My 2000 xj8, with 130000 miles I'm sure just lost the transmission today, transmission fault light on, and barely made it home. Parked it and I could smell, well you know, burning something. Question is, would it be better to just bite the bullet , and have installed a new transmission, or pay less for a used one. I'm reading that these transmission are not that great anyway, but would a used transmission just lesson the time till it goes to? Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. I really love this car, and it makes my daily grind behind the wheel enjoyable.

 

The ZF 5HP24 was used by Jaguar until 2003 so any used unit you find is going to be at least 7 years old. Unless you can find one that has been in storage for some time it is going to have some significant amount of miles on it.

The other side of the argument is that at 130k miles you have a future engine replacement, within the life of a rebuilt transmission, to consider.

Rebuilt transmissions are available for a lot less than the dealer $5k+ cost.

I know I didn't answer your question but due to your comments it would appear the decision is emotional first, financial second. In which case only you can answer it.

Good luck!

 

Having been in this situation with a number of cars the decision depends on so many factors. First, it depends on the condition of the car and how long you depend on keeping it. They are great cars - but people are buying 02 XJR's for 12k with 50k on them. A new transmission is too expensive for that car

If by luck you were to find a used transmission with 50 or 60k on it - I would go that route otherwise I would get a rebuilt unit from a good independent shop.

 

I concur with all the wisdom spewed above...I'd go either a low mileage (50-60k) used tranny, or a rebuilt one.

 

What is the problem with rebuilding the one you have? At least you know what you have. If you can find a shop to do the transmission work I would ask them and see what they say. As for a new one that is your choice. I elected to rebuild the one I have and it now has a total of 116,000+ mi on it. If you elect to get a rebuild unit be sure (I was told this by my trans guy) it has the upgraded “A”/”B” (not sure which one) drum with the dimples on it. Good Luck!

 

Oh, please don't tell me the engine is due for a replacement. Well , anyway, thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it. I will look around for a rebuilt transmission. You know, I say I love this car for how quiet it is, and comfortable. But on a long trip one time, we had her well up over 115 mph, and not much below 90 the whole time, and she felt like she was never going to take flight like some other cars iv driven. For those reasons, we take good care of her and I would defiantly buy another Jaguar. Thanks again for your guys professional advice.

 

To have your transmission rebuilt/repaired by a reputable transmission shop will cost between $3,000 and $3,500 give or take a bit. I agree that that's quite a bit of change, but if you love your car, as I do, I believe it's worth it.

 

AS you have seen from the previous posts, you are at a Break Point. Do you spend more money on repairs than the car is worth or not ? Bear in mind that there are lots of Jaguars out there just waiting for you to own one of them ? On the other hand, you are completely familiar with your own car, and what repairs you have made and how well you have serviced it; any replacement will always have an element of doubt.

I would think that if you can find a 2nd hand transmission that is known to be good, (such as coming off a crash write-off), or which comes from a reputable breaker with a written statement on its providence, this may be your best bet. It is what I would do.