I'm debating the purchase of a X-Thpe for my daughter as I almost bought one for me before I picked up my XJ8L and liked it.

Is there a general idea as to when to expect one of these to start getting a little too long in the tooth and become a money pit and unreliable? I know prior service is key but sometimes transmissions, transfer cases and timing chains can all be expected to give it up by "X" miles.

Any things I should specifically look out for when looking besides the obvious fluid, compression and OBD2 code checks?

Thanks

Eric

 

62sunbeam, a lot of it is going to depend on how the daughter drives it. The X-Type is fairly peppy (especially if you get the 3.0L motor). But, with the perceived weak transfer case, if she is hard on the car, the car is going to be hard on your wallet. Can you say $3000 for a new transfer case. Now, this may also be something that you can help her drive a little nicer if you tell her that if the transfer case goes, she is on the hook for say half (or whatever you deem appropriate).

After that, most of the problems that people are having are dealing with normal "higher mileage" issues. I had my car out to 182K miles and didn't really do anything more than a plug change, oil changes, new intake gaskets, new battery, pads/rotors, a few calipers (my car seemed to like a new rear caliper once a year). But, after that, the car was solid out to 11 years of life. Nothing major happened to the car.

You should be able to expect this car to go out to 300,000 miles without a lot of issues. But, having had a few younger drivers in my house, I can also understand how they might be a little hard on vehicles too. The X-Type is a great cruiser, but if the car is used to "have fun in", well, it is going to be an expensive one.

 

I agree with Thermo, it really must be judged on a car by car basis. As he said, these cars are pretty reliable but can get expensive very fast.

The known problems tend to be the transfer case issue, head light "mounts", the catalytic converters are expensive and hard to replace, various suspension bushing replacements, etc.

But the primary issue is that it is a very complex car that is getting pretty old where the dealers are sometimes far away, local repair shops are difficult to find, and parts are expensive.

These cars are better suited for the enthusiast who is willing to be confronted by ownership "challenges". That may or may not characterize your daughter...

================================================
Jaguar - it's not an automobile, it's a Motorcar
Current: '08 S-Type 4.2 "Satin Edition" (250.06 hp / 259.67 torque)
Past: '05 X-Type 3.0/auto Jaguar Racing Green

 

i purchased a 2006 3.0 for my daughter. She is extremely conservative and has a sh!tfit when i go over the speed limit and REFUSES to ride in my vette with me. so i Know she will granny the car. My opinion is the car is great for a girl first driver, AWD , tons of safety features and some pep if she needs to get on it.

My job is of course to keep it running. I got mine with 86,000 miles and changed all fluids. The transfer case had little to no fluid.

changed

transfer
rear diff
powersteering
trans fluid
brake
and greased carrier bearing

with that done i drove the car to florida (1200 miles each way ) and the car did phenomenal, but developed a stutter.

so the next step will be a full tune up , gasket and inspection . once all this is done i believe it will be a perfect car for her. I would be kidding myself though if i didn't believe i will be putting some more time and $$ into the cat. But well worth it

 

forgot to add,

seems the more my wife drives it the more likely she may seize it. There maybe a showdown between them to as to WHOSE car it is

 

62 - I have 182,000 on my '04 3.0 automatic (original owner). The transfer case went at 93,000 - replaced for 3k. I have had a couple typical coolant issues (resolved by local shop) and the 'skip' under load at low rpm started at 135,000 - it seems to be a cold weather issue for me. Jaguar could not resolve it but it is a rare occurrence - downshift and problem resolved. Have had numerous 1000 mile a day trips it total comfort - great car. AWD handles snow with ease - Nokian tires highly recommended. It's a keeper.

 

Is there preventative maintenance that can be done to protect the transfer case or are they a wear item that should be expected to fail?

Thanks

Eric

 

Flippinek! You can pick up a good secondhand transfer box for less than £400 over the pond. With postage it will still be cheaper. I know of a man who can usually supply and has a very good reputation in England.


Eric, the transfer box is a week spot on the x type. Saying that I have a 14 year old that is still going on it's original.


Oil changes can be do to keep the oil good but it can be fiddly.

 

As I have the first generation X, reputation appears well deserved. Perhaps more knowledgeable members can evaluate the '06.