Gentlemen and Ladies,

My 2004 X-type, 3.0, auto, 73k miles, is in need of some major repairs. It's nothing like the engine or transmission need replacing. We're more in the camp of a lot of little things that amount to a big bill. To fix everything, parts, and labor will cost me close to $5k. Kelley BB says it's worth maybe $3k (maybe, but that would be without needing repairs).

On one hand, if I have the repairs done, I'll have a good idea where I stand with the x-type, not that other things can't go wrong. On the other hand, $5k is a pretty decent amount towards an XJ8, though I'm limited to around $12k maximum for a different used car. So I could get a newer model, with similar or slightly greater miles, though low mileage is, IMHO, just a misguided sales tactic.

I'm really stuck here... would a 2008 XJ be easier to maintain than the x-type? This is an exaggeration, but anything that goes wrong on the x-type seems to require major work, like removing the transmission, or engine to replace the oil pan gasket. I wouldn't have the same problems with an XJ, though I'm reading a lot about the cost of repairing the air suspension.

It should be noted that I've done some pretty extensive suspension upgrades. It's so confusing... any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Peace,
-M

 

Send Thermo a PM. He stepped up to an XJ (from an X) & would have some insight on them.

 

Just what repairs does your car need? Would you be doing any of them or is that number quoted by a repair shop?

Thermo's XJ is a newer mode than the 2008 XJ. Totally different cars.

 

Thanks Dell.

 

At my age and with my disabilities, the major work, like changing the flex-plate or the oil pan gasket (major in an x-type), I'm no longer able to do. So yes, the numbers are from a Jaguar Master Mechanic.

 

I cannot understand, who would pay 5k for repairing 3k car? Sell it as is for 1k, start selling from 1500.
2 types of people can have Jags: who have lots of money or car mechanics.
Buy a Camry.

 

Hobbs, my XJ is a 2012. So, yes, it is a completely different beast than a 2008. I have had minimal issues with the car. I have been able to fix them all myself though too. I would say if you can afford to get one, go for it. But, they are still a little bit out of your price range. Granted, you can possibly find a 2011 into the $25K range now.

An option that you may want to look into is going with the XF. You could possibly find a 2012 XF for just over what you are looking at. This would be very comparable to the XJ, just the trim would be a step down from the XJ (but a step up from the X-Type). The other option you may want to look into is seeing what the XE's are going for these days. I haven't looked at them price wise, but if you can find one of the first ones coming off of a lease, this would be another car that you can more than likely get for around $12K-15K.. That would give you a 3 year old car and be something very reliable with low miles.

 

Sounds like the XJ has really evolved since 84! My wife had to have an XJ that was a used car back in 1995 I believe, so we bought her a 84xj.

After many repairs and being taken in by a small specialty shop for "Jaguars Only" I ended up taking on the maintenance of the car and found horror stories where I had been charged and work not being done! Things as simple oil changes and filters! That also was the very first time I ever hear of a upside down switch?


Anyhow she loved in and we went as far as having the engine rebuild for a hefty tune and an agreement of sorts. Never less had to finally part with the car by giving it to charity.