Good afternoon!
I have a 2003 X-type 3.0l, with 78,000 miles. For a still unknown cause, the engine ran out of oil and now apparently must be replaced.(Last oil change documented in Feb this year, less than 2000 miles since then, no puddles, no smoke...where did it go???) The repair shop is saying about 6500-7500 parts/labor to replace the engine with a rebuilt one, but I'm a little concerned that the cause of the sudden oil loss has not been discovered. Also, I don't really know the questions I should be asking the repair shop. I've dealt with them for three years and have been quite pleased with their service, but this is quite a chunk of money.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

 

Is that price for a new engine or an engine swap, say from a wreck?

 

That's apparently for a $2200 30k mile engine...he's checking on warranty details.

 

Did the oil warning light ever come on?

 

who changed the oil last? did you every verify that there was any oil in the motor since the last change?

 

for what they are asking you might as well go and buy a used x type. 2003 in good condition go for around 6-8K and keep your car as a parts car or part your car out. You need to ask your self... is it really worth it to put a new engine in or just buy another car?

 

Thanks everyone for your responses!
1. As soon as the oil light came on, I had it towed to the repair shop.
2. We have the oil in the cars changed at the same place each time, and they show you the dipstick after each change to verify there's the correct level of oil.
3. I'd be more than happy not to repair this car, but unfortunately still owe almost 5 figures, so walking away from it isn't an option. The repair shop has put out requests to other places to see if anyone would buy it as is (if I could get 3-4K for i'd still be ahead of the game) but no takers. Body's flawless, brand new tires....anyone want to buy a car? Needs a little engine work...

 

I think the price should come down considerably if you opt for a salvage yard engine rather than a rebuilt engine. It would probably take some digging, but you could find a low mileage engine I bet. Heck the kid from Saudi Arabia says they go for $550 over there!!

 

Have you tried searching for other auto repair shop?they could offer you a lower price for that..You can also try checking out local jaguar parts dealer or any salvage parts shops who could offer lower price for replacements parts.

 

This might sound dumb, but there is a shop in the Metro Detroit area that is selling a used 3.0 X-type engine pulled out of a car. The engine works perfectly and has only 35k miles on it. They are only asking like $1500.

 

Let me get this right, the shop is saying that they can put a different engine into your car for $7000ish ($2200 for the engine, rest in labor). Bring the car to me, please, I will install the engine for $4000. All joking aside, to me is sounds like the shop is charging why to much in labor to do a job like that. I can see say $5000 for a new (rebuilt) engine and install. It doesn't take that long to pull a motor, transfer over the necessary stuff and then drop the new motor in. I would guestimate about 20 hours of wrenching. So, even at $100 an hour for a mechanic, that would still get you out the door for $4200 ($2200 for the used engine, $2000 for labor). I would recommend calling a different shop and see what they would say.

 

I agree. I'd check around at several auto shops with certified mechanics to get estimates on the labor. You might even be able to find a mechanic on this forum. I know there are several who post info. They may be able to give estimates as well just so you know what you'd honestly be looking at.

 

Hi - My 2.5 2003 did exactly the same. recent oil change, no smoke, no leaks, oil light did not come on, tapping sound under acceleration, 37,000 miles. My original quote was $23k AUD (about $18k USD). They said it was in the bottom of the engine and there was very little oil in the engine.
I ended up paying $3,000 AUD for half the cost of the engine - I went through the dealer who petitioned Jag, who provided engine at half-cost and the dealership put the engine in for free (this was a massive saving as the labour they quoted me was large).
First off my condolences, second I'd talk to the mechanic. Did they put the right oil in there? Did they stamp the book?
Can you go back to the place you bought it from? Failing that I'd talk to Jag and ask them if they'll help out, you're a big fan of the brand etc. Is this a known issue?
Although there's nothing there now, at the time they were some engines going on ebay.

Hope it works out. I can sympathise, but at the time I reasoned that I bought a 2nd hand car - and there is always a slim chance that you can get unlucky, very unlucky.

 

Had catastrophic Oil Failure....there was oil but engine still ate a bearing and rod.

I rebuilt mine....will cost about $3500 in parts & shop time. I opted to replace my oil pump since I suspected that was the culprit. I have also installed an oil pressure, water temp and transmission temp gauge on A-Pillar.

If you want to buy a used motor I can give you two places. Everdrive offers a great warranty.
http://www.heatautomotive.com/congra...pe&type=Engine
http://www.everdrive.com/ads/admodel...FSHyDAodpzw72A

Taking out the subframe is not difficult UNLESS your car has some rust. FYI the 2 main rear bolts tend to gall and you may have to do some extra work to cut them and then remove them and replace them. If you have not ever done major work on an auto them DON'T try to swap the motor yourself. The average price for a swap should be $800 to $1000 installed.
You are still looking at about $3700 for EverDrive engine, about $500 for shipping and another $1000 for swap and install. Only advantage to the EverDrive is the Warranty

If you want to try this yourself, first Check Out,
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=11225 ,
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=11448 ,
http://www.drivehq.com/web/jfenley/ ,
http://s601.photobucket.com/albums/tt96/jfenley123/

 

A 2.5 for $4.5k. Not much detail.

http://www.jpamporschejaguarparts.co...layCatalogid=0

 

Thanks to all of you for your advice! I ended up buying an engine off eBay for $1800 and having it freighted to the shop (another $200). The labor is going to be around $3k, so now we're more in the ballpark of 5k or so. Still not chump change, but much better.
The engine I bought is a 2004, 23K miles, with warranty. The car should be done on Monday.
Thanks again for all the input!