Hi.

Just got my '98 XK8 out of storage. The Check Engine light came on but the car seems to be running fine. Needs a good service and check up in any event and I wonder if anyone wants to suggest a shop in the Santa Monica area. I just moved here.

Thanks.

 

Region forum is usually better for this kind of local knowledge on shops.

Graham

 

Ah. Newbie mistake. Thanks. I wondered. Will post to that thread.

 

okmores,
I am not familiar with shops in Santa Monica, however, if you're willing to drive to the Valley, I can give you some guidance. You can p.m. me if interested.

 

Mitchell's British Car in Culver City is really good. Bit expensive but cheaper than Hornburg. This guy is not a specialist but, he's worked on my jag: Santa Monica Auto Center: 11708 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 Phone:310-481-2252. There is Sako in Encino. Prestige Auto Service (818) 995-4272 he's highly recommended.

 

Thanks, cyber3D.

I've actually been to Mitchells, but long ago and I forgot about them.

Thanks for the recommendations. I've heard of Sako. Oddly, it looks like there are two places called Prestige in the valley. One on Ventura which is the one I believe you mentioned and one in Valley Village. Both are about the same distance from me.

One place in Santa Monica (405 Auto) wouldn't take me because they no longer have the diagnostic equipment for a '98 XK8. That was depressing.

Two places wanted $200 or $250 just for an evaluation. I don't remember paying that kind of money just to take a look. Am I crazy or have times changed? (The car has been in storage a while, so maybe I'm out of step.)

There's another thread about this same car in Regional. I'd make a link to it but I haven't figured out how to do that yet (!)

Thanks.

OK

 

I ended up going to Exclusive Motors on Venice Blvd. It's on this side of the hill in West LA. And, I got a very strong recommendation from a friend who I'd forgotten also drives an XK8.

They had a few Jags in the shop and a restored XKE beauty sitting in the reception room.

The owner plugged the computer into the car (for free) and it read out something like "Bank A combustion mixture too lean" along with some numbers and the same thing for Bank B. He opened the hood and pointed at a crack in the air intake manifold.

He got the part and I was out of there in a couple of hours.

Good experience. Nice big waiting room with wifi and coffee. The price was reasonable and the owner seemed to know his jags.

I appreciate you guys taking time to offer suggestions. Thanks for your help!

We'll see how it goes from here...

 

Very nice. I've driven by them on many occasions. Will have to pay them a visit.