Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
#1
11-13-2006, 12:06 PM
Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
Hello,
This is my first post here. I'm a long time member of www.saabcentral.com and an owner of a 2003 Saab 93. The reason I am here is because I would like to trade my Saab in for a new car and the X-Type happens to be one of my favorites on the list.
After driving my brother's Audi A4 Quattro, I know I definitely want an AWD vehicle. My options for an AWD under $32K seem to be very limited: Lexus IS250, VW Passat, Audi A4, and the X-Type. I like the A4 and how it drives, but coming from a 2.0 turbo engine (Saab), I would like a V6 this time.
What I wanted to know from you are the things that reviews from Edmunds, ConsumerReports, and others don't cover.
1. How reliable is the car? How often do you visit the dealership for non-maintenance service?
2. How do you rate the quality of the car's interior materials/finish? My Saab has horrible quality of interior parts that constantly peal and squeak. Do you notice that in the X-Type?
3. How do you rate the exterior paint quality?
4. Do you notice any rattles/noises when driving the car?
5. In general, and if you have done any work yourself, how expensive are the parts and their availability compared to others?
6. Finally, the 93, while unique in its own way, is made of GM parts and you can tell. How does the Jag compare since its made by Ford? Do you see a lot of Ford parts?
Thanks in advance for your help.
This is my first post here. I'm a long time member of www.saabcentral.com and an owner of a 2003 Saab 93. The reason I am here is because I would like to trade my Saab in for a new car and the X-Type happens to be one of my favorites on the list.
After driving my brother's Audi A4 Quattro, I know I definitely want an AWD vehicle. My options for an AWD under $32K seem to be very limited: Lexus IS250, VW Passat, Audi A4, and the X-Type. I like the A4 and how it drives, but coming from a 2.0 turbo engine (Saab), I would like a V6 this time.
What I wanted to know from you are the things that reviews from Edmunds, ConsumerReports, and others don't cover.
1. How reliable is the car? How often do you visit the dealership for non-maintenance service?
2. How do you rate the quality of the car's interior materials/finish? My Saab has horrible quality of interior parts that constantly peal and squeak. Do you notice that in the X-Type?
3. How do you rate the exterior paint quality?
4. Do you notice any rattles/noises when driving the car?
5. In general, and if you have done any work yourself, how expensive are the parts and their availability compared to others?
6. Finally, the 93, while unique in its own way, is made of GM parts and you can tell. How does the Jag compare since its made by Ford? Do you see a lot of Ford parts?
Thanks in advance for your help.
#2
11-13-2006, 03:13 PM
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
I suggest that you look at all the comments under the posting 2.5 vs 3.0 just below this one. My opinions are:
Audi A4 - very competant, very smooth but lacks a certain something
BMW 3 series - still the best in this class - try the new N54 turbo engine...
Lexus IS - utterly reliable, utterly Toyota
Mercedes C class - very teutonic, more floaty than the BMW or Audi, yawn
Saab 9-3 - a modified Opel Vectra with a Saab engine and extra crash reinforcements, but not built as well as the Opel
VW Passat - to be honest, I prefer this to the A4
Volvo S60 - dated from the day it was launched. Sad because its a nice car, if a bit small.
Mazda 6 2.3 turbo - wow its fast and relatively cheap, manual trans and 4x4. Yippeee.....
Ford Fusion (included due to the similar 3.0 engine) - competant dynamically but plastic. Bold = brash but no style.
And then the Jaguar X type. What do I say?
As an automotive engineer, I would say that the X type is outclassed by some of the luxury competition. It was designed at a time that Jaguar were trying to go from 40,000 cars a year and 2 models from one factory (Browns Lane) to 200,000 cars and 4 models from 3 factories, and my impression is that it was hurried into production. The Mondeo underpinnings were not the reason (the CD132 Mondeo was designed in parallel and was received with high "benchmark" acclaim by everyone), I just think Jaguar overextended themselves. The 2004.5MY facelift was an improvement, and the recent 2006MY changes show that the engineers at Whitley are (my guess) trying to improve the product within very tight budget constraints.
