Hi all,

This is my first post so I hope it's in the right spot!!

I'm looking for an affordable, working class Jag mechanic! For a 1986 xj6.

My Dad was a Jag fanatic, we always had a new (classic) one every few years but he was a big fan of his XJ6 1986 sovereign. After he passed away I bought an exact same one, same colour etc. Great condition, 1 owner, with 90k on the clock.

Dad used to get Dixons in Richmond to work on it and he was the best... If Dad was out of work he wouldn't even charge him. He was so reasonable.

I simply can't afford to go to Caulfield Jag etc. I'm in it for the love of the car.

I need to find just a normal priced mechanic who can work on a classic Jag. Doesn't need to be a Jag Specialist. Can even be someone retired working at home, or a neighbourhood mechanic who knows about them.

Also need some electrics done - indicators, fuel switch.

Bought my car from a mechanic who had worked on the car previously and whose details I've since lost!! It was a random mechanic who didn't specialise in Jags only, in Moorabbin/Clayton kinda area, industrial estate, Dennis? I think. But I can't seem to track him down... He would be perfect!

I'm in Melbourne Eastern burbs but ok to travel, but prefer not over West as it might cut out on me on the way there!!

Not idling great, when you accelerate at lights it cuts out a lot until you've driven about 20mins then it starts cutting out less!


Thanks in advance!!

 

Just to get an idea of where your mind is at, what do you call a "normal priced" mechanic? what hourly rate would you not flinch at for competent work?

I ask because I am aware of someone who works from home , but he does not work for peanuts. The other issues is that you may wait 6 months or more to get in his work queue.

Personally I think you would be better off biting the bullet on cost and at least get that running issue off the table. British and Prestige Cars (formerly Graham Ratcliffes) in Eugene Terrace , Ringwood could certainly get it running , do any easy fixes and perhaps help you with priorities, maybe helping you avoid major costs.

As you probably realize, these cars do not respond well to poor basic maintenance, so the sooner you make a start the better.

 

Thanks for your advice! Good to think about!!

I know it's a long shot, but by cheap mechanic I mean like someone who doesn't cost the earth... At one stage Dad had a mechanic when we were interstate that was just a regular mechanic, not a "jag/Daimler only/specialist". He did Ford, Holden, etc but knew his way around a Jag. Charged us a little more than when working on our Holden, but not price gouging like the quotes I recently got off I think it's called Caulfield Jag (or something similar).
Same as Dixons - don't know if they still exist/how expensive now, but seriously Dixon himself would come get us if we broke down and wouldn't charge. If Dad was out of work he'd look after him, knowing we are just a working class family that loves Jags but not middle class or rich...
I'm ok with wait times, but at this stage the car looks like it will cost me too much so I will probably fix/service and sell unfortunately...

Thx, appreciate your reply!!

 

Hi Georgiescat,

Sorry for belated response as I haven't been on the forum for a while.

Dixon is still doing the rounds now out of Collingwood.

Google Intermarque Automotive

He has recently changed the name, but Intermarque still comes up for now.

He has done work on my 85 XJ6.

Cheers,

Nigel