Hello all!

I've been reading the Jaguar forums for a couple of weeks now, but now I need to make my first post! I'm basically looking for advices as to whether or not I should buy a used X-Type 2005.

Some important factors that I need to state :

1. I'm 31, but this is actually going to be my first car.
2. I'm looking for an entry-level luxury car.
3. I don't know much about cars in general, but I'm doing my homeworks and learning quickly from different sources.
4. I live in Montreal, Canada, where winters are cold and there is lots of snow.
5. I'm looking for a "week-end" type of car. I work downtown and will never use my car to go to work. I will only use it during weekends to visit the family, do some shopping, and most importantly play golf!!

Now, after looking at different cars, I narrowed it down to a Saab 9-3 Linear 2005, and a Jaguar X-Type 3.0 Sedan 2005. You may think it's weird, because the two cars are quite different. But I narrowed it down to these two cars because of several reasons :

1. They look great.
2. Resale value is low, making them cheaper than competitors.
3. I found good deals on each of them at local car shops, so I can test drive them and don't need to have them shipped.
4. They are very unique where I live, unlike all the A4, 328i, G35, and other luxury cars that I see all the time downtown.

Now, the two cars that I'm looking at are very similar because they are the same color (Saab is black exterior and black interior, Jag is black exterior and tan interior), they are both automatic (I live in the city so I was recommended automatic), they both have about 90,000 km (about 55,000 miles) on them, and they are both 2005 models. I will spare you the interior details because you probably know them better than I do!

Other important details :

1. They are both exactly the same price
2. The X-Type comes with winter tires, but no summer/all-season tires. The 9-3SS comes with all-season tires, but no winter tires. (winter tires are mandatory now in Canada in winter). So both cars will need a new set of tires and rims.
3. The 9-3SS comes with an extended 4 year/48,000km powertrain warranty.

I'm looking for advices from you experienced X-Type owners. I've been debating and going back and forth now for a week. But I need to make a decision! One thing that I need to keep in mind of course is that both cars seem to have a history of problems when it comes to reliability. Should I be worried about that? Is this just a myth? Would the X-Type be more expensive than the 9-3SS to maintain/repair? And whatever choice I make, should I get an extended warranty although I'm planning to use it for probably less then 12,000km per year?

I apologize for all the questions in the same post, it's just that it's my first car and I'm worried that I will not make the right choice! I'm nervous and excited at the same time and I can't wait to buy my car, so I'm looking for advices from you guys! Would you say the X-Type is the better choice considering my situation and needs?

Thank you very much in advance :-)

 

Hey sevren,
just a quick note from me. No doubt some of the X typers will be along shortly with more advice fro you.
I have owned both cars you mention....an 05 Saab 93 Vector Sport ( diesel ) top of the range and an X type 02 2.5V6 both manuals.
I loved the Saab, a beautiful car which I loved as I did the X type.
For where you live the X type all the way with its AWD in your winter climate you're onto a winner.
I reckon the X has the edge on space too and certainly here tends to be viewed more as a luxury car than the Saab would be.
Yes, make sure you have an extended warranty. The X has been known to suffer problems with the t/c although if you're talking about an 05 most of the quirks etc have been remedied / worked out.
Have a look through the X type FAQ quick link page for FAQ's / problems on the X etc etc. There's some really good knowledgable and very helpful techs here as well as a great member base who will be only too happy to help.

All the best

Jim

 

I owned a Saab once... and that's all i did was saab. That car was much more to maintain then the Jaguar and it did not look as sexy. My choice (if I had to do it all again) would be the Jaguar. It is a great little car. I would recommend a few options that I could not live without. The seat warmers, the nav screen, and the ACM unit. The ACM connects an iPod, USB, or MP3 player to the system. The DSC option is something I would recomend with the snow you guys get. I live in Cleveland Ohio and I don't have the DSC and the car drives great. I just know it would be much better If I had the DSC. Good luck with your first car!

