I'm currently in the market for an X Type and was wondering if there are any year advantages between 02-04. I'm particularly interested in the 3.0 model with an automatic. I'm asking because when I was searching for my S Type, I was told to stay away from the 00-02 4.0 due to cylinder issues. Since the prices are fairly close between the years, I'd like to get the best deal. I know the 5 speed auto is a weak spot, but are there any other standout issues I should be aware of? Any improvements or better options as the years went on?

 

pastype, in 04, jaguar went to a new style transfer case (the 02-03 cases had a high failure rate). The 02-03 transfer cases have a viscous coupling inside (not the weak link), where the 04+ transfer cases don't have a viscous coupling in them. The difference comes in how the power is transferred between the front and rear of the car. A lot of the members have owned both and most agree that the 02-03 cars tend to do better in the snow and adverse weather. Not to say that the 04+ cars don't. But, the 02-03's seem to handle it better. On dry pavement, both are going to perform nearly identical. Just keep in mind that the transfer cases are still the weak link in the car. But, sensible driving and minimal red line romps on the gas will ensure a long life to the transfer case.

After that, you may get a few more features with the 04 when it comes to the radio and the 04+ vehicles have a few more HP from the 3.0L motors (200 hp for 02-03 and 227 for the 04+). Much beyond that, not many options changed in those years.

 

I don't subscribe to the notion of the AWD in the early models being better.

My advice to you is;

- Buy a 2005 model or later with as much options fitted as you can find.
- Lower mileage the better.
- Whatever you do buy one with DSC (button in the center console with the red light). DO NOT BUY ONE WITHOUT DSC.
- Look at the specification; electric everything, satnav, phone, etc...
- Don't try & save yourself a few bucks, remember you're looking at cars 5-7 years old...pay more to get more...

 

i sold my 05 and kept my 02 do to the fact i had to many cars the most reliable out of the to was the 02 ...transfer case is bullet proof goes through the snow like a dot truck
i dont drag race with it ...i have my race car for that....

like thermo says the 02 is better in snow
just change the tc oil once a year

but i dont want to say whats better what ever you choose dont drive it like a drag car
it will have a slow death like any other car
fluid chage is your friend