USED Jaguar X-type Saloon (01 - 09)

My car

I test drove this car for 72 hours and can sum it up in two bullets:

- For the price it is very luxurious, especially if leather option is taken - It would be an ideal car for a 45+ year old.

It drives nice. Not stunningly or aggressively. Just nice. Calm, collected. A cruiser. Refined. but BORING.

My car

I have owned my X-Type for three years, experiencing few if any problems, apart from a couple of manufacturer's recalls.

The build quality is good, performance and handling excellent - it's great for long journeys - and the overall value is fantastic. To those who say it's not a real Jaguar, I say look at the badge!

My car

The diesel engine performance still impresses after 7000 hard miles on the M25 and nearby routes, regularly returning 40+ mpg.

The engine is so smooth when cruising that the cruise control becomes invaluable at keeping the speed down. The surge in acceleration from about 2200rpm in top gear is enough to jeopardize your licence if caution is not exercised. In lower gears it makes overtaking slower moving trafic such as lorries and caravans just that little bit less hazardous.

The ride comfort on the larger alloy wheels may not be to everyone's taste but it is a fair trade-off for excellent handling on all but the bumpiest roads when it can be thrown off line by a mid corner bump.

There seems to be more room in the rear of the car than other rivals except maybe the MB but that car doesn't seem to have the character of the Jag. I would suggest that anyone buying one has the headlamp washer option fitted as in wet conditions the design of the car seems to ensure that the headlights get dirty and stay dirty.

My car

I have had this car for 18 months now and can only say after dreaming of owning a Jag for a lifetime, the dream is in reality a nightmare.

The car had a whining transmission problem from day one. I had the dealer after waiting one year change out the box, which resulted in making the problem worse. We are now on gearbox number three and they have also replaced a set of timing chains. To add to this, the passenger door jams shut frequently and there is an irritating rattle from behind the dashboard.

The car cost £24.5k new and after 18 months of problematic ownership, the suppling dealer adds insult by offering me £13k to take it of my hands. I will never buy another Jaguar despite the fact they are good to drive, look good and are relatively comfortable inside.