Used Jaguar X-Type 2001 - 2010 review

In 2001, the Jaguar X-Type was launched to much hoopla as the British brand’s rival to the BMW 3 Series, and a car that would expand Jaguar’s production numbers towards the level of German rivals. Sadly, things didn’t pan out that way.

The fact that the X-Type was based on the same mechanicals as the second-generation Ford Mondeo was both a blessing and a curse; it meant it had sharp handling, but that it missed out on rear-wheel drive and was seen by my many people as a Ford in drag.

Early cars were also bedevilled by quality issues, while the old fashioned looks came in for heavy criticism, as did the fact there was initially no diesel engine.

All of which overshadows the fact that the X-Type is actually a decent vehicle. In addition to being good to drive, it had space for four adults, a large boot and, if you can stretch to a post-2003 car, frugal diesel engines.

So, the X-Type almost broke Jaguar financially, but it’s a far better car than that would suggest.

http://www.whatcar.com/classifieds/used-cars/Jaguar/X-Type)**

The 2.2-litre 152bhp diesel is probably the sweet spot of the X-Type range because it has adequate performance but also very good fuel economy – an official combined figure of 47mpg. The slightly less powerful 2.0-litre averages only 2mpg more, although it does have lower CO2 emissions – 149g/km, compared with 159g/km for the 2.2.

V6 petrol versions, especially the four-wheel-drive ones, will prove far more expensive to run. A 3.0-litre V6 all-wheel-drive model will struggle to top 25mpg, with emissions of 249g/km. The 2.1-litre V6 petrol barely does any better, so stick with diesel power if you want reasonable running costs.

Jaguar dealers are generally quite competitive when it comes to servicing and maintenance costs, but most of the time you won’t be able to use cheaper Ford parts when things wear out – only the core engine components and structure of the chassis were derived from the Mondeo.

If you’re brave, you can pick up a Jaguar X-Type for as little as £500, but these will usually have an expired MOT or be described as 'sold as seen'.

Fortunately, even later models are still very affordable. Go for an example of the facelifted car, which was introduced in 2008 and had a squared-off inset grille and an improved interior, and you are still looking at a budget of around £2,000-£3,000. This buys a well-equipped SE or Sport Premium model.

Compared with the sprawling model ranges of the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, the X-Type’s line-up is quite limited. You could choose from 2.5 or 3.0-litre V6 petrol, or a 2.1-litre V6 diesel that was essentially created as a company car ‘tax-break’ model. Diesel engines, introduced in 2003, were Ford TDCi units in either 128bhp 2.0-litre or 152bhp 2.2-litre forms.

Early cars were V6-engined and four-wheel drive only, too. Front-wheel drive was only introduced on the 2.1-litre V6 version, but was more or less standard on diesel models.

All models came with anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels, front fog lights and traction control, but you had to trade-up or raid the options list to get such desirable items as leather, climate control and stability control. For those who felt the polished wood dashboard was too old fashioned, later models came with the option of either carbon fibre or aluminium finishes.

Overall, the best one to buy is a post-2008 facelift 2.2-litre diesel in Sport Collection trim.

Our favourite used Jaguar X-Type: 2.2d Sport

The BMW 3 Series is the most obvious rival, and was the car the X-Type was aimed directly at when it was launched. The E46 3 Series model was replaced in 2005 by the more modern E90, but both are exceptionally good to drive with very frugal diesel engine options.

The Audi A4 went through a change of model during the X-Type’s time in production, too, but both are essentially the same, with decent space, high quality interiors and a choice of very good TDI diesel engines.

The Mercedes C-Class is another good option, but you have to buy with care. The pre-2006 model is troublesome from a reliability point of view, although the post-2006 car is a much better proposition with better reliability prospects and superior handling and ride comfort.

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