Best ownership prospect- 9-5 Aero, V70 T5 or X-type 3.0?
Discussion
Please chaps, as above.
The car would be manual and estate, bar the x-type as there's more of a premium on these and they're quite rare. 2002/2004, circa 3K.
Are there any major known reliability issues on any of these? Any scary expensive ware and tear/service costs assosiated with these? Most fun? Experiences most welcome.
I could probably stretch to a leggy E46 330i touring but in my old aged wisdom I don't want to blow my full budget on the car and leave no kitty for surprises. Any info greatfully recieved.
The car would be manual and estate, bar the x-type as there's more of a premium on these and they're quite rare. 2002/2004, circa 3K.
Are there any major known reliability issues on any of these? Any scary expensive ware and tear/service costs assosiated with these? Most fun? Experiences most welcome.
I could probably stretch to a leggy E46 330i touring but in my old aged wisdom I don't want to blow my full budget on the car and leave no kitty for surprises. Any info greatfully recieved.
I'd be concerned about parts availability on the 9-5, particularly going forward. It's also a very old design and it really does feel it, plus material quality is not a patch on even mid 90s Saab's. Reliability seems to be good among a couple of friends who have them, but it really is a wobbly scrabble wagon to drive.
X-type estate is really quite compact, but it is quick as a 3 litre with the advantage of 4WD. My personal experience of modern Jaguar "quality" isn't great though.
I have a V70 T5 and like it far more than I'd have expected. It's no sports car but makes an amusing sleeper and as a family bus is very intelligently designed. It's not *too* scrabbly.
For me it'd be between the X-Type and the T5 I think. Do you need the extra size of the V70? Anecdotally the V70 is far more fuel efficient than the Jaguar too. I get 34MPG+ on a 75MPH cruise control motorway run and 25MPG average. The X type was noted for it's thirst. Far higher engine refinement though, I find the 5 pot in the volvo quite rough.
X-type estate is really quite compact, but it is quick as a 3 litre with the advantage of 4WD. My personal experience of modern Jaguar "quality" isn't great though.
I have a V70 T5 and like it far more than I'd have expected. It's no sports car but makes an amusing sleeper and as a family bus is very intelligently designed. It's not *too* scrabbly.
For me it'd be between the X-Type and the T5 I think. Do you need the extra size of the V70? Anecdotally the V70 is far more fuel efficient than the Jaguar too. I get 34MPG+ on a 75MPH cruise control motorway run and 25MPG average. The X type was noted for it's thirst. Far higher engine refinement though, I find the 5 pot in the volvo quite rough.
I've had a 9-5 Aero saloon and own a V70 D5, so have a bit of insight.
The Aero is a swift car and very cheap to buy these days. The engine isn't particulalry characterful mind and a few minor if expensive bits went wrong on mine, although you do tend to get a lot of toys depending on the age of model. I liked it a lot though.
As a long term prospect I wonder if the T5 (again I've only driven a D5) might be a marginally better choice? Better seats, ergonomics, more forgiving and bulletproof in my experience. There's just something about the way they sit on the outside lane which is reassuring and calming regardless of 'velocity'.
Can't comment on the X-type but I suspect whilst it might handle better than the other two the Volvo might be nicer day to day.
The Aero is a swift car and very cheap to buy these days. The engine isn't particulalry characterful mind and a few minor if expensive bits went wrong on mine, although you do tend to get a lot of toys depending on the age of model. I liked it a lot though.
As a long term prospect I wonder if the T5 (again I've only driven a D5) might be a marginally better choice? Better seats, ergonomics, more forgiving and bulletproof in my experience. There's just something about the way they sit on the outside lane which is reassuring and calming regardless of 'velocity'.
Can't comment on the X-type but I suspect whilst it might handle better than the other two the Volvo might be nicer day to day.
Thanks guys, zeroing in on x type or T5. I'm coming out of a 1998 V70(estate) diesel and would say I enjoy the practcality more than need it, my old mans got an estate/MPV for the, once a monthish I really need the flexibility.
I'm pleasently surprised by those T5 fuel figures as I'm averageing 30mpg in my diesel auto, although 80% of my miles are on the 6 mile school run with plenty of stop/starts.
I'm pleasently surprised by those T5 fuel figures as I'm averageing 30mpg in my diesel auto, although 80% of my miles are on the 6 mile school run with plenty of stop/starts.
You'd do considerably worse with nothing but stop start. Mine is an auto, but I'd expect low 20s in that situation I suppose. I was very pleased with how good it is on a long run though!
