New to the fold - X-Type / S-Type buying advice
Discussion
Hi chaps,
After parting with my E46 BMW 320d, I am looking to broaden my horizons and try a car that I haven't had before.
I will be using it for commuting with work, so plenty of motorway mileage, however where I live there are about 35 miles of great country roads between home and the motorway that I frequently drive.
With this in mind, I am looking for a car that gives good mpg, is lively on the country roads while being a good cruiser for the motorway.
I have always liked the look of Jaguars, and it would make a nice change from a BMW.
The budget is between £2,500 and £4,000.
I have found a number of LPG X-Types, and a couple of LPG S-Types within my budget. Although I've never run an LPG car, it seems like a good way of getting a big engined car for low fuel costs.
I need something that wont cost me the earth in parts and servicing, but will be smart enough to visit clients in.
The X-Type estate looks good, and the extra space would be useful.
So I thought I'd seek your opinions about the X-Type v S-Type for the kind of driving I will be doing. - The S-Type looks like it could be expensive to maintain, and maybe not the best country road car, whereas the X-Type looks a bit more capable.
Also, why would you choose a Jaguar against an Audi A6 or a BMW E39 5 Series (the others I was considering).
So, any advice?
Thanks in advance
After parting with my E46 BMW 320d, I am looking to broaden my horizons and try a car that I haven't had before.
I will be using it for commuting with work, so plenty of motorway mileage, however where I live there are about 35 miles of great country roads between home and the motorway that I frequently drive.
With this in mind, I am looking for a car that gives good mpg, is lively on the country roads while being a good cruiser for the motorway.
I have always liked the look of Jaguars, and it would make a nice change from a BMW.
The budget is between £2,500 and £4,000.
I have found a number of LPG X-Types, and a couple of LPG S-Types within my budget. Although I've never run an LPG car, it seems like a good way of getting a big engined car for low fuel costs.
I need something that wont cost me the earth in parts and servicing, but will be smart enough to visit clients in.
The X-Type estate looks good, and the extra space would be useful.
So I thought I'd seek your opinions about the X-Type v S-Type for the kind of driving I will be doing. - The S-Type looks like it could be expensive to maintain, and maybe not the best country road car, whereas the X-Type looks a bit more capable.
Also, why would you choose a Jaguar against an Audi A6 or a BMW E39 5 Series (the others I was considering).
So, any advice?
Thanks in advance
X-type = Mondeo engine/chassis/drivetrain methinks? That's not necessarily a bad thing mind. I don't like them but a lot of people rate them highly. I've heard the interior build quality is lower but again that's second hand information. Front-wheel drived versions should be avoided IMO but that's again preference because I don't rate FWD.
I'd have the S-Type over an X-type anyday. Even it was just so I couldn't be ridiculed for driving a jumped up mondeo.
For your reference LPG fitment is expensive (I'm about to convert mine and found it to be £1500-£2500 for V8) so you're right to be on the look for one with it already done. The simple fact is unless the temporary loss of some power/loss of bootspace is an issue then there are no downsides to LPG just get it looked at every year as their are some filters that need changing (this won't cost much) and you'll be enjoying cheaper fuel for a good while (index linked to petrol til 2011 so cannot go up disproportionately!).
Also why not an Audi/BMW? Interior is better quality (maybe not an audi but they have that God awful aluminium), the Jaguar is a little bit more exclusive, your car won't be labelled as a rep-mobile, they look better, if you buy an AJ-V8 you're buying one of the last and best engines ever made by Jaguar that won several awards. Reliability is similar across Jaguar/Audi/BMW but reputation doesn't reflect this (again Jaguar won several awards for this).
I'd have the S-Type over an X-type anyday. Even it was just so I couldn't be ridiculed for driving a jumped up mondeo.
For your reference LPG fitment is expensive (I'm about to convert mine and found it to be £1500-£2500 for V8) so you're right to be on the look for one with it already done. The simple fact is unless the temporary loss of some power/loss of bootspace is an issue then there are no downsides to LPG just get it looked at every year as their are some filters that need changing (this won't cost much) and you'll be enjoying cheaper fuel for a good while (index linked to petrol til 2011 so cannot go up disproportionately!).
Also why not an Audi/BMW? Interior is better quality (maybe not an audi but they have that God awful aluminium), the Jaguar is a little bit more exclusive, your car won't be labelled as a rep-mobile, they look better, if you buy an AJ-V8 you're buying one of the last and best engines ever made by Jaguar that won several awards. Reliability is similar across Jaguar/Audi/BMW but reputation doesn't reflect this (again Jaguar won several awards for this).
Edited by G_T on Thursday 11th December 14:25
If you're spending 2500-4000 (as I am), I wouldn't bother with the S-type. You'll get the prefacelift interior which IMO looks not as nice.
You'll get a newer and nicer X type for the money and it looks like a proper Jaguar not a tarted up Rover 75.
RE:LPG IMO it's not worth it as the it'll take 2-3 years to get a saving on the £1500 spent and by then you'll want something else.
edit: Also, the cheapest estate is around 6500 on the trader.