As an owner, and someone who has driven Jaguar development cars for almost 20 years, I can only say that a Jaguar has a true sense of occasion, and is a different way to arrive at a destination. I am fully aware of the shortcomings and quirks of the Jag, some of which would really annoy me if I wanted them to. The key is that the Jag is something that I want to own, rather than something that Consumer Reports tells me I should own because of the reliability record or some other statistical based factor.
An X type is quick, but not that quick. I did not pick it for that reason, I wanted sufficient power. Buy the Mazda instead.
An X type is refined, but that refinement is not as clinically engineered as a Lexus.
The X type is well built (better than the Saab); a huge complement to the workforce at Halewood, who - lets face it - when they were building 110,000 Escorts a year, did not come top of the quality stakes. The efforts of the Jaguar staff that executed that change should also be applauded. The interior trim is not perfect (I dislike the center console between the seats) but it is different and offers a classy environment with an atmosphere unmatched by others. Go for the oatmeal interior, not the ivory (too white) or the sea of grey and black that makes the German cars so dour.
The X type is not historically at the top of the reliability charts (although the initial quality ratings are, since 2005), and I suspect if we looked at the source data, the issues would be concentrated on high cost items such as the driveline and the transmission. Such major problems would bias the overall reliability ratings (although this approach is justified by the severity and cost of the issue). But improvements are made at each model year.
Lastly the Ford connection. I remember Browns Lane pre-Ford - it was horrendous. Ford have transformed the company, and to the credit of the Jaguar personnel, they have "bought in" to the improvements, rather than getting all defensive about it. In the X type the number of visible "Ford bits" is low, unless you are an engineer who recognises them. Do not undermine the Ford connection. Ford have given Jaguar a reasonable amount of independance, a lot of money, some world class engineered parts as the basis of their cars and a separate entity (PAG) to ensure minimal interference from the commodity engineering brigade here in Detroit.
In contrast GM treat Saab as just another amorphous badge to slap onto whatever vehicle they're engineering next (witness the Trailblazer rebadged as the 9-7 or the Subaru rebadged as the 9-2). The next generation 9-3 will be part of a huge platform group centrally engineered as part of GM's "global architecture" strategy - I know, I've seen the basis of this (and will not say anymore).
Conclusion. If you want a Jag, you want it because it offers what a Jaguar traditionally delivers. No objective measure can explain this fully. Its an emotional decision, and not all buyers evaluate vehicles in this way.
If reliability, servicing and running costs are the major concern, you'd probably do better with a Honda Accord (I'm a big Honda fan by the way - they and BMW make the world's best car engines). Sorry I forgot you want 4x4, so then go back to my comments above (I'd probably buy the Mazda).
My last comment. I bought a used Jaguar X type, despite the fact that I can get "discounts" from most of the car manufacturers. The Jaguar is great value as a used buy and comes with the 50,000 mile 4 year free servicing and warranty package. For 20k - 25k you can get a unique car with personality and style. And not be "just another" BMW driver...
Cheers, Graham
Audi A4 - very competant, very smooth but lacks a certain something
BMW 3 series - still the best in this class - try the new N54 turbo engine...
Lexus IS - utterly reliable, utterly Toyota
Mercedes C class - very teutonic, more floaty than the BMW or Audi, yawn
Saab 9-3 - a modified Opel Vectra with a Saab engine and extra crash reinforcements, but not built as well as the Opel
VW Passat - to be honest, I prefer this to the A4
Volvo S60 - dated from the day it was launched. Sad because its a nice car, if a bit small.
Mazda 6 2.3 turbo - wow its fast and relatively cheap, manual trans and 4x4. Yippeee.....
Ford Fusion (included due to the similar 3.0 engine) - competant dynamically but plastic. Bold = brash but no style.
And then the Jaguar X type. What do I say?
As an automotive engineer, I would say that the X type is outclassed by some of the luxury competition. It was designed at a time that Jaguar were trying to go from 40,000 cars a year and 2 models from one factory (Browns Lane) to 200,000 cars and 4 models from 3 factories, and my impression is that it was hurried into production. The Mondeo underpinnings were not the reason (the CD132 Mondeo was designed in parallel and was received with high "benchmark" acclaim by everyone), I just think Jaguar overextended themselves. The 2004.5MY facelift was an improvement, and the recent 2006MY changes show that the engineers at Whitley are (my guess) trying to improve the product within very tight budget constraints.
