Pre-loved: Jaguar X-Type 2001-2010

by Ewan Kennedy    The launch of the midsize Jaguar XE resulted in added interest being taken in the Jaguar X-Type. X-Type is slightly sm...

by Ewan Kennedy 

 

The launch of the midsize Jaguar XE resulted in added interest being taken in the Jaguar X-Type.

X-Type is slightly smaller but can be used as a family car , provided your kids are in the pre-teen stage.

The lowish-priced X-Type wasn’t as successful as had been anticipated in its day (2001 to 2010), but quite a few did make their way Downunder.

There may be some bargains in used X-Types as not everyone is aware of the renewed interest in smaller Jags.

When it was introduced to Australia in September, 2001 the X-Type was often criticised as, “being nothing more than a Ford Mondeo with a different body”.

Which was partially true, as Ford, which controlled Jaguar at the time was aiming for a relatively low-cost, upmarket British car.

However, there were major differences between the X-Type and Mondeo.

The Jag had a completely different shape, with a wide grille and quad-headlights similar to the larger Jaguars.

The best areas are inside, with a traditional leather-and-timber finish.

Best of all, the X-Type feels like a Jaguar thanks to its comfortable suspension and silky-light steering.

The X-Type is relatively small and really only provides seating for four.

Legroom isn’t too bad in the back seat but headroom may cause hassles for anyone of above average height.

Keep in mind that Jaguars are sporting sedans, not cruising saloons and this makes sense.

Similarly, the boot is on the shallow side, though it’s long enough and wide enough to give it a reasonable volume.

At first the Jaguar X-Type was sold only with all-wheel drive to help lift it away from the “rebodied Mondeo” doubters.

However, the launch of a lower-cost front-wheel-drive X-Type in May, 2002 spoiled the party.

All-wheel drive X-Types come with a V6 petrol engine of 2.5 or 3.0 litres.

Front-drive models have a 2.1-litre V6, confusingly badged as a 2.0-litre to dodge some sort of road tax in the UK.

The smoothness of a small V6 is great to sit behind as most competitors in this class only have four-cylinder engines.

Jaguar introduced a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel X-Type in June, 2008 and it’s a four-cylinder unit.

While there’s is some turbo lag off the line, especially at low revs, once it has reached cruising speed it's a great, economical unit.

Transmissions are mainly automatic, though there were some imports of five-speed manual front-drive models until 2005.

Manuals could prove a drawback when it comes to resale time.

Automatics have five ratios when fitted beside the petrol engines, but six with the turbo-diesel.

Build quality is generally good because by the time the X-Type was launched, Ford, had completely revised the Brit’s build procedures.

Tracking down a Jaguar X-Type with a full service record from an Jaguar dealer makes a lot of sense.

You will probably have to may more, but can usually recoup this when it comes to resale time if you keep up the service record.

Jaguar is long established in Australia and the dealer network is strong.

While dealers are chiefly in major metro areas, the partnership with Land Rover means some country dealers have mechanics with experience on Jaguars.

Spare parts prices are about average for a car in this upmarket class and we seldom hear complaints about availability.

However, the cars are getting on in years so it makes sense to research your home area for recycled parts suppliers.

Chase up Jaguar mechanics at the same time.

Insurance costs seem to vary more than average from company to company so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.

As always, make sure to do accurate comparisons.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Look over the body for signs of previous panel damage or repairs.

The latter may show up as mismatched paint colours from panel to panel, and/or tiny specs of paint on unpainted surfaces such as glass and badges.

Check the interior for evidence of damage caused by harsh use.

Look for fading and/or cracking of the dashboard top and the rear shelf that has been caused by long-term exposure to the sun.

Be sure the engine starts promptly, even in diesel format, and settles down to a smooth idle straight away.

The diesel won’t be quite as silky as the petrols because it’s a four-cylinder.

Listen and feel for any hesitation in an automatic transmission and/or one that’s seems to change gears too often.

Jaguar X-Types are complex machines so a full inspection from a professional should be regarded as essential.

 

HOW MUCH?

Budget on paying from $4200 - $15,750 for a top of the line 2010 Luxury 3.0 V6 petrol auto 4WD, $3550 - $12,600 for a 2010 LE 2.2 4-cyl turbo diesel auto, $3600 - $12,500 for a 2010 LE 2.1 6-cyl petrol auto, $3750 - $14,300 for a 2009 LE 3.0 V6 petrol auto 4WD, $2150 - $12,750 for a 2009 Sport 3.0 V6 petrol auto 4WD, $2350 - $10,850 for a 2009 LE 2.2 4-cyl turbo diesel auto, $2400 - $10,800 for a 2009 LE 2.1 6-cyl petrol auto, $1200 - $9700 for a 2009 Sport 2.2 4-cyl turbo diesel auto, $1850 - $12,300 for a 2008 Luxury 3.0 V6 petrol auto 4WD, $800 - $8400 for a 2008 LE 2.1 6-cyl petrol auto, $500 - $7650 for a 2008 Sport 4-cyl turbo diesel auto, $1350 - $11,200 for a 2007 Luxury 3.0 V6 petrol auto 4WD, $500 - $8100 for a 2007 Sport 3.0 V6 petrol auto 4WD, $500 - $6250 for a 2007 Sport 2.1 6-cyl petrol auto, $500 - $9300 for a 2006 Luxury 3.0 V6 petrol auto 4WD, $500 - $6000 for a 2006 Sport 2.1 6-cyl petrol auto, $500 - $9100 for a 2005 Luxury 3.0 V6 petrol auto 4WD, $500 - $6850 2005 SE 2.1 6-cyl petrol auto, $500 - $7700 for a 2004 Luxury 3.0 V6 petrol auto 4WD, $500 - $5200 for a 2004 SE 2.1 6-cyl petrol manual, $500 - $7050 for a 2003 LS 2.5 6-cyl petrol auto 4WD, $500 - $5250 for a 2003 2.1 6-cyl petrol manual, $500 - $4200 for a 2002 2.1 6-cyl petrol auto or $500 - $5150 for a 2001 Sport 3.0 V6 petrol auto 4WD.

 

CAR BUYING TIPS

Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.

That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.

Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.

Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.

That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.

Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.

This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.

Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.

Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.

If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot. 

This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.

If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.

Take a slow walk around any car you're considering, looking for obvious defects.

It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.

Ideally any road test of a car you're getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.

If you're serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.

If they insist on coming that's understandable, but try to avoid them "selling” the car to you.

Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,

In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.

The next owner may suffer as a result.

 

RECALLS

To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/

 

 

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