2001 Jaguar X-Type 2.5 V6 AWD
Discussion
Evening all. 
Whilst my Range Rover is in with The Man for extensive open wallet surgery, I need something to smoke about in. Enter stage left, this here X-Type.
It's a lovely old bus, with plenty of go from the 2.5 litre petrol V6 (though I wouldn't call it fast), and has the added bonus of all-wheel-drive, which seems to work just fine. The engine doesn't leak fluids, and the air-con blows cold. It's got just over 11 months MoT, and a partial service history (most of which was undertaken at Jag dealerships, or Jag independent specialists).
The car drives spot on, the automatic gearbox feels strong, there's no play in the steering, and no slack in the AWD drivetrain. It's also got matching Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres all round, suggesting it's been looked after (this is backed up by the non-scary MoT history, and thick folder of paperwork). It's even got two keys, with H.A. Fox Jaguar dealer fobs.
The drive home (20-ish miles, mainly motorway) was a pleasant experience, especially once I'd put the right amount of air in the tyres - what is it with second hand cars having tyre pressures all over the place?
This, of course, is far too good to be true... Naturally, I have a few (very minor) gripes.
- At some point, the standard Jaguar head unit has been pulled out, and replaced with an aftermarket stereo. This means the steering wheel controls for the radio don't work, and the 6-CD changer in the boot cannot be operated. I'm going to set up an eBay search to eMail me when Jag X-Type infotainment systems come up for sale. Should one present itself cheaply enough, I'll go for it.
- When pulling away, there's a brief metallic noise from under the bonnet, as the engine rocks back under acceleration. I'm hoping it's something trivial, like a loose heat shield. Doesn't sound any more serious than that (he says).
- The gearlever lock-out release switch makes an overly loud clicking noise when the brake pedal is pressed. Every. Single. Time. It can be ignored by turning the radio up, but it's as loud as central locking engaging and disengaging, so I might have the gearlever assembly apart to see if I can quieten it down.
- The paintwork will benefit from a good polish, as it's carrying many years of swirl marks and minor scratches. I've got all the kit for that - just need a good weekend of weather to tackle it.
All in all, I'm very pleased with the car.
My dark mood over the Rangie's problems has been temporarily lifted, in the only way a man knows how - by distracting himself with something shiny! 
Whilst my Range Rover is in with The Man for extensive open wallet surgery, I need something to smoke about in. Enter stage left, this here X-Type.
It's a lovely old bus, with plenty of go from the 2.5 litre petrol V6 (though I wouldn't call it fast), and has the added bonus of all-wheel-drive, which seems to work just fine. The engine doesn't leak fluids, and the air-con blows cold. It's got just over 11 months MoT, and a partial service history (most of which was undertaken at Jag dealerships, or Jag independent specialists).
The car drives spot on, the automatic gearbox feels strong, there's no play in the steering, and no slack in the AWD drivetrain. It's also got matching Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres all round, suggesting it's been looked after (this is backed up by the non-scary MoT history, and thick folder of paperwork). It's even got two keys, with H.A. Fox Jaguar dealer fobs.
The drive home (20-ish miles, mainly motorway) was a pleasant experience, especially once I'd put the right amount of air in the tyres - what is it with second hand cars having tyre pressures all over the place?
This, of course, is far too good to be true... Naturally, I have a few (very minor) gripes.
- At some point, the standard Jaguar head unit has been pulled out, and replaced with an aftermarket stereo. This means the steering wheel controls for the radio don't work, and the 6-CD changer in the boot cannot be operated. I'm going to set up an eBay search to eMail me when Jag X-Type infotainment systems come up for sale. Should one present itself cheaply enough, I'll go for it.
- When pulling away, there's a brief metallic noise from under the bonnet, as the engine rocks back under acceleration. I'm hoping it's something trivial, like a loose heat shield. Doesn't sound any more serious than that (he says).
- The gearlever lock-out release switch makes an overly loud clicking noise when the brake pedal is pressed. Every. Single. Time. It can be ignored by turning the radio up, but it's as loud as central locking engaging and disengaging, so I might have the gearlever assembly apart to see if I can quieten it down.
- The paintwork will benefit from a good polish, as it's carrying many years of swirl marks and minor scratches. I've got all the kit for that - just need a good weekend of weather to tackle it.
All in all, I'm very pleased with the car.
My dark mood over the Rangie's problems has been temporarily lifted, in the only way a man knows how - by distracting himself with something shiny! CharlesdeGaulle said:
Looks good. Whilst not really my cup of tea, they have aged pretty well I think and are stonking VFM.
Well, here's the thing - the X-Type has never been my cup of tea either. Never had "the want" for one, not ever. But, as you say, at such incredible value for money, they are hard to ignore these days.I spent much of today trudging around various small independent car dealers, looking at some truly awful circa-£1,000 cars. Proper dross. I had no preconceived ideas on what I wanted, except that it needed to be "family sized", and that I prefer an automatic gearbox.