As an owner, and someone who has driven Jaguar development cars for almost 20 years, I can only say that a Jaguar has a true sense of occasion, and is a different way to arrive at a destination. I am fully aware of the shortcomings and quirks of the Jag, some of which would really annoy me if I wanted them to. The key is that the Jag is something that I want to own, rather than something that Consumer Reports tells me I should own because of the reliability record or some other statistical based factor.
An X type is quick, but not that quick. I did not pick it for that reason, I wanted sufficient power. Buy the Mazda instead.
An X type is refined, but that refinement is not as clinically engineered as a Lexus.
The X type is well built (better than the Saab); a huge complement to the workforce at Halewood, who - lets face it - when they were building 110,000 Escorts a year, did not come top of the quality stakes. The efforts of the Jaguar staff that executed that change should also be applauded. The interior trim is not perfect (I dislike the center console between the seats) but it is different and offers a classy environment with an atmosphere unmatched by others. Go for the oatmeal interior, not the ivory (too white) or the sea of grey and black that makes the German cars so dour.
The X type is not historically at the top of the reliability charts (although the initial quality ratings are, since 2005), and I suspect if we looked at the source data, the issues would be concentrated on high cost items such as the driveline and the transmission. Such major problems would bias the overall reliability ratings (although this approach is justified by the severity and cost of the issue). But improvements are made at each model year.
Lastly the Ford connection. I remember Browns Lane pre-Ford - it was horrendous. Ford have transformed the company, and to the credit of the Jaguar personnel, they have "bought in" to the improvements, rather than getting all defensive about it. In the X type the number of visible "Ford bits" is low, unless you are an engineer who recognises them. Do not undermine the Ford connection. Ford have given Jaguar a reasonable amount of independance, a lot of money, some world class engineered parts as the basis of their cars and a separate entity (PAG) to ensure minimal interference from the commodity engineering brigade here in Detroit.
In contrast GM treat Saab as just another amorphous badge to slap onto whatever vehicle they're engineering next (witness the Trailblazer rebadged as the 9-7 or the Subaru rebadged as the 9-2). The next generation 9-3 will be part of a huge platform group centrally engineered as part of GM's "global architecture" strategy - I know, I've seen the basis of this (and will not say anymore).
Conclusion. If you want a Jag, you want it because it offers what a Jaguar traditionally delivers. No objective measure can explain this fully. Its an emotional decision, and not all buyers evaluate vehicles in this way.
If reliability, servicing and running costs are the major concern, you'd probably do better with a Honda Accord (I'm a big Honda fan by the way - they and BMW make the world's best car engines). Sorry I forgot you want 4x4, so then go back to my comments above (I'd probably buy the Mazda).
My last comment. I bought a used Jaguar X type, despite the fact that I can get "discounts" from most of the car manufacturers. The Jaguar is great value as a used buy and comes with the 50,000 mile 4 year free servicing and warranty package. For 20k - 25k you can get a unique car with personality and style. And not be "just another" BMW driver...
Cheers, Graham
#3
11-14-2006, 02:03 AM
Senior Member
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
Graham's analysis is good. Here's my thoughts:
Reliability - I ran my 03 2.5 38K miles - up until 20K I had the car in the shop for a number of minor problems - the popping defroster vents, broken trunk lift assists, etc. After these minor problems went away at 20K, the car was absolutely a delight. So much so that I swapped it for another X. I have 9K miles on the new one with no problems so far.
Quality of interior: First rate on both X Types I've owned.
Exterior paint quality: Best paint jobs I've ever seen. The 03 I had was BRG, and, the paint seemed somewhat prone to chipping. The 06 has mettalic paint and it seems much more impevious to the wear and tear of interstate travel.
Rattles/noises: My 03 squeaked and rattled a bit in really cold weather. The 06 is dead quiet, but, has a bit more exhaust and drivetrain noise at speed.
