I currently own a 2002 X-Type with 93,000 miles on it. Mechanically the car runs great. However, the underside is so badly rusted from the road salt from the winters I have to replace it. The rocker panels/sills have severe rust to the point where the plastic covers are barely hanging on. I thought I read on these forums a while ago that from 2005 on wards they fixed this problem and they don't rust out. I want to know what years were affected by this poor design so that I don't buy another X-type that will rust out the exact same way. I know the panel rusts from the inside out so by the time you can see it, the damage has been done. Any help/expertise on this will be greatly appreciated.

 

Well I guess there is/could be some debate on this. SUPPOSEDLY they changed the drain system from 2004 forward. The older ones had few drains, drains that plugged and the "California Rake" of the X Type contributed to the water/salt, etc. sitting forward towards where the A pillar is (by where the front doors attach).
There has been discussion of people who had 2004+ year cars that were in the "6 year rust protection guarantee" period still having Jag refuse to repair or replace their cars because there was no "DOCUMENTED" yearly dealer inspection for rust (LOL). This in the wake of many complaints of rusting and Jag's stance of "we don't have a problem" or "you used some kind of rust inhibitor that voids the guarantee". This last one is they tell people you have to PROVE no such coating has been/was used. Now how in the world could you prove you DIDN'T do something? Smfh!
I've looked mine (2096) over and there is no obvious sign yet that I can see. But, many people never removed the plastic housings to really inspect for rust and by the time they seen signs, the damage was extensive.

 

 

Yeah and fat fingers