I bought a user 2003 Vanden Plas on Ebay, and a lot of things to repair (I got a raw deal). Can somebody estimate the cost to fix the following:

1) Front Shocks
2) New tires (quoted $600, but that seems a lot)
3) Cam covers
4) Front left fog light

Also the trunk release inside the car doesn't pop up the trunk. It just unlocks. Any idea what could be wrong?

For the front shocks, does Jaguar require special ones?

Finally, are there two different 2003 Vanden Plas? I have a 4.0 engine and the body style looks like a 2002, but the VIN comes up as a 2003. However, when I download the 2003 manual from the Jaguar website it is an entirely different car. It was manufactured in January of 2002, but the model is a 2003 according to the VIN.

 

Hi Christer
1) You will have to get the shocks that are made for the car. I doubt that Monroe or any of the other general line after-market manufacturers will have them. Try some of the suppliers listed here on the forum.
2) Tires -- Shop around, you should be able to use any quality "H" rated tire.
3) What is wrong with the cam covers that they must be replaced.
4) Is it damaged and must be replaced or just don't light? There are several places to obtain replacement fog lights. First try some of the suppliers listed here on the forum.

A 2003 USA spec XJ8 will be an X308 but in England, they changed to the X350 in 2003. You may need to download a 2002 manual if it is coming from England.

If this doesn't help, ask again, someone will be along that knows more than I.

Britain

 

Thanks for the reply. The cam covers are leaking so that's why they need to replace. Bought the car on Ebay and the dealer is holding a gun to my head saying I have to make a decision by Monday to ship it back. Repair shop was too busy and couldn't get a quote until Tuesday, so I am trying to decide whether or not to ship it back. Repair shop is Jaguar specialists, and they don't seem too concerned about the repairs, but there is a lot that needs to be fixed. If I send it back, I will loose about $2K (shipping back and forth), and the repair would probably cost about the same.

Chris

 

Christer, where do you live?

 

yes I REALLY wish people would or have to list location as part of the registration process..... the trunk doesnt pop up or open on that model....
how bad are the cam covers leaking? if it smokes from oil dripping on the manifolds back corners or theres oil in the spark plug wells then yes replace them.
2004 is big body XJ and aluminum, 95-03 are same consitent body,
how many miles?
are shocks leaking or are they quoting the upper shock mounts which are very expensive but Ken at motorcars sells a great urethane bushing replacement kit that works great and even I use at the dealer..if theres a wire(electronic) in the top of each shock youre pretty much factory only..otherwize there are after market choices, but stick with Bilsteins since theyre the OEM manufacturer and always replace in pairs when you get above 50k miles
and when you replaced the broken fog light call around to a window tinter or someone that does 3m CLEAR BRA and have the lights and foglights covered. Its way cheaper that 1 broken light from a rock, and best protection you can see for it..
keep the car get it fixed..none of those are big issues and get an alignment too

 

I am in CT. Yes, I probably keep the car and I heard a couple of other people saying the same thing - the repair are not a big deal. There is no smoke from the oil dripping... according to the repair shop, Motorcars Inc in Plainville, CT, it is not a big deal, but it needs to be repaired. They told me I could drive the car and nothing super urgent.

As far as the shocks, I only have a ball park quote at this time. They are going to give me an exact quote on Tuesday. I don't think the shocks are leaking.

I will keep the car and it get it fixed. It has only 49K on the odometer.

 

Nice, I'm guessing it's a nostalgic thing like most wanting to own these vehicles. Because in the end you will have paid much more than the worth of the car. Sounds intense! 49k on that 2003, at least you know someone must have been driving it! goodluck

 

Finally got the quote on the repair for the leaking cam covers, $1192 including labor. $700 for material plus 6 hours labor at $82/hour. Is this high or OK? I assume I will have to go a Jaguar specialist to get something like cam covers repaired? What about shocks? Are shocks Jaguar specific or can be the done cheaper elsewhere? Got a quote for both front shocks for $235 each plus labor 2.5 hours.

The only good thing about fixing the cam covers being expensive is that my car might qualify for the vehicle protection program. If any engine part costs more than a $1,000 to fix, it should qualify (with labor it is $1192). Anyone has any experience with Ebay vehicle protection program?