I am planning to purchase an X-Type in the near future. However, I have read a lot about transfer case problems on these cars, and at least one person said to expect to replace the transfer case every 60,000 miles. Does this sound like the typical experience for the X-type owners on this forum? I think I am leaning towards a 2004 or later model to get the newer transfer case design. Thanks for any advice you can give!

 

Welcome to the forums! You have come to the right place. You won't find a friendlier or more useful car site out there.

As to your question, there were a number of issues with the early cars that had a viscous coupling transfer case and there were some issues with the early cars. Then there was the issue with "sealed for life" where owners weren't supposed to change the transfer case fluid. Sometime in they redesigned the transfer case which has seemed to have increased reliability. However, with the design the traction isn't as good as the early cars. I won't go through all that, but if you do a little searching you will find all kinds of threads on that. If you get one of the 2004 and later cars with the newer transfer case make sure it has DSC. If not, when a wheel would start spinning you could stuck.

The early issues with the transfer cases has passed. As long as you change the fluid regularly and drive sensibly and do not abuse it it will be very reliable.

 

Lunchbox, replacement of the transfer case can happen as early as 30,000 miles. I am not trying to scare you, but how you drive the car is going to directly reflect on how long the transfer case is going to last. You drive "spiritedly", even the new transfer case can break on you, resulting in a big bill (about $3000 for a new transfer case to be installed). On the flip side, you drive sensibly, the transfer case will outlast the car (I have 148K miles on my car, original transfer case that is one of the "weak" ones made in 2003).

If you want a nice cruiser, then the X-Type can do that for you. You want something to have some fun with and drive spiritedly, then I would recommend looking into either an S-Type or an XJ. Both of those cars will not give you trouble with fun loving driving.

 

Hi there,
My 02 X-type 3.0 with 135k on its original case is my everyday drive. I guess it is all in how you drive because I am more of a cruiser.
My car has the DSC, but its an early model? Is that because its the 3.0 or because of being the sport?
Just curious.
Erik

 

Should be because it's a sport. I'm under the impression DSC was standard on sport spec and optional on the others.

 

Thanks for the input, everyone! I have arranged to purchase a 2007 X-type with 102k miles on it. I am eager to pick it up from the owner next Saturday, though I do have to wait a week!

 

You'll love it, they're amazing cars!

 

Congrats! I would echo what the previous posters said about the transfer case issues. Buying a later year model is a good move, as is not driving like a crazy person.

Be sure to post a pic or nine when you get a chance. Cheers.