Hi guys.
I have a problem where I neglected some leaking oil and it probably contributed to further leaking and I am now getting an estimate to repair timing cover and valve gaskets for $5700.
Apparently so much oil was bring thrown around that it got into the alternator which has now failed.
The estimate for the alternator is $1700.
Also, heavy coolant leaking from front and rear cross over assemblies and thermostat housing assembly needs replacement.
The estimate is for $3100.
Also on this inspection, it's shown that I need rear brake pads and rotors replaced for $780.
The rear tie rods have blown out boots and need replacement for $1560.
The rear sway bar links need replacement due to torn boots and play.
I have owned this car from 2017 and the water pump was replaced just 8 months ago and also they did a leaking brake vacuum pump.
That repair added up to $3000.
I don't know how to decide. I love the car in terms of exterior and interior and dont want a new car that I can think of. This is all priced at the Jaguar dealer.
The previous work I did at an independent mechanic.
Can anyone guide me on the pricing of all this? It all adds up to what I paid for the car!

 

Definitely seems high and a lot of repairs unless you have truly neglected it. NEVER neglect a Jag. It will cost you every time.

I would strongly recommend finding a qualified independent mechanic who knows Jags. Almost guarantee it will be cheaper than a dealer. List your location and someone on the forum can point to a local mechanic I'm sure.

 

Thanks, I'm in St. Louis, Missouri. I previously went to GLB but they seemed arrogant and didn't guide me to the problem of not dealing with those oil leaks. They just fixed a major one that was on the brake vacuum pump. It's my responsibility but I feel I didnt get any help from this often mentioned independent here in town.
Isn't it required to have a place committed to having a certified jaguar tech along with good parts appropriate to the car?

 

Sounds like they're just looking at the "book" and quoting you for each item. Thing is that a whole bunch of the disassembly they have to do to get to item two doesn't have to be done a second time for items one and three. Its as if they are going to replace the valve cover gaskets, put it completely back together, then take it all apart again to replace the crossover pipes, put it back together and then disassemble some of it a third time to replace the alternator. Of course they are not, but they just quoted you for that. You need to find an independent who will only charge you for all the disassembly and reassembly just once and take care of everything they can get to while the car is taken apart.

Also, you can ask if an independent will send your original alternator out to a trusted local alternator shop where it can be cleaned and put it back in much cheaper than a replacement. All you've done is contaminated the slip rings and brushes with oil which is an electrical insulator. A dealer only swaps components - they NEVER repair components. Just look up online the cost of a remanufactured alternator (less the core charge) vs a Jaguar new one to get an idea of how much you could save. They probably take the alternator apart, clean it, put it back together with some new brushes and it'll be good as new. Of course the shop will have to mark up the price double, but still a fraction of the cost of a new unit from Jaguar.

 

I'd really like to help, but my only "qualified" input is this :
I also have a bunch of (rear) suspension boots that are split. My understanding is that the boots can be replaced - they are basically a generic part, just need to measure- won't help for your rear swaybar links as there is play but if the link is sound you can replace the boots alone. ie for the rear tie rods , these boots are just a handfull of dollars from what I can work out ??
HTH

 

Honestly, having done all my own car work I don't have an accurate idea of deaker labor rates, but rear tie rods for... how much? It's a bit of a fiddly job but buying the two tierods OEM from JLR can't cost any more than like $400 for 2. Are dealers really charging people over a grand in labor to swap a couple of tie rods out? Damn