A trans reflash is $226 at my Dealership. A trans fluid and filter job, $1,050. Rear-end job = a cheap $178. and a fresh set of plugs? $426
How does this sound?
The video from Reverend Sam is starting to look pretty good.

 

The dealer here quote me for $1600-1800 for trans fluid and filter job, and $900 for plug change. I just dash thru the closest exit sign...

I change out the plug my self few weeks ago and it's not that bad actually. took me about 1hour 45min doing it super slow.

Trans fluid and filter I'll tackle it myself next year once it's start getting warm again.

 

transfluid and filter you can do yourself for about $350 in parts and a few hours time..

 

I've changed a few plugs, fluids and filters in my time, but there was no need to temp-check the trans, and I was always able to re-install the factory pan. There's just something about firing the engine and watching the trans fluid slowly drain as you aim the gun at the pan that bothers me. Why can't you just measure what you drain (cold), and then add that amount? Because the drain plug is below fluid-level cold? OK, so why not have a dipstick tube like the rest? Is there an aftermarket kit that overcomes this apparent engineering glitch?

 

A lot of us who have owned these exceptional cars over the years have learned that the acquisition of some basic mechanical skills is "money in the bank". But keep in mind that's true for any machine you own.

Whatever skill level you possess it's a good policy to have a handle on the local indie Jag techs cause you never know. I make sure they know me at the tire store and at AllJags (our crackerjack local indie serv shop).

And finally, IMHO, there are some things best left to the dealer service dept, such as but not limited to, computer software and related diagnostics.

Relative to transmission filter and fluid change, it's no big deal but it is a PITA. Did I say PITA? I meant a pain in the ***!

 

I'm beginning to think it might be cheaper for you to send your car here to the UK to get work done ! $266 for a trans reflash is outrageous. My local Jaguar main agent in Wilmslow, Cheshire, charged me 30 mins labour with no software charge. So that was around £40 or $64, plus our 20% VAT tax.

 

Here in the colonies the dealerships automatically assume you have cubic money yet they don't pay their mechanics what they are worth. Remember that the poor working man receives a pittance of the labor charge. Some of them even give us free advice here for which we are very grateful.

Eddie 04 VDP

 

I changed the engine oil and filter this evening in about an hour. I did jack around a little bit, but I've done it so many times now it's a piece of cake, and enjoyable too-no more paying a mechanic to work on MY machine, that's my job.
I will tackle the sparkplug and rear diff job myself, but I have no earthly idea how to reflash the trans, and would sure hate to louse things up, although I'm sick of the "lurch", the "slip and grab" at low speeds, and the "gear fishing" deal.
You know, for being such cool-looking cars, they sure have a ton of pricey service issues and querks, and it's starting to soak in that I too will probably have leaky airsprings, a failing compressor, awful knocks and groans, and who knows what-all else. I'm starting to feel $ick...

 

this has been hashed out in various threads here over and over, but if you look at overall cost of ownership of our XJ's against other cars "in their class", you'll find that for us we are fortunate ones. Look at Bimmers and Merc's and especially Outees. They are murderous to maintain, and much more difficult to self-maintain.

I like to look at what my time is worth when considering such matters. I am fully capable of doing most of these tasks in play here: trans. service, oil changes, etc. But I have 4 children between the ages of 2 and 11, my wife has a busy and thriving catering business, and I am an executive. I also detest paying dealer rates, and detest the dealer service departments even more. SO, I plan to use an indy for the trans service, most likely, and DIY the other less time-consuming projects. Not because of their level of expertise required, but because my time is literally too valuable.

 

Heh heh. We're all in the same boat. We could've married the girl next door but decided to marry the jetting-setting super model instead :-)


Cheers
DD

 

Find an independent garage and get parts online. Be less than half the price. Not sure if they'll be able to do the trans re-flash though. For sure the fluid and pan change. I had it done on my VDP 4 months ago for under $500 parts and labor.

 

I thought the quote for the flashjob was too much, likewise the trans fluid and filter. Travel to Crewe for the work is starting to sound like a great idea; however, I have zero confidence in my ability to drive on the other side of the road-I'm afraid I would cause an accident. Have you drained and re-filled the differential? And if so, could you pass along any useful info. I know of an indie in the Ferguson Road area of Dally, and may ask them to quote all of the aforementioned items and get back to you all. Fraser thanks for the invite-we will definitely come see you on our next trip !

 

Hi BigCat3153

If you do come to the UK, we and my wife would be very pleased to see you, however Crewe in Cheshire is not what you would call a tourist destination, although Nantwich 3 miles away IS, and also the fine city of Chester is near, and this is well worth a look.