I am looking to buy a used 2003 X Type 2.5 l automatic from a dealer but would like to know what I need to look for as far as potential problems with this car? i've heard they have transfer case issues and electrical issues...can someone please let me know what else I should look for? the mileage on the car is about 70k...thanks for any help

 

I sure could use someone's help on this...i'd like to get this car from the dealer this week...I have read some of the threads on this site but still could use a point by point list that I can get the car checked out with

 

I haven't owned my 04 long enough to be familiar enough to offer any helpful advice, all I can say is after five days of owning it, I'm in love with it. If you like it, go for it!

 

You are correct about the transfer case, but you can't really check that. Ask if the fluid was changed or change it right after you buy it.

I don't know if I would agree with the X having electrical issues. Some weird things can show up if your battery is starting to go.

Vacuum leaks are a common problem, but easy and inexpensive to fix. Water pumps seem to go around 100K or so, but not that bad to fix. See if the tops of the tires in the rear are slanted in towards the interior of the car. That would be worn lower control arms. Easy enough to address. The oil pan will end up leaking. Harmless, but the drops of oil are annoying. Expensive to fix because of a blocked bolt. You can search for more on that here. That is like $800-$1200 to fix.

Other than that, just check out what you normally would when buying a car. Check the drivability, listen for any noises and that no check engine lights are on the dash. And lastly, read as much as you can on here the next few days. Anything that can happen to these cars has been talked about on here and a fix discussed. The more you can educate yourself the better your chances are of getting the right car. Good luck.

 

the x is very easy to work on, and even easier to fall head over heels in love with!

 

thanks all for your help and replies...im also looking at a 2006 x type with a 3.0 liter and 59k in miles...sounds like that it might be better to get the 06 than the 03 model