Local mechanic said that I need to replace the shocks and struts “based on age” - quoted me $3k! Anyone out there do this? Is this price for real?

 

Find another independent garage that works on these cars.
Orrrrr, drive it up here and learn how to do it, or watch and go for a BBQ dinner after.
If it's just the strut area, you might be talking about 2 shocks $230 after shipping, top mounts $200 or less, after shipping.
If ball joints and upper bushings $400 for parts and painful but doable. So if you get the OEM parts, it will come close to double that.
No big effort involved in taking the struts out and then taking the parts to a machine shop and have them installed on the strut. Then just put them back on the car. If replacing loads of parts a alignment would be required.

 

All of the rubber mounts probably need replacing, and Wayne is right about the price. I'm sure one of the members in S Fl can direct you to a shop.

 

It may just be the front shock mounts. Many posts in the archives on that subject. But, as cjd777 said, the cost of shocks and mounts is nowhere near $3K.

 

Unless you have a ton of miles or the struts are leaking just do the upper mounts. UROs are about $75 ea on Parts Geek. There has been a lot of discussion about the quality of all available brands. I've used UROs but have not accumulated enough miles to reccomend. Have done it with coil spring compressors but they are very sketchy. Last time took struts to a shop with a strut compressor $50

 

Many mechanics will take what they think you're willing or able to give. To me,,, that price is plum insane...

From the fronts to the rears, folks here will easily walk you thru whatever you decide to do - once you decide...

DONT PAY THAT GUY. No way

 

Hello Guys. Ok, we drove our 2005 Jag XK8 on the fwy at about 70 MP and it seems a bit burpee. Would this be a sign of bad Struts. How else can I double check. I also have to trust a mechanic. Q: does the mechanics needs to be Jag qualified? I was told that I should look into one. That probably be the cost of the car. Thanks

 

Reach up to the top of he strut and run your hand around, if the two plates are close together (should be 1/2 inch apart) and your hand has lots of flakey bits on it, it's time.
You also need to look for fluid leaking down the shock cylinder. Grab the shock and try to feel any movement in the bottom area, pushing it in and out, not back and forth, if play the bottom bushing may be gone. It can be replaced, unfortunately, about half the price of a shock for the original one.
Look at the top inside the engine bay and see if the shock is still centered in the hole and no flaking of the sponge bushing.
That should get you started.
Keep on scrolling down the page and a good picture of the parts is there.

 

Your Jag should be as smooth as silk on a smooth highway at 70mph. I don't know what burpee means but I would check alignment first and of course suspension bushings and strut mounts. Of course bad tires and rutted pavement can cause all sorts of handling quirks.

 

HI, Ok, my 2005 XK8 top rubber Item 7 on part list below seems very dry and flakey. OK, will be replace.
o leaks on struts and no movements as describe, However, I can't figure out the rear suspension.
Please attach part list also. Thank you for your help. At least I can talk clear with he mechanic.