I replaced the rear subframe on my MIL’s Fiat 500 last year, and the front lower arms, nightmare job, seized hidden bolts made from crap metal just waiting to strip, not easy to get these cars apart when they’ve had 11 years of rust
For the couple of years Er Indoors had a modern Jag XE, we had found a Jag independant specialist who worked for a main dealer during the day then worked from home. He then set up and worked from a new shed at his house.
Without him we would have been much worse off than we already were with that car! It had many severe faults and major repairs required in her circa 2 years ownership. It had around 40k miles. The injenium engine had a faulty timing chain tensioner. The "premium" used car warranty refused to pay out so she paid around £1200 from memory for genuine kit and the labour to R&R.
It also had a Nox sensor fault. That was around £650 for the part + labour. It also chaffed an engine wiring loom which meant no start and turns out it blew an airbag module at the same time / fault. That bill was around £900 IIRC as the module had to be replaced from dealer.
There were other faults too - the above is just what comes to mind off hand. It was the worst car we have ever owned. She went back to a Mercedes- a 2018 GLC around 1.5 years ago. The GLC has over 100k miles and other than a bad injector it has needed nothing in that time.
She still maintains the Jag was a great looking car. It was, but half time we were looking at it on a flatbed truck. I am 100% certain that car was going to blow the bottom end too had she kept it any longer as the bills just got worse as time went on.
I can't help but think the independant Jag guy was wise to go that route and like OP, his yard was full at all times. Lots of work - its good business really. Not so good for the car owner!
