Just moved down here form Chesapeake VA. Drive an 01 XK8 and am looking for a good mechanic in the area. I had the dreaded plastic tensioner break, so I replaced all the chains and am back on the road, but it would be nice to find someone local as a recommended resource -Phil

 

Welcome to Western North Carolina. Unfortunately there is no independent's in the area to work on the later model Jags except for the dealership in Mills River---which I don't know anything about. I've heard on the forum that Watson Import in Greer, SC (close to Greenville) does work on our Jags. Again, I've never used them because I haven't had any major issues that I couldn't handle in my garage. I would also recommend checking out the "British Car Club" of WNC their web site is bccwnc.org By the way I've only seen two other XK8-XKR's in the area---of course I get asked is that a Maserati-Aston Martin-or something rare??? Have fun on the Blue Ridge Pkwy.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, Mike. I spent yesterday touring the areas mechanics and garages. Found "Old English Auto Repair" in Mills River, but unfortunately my 01 XK8 is about 25 years too new for him to be interested in. Lots of neat old imports in his shop, and for anyone with an older Jag, his walll of certificates goes back to England. He really seems to know his stuff. Anyhow, he sent me on to Todd Stiles at C.A.R.Z. in Horse Shoe NC. They do late model import engine work, (he had a lot full of Jags, BMWs and other imports). I am going to give him my car next week to look at. After I replaced my broken timing chan, I hear a slight tapping coming from one of the cylinders on the side that broke. I am not willing to tackle a valve job, so Todd is going to scope the cylinders on that side and see if he sees a bent valve or something not seating right after the break. From talking with himn for a half hour its obvious he knows the inside of my engine, so maybe I found a good resource for bigger internal repairs. Looking him up he has a good rep, and the other mechanics I talked and visited with yesterday after his seem to think highly of CARZ. Will post the results and my opinion when I get it back.

 

Good find---we hope. I was familiar with "Old English Cars". As I understand there was a tech located next door to them that worked on the latter model Jags---apparently he closed his shop and moved on. Let us know how it goes and hope we can meet up one of these days. As I understand there is a meet "Autumn in the Mountains" sponsered by the WNC British Car Club that will be held at Jackson Park near downtown Hendersobville on Saturday Sept. 24 9AM-4PM. I may try to make it.