My 2000 XJ8 4.0 automatic transmission (105k miles) has been showing minor issues for about a year - every now and then it will jolt when changing between 2nd and 3rd (I think), so I was expecting something more serious to arise sooner or later. Last weekend going up a steep hill it slipped completely and caused a Transmission Error and I was stuck driving in 1st gear. After restarting I was able to drive home as usual. I cleared the error code (P0733 - Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio) and it has been OK for about 50 miles or so, other than the occasional jolt as before, but probably a matter of time before it happens again, or worse.

My local indy Jag shop found a used unit and can fit it for $2k, with a 3-month warranty for credit towards a rebuild/replacement should any issues arise. The used unit has about 70k miles on apparently but has been sitting around for a while so until they install it they won't know for sure what condition it's in. They are a very trustworthy and good value shop though, and have always looked after me extremely well in the past.

The price seems fair to me and probably worth the risk given the other more expensive options. But is a used 70k trans just delaying the inevitable and will more likely than not develop a fault soon, or do I have a reasonable chance of it lasting another 50k+ miles without issues?

Would it be more sensible spending the extra money now to get the original rebuilt - given the error could be relatively minor it may not even need a complete rebuild perhaps? Does anyone know what a price for that would be in LA - $5k+?

Appreciate this is mainly crystal ball stuff, but grateful for any advice or experience from anyone who has been in a similar situation... thank you!

 

I would overhaul it. Not sure about the cost in LA, here, about $3000. Still cheaper than any new car or replacement.

 

If the pan is free of metal bits and they install either the upgraded pressure valve or the TransGo substitute I would be willing to take a chance if you only do a few K mi/yr.

 

Thanks for the replies, both. Just got a quote of $4500 - $5500 for a rebuild so leaning towards the used option (with an upgraded pressure valve) - maybe I'll get lucky...