hi gang, as the title states, i'm looking at jaguars. I came across a few of these model years x-types. the ones i saw where with the 3.0 awd models (canada). I wanted to know if they are generally good cars? are they reliable? fun to drive?
i know they are based on the ford fusion....correct?
is the awd system good?
i'm handy and can do most basic repairs/maintenance on cars.
this would be a second car, not daily driver.

note...i have also considered a 2007 xj8 as well as a vintage 1991 xj6 sovereign. would you also consider these?
thanks
fab

 

fabchef, there are a few quirks I think you should be aware of before saying that the X-type is a good car. If you want something to zoom from light to light and be sporty with, then the X-TYpe is probably going to be a very expensive car for you (the original cars had a weak transfer case and this caused a lot of problems, but most of these cars should have failed by now if they are going to have an issue). You want to cruise the highways at 70-80 mph, then it will be a great car for that.

The second thing with the transfer case is in mid 2004, Jaguar put in a new style transfer case (This started in April 2004). This is an open differential style (vice the viscous coupling of the 2002-early 2004). While this does allow for all 4 wheels to get power, once one wheel looses traction, it takes all the power. So, this doesn't leave you sitting too good in adverse weather. The early style transfer case, the viscous coupling would keep power to 1 front and 1 rear wheel at all times. If you get the later style transfer case, you need to make sure that on the center console there is a button labeled "DSC" (dynamic stability control). This will greatly improve the cars handling in the snow there where you are.

The common issues with the X-TYpe seem to be vacuum issues (there are the Big 3, easy fixes) and people having issues with the rear e-brake freezing up. The E-brake is easy to check for. You simply pull up on the e-brake lever. If you feel like you are pulling all the way to the ceiling, problem. The other thing that I would tell you to look for is the rocker panels. If they are rusty, then move on to another car. That area of the car is structural in nature and to fix that area would cost you more than what you are going to pay for the car.

ONe last thing that seems to be a common question is upgrading the radio to the Nav system. To go from the stock radio to the Nav system is possible, but it is going to be a tough road and require a lot of work. If a factory Nav system is something you want/desire, get the car with it (even if it costs you a bit more). It will save you a lot of heartache. Can you install an aftermarket radio? Yes and No. If you have the non-nav radio, then yes. There are a few size restrictions, but lots of members have done this. If you have the Nav system, upgrading the radio is almost a no-go thing as a lot of the A/C controls are incorporated into the radio and going backwards is a PITA.

As for what the car is based off of, you are half correct. It is really based off of a Ford Mondeo (European version of the Fusion). But, I am finding that the rear end is based on a Volvo S40. So, finding parts can be interesting. For the motor, a lot of parts for say a Lincoln LS 3.0L engine are interchangeable. The water pump is not though.

So, if you want a good cruiser, by all means, get the X-Type. You want something to toss through curves, the X-Type will do that too. You want something to zoom light to light with, the XJ is going to be much more fun and cheaper to do it with.

 

Fab:
The simple answer to your question is YES, they are good cars. We have owned 3 of them, two being 2002 models (one of these now gone to a new home), one a 2005 Sportwagon - and we (happily) have these other two. One (mine, the 2005) sits in the garage, but my wife's (the 2002) is used daily and sits outside 24 hours a day every day of the last 17 years. Yes, 17 years. What has gone wrong with it in those 17 years?...hmmm...well, I replaced the water pump 2 years ago because it was seeping slightly; at the same time I replaced the coolant reservoir. It has had one 02 sensor replaced, and one of the motors on the driver's seat (the up/down motor) had a stripped nylon gear. That's it. Apart from the last (the stripped nylon gear) the rest is arguably just normal service maintenance - no electrical issues at all, no mechanical issues . Zero rust - but I live in Victoria (no "winter" - so virtually no road salt), and you (if I am reading correctly) live in Montréal where road and weather conditions are very different - so the advice Thermo gives might apply - and Thermo is a super contributor to this forum. My wagon, in 8 years of regular use has had ZERO repairs/replacements.
With these cars, as with all cars, the service history is everything. Has the car gone through multiple owners? Regular oil and filter changes? And has the transmission and transfer case fluid been changed? If not, it should be done ASAP.
But reliable? definitely - and they are great road cars (but the Ford myth should be discarded - although they share some basic parts). This forum is a great resource and people are very happy to share their experience and help. Let us know what you decide.