After seeing the worst the trade had to offer at my desired price point, and getting more and more depressed by the minute, I happened across this X-Type. It was such a nice car for the money, I couldn't say no.
I've justified this particular purchase to myself on the basis that my car's AWD and the 2.5 V6 engine make it a little more interesting than a lesser-equipped X-Type (a FWD four-pot diesel with cloth seats and a manual gearbox, for example).
I'm hoping this car will be a "grower". If my first few hours with the Jag is anything to go by, I'm sure it will get under my skin in no time.
Looks very nice. I do love a cream interior!
Car Throttle are turning one of these into a rally spec 'mud type' which has been good for a few laughs: https://youtu.be/-29X6ZWFFis
Your comment on tyre pressures reminded me of when I picked up my new-to-me Lexus GS from the dealer back in January. The ride felt a bit choppy so I checked the pressures and they had pumped them up to ridiculous levels ranging from 40-52 psi!! Dropped them down to the recommended 33 all round and it was a huge improvement. Don't know what these dealers are thinking!
Car Throttle are turning one of these into a rally spec 'mud type' which has been good for a few laughs: https://youtu.be/-29X6ZWFFis
Your comment on tyre pressures reminded me of when I picked up my new-to-me Lexus GS from the dealer back in January. The ride felt a bit choppy so I checked the pressures and they had pumped them up to ridiculous levels ranging from 40-52 psi!! Dropped them down to the recommended 33 all round and it was a huge improvement. Don't know what these dealers are thinking!
Jimi.K. said:
Looks very nice. I do love a cream interior!
Car Throttle are turning one of these into a rally spec 'mud type' which has been good for a few laughs: https://youtu.be/-29X6ZWFFis
Your comment on tyre pressures reminded me of when I picked up my new-to-me Lexus GS from the dealer back in January. The ride felt a bit choppy so I checked the pressures and they had pumped them up to ridiculous levels ranging from 40-52 psi!! Dropped them down to the recommended 33 all round and it was a huge improvement. Don't know what these dealers are thinking!
I'm a complete sucker for a cream leather interior. I've been known to buy cars I really shouldn't have, on the basis they have the "right" colour leather seats. Car Throttle are turning one of these into a rally spec 'mud type' which has been good for a few laughs: https://youtu.be/-29X6ZWFFis
Your comment on tyre pressures reminded me of when I picked up my new-to-me Lexus GS from the dealer back in January. The ride felt a bit choppy so I checked the pressures and they had pumped them up to ridiculous levels ranging from 40-52 psi!! Dropped them down to the recommended 33 all round and it was a huge improvement. Don't know what these dealers are thinking!
On the matter of tyre pressures; I can't remember the last time I bought a used car that had the correct pressures all round! May have never happened.
I still think everyone responsible for signing off that dreadful design should be beaten with a length of garden hose, but the underlying mechanicals were very sound and they do drive nicely (just not much like a Jaguar). As you say they are off the scale at VFM at this point, no doubt helped by their hideousness.
dbdb said:
I think these are hugely underrated and a nice one gives incredible value for money. I prefer them to the BMW E46 to be honest.
The X-Type is definitely underrated, which makes them scandalously cheap. To get an E46 as nice as my X-Type, I'd have to pay at least twice what I gave for the Jag. I do like an E46, mind you... Especially facelifted cars. 
Back to the Jag, people get sniffy about the Ford underpinnings and rusty sills, but find a solid car (as I have done), and the X-Type makes a huge amount of sense.
I've said many times over the years that the Mondeo was a pretty good place to start in terms of the chassis, so there's no shame in the X400's "humble origins". The AWD system adds a bit of much-needed quirkiness to the mix (plus additional bork potential, thinking with the glass half empty), and the V6 engine sounds good at both part and full throttle. Every little helps.
Richard Aucock said:
That looks lovely! Imagine how it's going to look once you've worked the magic on the paint...
Absolutely! The thought of how good the end result will be is motivating me hugely. As mentioned above, I've never had "the want" for an X-Type, but this one is growing on me already (I'm only on my second day of ownership).
sgtbash said:
Just bought one of these myself unseen. Cant beat the value for money in all honesty.
Brave man!dme123 said:
I still think everyone responsible for signing off that dreadful design should be beaten with a length of garden hose, but the underlying mechanicals were very sound and they do drive nicely (just not much like a Jaguar). As you say they are off the scale at VFM at this point, no doubt helped by their hideousness.
You might be surprised to hear that I agree with you on the design, with one caveat.During the X-Type's production run (2001-2009), it was never a great looking car. Wilfully retro, but not in a good way.
However, in 2018, it just looks like an old Jag, which is fine. When it was a new Jag, that wasn't quite as fine.
