Got a hankering for an X-Type....
Discussion
I saw one yesterday that had "R" style bumpers etc. and what appeared to be split rims or pretend split rims. It looked great.
I have said on another thread, I ultimately want a 996 911 or a V8 Mustang, but at the moment I can't afford either. I love driving the MR2 Turbo but it's very old now and would sort of like something more modern. Would I enjoy driving an X-Type?
How does the 3.0 go in the twisties? I understand it's not a sports car, but is it capable and enjoyable?
It's also a bonus that it's a lower insurance group and I wouldn't feel the need to mod it excessively!
I have said on another thread, I ultimately want a 996 911 or a V8 Mustang, but at the moment I can't afford either. I love driving the MR2 Turbo but it's very old now and would sort of like something more modern. Would I enjoy driving an X-Type?
How does the 3.0 go in the twisties? I understand it's not a sports car, but is it capable and enjoyable?
It's also a bonus that it's a lower insurance group and I wouldn't feel the need to mod it excessively!
Bad Sir Culation said:
I saw one yesterday that had "R" style bumpers etc. and what appeared to be split rims or pretend split rims. It looked great.
I have said on another thread, I ultimately want a 996 911 or a V8 Mustang, but at the moment I can't afford either. I love driving the MR2 Turbo but it's very old now and would sort of like something more modern. Would I enjoy driving an X-Type?
How does the 3.0 go in the twisties? I understand it's not a sports car, but is it capable and enjoyable?
It's also a bonus that it's a lower insurance group and I wouldn't feel the need to mod it excessively!
I'd rather have a mondeo ST220 I have said on another thread, I ultimately want a 996 911 or a V8 Mustang, but at the moment I can't afford either. I love driving the MR2 Turbo but it's very old now and would sort of like something more modern. Would I enjoy driving an X-Type?
How does the 3.0 go in the twisties? I understand it's not a sports car, but is it capable and enjoyable?
It's also a bonus that it's a lower insurance group and I wouldn't feel the need to mod it excessively!
3.0's are great fun - tis a nice engine. Manual is best as the autos can be unreliable with age and mileage. They also blunt the performance. You'll have the benefit of AWD for the winter months too. Check for suspension noise, but really, when set up properly, they hold the road very confidently and the driving experience is assured and refined with plenty of punch when you want it.
In spite of having the same chassis as the mk 3 Mondeo, to me, the X Type feels like a completely different car. The 3.0 lump is based on the Ford Duratec, though Jaguar modified it considerably.
I have had a 3.0 X-type and a BMW 330i -- both were very fine driver's cars.
In spite of having the same chassis as the mk 3 Mondeo, to me, the X Type feels like a completely different car. The 3.0 lump is based on the Ford Duratec, though Jaguar modified it considerably.
I have had a 3.0 X-type and a BMW 330i -- both were very fine driver's cars.
The 3.0 X-Type is much under appreciated - it feels very sure footed on the twisties and can cruise very comfortably when you choose to do so.
The earlier cars up to 2004 had the viscous coupling in their 4wd system, which many feel is better than the later ones in slippery conditions.
The standard response from many that have never been near an X-type is that it's just a Mondeo underneath, but very few components on the car share that ancestry, and the feel of the Jag is very different from the Mondeo.
Watch out for any whine or strange noises from the transfer box on a test drive. These can go so walk away if there's any question marks over that. Standard wear and tear parts are really very inexpensive to replace, so servicing costs are very good for a Jag.
The earlier cars up to 2004 had the viscous coupling in their 4wd system, which many feel is better than the later ones in slippery conditions.
The standard response from many that have never been near an X-type is that it's just a Mondeo underneath, but very few components on the car share that ancestry, and the feel of the Jag is very different from the Mondeo.
Watch out for any whine or strange noises from the transfer box on a test drive. These can go so walk away if there's any question marks over that. Standard wear and tear parts are really very inexpensive to replace, so servicing costs are very good for a Jag.
Awesome. I've done a little bit of reading up. If I did go for one, I'd be going for a sub £4k car, so would be looking at 2001 - 2004 cars I believe, which have the better AWD system. Am I right in thinking it's rear biased?
Although I don't particularly need AWD for the majority of the time, it can be difficult to get up our street in winter and I am a regular visitor to the Yorkshire Dales all year round. Also, despite my love of the MR2 and sports cars in general, my OH's folks live 50 miles away and we like to go places as often as funds allow, and it is always my car we go anywhere outside the local area in, so a bit of comfort could be very welcome.
Very tempted to see if I can bag one on finance, and sell the MR2 afterwards so I'm not stuck waiting for it to go. Need to drive one and see how it feels, but I am very very tempted. I have been tempted in the past, but never taken the jump.
Is the bodykit I saw an OEM fit? I haven't seen many with it, but I have seen it before. It's possible it was only fitted to later cars I guess. Would it be hard/expensive to get hold of?
Although I don't particularly need AWD for the majority of the time, it can be difficult to get up our street in winter and I am a regular visitor to the Yorkshire Dales all year round. Also, despite my love of the MR2 and sports cars in general, my OH's folks live 50 miles away and we like to go places as often as funds allow, and it is always my car we go anywhere outside the local area in, so a bit of comfort could be very welcome.
Very tempted to see if I can bag one on finance, and sell the MR2 afterwards so I'm not stuck waiting for it to go. Need to drive one and see how it feels, but I am very very tempted. I have been tempted in the past, but never taken the jump.
Is the bodykit I saw an OEM fit? I haven't seen many with it, but I have seen it before. It's possible it was only fitted to later cars I guess. Would it be hard/expensive to get hold of?
