In search for an independent Jag repair service I took a recently acquired 2014 V6S convertible to 3 foreign repair shops and a Firestone Car Car shop for a "pre-sales" vehicle inspection. The car passed with flying colors but I got mixed recommendations regarding the rear suspension. All shops found issues with the torn boots covering the control arms and sway bar links that have leaked grease. I was able to see these while car was up on lift and have uploaded some pix. The torn boots did not seem to cause much concern that required immediate attention but it that it was something I should attend to in the coming months. I've had the car for a month and have not encountered the usual suspects in driving the car in this state (no noises, car not pulling to any side, no lack of control, etc), and have no idea how long this was issue with the previous owner.

It seems to me that this should be a simple repair - regrease and replace boots, maybe replace bushings, so parts cost relatively small and I would anticipate 3-4 hours labor. But I asked for an estimate from one shop (still waiting for the others) they wanted to replace both lower control arms, sway bar link rods and lateral ties rods to the tune of $2200 in parts cost and $1300 in labor. Firestone wants to only replace both rear suspension stabilizer bars and both upper bushings of the control arm for a combined parts/labor cost of $1100.

Confused how to proceed so any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!

 

Interesting timing. I was just under my car this weekend and noticed that all the stabilizer links and tie rods boots were all perished.

 

Sorry if I'm dense here - but I only see tie-rod ends (no boots). For that I'd do nothing.
Not having examined the rear IRS setup, I have little input for the IRS, however... my response to damaged boots may be simply it depends. If there's a crack on one side where little chance of foreign material can enter the boot (and has not by simple examination) I'd say you're good for a future plan to simply change the boot.
In any case I'd find a different mechanic. There is definitely zero reason to change a sway bar, and unless the tie-rod ends are flopping around making noise, same there.