MorganP104 said:
You might be surprised to hear that I agree with you on the design, with one caveat.
During the X-Type's production run (2001-2009), it was never a great looking car. Wilfully retro, but not in a good way.
However, in 2018, it just looks like an old Jag, which is fine. When it was a new Jag, that wasn't quite as fine.
Agreed. At £25k+ the styling really mattered. At £800 a long MOT and moving under it's own power would make it desirable even if it actually induced nausea to behold.During the X-Type's production run (2001-2009), it was never a great looking car. Wilfully retro, but not in a good way.
However, in 2018, it just looks like an old Jag, which is fine. When it was a new Jag, that wasn't quite as fine.
I've thought about one of these from time to time, but I sat in one and couldn't get on with the cramped and heavily offset front footwells. I guess it's a FWD problem, some Audis are the same, although the Peugeot 406 isn't! Given how cheap S-types and XJs are, I'd have to REALLY want AWD to get one of these... but then yours is in REALLY nice condition, if the photos are to be believed!
These cars only get more impressive as they get older, especially VFM wise.
Although mine is my only car, and is a very late "X408" model, I do enjoy it and it does everything I want it to.
The only thing I wish I had done is purchase a one that runs on unleaded, rather than the derv. I miss picking up the green pump.
Although mine is my only car, and is a very late "X408" model, I do enjoy it and it does everything I want it to.
The only thing I wish I had done is purchase a one that runs on unleaded, rather than the derv. I miss picking up the green pump.
cmvtec said:
These cars only get more impressive as they get older, especially VFM wise.
Although mine is my only car, and is a very late "X408" model, I do enjoy it and it does everything I want it to.
The only thing I wish I had done is purchase a one that runs on unleaded, rather than the derv. I miss picking up the green pump.
Facelift X-Type was only ever sold with the diesel unit. I tried to find a petrol one but none exist.Although mine is my only car, and is a very late "X408" model, I do enjoy it and it does everything I want it to.
The only thing I wish I had done is purchase a one that runs on unleaded, rather than the derv. I miss picking up the green pump.
I've been showing the baby Jag some love today, so I thought I'd update this thread.
Earlier in the week, I had both headlight bulbs replaced by the good people at Halfords (I took one look at the very limited access under the bonnet of my V6 X-Type, and decided I didn't fancy doing the job myself!) Only one of the bulbs had gone, but I wanted to get them replaced as a pair.
Anyway, that made me look at the lenses, which were a bit cloudy. So, today, I had a go at restoring them. I don't have any "specialist" equipment/potions for this sort of thing, but I do have a LOT of random odds and sods laying around in my garage!
I started by masking up both sides.
All four lenses had suffered with clouding/scratches, but the worst offender was the offside headlight.
I started with a bit of Brasso polish wadding, that (guess what) I had laying around the garage.
The results were half-decent with the Brasso...
... But I knew I could do better, with a bit of T-Cut Rapid Scratch Remover (with apologies for the out-of-focus picture).
Looking much better, but I wanted to "seal" the effort I'd put in. So I found an old bottle of Auto Glym Super Resin Polish, and went to work.
All done! Is it 100% perfect? No. Is it good enough for a 17 year old car, using stuff I found knocking about in my garage? Absolutely! :lol:
I was rapidly losing the light towards the end of the job, so the final images don't look all that impressive. However, the difference in terms of headlight efficiency at night is marked (I took the car for a bit of a spin once it had got properly dark).
All in all, an hour or so well spent.
Earlier in the week, I had both headlight bulbs replaced by the good people at Halfords (I took one look at the very limited access under the bonnet of my V6 X-Type, and decided I didn't fancy doing the job myself!) Only one of the bulbs had gone, but I wanted to get them replaced as a pair.
Anyway, that made me look at the lenses, which were a bit cloudy. So, today, I had a go at restoring them. I don't have any "specialist" equipment/potions for this sort of thing, but I do have a LOT of random odds and sods laying around in my garage!
I started by masking up both sides.
All four lenses had suffered with clouding/scratches, but the worst offender was the offside headlight.
I started with a bit of Brasso polish wadding, that (guess what) I had laying around the garage.
The results were half-decent with the Brasso...
... But I knew I could do better, with a bit of T-Cut Rapid Scratch Remover (with apologies for the out-of-focus picture).
Looking much better, but I wanted to "seal" the effort I'd put in. So I found an old bottle of Auto Glym Super Resin Polish, and went to work.
All done! Is it 100% perfect? No. Is it good enough for a 17 year old car, using stuff I found knocking about in my garage? Absolutely! :lol:
I was rapidly losing the light towards the end of the job, so the final images don't look all that impressive. However, the difference in terms of headlight efficiency at night is marked (I took the car for a bit of a spin once it had got properly dark).
All in all, an hour or so well spent.
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