 

only quick thing i can say is, isn't it cool to tell people your first car would be a JAGUAR?

i'm 28 this year, and i'm driving a X-type 2.1V6SE and many people are very surprised by that ... I would definitely say go for the JAGUAR, and since you dun drive the car around much, have you considered an even older but bigger JAGUAR such as, say .. a 8-10 year old XK or something? Over here in Singapore, a 10 year old XK would be around the same cost as a 2.5 year old X-type but because i drive this car daily, i won't be able to live with the taxes and all that ...

 

I think that the X-Type is more stylish then the Saab. The AWD will help you out during those Canada winters you talked about. I love my 04 X-Type even though its the 2.5 manual( I prefer manual trans over autos anyway), and not the 3.0 v6.

Can you find a certified preowned at a local Jaguar dealer? That would be your best bet.

GL with it and enjoy that new Jag!!!

 

Like the previous poster said, the 2005 Model of X Types should have all the big major issues resolved. Every car will have issues, if you take care of the car the car will take care of you. Plus this does not sound it will be an issue wtih you since you won't drive it everyday anyway. X Type seems like has winter tires which you need for sure and a AWD. Since I know SAAB and it is a good car dont get me wrong but Jaguar is more luxury if you will and better looking.

If you don't mind, how much are the cars? Just want to make sure you're not getting ripped off.

 

First of all, thank you all for sharing your opinion! I've been thinking too much for the past week and I need to take a decision today, or else I will never make up my mind!

htkenan, both cars are 12,000$ CDN. That's roughly $10,000 US. Does that seem like a fair price? It's the best local deal I could find. As I said in my original post, both cars have about 90,000km (55,000 miles), they are both automatic, they both look very nice and I haven't seen any scratch on the outside. The Saab shows a little bit of wear on the inside, while the Jag looks pretty much flawless. The Saab comes with a 48,000km powertrain warranty but I'm not sure what the value of that warranty is. Both cars come with 1 set of tires (winter on Jag, all-seasons on Saab).

mvdennis, I haven't seen many XK in local ads. However there seems to be a few good deals on S-Type 2001/2002. I guess I just expected the X-Type to be more reliable because it is newer.

jvegas, the car does not have the ACM unit you are referring to, nor the Navigation system. However it does have DSC.

Thanks again to all of you for your responses, it is helping me make a better choice :-)

 

Seems like a fair price, I just bought my X Type last year and they wanted to sell me a 2 or 3 year warranty for like 2 or 3 grand cant remember, I declined that. The car is still fairly young to have any mass repairs that would be anywhere near 2 or 3 grand. It was only for 2-3 years anyway so I'm sure anything that would happen I can cover it and it still would not come out to 3 grand. Sometimes Warranty is B.S. and you pay more, make sure you get some sort of a vehicle history report because Mine was owned by some old couple that never had any accidents and on the history report went to Jaguar Dealership for all the maintnance since they bought the car.

 

I had to make the same choice, i went with the jag.

 

redjagsport, do you regret your choice? How's the X-Type been for you so far?

I'm very close to buying the X-Type. From the comments I'va gathered, it seems like the X-Type would be the better choice. I posted something similar on a Saab forum (Saabcentral.com) and while some told me to get the Saab, I got some Saab users telling I'd be better off with an X-Type.

I'm a little busy this week unfortunately, but I'll probably take Friday afternoon off to have the car inspected by an independant shop. If nothing major is found and the car's internal is found to be in good condition, I'll take it!

It looks like I may become a regular poster here :-)

 

Hi Sevren,
see below vid link showing X type FWD extreme weather testing carried out in conditions much like you'd experience in your country.
Please bear in mind thta this is carried out on a FWD X type and NOT an AWD one which is what you're looking at. The test includes ABS, TC and DSC ( ESP )
Iwould be pretty confident that the X you're looking at would have DSC but you should check!!!!! asyou'd rather have it that NOT.
It may help in your decision making process.

