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Jaguar X-type 3.0 V6
I am sure that Barbara Cartland and James Joyce have on occasion used the same
word when writing. In the same vein, the Jaguar X-type has components that
can be found in a Ford Mondeo. But read the books or drive the cars and the
differences are obvious.
Introduced in February 2001 the X-type initially came with the choice of a 2.5
or 3 litre V6 unit producing 194bhp and 231bhp respectively. Uniquely for a
car of its price (starting at just over £21,000), it also had a
four-wheel-drive system that endowed it with superb roadholding. In December
of the same year Jaguar added the 2.1 litre V6 (badged 2.0 for modesty), the
first front-wheel-drive model ever to carry the Jaguar badge and with a list
price of just £19,290.
On the road the X-type exhibits two distinct personalities. Choose a car with
Sport trim and a manual gearbox and it is a true competitor for the BMW
3-series. Sitting on 17in alloys and with dark wood trim and half leather
sport seats, the car has a businesslike appearance and encourages the driver
to exploit fully its dynamic ability. Choose the similarly priced SE model
and add the five-speed auto box and the character reverts to classic Jaguar.
Sitting on smaller alloys and softer suspension the car’s performance is
more relaxed, and the electrically adjustable front seats cosset you in a
cabin that is adorned by highly polished bird’s-eye maple.
Despite a less than enviable reputation for construction in the 1980s, these
latest generation Jaguars are as good as their German competition. The
dashboards are rattle free, the trim is tasteful and the accommodation
comfortable.
Two-and-a-half years after its introduction, the car can boast a good history
of reliability and residual values. But with a lower than average price when
introduced, the Jaguar still looks good value against its competitors. A
fully loaded 2001 3 litre SE auto for about £18,000 looks like a decent buy.
Or opt for a car registered after January 24, 2002, and you get a three-year
unlimited mileage warranty.
The entry-level model carries no name and is referred to by engine size alone.
Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, alloy wheels and a leather
steering wheel. In addition all X-types have an intelligent airbag system
that uses sensors to identify the occupant’s size and position before
operating the front, side and curtain airbags, standard on all the cars.
The list of additional equipment available on the X-type is extensive and
while some things in life are optional, others aren’t. On a Jaguar that
means leather upholstery and metallic paint — cars lacking these are worth
at least £1,500 less. Finding a used car that has the satellite navigation
system is also worth the extra £500 it’s likely to cost. The large
touch-screen system also operates the stereo and climate control and is one
of the most instinctive systems on the market.
Jaguar also has a good website (www.jaguar.com)
with an extensive range of used X-types that come with a comprehensive
service record and minimum of 12 months warranty.
VITAL STATISTICS
Model: Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6 SE
Engine: V6, 2967cc
Power: 231bhp
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Fuel: 27mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0 to 62mph: 7.5sec
Top speed: 143mph
Windows: Electric rear windows only standard on SE models
Boot: Space-saver tyre as standard
Wood trim: Maple on all models except Sport, which gets
darker grey stained inserts
Door mirrors: Heated mirrors are standard
Four-wheel drive: 2.5 and 3 litre only; check for whining and
groans at low speed
Wheels: Alloys on all models, Sport version has larger 17in
as standard
Seats: Leather on SE models, cloth on base models. Leather
helps maintain good resale value - there's a mix of the two on Sport
derivatives. SE models have electric adjustment as standard
Safety: Front, side and curtain airbags on all models
Satellite navigation: Optional system has large touch-screen
and is easy to use
Colours: Avoid base colours (non-metallic finishes)
Bumpers: Front and rear parking aid a desirable option
THE ONE TO BUY
Jaguar X-Type 3.0 SE auto with satellite navigation pack, 2001 Y-reg with
20,000 miles. Pay £17,995 at a dealer or £16,000 privately
OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...
2001 Y-reg BMW 330i SE
2001 51-reg Mercedes-Benz C280
2001 51-reg Lexus IS300 Navigator
2002 52-reg Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 2.0t
2002 52-reg Alfa Romeo 156 3.2GTA
VALUES
Sadly i have to agree, it is a brilliant car, but I have had both gear box and transfer box replaced under warranty at 100,000 miles. It is such a shame as the car (3.0 auto Sport) is fantastic, fun on B roads and a great cruiser. The 4 wheel drive is so useful in fields. So I would love another one, but I worry about the transer box.
Richard Lewis, Sevenoaks, Kent
I think this review needs to be updated as it is badly misleading. I have a 2003 X-type with only 28k miles on it and the transfer case has failed. I am not alone here as dozens of other X -type owners have had the same problem in North America as the part is badly designed and manufactured. Jaguar can't offer a new replacement only a rebuilt part and if you are outside the warranty even slightly you must pay about 3,000 pounds even though this part is a"sealed for life" part and should not fail. So the x-type is not a good buy as a used vehicle as you risk a very expensive repair.
Alexander Holburn, Ottawa, Canada