Set up is something like 60% rear and 40% front. Regarding build dates, 2001 to 04 has the better AWD system, though the transfer boxes were weaker and prone to overheating and failure. Post 2004 saw many improvements in build quality etc though the AWD was changed to an electronic system which was not as good, though more reliable.
As for the body kit, sorry, not sure. There used to be an excellent Jag UK forum so perhaps see if one of the specialist guys there know? It's a nice community there too. Good luck with the purchase....puurrrchase?!?! Sorry...;)
As for the body kit, sorry, not sure. There used to be an excellent Jag UK forum so perhaps see if one of the specialist guys there know? It's a nice community there too. Good luck with the purchase....puurrrchase?!?! Sorry...;)
Ever since the missus opted for a 3 year old S-Type last year, we've both really taken a shine to Jaguars. It really is a lovely place to be, and the X-Type petrols are no different. In fact, a 2.5 or 3.0 would be a nice stablemate to her 4.2 
Shame I only just changed my daily driver this year
Shame I only just changed my daily driver this year
Bad Sir Culation said:
Is the bodykit I saw an OEM fit? I haven't seen many with it, but I have seen it before. It's possible it was only fitted to later cars I guess. Would it be hard/expensive to get hold of?
I think Jag do a kit but also Arden in Germany do a real nice kit and performace upgrade. No idea of costs though.
Bad Sir Culation said:
S3_Graham said:
I'd rather have a mondeo ST220
The FWD Mondeo is really not for me.Admittedly, I've not driven one of the top end petrol X-Types - maybe they're better - but the handling of the FWD diesel variants wasn't a patch on the humble Ford they were based on, so it may be worth trying an ST220. They're a lot of fun for a big FWD car, and they have a surprisingly mobile rear end - it's not all wheel spin and understeer!
Edited by Chris71 on Tuesday 30th August 12:58
Mine is a 2002, 02 plate 3.0se in manual with 67k on the clock.
It's a great all rounder. Plenty of handling (Falken 452s all round), lots of poke, decent enough on fuel (20-22 in town, 36 on a trip), large boot, comfy electric seats.
Servicing is cheap at my local indie, parts are plentiful on ebay etc.
Very pleased with it after 12 months.
It's a great all rounder. Plenty of handling (Falken 452s all round), lots of poke, decent enough on fuel (20-22 in town, 36 on a trip), large boot, comfy electric seats.
Servicing is cheap at my local indie, parts are plentiful on ebay etc.
Very pleased with it after 12 months.
nottyash said:
I borrowed my dads 3.0 sport last winter in the snow as my BMW was stuck, and it was fantastic fun to drive in that. Stacks of grip, solid build were good points. Thirsty and difficult to get a comfy driving position were my only pick ups.
If you hoof it, it will drink, coming from an E34 540i I am well versed in restraint, but enjoy the odd play 
I find the electric leather seats great, not as good as the E34 but very comfy. Not everyone will though as we're all different shapes
Involving drive? Oh yes, as above get the revs over 3k and find some decent roads to play on and you won't be disappointed.
My biggest dilemma is whether to have slightly fruity back boxes or not. Debadged and quiet it's fairly stealthy as most you see as diesels. Crushed raspberry red with cream/sand interior is a pleasing combo too. Light and airy with a bit of decent wood (proper on early ones)
I bought an X Type a few months ago.
Some thoughts:
Mine cost £3000 for an 03 plate car. £2.5-4k should be plenty to find a reasoable one. Mine is a 2.5 so can't comment on the 3.0 but the 2.5 is a nice engine, has a nice growl, but lacks low down grunt. I average around 26mpg mixed driving but I don't hang around. I think 30mpg would be possible.
1) Look hard at the spec. Just because a car has leather, doesn't mean its not base spec. Get an SE spec if possible. I looked at a car with leather but didn't even have a fuel computer. Early base spec cars don't even have a CD player, just a tape player!
2) Persevere with the seats. They are very firm, but also very comfetable once you have them adjusted to your liking.
3) The standard audio system is poor. Rather weak sounding.
4) A lot of road noise.
5) Suspension and handling are superbly judged IMO. It is never crashy, even on poor roads, but not so soft it wallows in corners. It corners very well. Handles very nicely. I guess the 4WD helps here.
6) Brakes feel a bit weedy.
All in all, I think it is one of the best cars you can get for the budget. Compared to a BMW 3 Series, you'll get a newer, lower mileage car for the same money.
Some thoughts:
Mine cost £3000 for an 03 plate car. £2.5-4k should be plenty to find a reasoable one. Mine is a 2.5 so can't comment on the 3.0 but the 2.5 is a nice engine, has a nice growl, but lacks low down grunt. I average around 26mpg mixed driving but I don't hang around. I think 30mpg would be possible.
1) Look hard at the spec. Just because a car has leather, doesn't mean its not base spec. Get an SE spec if possible. I looked at a car with leather but didn't even have a fuel computer. Early base spec cars don't even have a CD player, just a tape player!
2) Persevere with the seats. They are very firm, but also very comfetable once you have them adjusted to your liking.
3) The standard audio system is poor. Rather weak sounding.
4) A lot of road noise.
5) Suspension and handling are superbly judged IMO. It is never crashy, even on poor roads, but not so soft it wallows in corners. It corners very well. Handles very nicely. I guess the 4WD helps here.
6) Brakes feel a bit weedy.
All in all, I think it is one of the best cars you can get for the budget. Compared to a BMW 3 Series, you'll get a newer, lower mileage car for the same money.
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