Hi all
I currently run a 2001 xk8 vert and have repaired all the major issues, I am looking at purchasing a 2003 x-Type 2.5L and am wondering if anyone can tell me what issues to look for car has 82k on it. Any info would be welcome
Cheers
Jeremy

 

Jeremy, the big things that you need to look for is the transfer case sounding like it has rocks in it (ie, the bearings are starting to go), the radiator fan will not kick on (can be tested by simply putting the car into Max A/C and opening the hood to see if you are getting a strong stream of air from fans), vacuum leaks on engine (check engine light will be on), and the rear tires having excessive wear on the inside edge of the tires and/or the rear tires leaning in at the top (caused by worn out suspension arms that are easy to replace, but is $300 worth of parts plus any labor that you may have to pay for).

That is the short list. Are there other things you should look for, of course. But, if you are going to have an issue, it will be one of these more than likely.

Of note, the 2.5L motor is more than adequate for the X-Type, but you will find that the motor likes to get wound up to make good power. Where, the 3.0L engine makes much better low end power and you don't have to wind up the motor as much to make it perform decently.

 

Other thing that is hard to check is rusting at the rear of the sills. It is hard to check because what appears to be the sill is a plastic cover. MOT inspectors can do some checks but they have the car up in the air on the ramp. Main thing is that if it's not dealt with it just gets worse and worse until the car is scrap due to the cost of repairs exceeding the value of the car.

I have seen an X-type in a workshop with new sills being fitted. It's not usually necessary to replace the whole sill, but best to use the factory panel in full or part of it. Patching over the top is a bodge, of course.

 

Thanks again for the useful tips, I checked them all. I am now the proud owner of 03 2.5l X-Type. its in amazing condition for its age inside and out, drove it back home 80mls, couldn't have run better, my XK8 is going to be jealous.
One thing that I cant id, and only heard when sitting in car with engine off is a very very quite wiring sound that seems to come from the dash just in front and slightly to the right off the ignition switch, I see a small vent there that I think is something to do with the airbags, but cant be sure, can anybody tell me what this noise might be? Other than this no other comments to make, unlike the half dozen or so issues the dealer had to fix on my xk and others that followed later, but I wont go into that I'm sure any xk8 owners know what I'm talking about.
Cheers
Jeremy

 

It's the climate control cabin air sensor. Occasionally pop the little grill off and blow it out with some canned compressed air (like for computer keyboard).

 

https://parts.jaguarpalmbeach.com/p/...caAo_4EALw_wcB

 

Thank you Dell Gailey, I would never have guessed that. Went thru the owners manual didn't see a word. One less thing to keep me up at night.
Jeremy

 

One more thing to help you sleep: the aspirator fan starts operating the instant you open the driver's door. It remains in operation while the car is running and for some time after the engine is shut down, so do not be concerned if you always hear it running! This is the correct mode of operation and its purpose is to prepare the climate control to function properly.
The X-Type is an excellent car, very unfairly maligned by automotive journalists who never drive one.