Hi
Never owned a Jaguar and I am new to this forum, but after reading on this forum for a while I am sure this is the right place for my question.
I am badly in love with the Jaguar XJ year 2004-2005 – just beautiful, but at the same time terrified by its air suspension and the throttle body problems – since new part are very expensive. Depending on how often these parts needs to be replaced this could properly change my perception of beauty.
1.Is it possible to get rebuild suspension parts and what is the cost?
2.Is a traditional coil – shock conversion kit available for this car?
3.Where would I be able to get a rebuild throttle body and what is the cost?
4.How often do these parts go bad? – I would properly drive 15k a year and it would be my daily drive.
5.Is this otherwise a reliable car? – would a 2005 be more reliable than a 2004?

Thank you in advance

 

I have an 04 XJ8 and have had virtually no problems with it. Just remember that the problem issues discussed here are because others have had the same problems so it looks like all the cars have the same problems. All I have done besides normal maintenance is replace the rotors and pads to after market ones to get rid of the squeal and mega dust the OEM ones had. Not all parts are that expensive if you just do your homework in searching for them.

 

No coil over/spring kit available yet for the air suspension.

The Throttle Body is about a $1000 repair and they do fail (damned Denso Throttle Position sensor)

They are reasonably reliable for a large, complex vehicle--I have just had the two issues above (air suspension and throttle body). Mine is driven primarily to DFW airport and back--about 10K miles a year.

If the dealer in your area has a marginal rep (they are highly variable--more than most luxury brands) find an independent mechanic.

 

Thanks for the replies!
jsherid1 what was replaced in the air suspension? and what was the cost approx? At what millage was the the suspension repaired?
jsherid1 at what millage was the throttle body replaced?
I am in general trying to get an idea of at what millage and year(trying:-) ) the most typical problems can occur (what to expect)- though the XJ seems to be a resonable reliable luxury car.
Is the torque converter a prevalent problem or is it a rare problem? the cost seems to be 2.5k.
Is there anyone that can recommend an independent Jaguar mechanic south-west of Boston, Massachusetts or Rhode Island towards Massachusetts?
Thank you in advance

 

My dealer service guy told me 2004 is the twitchiest of the new models and is seen more often in the service dept...go 2005 or 2006 if you can stretch it.

 

The major difference between an 04 and an 05 is age. The parts numbers are the same for both models. The main changes are updated software for engine and tranny management, and this is an ongoing process. They did put flanged idlers on the serpentine belt, that's about it. I've updated mine to the latest software and all the updated TSBs and the list is short. The only part I've had to fix is the suspension compressor, and they just flat wear out. They are beautifully made, they just have to run a lot and they get tired.