Do-it-yorself: I do my own oil changes, tire rotations, etc. on my Jags. No problems yet getting filters, etc. from my local Autozone and Advance outlets. Car's not any harder to work on than my 05 Chrysler.
Ford Parts: I found a Ford label on one of the fuel injection lines, and that's it so far. A Ford oil filter will fit the car as well. If there are other parts labeled Ford, they're very well hidden.
Hope this helps.
Oldengineer
Reliability - I ran my 03 2.5 38K miles - up until 20K I had the car in the shop for a number of minor problems - the popping defroster vents, broken trunk lift assists, etc. After these minor problems went away at 20K, the car was absolutely a delight. So much so that I swapped it for another X. I have 9K miles on the new one with no problems so far.
Quality of interior: First rate on both X Types I've owned.
Exterior paint quality: Best paint jobs I've ever seen. The 03 I had was BRG, and, the paint seemed somewhat prone to chipping. The 06 has mettalic paint and it seems much more impevious to the wear and tear of interstate travel.
Rattles/noises: My 03 squeaked and rattled a bit in really cold weather. The 06 is dead quiet, but, has a bit more exhaust and drivetrain noise at speed.
Do-it-yorself: I do my own oil changes, tire rotations, etc. on my Jags. No problems yet getting filters, etc. from my local Autozone and Advance outlets. Car's not any harder to work on than my 05 Chrysler.
Ford Parts: I found a Ford label on one of the fuel injection lines, and that's it so far. A Ford oil filter will fit the car as well. If there are other parts labeled Ford, they're very well hidden.
Hope this helps.
Oldengineer
#4
11-14-2006, 07:26 AM
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
Hi Spielnicht,
I also researched and test drove many cars before I decided on the X-Type. These include Merc C-class, B-class, BMW 3, Volvo S40, Lexus IS250, Alfa Romeo 159 and Audi A4 1.8T. I decided on the X-Type cos: -
1) best value and price (equipment and accessories);
2) looks the sleekiest and longest amongst my choices;
3) everything felt the smoothest during driving; the engine, the suspension etc
4) the cachet of the Jaguar brand; Jaguars always give people the impression that they are expensive, really luxurious and comfortable (at least the people in Singapore, Germany and Switzerland think so). So even the cheapest and smallest Jag retains this image ; )
It was a close fight between the X-Type and the IS250. However the IS250 lost due to the slabsided design, shallow rear seat space and it still feels like a Japanese car to me as a driver. I love the look of the Alfa but it feels like a FWD BMW 3 series now and the insurance charges was ridiculous.
Very happy driving the X-Type for a month now. Only gripe is the fuel consumption, about 8km per litre but that is to be expected.
I also researched and test drove many cars before I decided on the X-Type. These include Merc C-class, B-class, BMW 3, Volvo S40, Lexus IS250, Alfa Romeo 159 and Audi A4 1.8T. I decided on the X-Type cos: -
1) best value and price (equipment and accessories);
2) looks the sleekiest and longest amongst my choices;
3) everything felt the smoothest during driving; the engine, the suspension etc
4) the cachet of the Jaguar brand; Jaguars always give people the impression that they are expensive, really luxurious and comfortable (at least the people in Singapore, Germany and Switzerland think so). So even the cheapest and smallest Jag retains this image ; )
It was a close fight between the X-Type and the IS250. However the IS250 lost due to the slabsided design, shallow rear seat space and it still feels like a Japanese car to me as a driver. I love the look of the Alfa but it feels like a FWD BMW 3 series now and the insurance charges was ridiculous.
Very happy driving the X-Type for a month now. Only gripe is the fuel consumption, about 8km per litre but that is to be expected.
#5
11-14-2006, 05:20 PM
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
Thank you all for your comments and expertise, this is certainly helping me in getting closer to a decision. I test drove the Lexus last night, ehh...it was nice, but screams Jap. Once you go European, you're petty much doomed because all you'll accept afterwards are European cars. I called around and found (3) 2006 X-Types with the specs I am looking for (pretty much just the base model). I am going today to test drive it again (I only drove the 2.5 in the past).
