Hello all,

I am an existing XJS and E type owner looking to get an X type as a daily driver. I just sold my Mercury DD car and need to replace it. I know I want a manual transmission, so I was thinking about a brand new mini, but the idea of a manual x type for 1/2 or less than what a new mini will cost me is tempting.

The only thing that discouraged me is that when I dropped of my E type for an oil change at my Jaguar shop that services her and the XJS, I told my mechanic I was looking at a X TYPE......he told me the X types are cars that make him the most money. He mentioned how the engine has to come of for an oil pan an something about the driveshaft. He said I would be spending a lot more in maintenance than what I spend in my E type and XJS combined. He suggested an S type is more reliable. But I want a smaller manual, so probably not an S , although I seriously considered it a while back.

Anyway, are his comments about the X TYPE being a money pit accurate ? I was looking at manuals 2004 and above only. I am able to do some minor maintenance like coils, fans, hoses, some light electrical, but I definitely won't be getting an engine out.


Any comments greatly appreciated.

 

I have a manual. Can't really say mine's a money pit. Funny enough, I hear that about your XJS often. But whatever, I love the XJS, gorgeous cars. We drive what we love. But the oil pan gasket change is accurate. It takes about 6-8 hours of labor. It's been discussed on here plenty, do a search if you want details on what's involved.

I think they quit making manuals (or being available in the US) right around my year model (2005). I recall reading that somewhere...but can't remember off-hand where. Sorry. Just thoroughly have whatever X-Type you consider checked. Common expensive repairs are the oil pan, and the headlight adjusters seem to break frequently too...to the tune of about $500 per assembly.

What else should he check guys? Anything else expensive that a shop would normally have to repair?

 

to be quite honest, i have not had many expenses to date. I have an 04 X-type with manual transmission, and just recently found that my oilpan gasket needs replacing. With 115k on the car, i would say this is not too bad considering the only other expenses other than regular maintenance is a new battery (which could be considered reg. maint. after 6 years).

 

I have an 03 at over 140K miles. Besides the oil pan gasket and minor upkeep it runs strong still. The shifting is smooth enough I've had friends swear it was an automatic. While finding one is rare find too I won't give mine up. I'm already planning on holding an engine in reserve to keep it running.

 

I have a 2005 3.0 manual and have had it for over 4 1/2 years and it has been very reliable. It has 123,000 miles on it (80K of it put on by me) and it's great. Like the other though, I'll have to address the leaking oil pan soon. On the forum it seems like they has generally been less issues with the cars 2004 and newer, but that might be because there were less of them sold. And, yes, they stopped selling manuals after the 2005 model.

 

I've had an 03 manual for 7 years, can't say it's a money pit because I've never had to repair anything. But they are AWD so they have a complex drive system. X Types are driven and not looked at. I've had an E Type and XJS as well and the X Type is a modern car and much more reliable. The problem with X Types is that they are very cheap to buy and are often owned by deferred maintenance (young) drivers so failures tend to be catastrophic.

 

My 2002 2.5 manual is a nice " Little " car . Mines only done 50.000 from new & I've only had it 6 months . It will need a good plugs / oil change service soon , as i bought it from auction with very little service record . I need to get the ABS lamp to to extinguish permanently ( New speed sensor ) & maybe tyres will be needed in the next 3000 miles .Its a lot of fun & has a great smile factor ...bonus 4x4 helps out with crappy UK winters ..

 

Thanks for the replies.

It's encouraging that some of y'all have trouble free cars. Last thing I want is car that needs constant attention, which I don't mind for my other cars, but I don't want that in a daily driver car.

My heart is really set on a manual X so I will likely go for it when the right one comes up with manual transmission and BRG exterior.

Is there any aftermarket warranty anyone here has on their X TYPE that they would recommend?

 

I ran my '02 X-Type manual Sport to 240,000 miles with regular maintenance only. A wayward deer put an end to my quest to hit 250K on the original clutch. '04 X-Type has been just as reliable.

 

my 02 has had no problems due to keeping fluids clean ..and not using it as a drag car

 

I own a 3.0 sport xtype 5spd and it has been one of the most reliable cars ever. With that being said however, there are a lot more potential problems with these cars due to them being awd and having to fit that awd system in such a small space. If you don't need awd, get a manual stype and call it a day. Stypes are a little bit easier to work on and you can even find a manual 3.0 stype out there.

With that all being said though, I have 120k on my xtype and it still runs amazingly. None of the common gearbox faults from the auto transmission and you can control the car so much better with the manual. Most definitely the best car I could have bought!

 

Just saw a 2005 X-Type that's a manual and BRG pop up on the inventory at Texas Cars Direct in Dallas. Here's the link: Used Mercedes Benz | Jaguar | Land Rover | Texas Cars Direct, Dallas, TX

I've had my 2006 X-type for 3 1/2 years; 51,000 miles with no problems.