You'll get a newer and nicer X type for the money and it looks like a proper Jaguar not a tarted up Rover 75.
RE:LPG IMO it's not worth it as the it'll take 2-3 years to get a saving on the £1500 spent and by then you'll want something else.
edit: Also, the cheapest estate is around 6500 on the trader.
Edited by alfabadass on Thursday 11th December 14:22
G_T said:
X-type = Mondeo engine/chassis/drivetrain methinks? That's not necessarily a bad thing mind. I don't like them but a lot of people rate them highly. I've heard the interior build quality is lower but again that's second hand information. Front-wheel drived versions should be avoided IMO but that's again preference because I don't rate FWD.
Ignorance is alive & well living on PH.Do you actually know how many differences there are on the X-Type to the Mondeo, obviously not!
G_T said:
Said "A bloke told me in a pub that the X-type = Mondeo engine/chassis/drivetrain methinks? That's not necessarily a bad thing mind". "I don't like them but a lot of people rate them highly". The same blokes mate said... "I've heard the interior build quality is lower but again that's second THIRD hand information". Despite not having driven one he went on to say "Front-wheel drived versions should be avoided IMO but that's again preference because I don't rate FWD".
I thought this was car enthusiasts forum? Troll eleswhere.Ignore this buffoon. He probably couldn't tell his ar$e from his elbow.
Go and drive both - I suspect you'll prefer the driving dynamics of the X-Type , especially if you go for 4wd petrol. Just make sure you find a car on sports suspension - much more suited to usage you intend to put your car too.
Thanks for all the replies so far.
It doesnt bother me about the underpinnings being from a Mondeo, the Mondeo won lots of awards at the time, plus the fact that as long as the car is nice to drive etc I couldn't care less where the parts came from!
I am insistent on RWD though, I wasn't aware that they made an FWD Jaguar? (although as I have professed I know very little about the mark)
To be honest, I think I do prefer the overall package of the X-Type - the S-type looks a bit to 'big and wallowy' for my taste.
Wither regards to the 'why not an Audi or BMW' - my last 3 cars have been BMW, and as much as I love them, I'm still fairly young and want to experience a make that I have not already owned. I would be looking at a more 'sporty' car however I am currently renovating a house, so all my money etc is going into that for the time being.
So I think the X-Type is the way forward. I have been looking at cars with the LPG kit already fitted, so I don't have to worry about the cost of fitting one.
So which variants should I be looking at and what's to avoid? With LPG I don't mind on the engine size etc so will just plump for the ones regarded as the best by you chaps.
It doesnt bother me about the underpinnings being from a Mondeo, the Mondeo won lots of awards at the time, plus the fact that as long as the car is nice to drive etc I couldn't care less where the parts came from!
I am insistent on RWD though, I wasn't aware that they made an FWD Jaguar? (although as I have professed I know very little about the mark)
To be honest, I think I do prefer the overall package of the X-Type - the S-type looks a bit to 'big and wallowy' for my taste.
Wither regards to the 'why not an Audi or BMW' - my last 3 cars have been BMW, and as much as I love them, I'm still fairly young and want to experience a make that I have not already owned. I would be looking at a more 'sporty' car however I am currently renovating a house, so all my money etc is going into that for the time being.
So I think the X-Type is the way forward. I have been looking at cars with the LPG kit already fitted, so I don't have to worry about the cost of fitting one.
So which variants should I be looking at and what's to avoid? With LPG I don't mind on the engine size etc so will just plump for the ones regarded as the best by you chaps.
Edited by ol on Thursday 11th December 16:29
tr7v8 said:
Ignorance is alive & well living on PH.
Do you actually know how many differences there are on the X-Type to the Mondeo, obviously not!
Lol, Of course there are loads of differences. But the engine/drivetrain and chassis is the most important in any drivers car and I was informed these are essentially the same. You can be offended all you want but unless I'm mistaken, and you cite it, it's still a valid point!Do you actually know how many differences there are on the X-Type to the Mondeo, obviously not!
FWDRacer said:
I thought this was car enthusiasts forum? Troll eleswhere.
Ignore this buffoon. He probably couldn't tell his ar$e from his elbow.
I heard from owners actually and I did mention it was second hand information so there's no need to get upset about it sunshine. If I'm so wrong why don't you reference it? Instead of just name calling? Ignore this buffoon. He probably couldn't tell his ar$e from his elbow.
V6 Engines = Ford as used in mondeo
Diesel engine (2.2)= Ford 2.2DCTI engine as used in mondeo
Chassis = Ford Mondeo
Rear suspension on estate = Ford Mondeo
EDIT: Couldn't be bothered referencing this very well but this review highlights; http://irishcar.com/jaguarxtypeah.htm
Can't get any citations for the drivetrain for the engines but I think we can safely say it's largely the Ford range.
You can argue it however you like but ultimately the X-type is a jumped up Mondeo. I mean come on FWD? Estate? 4x4? V6? Diesel?! Is this the class brand image that comes with Jaguar? - Erm no. Whilst the people may desire a diesel these days for reasons of economy everything else is not what is commonly associated with Jaguar.