I understand what you mean about wanting a Jag simply because its a Jag. No doubt its a beautiful car and hearing the name Jaguar just triggers a special thought in everyone's mind about luxury. Hopefully that, combined with a great impression from the test drive today will be the deciding factor for me.
Thank you again.
I understand what you mean about wanting a Jag simply because its a Jag. No doubt its a beautiful car and hearing the name Jaguar just triggers a special thought in everyone's mind about luxury. Hopefully that, combined with a great impression from the test drive today will be the deciding factor for me.
Thank you again.
#6
11-19-2006, 10:02 AM
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
Bought my 2005 X-type this year. It was an impulse buy (I was looking to buy the Infinity). Bought it with 11k miles, now has 18. I absolutely love it. Just has that perfect combination of elegance and sportiness. Have had no problems so far. Assuming it doesn't turn into a mechanical nightmare, I see myself driving Jags the rest of my life. Just a wonderful automible to look at, sit in, and drive. Plus I love saying stuff like "Should we take the Jag tonight?"
Todd
Todd
#7
11-19-2006, 02:15 PM
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
In the garage is a 2006 black on black with Moonroof package, backup assist and stability control 
I LOVE IT, what a beautiful car to look at and drive.
Thanks to everyone here whom helped me decide on the X-Type.
Glad to be a member of the baby Jag family
I LOVE IT, what a beautiful car to look at and drive. Thanks to everyone here whom helped me decide on the X-Type.
Glad to be a member of the baby Jag family
Trending Topics
#8
11-19-2006, 02:21 PM
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
In the garage is a 2006 black on black with Moonroof package, backup assist and stability control I LOVE IT, what a beautiful car to look at and drive.
Thanks to everyone here whom helped me decide on the X-Type.
Glad to be a member of the baby Jag family
I LOVE IT, what a beautiful car to look at and drive. Thanks to everyone here whom helped me decide on the X-Type.
Glad to be a member of the baby Jag family
#9
11-19-2006, 06:57 PM
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
Congratulations - enjoy the unique character of a partially exclusive, distinctive and characterful (sometimes flawed) ride. As part of my job I've driven almost everything from Rolls Royces down to microcars and still the Jaguar ends up seeming like an enjoyable event rather than just transport.
#10
11-20-2006, 12:30 AM
Senior Member
#12
11-21-2006, 12:34 AM
Senior Member
#13
11-21-2006, 10:39 PM
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
;-( don't look at mine..been about 3 weeks now since she got a warm bath...your making me feel guilty ....
________
LovelyWendie
________
LovelyWendie
Last edited by racerx82; 05-17-2011 at 07:56 AM.
#14
11-22-2006, 12:18 AM
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
3 weeks? your keys should be taken away. of course i have always been overboard when it comes to keeping cars clean. my baby gets a hand wash at least once a week, sometime twice. monthly waxing as well. found a really good hand wash place that only charges me $11 for inside and out, with armor all on the tires. down side is that is is a 20 min drive for me, but to me it's worth it.
#15
11-23-2006, 01:25 AM
Senior Member
#16
11-24-2006, 08:37 PM
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
I can't drive a car that's dirty no matter what it is. My xls ford escape is always clean even though its the lowest and cheapest model they sell. These jags though are awesome. Local people whom drive them are so freakin' fun! I went to a Detroit Pistons game last friday and came out and there was a brand new big sister parked next to me. The commradory with these cars is awesome! This is the second or third time i've had a jag park next to me in less than two months of owning! The only time I've had this happen is the whole biker feeling. The only problem is that not all bikers are cool to other riders like every person driving a jag is cool to each other. Driving this car is an experience, which is awesome, especially the way other people look at them. Also every person no matter the age gap can appreciate these cars. Old...Young...5 years old they all seem to like it. This week I had this kid about 3-5 years old say "Daddy I really like that blue car" coming out of Blockbuster. It just makes you feel good. I mean I'm only 21 so I havn't had the luxury to drive every car out there or own whatever I want but I got this car in good condition with excellent options for a steal as far as I'm concerned. I just wanted to say that I love this car!
#17
11-24-2006, 11:03 PM
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
Hi.. I'm new here. To answer the original question on any thoughts... Heres my take.
