Experience Dealership line mechanic on MG, Triumph, Jaguar for 15 years, Instructor in commercial mechanics school 2 yr. Product information manager for piston and valve manufacture, Instructor & hotline answer man for import car parts importer 15 yrs.
Organizations Associate member SAE
EAA member
Publications Import Car magazine
Education/Credentials ASE Master Auto with L-1 certification up to 2000
Expert: Howard M. Fitzcharles III Date: 5/18/2008 Subject: Jaguar w/ multiple repair/replacement issues
Question A relative passed his Jaguar on to me, mainly 'cause it has problems he doesn't want to deal with. He said it needs a starter, needs to be started up daily or it'll die and has to be charged for an hour wherever it breaks down, and the gas gauge doesn't work so I'd have to record how many miles I travel & how much gas I put in and calculate what I have when to figure when I need to get more gas before I run out (too much work for a mom - a.k.a. "chauffeur"). Basically, my question is... is it worth it to bring it to a repair shop to repair/replace these things or is the expense high and not worth it for a Jaguar that's over a decade old?
Answer Hi Gina,
It really depends on the condition of the car. Meaning paint, body and interior and mileage and how much you like the car. I have a 83 XJ-6 that I drive daily and I think of the car as an old friend. Yes, these old jags do require more maintenance than some other cars but NONE of them drive like a Jag. If your car is older than 1987 I can give you guidance on repairs if you keep the car. I have no experience nor info on 1988 and later Jags as they are totally different cars.
Depending on the size of the city you are in there is usually at least one independent Jaguar repair shop. Most Jag dealerships cater to the new cars and their labor rate is so high it is sometimes difficult to maintain an older Jag at these dealerships. Look in your local yellow pages to locate a independent British car repair shop.
Or if you are adventurous and have a Jag of 87 or earlier and want to try to repair it yourself I will walk you through the procedures.
