Hi,

As the title states, I'm considering purchasing a 2005 X-Type 3.0 Automatic with 90K miles. It's a one owner car that looks well taken care of. I'm having a prepurchase inspection done tomorrow to see if there are any underlying issues, that can be diagnosed, at this time.

I have read many of the posts about expensive service and potential reliability issues.

I intend to put only about 2,500 to 3,000 miles per year on the car. I plan on doing most routine maintenance myself (e.g. oil, tranny fluid, transfer case fluid, brakes, coolant, plugs, filters and anything else there are fairly easy youtube videos for lol).

For me, this car would be a huge success if I can drive it approximately 9,000-10,000 miles before having to deal with non-routine maintenance issues totalling over $600. If the car completely died after I put 9,001 miles on it (99k total), it would be a shame but I wouldn't mind at all.

For added clarity, my "break even point" so to speak is at about 4,000 miles, if the car died after that I wouldn't consider it a financial loss. By died I mean the failure of something significant that would cost $1,000+

I chose the X-type because it's an AWD sedan and it has handsome styling.

What do you think? Assuming the car was well maintained, what do you think the odds are that I can put 9,000-10,000 miles on the car without having to do any significant (over $600 total) non-routine maintenance?

I would love to hear your opinion, I know you guys are experts on this subject. Thank you.

 

Price? And does it have DSC?

 

below $4,000 and yes, I believe it has dsc.

 

I bought a like car (2004) about four months ago with 104K miles on it, and have done some of the items you mention, along with replacing worn suspension bits and shocks. My impression is that the X-Type is fairly straightforward to work on, but has a couple of exceptions as most cars do. To change the spark plugs for instance requires removal of the intake manifold - but that's typical for this design. Driveline fluid servicing is tricky, particularly the transfer case and differential as there are no drain plugs. Transmission fluid is easy if you use the 3x drain/refill method you'll find posted here. On your PPI have a good look at the underside for corrosion issues from the road salt used in your locale. My overall impression of this car is favorable - nicely appointed, easy to drive, peppy. What's seller's asking price?

 

I have to go with the yes answer.
As long as the seller is not pawning a know lemon.
That is reasonable expectations.
Make sure it has the DSC, they report the AWD is fail in winter without it.

 

It turns out the 2005 X-type does not have a DSC.

Does this mean it will be terrible in the snow? worse than a fwd or rwd car?

 

If I lived in the NE as you do, I'd get a dedicated set of snow tires and wheels, then mount them up at appropriate time. Just get some inexpensive black steel wheels and put a decent set of snows on them. Bet an AWD X-Type would do just fine.

 

makes sense but the whole reason I wanted an awd car was to be better in the snow lol. it kind of makes the awd on the car pointless by adding complicated, power stealing drive train parts while not adding speed or inclement weather handling ability.

Everyone thank you for your input. I'm definitely going to pass on the 05. there was an 02 I was looking at in the 2.5k range that I might still consider if it has the earlier transfer case (I read the other threads that talk about the dates

 

I'm thinking it would do fine in the snow. Did you ask the seller what his winter driving experience has been with this car?

 

I have an '05 without DSC; it's okay in snow at best- with good snow (not winter) tires. You've got three open differentials in the driveline; if one tire loses traction, it spins and other than parasitic drag, you've got pretty much nothing. I like to say it has AWD until you need it! If it's icy I take my truck...