also just hard to find because there isn't a massive aftermarket set-up and Jag dosen't make the parts any more.

 

I use Motorcars Inc in Plainville, CT and Hartford Jaguar. The Jag dealer is about $50.00 more an hour then the indy shop. Both do go work. Motorcars does have Jaguar trained techs and deal mostly with Jags, all models. I like the Jag dealer also even though they are more expensive, they have some very good techs and are very friendly.

Bill N
03 XKR

 

Custom transportation in wakefield ma is fantastic.
Donnie the owner knows his stuff and his prices are very fair.
A wonderful location a couple of miles off 128 or rte 1.
Phone # 781 246 7444.

 

Hi. I myself have been a technician for over 25 years. I recently redid the timing chains on my xk8-easy job. I'm sure I'm too far south for you folks to consider I'm in uncasville ct. 1/2 mile from Mohegan Sun casino.These cars are just not that difficult to repair. Really have no idea why so few shops work on them. Also the rates of the shops that do are just silly.I mean the older jags maybe ,but the newer ones are so mainstream with their systems and their ability to monitor themselves make them no mystery.I hope everyone finds a shop close by that they can trust.

 

Fred's Autohaus on West Shore Road in Warwick,RI has done my front end bushings (parts supplied by me), trans. fluid and filter, brake line flush on my car and wife's 325i. Great guy, fair labor charge, will talk to you as a car enthusiast, and uses all the oem parts and fluids unless you want to substitute. Definitely thumbs up.

 

Until it comes to air suspension, then everyone runs and hides. 18 months, including a dealer, no resolve. Nice.
rcode

 

Hi

Do you run a repair facility? I am about 25 miles away in Stafford Springs and would like more info on your operation.
Thanks
Bill N
03 XKR

 

So, just an update. After 20 months, give or take, with my air suspension light coming on 90% of the time, I took the plunge. I bought a new WABSO compressor from Arnott and replaced it myself. Problem solved. $379

Keep in mind, I had brought the car (04 XJR) to two dealers for diagnostics. Both told me it was an intermittent cold weather problem. Intermittent? The light was on 90% of the time! Frustrated with incompetence. I researched it enough to make an educated decision. Could I have been wrong? Possibly but I wasn't and all that diagnostic equipment apparently doesn't always help.

rcode

 

I have used lagunas tech fo the last repairs on my 2002 xkr and 2000 xj8 Manuel laganas is good and lets you bring your own parts. for a good price located on Putnam Pike in Johnston RI hope this will be helpfull

 

Can't PM you yet, but I am nearby and would like to get a quote on an item or three.

 

I've been to Jake Kaplan's Jaguar in Warwick quite a few times for service and parts. Bill in the parts department goes well out of his way to help me every time. I've had the car serviced there a few times, just for small things like belt replacement, brake flushes, and warranty work on the automatic seatbelts. It's been expensive, but there are never any surprises once the work's done. The P.O had about $7k in repair bills from them, (including a $2,600 valve & head gasket job, $1,900 factory "B" service).

A technician from Jake's opened up his own shop in Johnston. His younger brother, also a repair technician, still works back at Jake's. He's Jaguar factory trained, and from what I've heard, specializes in the older SIII's and XJS cars. I haven't gone to him yet, but I will be bringing my XJ40 to him next time I need work done.

My Car Inc.
1178 Atwood Ave
Johnston, RI 02919