If the car was any cop it wouldn't be dropped from production and the second hand market wouldn't of dive-bombed on these cars in particular.
Buy the S-Type and enjoy a real Jag(ish).
Edited by G_T on Friday 12th December 12:56
2.1V6/2.5V6/3.0V6 Block - Ford Cleveland (Duratec) block. Bespoke Jaguar heads with VCT. This engine is used in both X and S-Type 
2.2 TDCi - Re-Engineered with Short nozzle injectors by Jagaur/Ricardo. NVH and refinement differences are startling - Try one back-to-back. X-Type Only. S-type Diesel gets 2.7L co-developed Ford/Jag/PSA unit. If you are going to get snotty about parentage this one has some French input
Chassis - X-Type shares Common underpinnings but wheelbase 4" shorter than CD132. Why? Becuase it would have had a better rear occupancy package than S-Type if they'd left the wheelbase as per CD132. Also makes for a far more nimble car. Chassis refinement is in another league and lets not forget Mondeo was its own class benchmark as a starting point.
Rear Suspension - CDW162 - Previous Gen Mondeo - Why? Because superior to later CD132 Mondeo in every respect including rear turret intrusion. The trunk would be big enough to fit a body in and you wouldn't even need to hack it up
Does it drive like Jag? A 2.5/3.0 X-Type has 40%Front/60%Rear torque split and is a bespoke to Jaguar 4WD drivetrain - It is rear wheel drive biased.
Do they make amazing second hand buys? I'd avoid the FWD only 2.1 V6 petrol especially if mated to an Auto Box. Other than that - keep the noise down - The 4WD petrols and FWD only Diesels make great buys. Go and try one for yourself instead of relying on second-hand info. Whenyou find out they are more than a bit of alright - Just try and keep it a bit quiet eh?
P.S It is still being churned out at Halewood and numbers have gone up with the intro of Auto Diesel
2.2 TDCi - Re-Engineered with Short nozzle injectors by Jagaur/Ricardo. NVH and refinement differences are startling - Try one back-to-back. X-Type Only. S-type Diesel gets 2.7L co-developed Ford/Jag/PSA unit. If you are going to get snotty about parentage this one has some French input
Chassis - X-Type shares Common underpinnings but wheelbase 4" shorter than CD132. Why? Becuase it would have had a better rear occupancy package than S-Type if they'd left the wheelbase as per CD132. Also makes for a far more nimble car. Chassis refinement is in another league and lets not forget Mondeo was its own class benchmark as a starting point.
Rear Suspension - CDW162 - Previous Gen Mondeo - Why? Because superior to later CD132 Mondeo in every respect including rear turret intrusion. The trunk would be big enough to fit a body in and you wouldn't even need to hack it up
Does it drive like Jag? A 2.5/3.0 X-Type has 40%Front/60%Rear torque split and is a bespoke to Jaguar 4WD drivetrain - It is rear wheel drive biased.
Do they make amazing second hand buys? I'd avoid the FWD only 2.1 V6 petrol especially if mated to an Auto Box. Other than that - keep the noise down - The 4WD petrols and FWD only Diesels make great buys. Go and try one for yourself instead of relying on second-hand info. Whenyou find out they are more than a bit of alright - Just try and keep it a bit quiet eh?
P.S It is still being churned out at Halewood and numbers have gone up with the intro of Auto Diesel
Edited by FWDRacer on Friday 12th December 12:59
I don't have much experience of the X-Type. I believe it is FWD unless you go for the higher end 2.5 or 3.0 AWD models. As long as you have the Sport version I am confident you will have an excellent car.
Post facelift S-Types are exceptionally good. I replaced a BMW 328i with a late 3.0 S-Type Sport. The Jag is faster smoother handles better and is a much nicer place to sit. You don't feel quite as much in touch with the road.
If you can stretch to an ali XJ they are just fantastic, and there is stacks of space. The lightness of the body means that though it is a big car, the handling, speed and fuel economy will surprise you.
The BMW is a great product, no doubt, but Jaguar have been creeping up on them for years without being noticed. Audi doesn't do it for me, nor does Merc.
Post facelift S-Types are exceptionally good. I replaced a BMW 328i with a late 3.0 S-Type Sport. The Jag is faster smoother handles better and is a much nicer place to sit. You don't feel quite as much in touch with the road.
If you can stretch to an ali XJ they are just fantastic, and there is stacks of space. The lightness of the body means that though it is a big car, the handling, speed and fuel economy will surprise you.
The BMW is a great product, no doubt, but Jaguar have been creeping up on them for years without being noticed. Audi doesn't do it for me, nor does Merc.
Edited by cardigankid on Saturday 13th December 15:02
FWDRacer said:
P.S It is still being churned out at Halewood and numbers have gone up with the intro of Auto Diesel
I had a 2.2D Auto SE as a courtsey car, while my 3 Litre X type was being serviced. I was surprised that I was quite impressed with it. Yes it doesn't feel as nimble round corners, but it is a good commuting vehicle. Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff