82,000 Before purchase had the convertible checked out by a nearby Jag dealer. Their report said I need new spark plugs. Total with labor, $696. Cost of each plug is listed as $53.75. Labor is $196. A look under the hood shows that the two fuel rails will have to be loosened and moved back and other steps taken so it isn't like when I changed the plugs on my Ford Mustang many years ago. But does this seem a bit excessive? I'm also speculating that at over $50 each, there is a part additional to the plug. Can't remember what they are called, that which fires the plug. Do those have to be changed with the plugs if they are all functioning? Just one of my questions about this report and its needed repairs. There is "some leaking" from the convertible top actuators, how would one check on those and keep them topped up or jut check on the amount of the leak? For instance, they also report a leak in the power steering pump and then call for a replacement of it and the hoses. The steering is not making any sound indicating problems. I accept it may be leaking, but apparently not very much or I would feel and hear it. The tab for that is $1,670. I would appreciate any guidance from anyone who is dealing with keeping that era xk8 in good condition. The previous owner took very good care according to the service records. I believe there are some independent shops in the area that would be an alternative to the dealer. A last example. Report says radiator needs flushing, $255. Local radiator shop says $109 with sales tax. Is there anything strange about flushing the radiator of an XK8 the shop doesn't know that would account for the difference in price? I await the sage advice of those who have tread this path ahead of me.

 

Don't go back there. The dealer is where you take your new Jag while it's under warranty.
They are not thieves, but are very expensive. As to the plugs, they were saying you needed to replace them and also the coils. That seems unlikely, as the coils do not often fail, and a code is usually stored when they do. Changing the plugs is a very simple DIY, and the fuel rails do not need to be disturbed.

The cylinders for the top should be removed and rebuilt. The hoses may fail at the latch on top of the windshield. Do a search on the forum for "green shower"

I would have an independent garage check the power steering pump and lines. A used or rebuilt pump can be used.

The radiator, IF it needs flushing, could be handled by a local shop.

I suggest you purchase a code reader, it does not have to be an expensive one. You will find information on which ones are used by other members in the DIY sticky's near the top of the forum page.

If you are not able to do some of the repairs& maintenance yourself, you may find the Jag rather expensive to own.

Finally, what I should have started with is welcome to the forum. Please visit the new member area and introduce yourself:

New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

Chuck, I responded too quickly. They were not trying to sell you new coils, just very expensive plugs that you can buy at your local parts store at a much lower price. The labor was not unusually high for a dealer.

 

Do you know if the secondary chain tensioners have been replaced with the latest metal bodied type. VERY IMPORTANT.

 

Welcome as another new owner I have no advice yet but I'm very sure we are both starting out on an exciting adventure. I just picked up a 03 with 86K on it. Good luck....

 

Way too much to pay for plugs!! I recently replaced all 8 plugs and coils for under $400. Hit Advance or Autozone and get some NGK or Bosch Iridiums and you can DIY. If you check out the first few threads of this section - you will find a ton of How To's.

 

+1 with RJ237's comments. Jag dealers will always be higher priced than most indie repair shops due to a different business model.

A little DIY will save you tons of repair dollars, but if you don't consider yourself handy, then definitely find an independent local shop that knows Jags. Someone here on the forum should be able to recommend one in your area.

 

RJ, no, the chain tentioners have not been replaced, at least no record of it. I have read that in 1999, Jag improved the tentioners with "better plastic," buy nonetheless plastic. Maybe that's why there is no chain sound at all from the engine. However this upgrade is high on my list. Jag specialist shop in Tacoma wants $2,300 for the job.

 

Hello ChuckB, I have a 1999 XK8 coupe in Sapphire Blue Metalic and have done most of what you are about to do ( apart from the soft top stuff ).
Plugs will take about 30- 45 minutes to change if you have all tools to hand.
Tensioners are a MUST NOW!!!! Check back on this page and read all the stuff on the subject and you will see why!!!! I changed just the secondary tensioners and was glad I did as the next turn of the key could well have destroyed my engine!!! So many thanks to the guys on the forum for the advice to do the job ASAP!!!!

Cheers,
Arty

 

Welcome Chuck and congratulations on the Jag.
I discovered very quickly I wouldn't be able to keep or maintain my XK8 relying on the dealer. And none of the local independent repair shops had the knowledge or desire to work on it either. The last car I worked on was a '66 Mustang that was sadly totaled back in 1983. This forum has been a invaluable tool, the instruction and help given here have made it possible for me to keep the old girl running for a minimum outlay of cash. Even seemingly stupid questions where answered here quickly and thoroughly. It was as if a buddy was looking over my shoulder as I worked. If you do the job yourself you can swap out those secondary cam chain tensioners, and put in a new set of plugs for around $300. The job is a 2 out of 10 on the difficulty scale.
Search the "stickies" for instructions, download the JTIS manual. and ask for help. Get to know the forum sponsors, discounts on parts are available. Even after a year of ownership I still think "wow" when the garage door goes up.

 

Welcome to the forum. I too am a new member and owner of an 2001 XK8 and like you am interested in keeping my Jag in the best shape possible and the expenses within a reasonable amount. I am pretty mechanical and really appreciate the forum members sage advise and knowledge. I hope as I learn more I can contribute back to the community. Good luck

 

Had a good conversation with the Jag specialist at Park Place Motors in Bellevue. He brought some od the dealers repairs into better perspective. Even saying one diognoses is out right wrong. They will be doing the chain tentioners very soon.

 

Excellent Chuck, Make sure they install the stage 3 metal tensioners.