Jaguar- What was I thinking?

[The Seeker]

Well, the Jaguar saga continues, but may be coming to an end very soon.

I'm fed up....

A Month or so ago I put $1400 into a new Transmission Control Module because the Jag dealer told me it was causing all my transmission problems. The very next day, it broke again and they took it back saying that water was getting into the wiring harness. They kept the car for a week and tried everything then to make it fault again.

Well, it rained all day recently and again the transmission faulted into "limp mode".

Now they are saying the internal solenoid(s) are shot. My choices now are to have them replace the trans (way too much), replace the trans with a rebuilt one (over $3500), or to take it to a private transmission shop, have them open it up and replace the solenoids.

Of course, that means pulling it out and the labor to put it back in.

I do have a reputable transmission shop nearby, but he can't give me an estimate until he gets into it.

I really don't have the cash at the moment to do any of these things (tax time here in the USA). I really don't want to get into trading it on a new car either right now.

I just can't believe that Jaguar can't put a transmission in their cars that will last at least 100,000 miles (it's only got 80,000). It certainly wasn't ever abused. And I should have known better than buying this thing with a factory-sealed transmission that you can't even check the fluid level on???

 

[avion]

ack.

sounds like you got a lemon Seeker, sorry to say.

Could you put it into 'storage' mode for a couple of months? Perhaps get a cheap run around for the mean time?

...

 

[DaveM]

That is what I was thinking try and keep it and when you have the time and money look at it again. It would be a pity to get rid of it and later down the line regret it

 

[CarlS]

AJ, I am sorry to hear that you are still having problems with it. That is has to be discouraging.

 

[The Seeker]

Well, I have to give them an answer by Monday since they've given us a loaner car that will need to be returned if we aren't going to allow the Jag dealer to replace the tranny.

 

[CarlS]

Let us know what you decide. If you decide to go with a new or rebuilt tranny, will it be warrantied?

 

[The Seeker]

The Jag dealer would install a rebuilt tranny (cost of tranny: $937.50) and it would have a 90 day warranty. They want $3400 in labor PLUS I have to pay the the $500 I already owe for diagnosing the situation. He said he'd give me a 15% discount on that work if I decide to let them do it...which basically subtracts the $500 diagnostic fee.

I'm kind of thinking that the private transmission shop could rebuild my present transmission for less, but since he can't give me a quote without looking at the car, I'm only guessing. Obviously the private place would also warrant their work as well.

 

[CarlS]

Maybe get it fixed and trade it on a Mercedes?

 

[Gromit]

What year is the Jag?? They're like Alpha Romeo. Beautiful to look but you either get one that spends it's entire life on the road or in the repair shop! Hope you get something sorted that doesn't 1/2 bankrupt you!

 

[CarlS]

A good comparison, Gromit.

 

[Gromit]

A good comparison, Gromit.

Guess who's had an Alpha and a Jag

 

[CarlS]

I had a Jag back in the early 60's, an XK 120. I was forever fiddling with the carbs. I have never had a Saab or an Alfa.

 

[shanered6]

the problem with auto boxes is they have small sieve's and filters every where ! and the newer boxes have sensor's on most of them .
so if a filter gets blocked the sensor picks it up and tells the car there is a problem ! BUT if a sensor goes and that filter blocks there is no way to find it without a strip down . over here we mostly use manual boxes ! more robust.

 

[The Seeker]

It's a 2004 Jaguar X-Type.

I would have preferred the manual box myself (like my MINI Cooper has), but my Wife won't drive a manual and it's primarily her car.

The main reason we like this Jag is because it's AWD and that is very necessary here in snow country. In fact, I have owned MANY 4x4 and AWD vehicles in the past and this Jag with 4 dedicated winter tread tires outperforms any of them when the roads are bad. I chalk that up to being so low (low center of gravity) and having ABS. It'll go through snow like a tank...no kidding!

Outside of having this present transmission problem, the car has been very reliable and fairly maintenance free. That's of course provided it actually RUNS....LOL!

 

[The Seeker]

Carl,

No thanks on the Mercedes...or even a BMW for that matter. My Brother has had nothing but problems with those two marques.

The only German car I've ever owned is the 1968 Beetle that I still have and love.

Personally.....I would have much preferred my Wife got a Subaru when we bought this Jaguar. My Son and Daughter both drive Subaru Foresters and they've been solid vehicles. Each have also totaled their previous Subarus and never got a scratch in the accidents.

 

[shanered6]

ye they are an awsome car ! and to be honest usualy very reliable , but like anything theres allways one !

 

[The Seeker]

Well, just as an update.....

The Jag dealer (Bobby Rahal Jaguar) knocked the price down......probably because they feel sorry for me and the service manager and I have become friends since he rides a new Bonneville and owns a Triumph TR-6 like mine.

As is stands now, their going to replace the tranny with a low mileage (22,000 miles) used one for $2856.00

The private tranny shop who I trust was honest enough to tell me that they couldn't do any better than that.

 

[CarlS]

If were going to buy a car - and I don't plan on it - it would be a Subaru with all wheel drive. I have had one that was still going strong after 230,000 miles when it could t-boned by someone running a stop sign. My son was not hurt. Both of my daughters have since owned Subaru's and both were great cars. Mae Lyne and I will stick with our pickup trucks.

 

[shanered6]

Well, just as an update.....

The Jag dealer (Bobby Rahal Jaguar) knocked the price down......probably because they feel sorry for me and the service manager and I have become friends since he rides a new Bonneville and owns a Triumph TR-6 like mine.

As is stands now, their going to replace the tranny with a low mileage (22,000 miles) used one for $2856.00

The private tranny shop who I trust was honest enough to tell me that they couldn't do any better than that.

well i think thats much easer to take than the last quote ! so its up to you now !

 

[CarlS]

Well, just as an update.....

The Jag dealer (http://www.bobbyrahaljaguar.net/index.htm?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1680&bih=887&q=Bobby+Rahal+Jaguar&btnG=Google+Search"]Bobby Rahal Jaguar[/URL]) knocked the price down......probably because they feel sorry for me and the service manager and I have become friends since he rides a new Bonneville and owns a Triumph TR-6 like mine.

As is stands now, their going to replace the tranny with a low mileage (22,000 miles) used one for $2856.00

The private tranny shop who I trust was honest enough to tell me that they couldn't do any better than that.

That is a whole lot better, AJ. That is in line with most tranny replacements these days.