Fifth_gear_X_type_extreme_weather_testing

Jim

 

I also live in Canada and drive a 2.5 liter X type. Car is fun in the snow and drives great through it. I have not had any problem with winter driving and I drive on all season tires as well. The Jag seems to be decent car that is high on visual appeal and will not let you down on the road. Plus it has a nice comfy interior!!!!

I also do not see many X types with the DSC and the navigation. I would have bought one with it if I could have found it!!!!

Good Luck too you....

 

I currently have a 2002 X and a 2007 9-3 SS 60th Anniversary Edition (Aero interior and bodykit) 2.0t. Both cars have merits and downfalls.

Generally, the Saab will deliver better fuel economy (30mpg +) if that is a concern. A 3.0 X would do well with 25mpg.

The X will be better in the snow, no doubt about it, although the Saab is not bad with proper tires. (I've had 7 Saabs and all of them have been capable in the snow). Most of my prior Saabs did require a Saturday a month of messing around, but the 07 has been flawless. It already has 40k mi on it.

I find the X's front seating area to be more spacious. The Saab does have a massive trunk that is taller and deeper than the X. Better for golf clubs.

The X feels more surefooted and handles better due to the RWD bias. The brakes also seem more linear in feel. The Saab tends to be grabby.

The Saab is quicker than my 2.5, although it would probably be close with a 3.0. The Saab can be tuned for much more power via turbo mods, if that is of interest.

Each will be expensive to fix. Depends on what breaks. Warranty on both is suggested if you are not a competent DIY'er.

The stereo in the Saab is by far superior - although I have the 9 speaker Bose system, not sure what the one you are looking at has. I believe Saab makes the best seats in the business, although the X's are just fine.

As for the cachet of ownership, if you want more attention - X type. The Saab will tend to blend in more, it will be a bit of a "sleeper." Tough call, but I"d probably grab the X.

 

Hi Severn,
While I have never owned a Saab I have owned one of the other cars you mentioned in the entry-level luxury car category. I had a ’04 Infinity G35, which was a fine car, but any car you are looking at in this category will be expensive to repair. I had no major issues with the G35 but it just look like so many other cars on the road and I thought if I am going to pay to drive a entry level lux car then it should be seen as such. Now I have and ’04 X Type Sport 3.0 with 54,000 mile on it. If I wanted to blend in I could have just bought a Honda or Toyota with cheaper cost of ownership but I wanted something that was instantly recognizable even by non- car people. The X has a nicer interior and handles better then the G35 but the G was faster from 0 to 60 and got better mileage. In the end it’s going to come down to what you want your car to be and what it will say about you. Both will have their issues and both will cost $$$ to repair. If you want a nice car with good mileage and comfort go with the Saab. If you want to know you are in a luxury car go with the X.

 

25mpg..... I wish.

 

Hence the "do well" part of the phrase. I could only make an estimate based on my time in 3.0 loaner cars from the dealer. I would usually get 22 to 25mph - almost all highway. In daily driving my 2.5 is between 23.5 and 25.5. So yeah, 25 is probably a stretch for a 3.0. But others have said they have gotten more mpg in a 3.0, which I find hard to believe.

I have gotten anywhere from 29 to 34mpg in the Saab, depending on conditions and destination. Clearly 10 mpg better in most situations.

 

i get an avg. of 20 mpg and i am mostly highway. I have noticed that with the large amount of snow we have got in the last month I am down to 17 mpg highway/city mix. The awd has a lot to do with the lower mpg on the X then other Jaguars.

 

Some of the lower mpg in the winter is also probably due to idling while "warming up" the car.

 

I think the slipping of the wheels and the snow fighting the car has something to do with it.

 

I'm not sure how it is where you live, but around here (Pittsburgh), there is much less open cruising on the highways when the weather is bad. People tend to bunch up and do stupid things, so I find I can't use the cruise as much. Constantly braking and accelerating.

Winter gas mix also might play a role.