2.1 V6 X-Type - Cheap relaible wafter for non-car person?

[mrtwisty]

I've been helping my BiL out looking for a new car. He is, by his admission, utterly clueless when it comes to cars. He currently drives what he describes as a 'stbox' 03 plate Clio, and is now after a 4 door saloon.

He is quite taken by the idea of a Jag. Initially he was talking about XJ's, but is only willing to spend around 1.5k, preferably less. Being used to 1.2l Clio running costs, a shonky old 1.5k XJ will most likely pull his pants down and run off with his wallet within 3 months.

He has now come round to the idea of an X-Type. I have suggested a 2.1 V6 is probably the way to go - he isn't at all concerned with power, no transfer box worries, slightly more palatable mpg, good ones available for his budget (a £1.5k 2.0 diesel does not seem like a good proposition to me. He doesn't do vast mileage either.)

He isn't keen on BMW/Audi/Merc, but wants something a little bit 'nice' after his 'stbox'. I did dangle a couple of IS200's, a smart black Accord etc, but he didn't bite. Anything I've missed?

[markirl]

Not considering an S-type? Vastly superior to the X-type (imho) and very cheap for what they are.

Another alternative is a really well specced Rover 75. You can get them for buttons and they're comfortable, wafty etc.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Edited by markirl on Wednesday 2nd August 20:09

[ZX10R NIN]

The Jag will probably be rusting around the arches, why not get him into the car the Jag is based on, the Mondeo is a great shout & you should be able to get the ST220.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[markirl]

If he's used to mega reliability and wants to waft, I'd also consider a GS300
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[mrtwisty]

If it were me, I would jump at any of these alternatives.

Thing is, his 1.2 Clio is the only car he's ever owned, and he's shown no previous interest at all when it comes to cars. If he gets thrown straight into the realities of 3.0 fuel costs, autobox rebuilds and (relatively) expensive servicing, he'll go straight back to a fridge with wheels.

I'm hoping the fwd X-Type will whet his appetite for something more intersting in a year or so.

As for the Rover, I don't think he would see past the badge unfortunately.

Sorry, not meaning to be too negative on suggestions, keep 'em coming!

[Gareth1974]

My neighbour had a low mileage 2.1 X-Type for several years, engine was smooth enough and he had no problems with it. When he died, his wife struggled to get more than £1k for it. it had less than 30,000 miles on the clock.

The fuel economy for the 2.1 is no better than the 2.5 as far as I know though, so don't discount the slightly larger engine if a decent one come up.

[Heaveho]

Dangle the IS200 in front of him again. He'll thank you for it later. For a " non-car person " it's perfect. I've worked for both Lexus and Jag, trust me....................

[mrtwisty]

Mmmm, I did warn him that Jags can be a bit 'characterful' when it comes to rust and electrical foibles.

[Heaveho]

mrtwisty said:

Mmmm, I did warn him that Jags can be a bit 'characterful' when it comes to rust and electrical foibles.

Keep warning him, you'll be doing him a favour. I'm biased, I went from working at a Lexus main dealer to a Jag Indy. From the most reliable brand to the least, or that's the way it seemed. I've seen the way Jags are put together, and how they come apart, just couldn't live with that level of tat.

Suffice to say, we have a Lexus. It's getting old ( 2004 model ) and in an ideal world we would have bought something newer, but there's nothing on the market at reasonable money that would be as reliable or suit our requirements.

[Defconluke]

Alfa 156's are probably getting a bit tired now and 159's not dropped into budget yet.
A Mazda 6 will give you the choice of a saloon or hatchback with 2.0 and 2.3 petrols available.
Plenty of Saab 9-3s out there in budget too.