USED Jaguar X-type Saloon (01 - 09)

My car

I purchased my 52 plate 3.0 Sport (Manual) 1 year ago with 27000 miles on the clock.

I have so much mixed feelings about this car, on the plus side it looks good, handles well, has great performance, a wonderful V6 engine and has a luxurious cabin with all the bells and whistles, when it works it never fails to leave me with a warm buzz.

However, I've had so much problems with the car that I have decided to cut my losses and trade it in for an Audi, loosing 50% of it's value in the process.

I had to replace my clutch and flywheel at 29k miles at cost of £1500, the sat nav DVD unit then failed which cost a further £1600, my handbrake is constantly needing adjustment and I have been advised by my garage that my 4WD transfer box also needs replaced.

Other small niggles include an uncomfortable driving position (I can't put the drivers seat back far enough to position my foot comfortably on the accelerator pedal), the lack of a clutch foot rest, rear doors that don't open far enough and a tight rear cabin, even for young children.

I so wanted this car to have the reliability to live up to it's looks and performance, sadly this hasn't been the case and it must go

My car

Likes: Glass-like paintwork and even arguably the most plasticky items on it such as the rear ashtray are a ridiculously precise fit. 4wd grip is near unshakeable & the quality is borne out even through such as the ventilation system which is exceptionally hushed. Front to rear balance is very good hence when pushing it theres almost tendancy to spin.

Dislikes: If I wanted deathly silence I'd have bought a Lexus- the V6 isn't loud enough, Whilst undeniably classy and neat the look should be more contemporary & if a rival to the Merc C63/M3 isn't devised to freshen up it's image the X-type is probably doomed. Shame they didn't do a 3-door Coupe.

Verdict: An excellent all round car & Built like the Jags of old. "Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove". True, it makes George Best seem a lightweight but the plus side is that unlike it's main (German) rival you don't find dozens of clones of it on run down estates (usually 10+ years old in Black or a Bluey-Battleship Grey). Would I replace it with anything else?....only the 3 Litre or something Built at Castle Bromwich.

(Ben Roberts age 22)

My car

I bought my car shortly after the X-Type was launched in p/x for a Saab 900. Performance is quick, the ride supple but seats less comfortable than the Saab.

Likes: Styling, appeal of the brand, engine is smooth and quick, gearbox good.

Dislikes: Amount of cheap plastics and displays in the interior , flimsy feel to some of the switches, many items standard on Saab were costly options (eg split folding rear seats £300!). Poor quality paint finish. Running cost high (especially servicing at dealer).Attitude of Jaguar dealer.

Problems: Faulty boot-lock, engine management system replaced twice in first 6 months. Rear suspension bushes also replaced under warranty. Third party wooden trim kit and chrome mesh sports grille fitted to improve looks.

Would I have another ? Undecided.

My car

I have had this car for 4 months and do a high mileage of around 1000 miles per week. It is an excellent cruiser and very economical, getting 50mph without trouble.

Satnav is very good and fit / finish are excellent too.

Perplexed by so many people slating the car as 'it's only a Mondeo'! Well, I have driven Mondeos too, and clearly the people who make these comments have not driven the Jag!

Looks great with real character, not just a euro/japanese box. Best car I have had and the leather is very practical, even with my kids (who love the Jag too).

All in all, it's a fine car. My company have one that has done 150k miles and it's even quieter than mine, so they get better with age too!