As another poster says, they do sit very comfortably at (very) high speeds. I can see why the police liked them, as it really does feel very planted at 130+
Dave
As another poster says, they do sit very comfortably at (very) high speeds. I can see why the police liked them, as it really does feel very planted at 130+
Dave
i've had an x type 3.0 and a volvo 2.4t (a bit less power than the T5, but basically the same architecture, both auto.
the jag engine and drivetrain is better, fuel consumption is equal, they are both identically quick (literally not a fag paper in it) in a drag race from walking pace to 80-90, interior is better quality on volvo, better looking on jag. no reliability issues with either. boot and safety is obviously better on volvo.
just get your favourite, don't bother with the saab.
the jag engine and drivetrain is better, fuel consumption is equal, they are both identically quick (literally not a fag paper in it) in a drag race from walking pace to 80-90, interior is better quality on volvo, better looking on jag. no reliability issues with either. boot and safety is obviously better on volvo.
just get your favourite, don't bother with the saab.
I've never been in an X-type but I found the S-type very small inside. To the extent that I couldn't sit in the back for lack of headroom.
my general experience with jags is that the internal size is very poor for the size of the car - and as you are asking about estates that may be relevant.
my general experience with jags is that the internal size is very poor for the size of the car - and as you are asking about estates that may be relevant.
TooLateForAName said:
I've never been in an X-type but I found the S-type very small inside. To the extent that I couldn't sit in the back for lack of headroom.
my general experience with jags is that the internal size is very poor for the size of the car - and as you are asking about estates that may be relevant.
My S-type was a real anti-tardis, but nothing compared to the XJ!my general experience with jags is that the internal size is very poor for the size of the car - and as you are asking about estates that may be relevant.
Greg_D said:
i've had an x type 3.0 and a volvo 2.4t (a bit less power than the T5, but basically the same architecture, both auto.
the jag engine and drivetrain is better, fuel consumption is equal, they are both identically quick (literally not a fag paper in it) in a drag race from walking pace to 80-90, interior is better quality on volvo, better looking on jag. no reliability issues with either. boot and safety is obviously better on volvo.
just get your favourite, don't bother with the saab.
ps, out of the 2, I sold the jag and i still have the volvo as a daily. There is definitely something to be said about volvo seats, i have NEVER sat in any better...the jag engine and drivetrain is better, fuel consumption is equal, they are both identically quick (literally not a fag paper in it) in a drag race from walking pace to 80-90, interior is better quality on volvo, better looking on jag. no reliability issues with either. boot and safety is obviously better on volvo.
just get your favourite, don't bother with the saab.
Jag interior space isn't great, but mine was incredibly comfy and ergonomically it all felt good. I personally think that's a lot more important than simply having the space to swing a cat, unless cat-swinging happens to be important to you. The 4WD on the Jag is useful when you want to make a bit of progress in the wet. I had some of the cheapest Chinese tyres on mine when I got it and lateral grip was shocking with them, but from a standing start in the wet there were never any issues as the 4WD just hooked everything up nicely. In the snow I turned into a driving God. The X-Type is known for being a bit unkind to tyres but I believe there are Jag specialists who can work some magic fairly easily to minimise this. Mine was used mainly for a commute of 30 miles, 20-25 of which were on the motorway, and I got about 27mpg. The 3.0 is a bit faster than the 2.5 and makes a great noise, though apparently the 2.5 is smoother. Reading up on them it's only about 1 mpg difference between the two. Hope this helps.
Edit: Also, mine was an auto. MPG is better with the manual and performance is better as well, I think it was about 0.5 seconds quicker to 60 as the torque was limited on the auto.
Edit: Also, mine was an auto. MPG is better with the manual and performance is better as well, I think it was about 0.5 seconds quicker to 60 as the torque was limited on the auto.
Edited by shiftydave on Thursday 19th July 14:21
Jaroon said:
The car would be manual and estate, bar the x-type as there's more of a premium on these and they're quite rare. 2002/2004, circa 3K.
We bought a 2002 manual estate 9-5 areo (top spec) and had lots and lots of change from 3K.It's big. It's quiet. It's pretty swift. The seats are excellent. It has lots of kit. The interior is a bit 90's. It doesn't handle in any way, shape or form.
It does the job it was bought to do.
If you are looking for an X-Type try and find a pre 2003 one (might want to check the exact date). Early cars used a LSD centre diff, while latter ones had an open centre diff. This drastically affects handling and the AWD's ability to actually deliver power to the wheels in slippery conditions.
Transfer cases on both counts are an X-Type weak spot though.
Transfer cases on both counts are an X-Type weak spot though.
300bhp/ton said:
If you are looking for an X-Type try and find a pre 2003 one (might want to check the exact date). Early cars used a LSD centre diff, while latter ones had an open centre diff. This drastically affects handling and the AWD's ability to actually deliver power to the wheels in slippery conditions.
Transfer cases on both counts are an X-Type weak spot though.
this is true, mine reverted to RWD in the snow, great fun but fecking useless at getting up hills....Transfer cases on both counts are an X-Type weak spot though.
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