I tried to do a search on here, but was curious about the pros and cons to this model year?

Its a really good deal. 32K miles with NAV at 9800.

Wanting to buy by Sat, so any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

I got a 2.5 in the same year, earlier this year. The car, no matter if the 2.5 or 3.0, has it's known issues. If you read this board for a couple days you will quickly become aware of what to look for when purchasing a used one and what to expect to go bad eventually. I love my 2003 2.5 despite it's quirks. I just recommend reading this board and have the dealer or an independent mechanic either check for or perform some fixes of the more common issues before you accept the car. I even think you could talk them down a little in price actually-- closer to 9K. I'll list some of the common issues below:

- Transfer Case is weak and although supposed to be sealed for life, is known to go dry and requires replacement (see the many threads for a DIY refill to prevent replacement)
- Engine vacuum leaks are common but usually an easy fix, although you may get the scary check engine light when they happen (again there are many how-to's on this board to fix them)
- Some of the x-type's are known to have vibration issues at speeds between 50-70mph due to faulty propshaft
- Transmissions have been known to go out early on some of the early years

Others can add on as there are some other more common issues that most have exprienced. This board was my best friend before purchasing my car.

 

Junnkie, I say buy the car. Granted, see if you can talk them down a little bit. The price is a little on the high side as the blue book price for the car is about 9800. I have a 2003 and my car has been as reliable as any other vehicle that I have owned. The lower end Jags are taking it in the shorts for resale right now because no one is wanting to pay for the premium gas. So, getting it slightly cheaper should not be a problem.

As for problems, the list above is pretty good. The 03's have a slightly different transfer case than the 04+'s. The 02-03 cars have a true AWD system where the 04+'s seem to be more of a RWD setup until the rears start to slip, then the transfer case transfers some of the power to the front. The 03 seems to drive better in bad weather.

As long as you are good to the car, it will be good to you. Don't race the car and all will be fine. Welcome to the club. Stick around here and you will learn all you want about the car.

One downside to this car though is that if you are planning on upgrading it, plan to live with an empty wallet. There are not many things out there that are simple bolt on upgrades. most of what you are going to run into is custom all the way. Not to steer you away from the car, but that is the facts of the situation. Not saying you can't modify the car (lord knows I have made some changes and have more planned), but doing a change requires a lot of investigation, some trial and error, and spending more money than the same mod on other vehicles.

 

Wow! What a nice way to start the new year.

If everything checks out you'll have a great car for the money. Like Thermo said, it does seem a bit on the high side for a 2003 even with the low miles. Depends on just how highly it's optioned; is it the 3.0 liter or 2.5? Sport model? Parking sensors, heated seats, voice activation, premium stereo, etc. Familiarize yourself with what came standard and what is optional. Easy to find out with a little surfing. The X's are not the easiest cars for dealers to sell. You should definitely be able to get money off that price. Wouldn't surprise me if you could get 20% off that if you negotiate hard and it's been sitting at the dealer a while. Good luck and hope it works out for you. They are a lot of car for very little money. Just do your due diligence up front.

 

I've had my '03 2.5L 5 speed for 7 years now and I still love driving the car. It has it's quirks as noted above, but it is a great car to drive in the snowier climes and is a comfortable car to drive for long distances. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

A Jaguar is an exquisite mistress, but an expensive one. (at times)

 

if you want a car with the better awd, 2002-2003 are the best years...if your buying it in those years most of the quirks should have been done ....i own the 2.5 2002 ...its the best car ive ever owned hasnt let me down yet, i tried to bullet proof it with redline transfer case oil...and in the transmision....the later years are good also....but for what your getting your set



aslong as you dont drag race with it, the transfer case will last forever...with good tc oil changes

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm trying to get them to come down to 9k its through a private party and the car looks so clean from the outside, but we'll see how good it is on a test drive.

I'm also looking at a 04 3.0 X Type for 10K or another that I'm trying to get the guy down to 9.5k.

Is the paint difficult to take care of especially black? Are xenon headlamps stock on the 03's and 04's?

 

for me its easy to keep up the black paint, mine is 8 years old and the paint is mint...just dont try to clean it with a dry rag ..and dont use a polish ...use carnuba wax

im buying another x-type,its for my wife ,the truck has to go it sucks in the snow...so we also are looking for a 2002-2003 so we can get the better awd system,

 

Junkie, HID bulbs (ie, xenons) are not stock for the X-Types. They are an upgrade. To see if the car has HIDs or not, simply open up the driver's door and look up near the hinge. There will be a white sticker there that will say that the car is equipped with HID headlights. If you don't see the sticker, then the car has standard headlights. The other way is to open up the back of the headlight housing and look for the ballast that is mounted in there. But, if you are not sure what you are looking for, then it makes it a bit difficult to tell if you looking at the correct part or not.

 

I paid $9200 for mine last June with 69000 miles on it. I've got another $1000 into it with a new Nav CD, tires and battery. Best money I've ever spent as there isn't a time I get into that car and don't think how much I love it. It is the best car I've ever had and I've never bought a car used before. You will love it. I'm sure if it's got the NAV it's pretty well loaded. With those low miles it's easy for folks to say to talk them down, but that car is worth what they're asking. I know, I've shopped around and they are much higher here in St. Louis for a nice '03 with that low of miles. Enjoy.

 

for what your paying for a awd car with all the toys its a bargain.....most awd cars goes for 30000 and up, plus you have low miles just bullet proof it, with good tc oil , its not a drag car...youll enjoy it