2001 Jaguar X-Type 2.5

Summary:

Brilliant car to drive and stylish, but has spent far too much time in the Dealers workshop

Faults:

Delivered with dent in driver's door panel.

Boot latch faulty - replaced twice (now fixed)

Two drive shafts replaced.

Rear suspension replaced.

'J' gate replaced.

Drive belt replaced.

Drive pulleys replaced.

New gearbox installed at 10k miles.

Constant rattle from drivers door - dealer unable to rectify.

Fresh air blower works when it is in the mood to do so.

General Comments:

Superb drivers car and comfortable for passengers. Very roomy boot.

Excellent road holding.

Noisier than I expected.

Unacceptable level of reliabilty/faults

Manufacturers level of involvement in quality issues unacceptable -"that is what the warranty is for, you must deal through the main dealer network"

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th January, 2003

27th Nov 2005, 15:48

I write to update my previous comments on this vehicle. Was granted an additional years warranty by Jaguar to compensate for the poor experience. This expired end July 2005. BIG mistake - did not dispose of the car before warranty expired. Booked into dealership May, June & July 2005 for small oil leak and acrid smell in vehicle when hot to be investigated. No problem identified first time, second time oil seal on Transfer box changed, third time seal changed again. Evidence of oil leak ceased, but smell continued although much reduced.

In September whilst 150 miles from home, deposited significant amount of oil on relatives drive, acrid smell returned and developed noise from transmission. Limped home at low speed with car performance diminishing.

Dealership advised that Transfer box had failed and needed to be replaced at cost of 2000 UK pounds!!.

Was advised that "this is a known issue with X Type"

Had a tantrum and Jaguar agreed to provide new Transfer Box free of charge. Had another tantrum and dealership agreed to meet 50% of labour charge. So cost me 400 UK pounds in the end, but a lesson learned and the X Type has gone.

So, if you own a four wheel drive X Type be warned if you have small oil leak accompanied with an acrid smell in the cabin, usually when stationary at traffic lights for example. Get the Transfer Box changed under warranty!! OR if you are contemplating buying a used X Type ensure that the Transfer Box has been changed or alternatively pay 1800/2000 UK pounds less. My vehicle had only completed 44000 miles when these problems emerged.

2001 Jaguar X-Type 3.0SE 3 Litre gasoline

Summary:

Superb long range car in the grand tourer tradition

Faults:

Scuttle rattle.

General Comments:

Road holding is superb (4WD) with excellent visibility and equipment. the steering is faultless at any speed. The factory fitted DVD based navigation is the best I have used.

I feel that the auto change down points could be better. The box tends to choose one ratio too low when overtaking with some torque loss.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2003