Jaguar X Type 01-03 ... buy or pass?

Question

I am now considering a Jag x type. Looking at years 01-03. Really like the "sport" edition. Also, was told to get the 3.0 as opposed to the 2.5. Any feedback? Looking at them with less than 60k miles. Navigation system, should i wait and find one with a Nav system in it or do those of you that have them, really not use them all that much?

Answer 1

I would say avoid it. Consumer Reports lists the Jaguar X-Type (all years and all engines) as having horrible reliability. It's considered one of the least reliable cars of the last ten years.

If the reliability problems don't bother you, then, overall, it's quite a sound car. It has All-Wheel Drive standard, plus classy looks and isn't too pricey compared with other, similar cars. The 3 Litre engine is the better engine, as it has more power and is smoother and more befitting of a luxury car like the X-Type. Only go for the X-Type Sport if you don't mind a slightly rougher ride due to the sport-tuned suspension.

If you're looking for cars in this category, consider some of these other, more reliable, compact luxury cars of similar size and price:

Acura TL - Front-Wheel Drive, semi-sporty, and very reliable. Based off of European-market Honda Accord, and comes cheaper than some competitors, but also not up to best-in-class standards. There's also no performance version.

Audi A4 - Also has All-Wheel Drive, plus cabriolet and wagon version (Jaguar didn't introduce the X-Type Sportwagon until 2006 and never did a cabriolet) and two sporty versions, the S4 (V-6) and RS4 (V-8). Reliability is fairly good, too.

BMW 3-Series - Rear-Wheel Drive, but with available All-Wheel Drive (distinguished by models ending in "XI", such as 325XI, 335XI, etc.), as well as coupe, cabriolet, and wagon versions. Reliability has held up quite well, as had value. The sporty version is the M3.

Cadillac CTS - Rear-Wheel Drive, but with available All-Wheel Drive; sedan only. Newer models (2004+) are fairly reliable, quite sporty, and cheaper than the competing German and Japanese models. Performance version is called the CTS-V.

Infiniti G35 - Rear-Wheel Drive with available All-Wheel Drive; comes as a sedan or a coupe. Based off of Japanese-market Nissan Skyline (not GT-R), sportier than standard versions of most competitors (more focused on sport than comfort), but no full performance version yet.

Lexus ES 330 - Front-Wheel Drive, more focused on luxury than sporty feel. Based on Toyota Camry, but is very different inside and out. Extremely reliable, holds its value very well, but, like other Japanese competitors, no performance version.

Lexus IS 300 - All-Wheel Drive, sportier brother to the ES 330 (based off of Japanese-market Toyota Altezza). More aftermarket parts than other competitors (if you're into customization), very reliable, and has a semi-sporty version called the IS 300 L-Tuned.

Volvo S60 - Front-Wheel Drive with available All-Wheel Drive. Very safe vehicle (safest in class) and has good reliability. Performance version is called S60 R.

Again, if reliability isn't a concern, also consider this car:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class - Rear-Wheel Drive, somewhat more classic interior (closer to Jaguar's with wood trim and excellent fit-and-finish), likely the Jaguar X-Type's closest competitor. Comes as a sedan, hatchback, and wagon. Reliability is shaky, with some years and models being fairly reliable, with others being very poor. Would need a Consumer Reports guide (which can be found at most local libraries) to see which one would be best bet. Performance models are C230 Kompressor (hatchback), C32 AMG (V-6 sedan), and C55 AMG (V-8 sedan).

As for the navigation systems, I've never found a use for one in a vehicle, and the people I know who have them say they don't use them all that much either. The only ones I've heard of that are of quite a bit of help are the ones that voice where and when to turn, but only away from a crowded city, where it can get confusing as to which street to turn on to. On the other hand, it is pretty cool having the LCD screen in the middle of the dashboard or guage cluster.

I hope this has answered your question. If you have any more, please feel free to ask.

Answer 2

I've heard the early cars (2001) are really problematic. 3.0 would be the car to get.

Go with the latest model you can, with the least mileage and maintenance records. Get a Carfax report and have a good mechanic (preferably one who has Jag or at least foreign car experience) to check it out. If it's the car you want, it would be worth the $100 or so to do so.

As for navigation, I have a Garmin portable that works well and I can move from car to car. Could be tough to find an X-type with navigation.

These cars do not hold their value well ( no Jag does), so even an 04 could be had for a decent price.

Good luck, happy hunting!

Answer 3

Check the Consumers Report Book A while back I seen in it where some of the Jags were having recall problems.

Answer 4

Not too long ago, I hired a contractor(on L.I.,N.Y.) to install large tiles in my foyer and baths. I selected the tile, called the contractor and he picked the tile up, told me he got a 25% discount on the tile, and gave me 1/2 off (12.5%) on the tiles, plus I had to pay for the labor, which I got a senior discount of 10%. The tile store would have given me a 5% discount on the tile, so altogether, I wound up getting a 22.5% discount. Not bad, I'd say.To answer your question about the type of license determining how much discount a contractor would get. Not so. The larger the quantity of tile orders a contractor will give to a tile establishment will afford a higher discount, I'm told.

Answer 5

My parents are on they're second one. They seem to love it. The only problem they have is the only dealer/mechanic is about two hours away. They have had problems with the A/C and their timing belt broke at 40K and bent some of the valves. That one cost about 3K us.

Answer 6

You know what....if you like the car and the price just go for it. All the negative comments you read online arent worth squat if you really want it and the price is reasonable. Enjoy it and dont overanalyze a luxury car because reliability isnt great on most.