Reasonable Charges?
 

So my 2005 XK8 has reached 36,000 and things are starting to break down.

I took it for the routine service and the garage advised I need to change the tyres because they are on the legal limit, but I could not do that until I did the following jobs

- Top wishbone bushes worn: Parts - £128 / Labour £210 (3hrs)
- Front anti roll bar bushes & link arm bushes worn: Parts - £118 / Labour - £210 (3hrs)
- Rear anti roll bar link arm bushes perishes: Parts £100 / Labour - £56

All plus VAT.

Apparently all of the above will cause my new tyres to wear much faster.

Forgive me but I am clueless when it comes to mechanical stuff. Do the above sound like a fair price for London?

Many thanks

Pavlos

Wow, that does seem to have worn out quite early. I've got a 2003 XKR that has done 36,000 miles and I need to replace my n/s rear bush.

Have a chat with John Joannou from North London Jaguar. He's a great Jaguar independent and can give you a second opinion.

His email is: john@northlondonjaguars.com

Fellow Greek yay!! I hope he has pitty on me :)

£70 per hour labour in London has to be considered reasonable.

The one that is definitely going to scrub your new tyres if ignored is the first item on the list:

"Top wishbone bushes worn: Parts - £128 / Labour £210 (3hrs)"

The parts cost suggests they will be using genuine Jaguar Bushes (2) and Washers (4) on each side. I've found these last about 25K miles so you can judge for yourself on your mileage whether this is reasonable. The Pivot Bolt on the Upper Wishbone is often seized and it can take a lot longer than this just to remove it.

The labour on the second item seems high:

"Front anti roll bar bushes & link arm bushes worn: Parts - £118 / Labour - £210 (3hrs)"

It's a straightforward unbolt and replacement. 3 Hours must include going for lunch!

Wear is often a subjective judgement but they should be able to demonstrate it to you convincingly. Perished bushes (the third item on the list) will be very obvious.

The second and third item don't necessarily contribute to tyre wear but renewal will improve ride and handling.

Graham

Your #3, i just purchased a bush kit for the rear anti roll bar link arm, £19:00 inc delivery.

Thanks all for the very useful replies

A local mechanic quoted me £200 for the labour for all 3 repairs and about 20% cheaper for the parts (genuine jaguar). I have decided to go with it I'll let you know if the car is still drivable after he is done :)

Thats cheap. He obviously doesnt know how hard it is to get that top wishbone bolt out haha

ditto.