Faults:

4x4 transfer box replaced, but the car still whines/groans.

CD player jammed.

ABS / TRACS light randomly comes on.

Misfire / jerky under acceleration when the engine is cold.

General Comments:

I bought this car as I always wanted a Jaguar, and it appeared to be a good buy - low mileage, service history, etc.

However I have been very disappointed as it has been expensive to run and it really doesn't feel very special at all.

The performance is modest for the claimed power (3.0 - 230 BHP) and fuel economy (20 MPG).

The autobox is very slow and jerky.

The ride is harsh, the cabin rattles and squeaks, and it's surprisingly limited on space considering the size of the car.

The only positive sides are the heated front screen and climate control, which heats/cools the car quite rapidly.

Faults:

Automatic gearbox failed at 36k - replaced under warranty.

From demist vents lifting - unfixable according to dealer.

Wiring harness shorted at 50k - causing car to completely stop - cost £250 to fix (not under warranty).

After this breakdown I sold the vehicle.

General Comments:

Ownership costs high - car was heavy on fuel (best 28 mpg), averaged 25 mpg, servicing costs higher than previous models (about 20% than Nissan)

Very comfortable ride over long distances - accomplished cruiser.

Gear box dropped two gears under kick down, requiring the use of the manual facility for overtaking.

Handling was good - 4 wheel drive came in useful in snow (once).

No complaints about major/minor controls though - all worked well.

Faults:

The boot lock suffers with sticking when opened with the key. This is ongoing. The boot will open normally if the button is used.

General Comments:

This car is everything I expected it to be. It is quick enough to keep me ahead of trouble and comfortable enough for me, my wife and two kids to go anywhere without a problem.

It is beautiful on the outside and luxurious on the inside.

If you're thinking of buying one, I would recommend the winter pack, which comes with the automatic headlights and automatic windscreen wipers. This has been the best option that I have fitted to this car and I specified many when I ordered the car.

The xenon headlamps work fine, but aren't worth £700 in my opinion.

Faults:

Boot latch repeatedly failed - replaced under warranty.

Rear dampers (shock absorbers) - replaced under warranty.

Prop-shaft bearing failed - replaced under warranty.

Creak from drivers seat - I only weigh about 170lbs (12stone,75Kg)

General Comments:

With the car in the right gear and the engine in the power band (3000+RPM) this car seriously shifts for a 4dr Saloon. My passengers often surprised at how fast it moves while still feeling safe and secure. Get the gears/revs wrong though and it is way too slow.

Cornering is in a different league to my BMW 3-series, especially in the wet, when pulling out of junctions is so much safer because of the permanent four-wheel-drive.

Ride is good, but road noise is a bit excessive on the Pirelli P6000s, apparently Continentals are better.

The center console is really cheap and nasty black plastic and I if I were keeping the car I would replace this with wood to match the dashboard.

The climate control is superb and maintains the car at my preferred temperature no matter what goes on outside.

I've driven the full model range and if you need/want an automatic, you must buy the 3-liter. This engine is ideally suited to the car.

The (Europe only) 2.1-liter is a dog and shouldn't have a cat on it's bonnet!