I bought my X-type just 2 days ago... My first thoughts after getting through the "oh crap I actually own a Jaguar" period is this:
Its as hot of a car that, and will be, than it was the moment I drove it off the lot. People STARE. All they know is Jaguar, the make means nothing to the majority of people. Its a HOT car others. Additionally, it drives WONDERFUL. Great acceleration and handling and the engine growl is addictive. The interior is as beautiful to my eyes as it was just a few days ago. Im coming from a Civic so its a big step up in that regards but wow.
The downside... Now that I'm "used" to my car, I've begun to realize gas mileage stinks (compared to the civics I drove my first 10 years). On top of putting gas in more often, the gas is premium. Ouch. This is getting expensive... And theres insurance too. Way more than the civic I'm used to.
So all in all I've wondered is this 'cool' car worth it to have moved up? The answer.... YES. Why? Because fun and finally having a cool car (after working hard and graduating college etc) is at the top of my list right now. This car is perfect for it. In 4-5 years, if I'm richer, I'll definately look at something like the Acura TL or something to fit the 'cool' car need, the gas mileage, the reliability, etc... But right now I want fun, prestige, and a quality name car. The Jag has it, and I'm glad I bought it.
The End.
I bought my X-type just 2 days ago... My first thoughts after getting through the "oh crap I actually own a Jaguar" period is this:
Its as hot of a car that, and will be, than it was the moment I drove it off the lot. People STARE. All they know is Jaguar, the make means nothing to the majority of people. Its a HOT car others. Additionally, it drives WONDERFUL. Great acceleration and handling and the engine growl is addictive. The interior is as beautiful to my eyes as it was just a few days ago. Im coming from a Civic so its a big step up in that regards but wow.
The downside... Now that I'm "used" to my car, I've begun to realize gas mileage stinks (compared to the civics I drove my first 10 years). On top of putting gas in more often, the gas is premium. Ouch. This is getting expensive... And theres insurance too. Way more than the civic I'm used to.
So all in all I've wondered is this 'cool' car worth it to have moved up? The answer.... YES. Why? Because fun and finally having a cool car (after working hard and graduating college etc) is at the top of my list right now. This car is perfect for it. In 4-5 years, if I'm richer, I'll definately look at something like the Acura TL or something to fit the 'cool' car need, the gas mileage, the reliability, etc... But right now I want fun, prestige, and a quality name car. The Jag has it, and I'm glad I bought it.
The End.
#18
11-25-2006, 08:13 AM
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
ORIGINAL: ohnoesaz
Hi.. I'm new here. The downside... , I've begun to realize gas mileage stinks. On top of putting gas in more often, the gas is premium. Ouch. This is getting expensive...
Hi.. I'm new here. The downside... , I've begun to realize gas mileage stinks. On top of putting gas in more often, the gas is premium. Ouch. This is getting expensive...
You think its expensive...try living here in UK where 6 months ago we were paying the equivalent of $1.91 per litre (Repeat..per litre..not per Gallon!) but we are a lot happier now its down to around $1.68 per litre.
You dont know how good you guys have it!!
#19
11-25-2006, 10:28 AM
#20
11-25-2006, 12:06 PM
RE: Considering new X-Type. Thoughts?
Amen brother, not to mention that the chicks just LOVE this car and they think you're loaded with cash....well at least the young ones anyway.....I actually got hit on by 3 girls...in their early 20's....WOW..that hasn't happened since highschool almost 20 years ago!!
Wifes wonderig why i always have this big shitty grin on my face when i tell her we will be driving the jag on trips/stores/etc...instead of the more roomier CTS... lol
LOVE THIS CAR!
hate the lack of performance parts
Hate the possibility of the x-type going away in 08
Hate the fact of dismal trade in value
:-)
________
Suzuki gs550m
Wifes wonderig why i always have this big shitty grin on my face when i tell her we will be driving the jag on trips/stores/etc...instead of the more roomier CTS... lol
LOVE THIS CAR!
hate the lack of performance parts
Hate the possibility of the x-type going away in 08
Hate the fact of dismal trade in value
:-)
________
Suzuki gs550m
Last edited by racerx82; 05-17-2011 at 08:00 AM.