The XJ8 (X350 is the factory model code) is a fabulous car (I have had one) - but clearly in a different rank (even) more luxurious, much larger, very fast (4.2 litre V8 with a ZF 6 speed transmission)...but more expensive to maintain in some ways (the electronic air suspension is one example); the engine itself is bullet-proof but if you consider one, see if the thermostat and the thermostat housing has been replaced. If not, it should be. And if the car is a Montréal car you have to consider the issue of corrosion - which will not affect the aluminum body, but may affect the electrical ground points (especially one near the headlamps - and this affects a number of systems ) - this is not to put you off; the XJ8 is simply superb. But no used car, especially one used in winter conditions, is going to be entirely maintenance-free. And happily, there is a list for the X350 car too!:

 

Thermo & Sov211
thanks for all your input guys. Much appreciated.
I agree with past history and maintenance records help out. Every car has its item(s) that can be a PITA to fix.
I noticed this on my lexus rx350, and changing stark plugs. Due to the location and "the bolt from hell(yes...a bolt)" it took me about 3-4 hours to do.
I saw a video of shark plug change on the 3.0 x-type, looks like a pita.
This was one reason i considered the xj8... nice longitudinal engine😁. Love it.
I always liked rwd cars, but i think the x-type can also make for a good daily driver, even in winter.
yes our roads are bad here with salt in winter.
thanks again gang.
fab

 

fabchef, the intake is not that big of a deal. Sure, it takes a little bit the first time to get hte intake off. But, once you figure out where all the bolts are, it spins off pretty quickly for other projects. So, overall, not too bad.

 

X type the best buy out there. I've had my 2003 X type since 2005 and still runs and looks like new with 130K miles on it. The X wasn't snooty enough for the Jaguar crowd back when it was introduced so it took a lot of shots from them but it was then and is now a solid car. As with all Jags, the styling is timeless so you'll never feel out dated no matter the year of any Jaguar.

 

X-Types - I own a 2006 Estate Wagon and a 2005 Sport. They both have fairly high mileage (110,000 and 153,000 respectively), multiple owners and few maintenance records. I purchased both of them sight-unseen from members of the forum and am very satisfied with the purchases. Repairs and maintenance are what you'd expect with any car with high mileage. Vacuum leaks were an issue with both cars, but probably well within your ability to repair. As with any other car, routine maintenance often involves sliding underneath to access components, drain and fill plugs, etc. Since turning 79, I've limited those excursions as much as possible and having access to a lift makes working on them a lot easier. For work beyond your comfort level, find yourself a good indy mechanic. While a Jaguar specialist is desirable, any experienced mechanic can pretty much take care of these cars. In terms of driveability, I agree entirely with Thermo. These cars handle really well and are really fun to drive. I was fortunate enough to find a Sport with manual transmission which, in my opinion, enhances the driving experience.

No matter what you decide, the Forums are an incredible resource and make owning these cars much more practical than being at the mercy of the dealer. Good luck!

 

I am very happy with the car, I wish I knew how to put the rocker panel on.

 

Excellent all-around-town daily driver. Outside of replacing the water pump and fan module, I've owned my 2002 since 2015 without an issue. I was lucky in that mine came with w/40k miles, one owner and all service records. Easy to drive, solid handling. Great highway car. I'm told the later models had less minor mechanical issues.

I did perform all the recommened maintenance suggested on this website. And I replaced the original suspension and rubber components. I also added sound dampening around the car (doors, headliner and floor boards) since our cars didn't come with much/or any, because I hate a noisy cabin. But the car ran just fine without all this.

I also found a decent independent mechanic to do the basic maintenance or repairs.

 

I bought the X-Type new, I ordered it with the options I wanted. The car has required maintenance but nothing out of the ordinary. I have done the following:
1) Synthetic oil/filter changes every ~4000 miles
2) New water pump
3) New brakes and rotors, went with Brembos and Akibono ceramic pads after the dealer did the stock pads and rotors the first time around.
4) New fuel pumps and sending units
5) New roof liner, looks better than factory.
6) New cabin filter and fixed water leak. See thread about passenger side leak.
7) New tires, Michelin PS3 all season radials.
8) A/C compressor O-ring fix (recall procedure)
9) New Nissen radiator and plastic pipe

I have to reseal the valve covers and change the spark plugs, they are original. I also need to change the transmission fluid and transfer case fluid.
Not a ton of maintenance for a 17 year old car with ~75,000 miles.

It's not a rocket but it's also not slow. The 0-60 is in the high 7 second range, I think it's a little quicker than it feels.

 

Shh... X-types are pieces of garbage. Stay far far away from them at all costs! . (This is why I own 3 Estates.) Everyone believes they are crummy cars, so you can purchase them for a great price versus their capabilities and reliability.

 

Get the latest MY and lowest mileage you can afford, take care of oil, cooling and trans. fluid, it will last and you will enjoy it. remember Jag. X-Type is entry level of Luxury car, not a performance sport car, so don't trash it around, transmission can not withstand the abused.