I’d like to hear from the forum on wheel alignment. Pros and cons on using a independent mechanic and Jaguar service. Any negative results from either one. Seems to me Jaguar service tries to upswell whenever they service a Jaguar.
Frank

 

I had an XKR that had a wiring fault fixed under warranty that needed the back axle dropped for access. When I got it back the car was "crabbing" badly so I took it to a specialist alignment shop to get it sorted, which they did, perfectly. I've not had the F-Type aligned but I'd always prefer a specialist shop - they're in business purely for alignments and if they don't do a great job they won't stay in busines for long. Can't always say the same for main dealers, alas.

 

We had a 'trusted' shop (tire store) do ours after both the fronts and rears wore out VERY rapidly.

Trusted means, the shop foreman knew which tech did the best, unhurried alignment job.

Shops that align racecars can do a good job, too. They usually know the consequences of deviations from alignment specifications. We know of a couple of those in north NJ.

 

I’m lucky as I have a independent shop in Hunt Vally MD just 15 miles from me, that specializes in Landrover, Mercedes, BMWs and jags. The owner is a former Jaguar tech from the regional dealership and started his own shop about 6 years ago. He got certified on the Ftype just before departing the dealer. I have found him to be more than 50% cheaper than the dealer, is a great help with questions and even says if I find parts cheaper than he can get them for he is fine with that. They have great customer service, love these cars (they always comment about how much they enjoy the Ftype) and are just decent people. If you can find someone in your area like that you will really love it.

 

What's the name of the shop? There's an independent Land Rover / Jaguar repair shop a few miles from me in Columbia, MD that my friend swears by (Mid-Atlantic Rovers). I'll probably go there once I'm out of warranty but it's good to hear that there's another highly-regarded and qualified repair shop nearby.

 

Can you share which shops? I'm in NNJ also and over the years have found only 2 shops that take the time to set the specs I give and exactly symmetrical, instead of within an acceptable range like most do. Little Bear in Buchanan, NY did my Z07 (involved due to adjustable rear camber and removing washers from control arms) and came out perfect. Quite a commute though so I use a shop in Lyndhurst for the R, also giving me my exact specs.

 

Sent you a PM.

 

Hunt Valley Eurocar. https://huntvalleyeurocar.com/

 

SCM is correct. Either an alignment shop that specializes in alignments or a performance shop that specializes in road handling is the place to go for alignments. They are also willing to align to your custom specs and advise deviations from factory specs if you have suspension mods. Dealers won’t do that typically.