4th Jul 2011, 13:52
I had the same problem with the doors on my Jag, but figured out that if I pushed or leaned on the door while lifting on the handle, it will open... No major problem.
If you plan to keep this Jag, I recommend that you are careful when using this vehicle, because other problems may be created if the car is not pampered like a baby.. REMEMBER!!! This because it is very expensive to fix. FORD knows because they made the engine.
GOOD LUCK. JEFF.
1st Nov 2011, 08:38
Hello, I have an X-Type 3.0 manual from the year 2002.
- I had to replace the transfer case at 90.000 miles with a re-manufactured unit (500$, + replaced myself, so big work for weekend warriors) and I bought a used one for spare because of the good price ($150).
- Clutch replaced at 105.000 miles, and for sure I replaced the DMF too (750$ + 500$ labor hours :) ) I never touched the transfer case-gearbox area again, so I paid it :) But my opinion, clutch replacement is a natural thing after 100k miles.
No other problems, except small things, which are common with ten year old cars. I like my X-Type, and I plan to sell after next transfer case replacement only.
Istvan (from Europe)
29th Nov 2011, 23:30
I got my X Type Jaguar with 90k, and owned it for two years, then the tranny went! I really like the car, but it's so expensive to fix, and I was unaware of the history of this particular car! Jaguar knows about it, and doesn't want to fix it from what I see online. Shame on them.
I had AAmco fix it, and that was a nightmare too. I will never buy a Jaguar vehicle, and I hope there is a class action suit, because I'm out 5 grand!!
24th Feb 2012, 23:32
Inherited a 2002 Jag X Type. It needs a few things that I have been able to ascertain.
Front doors don't always open.
Leaking a small amount of oil.
Rims are bent (I was told after putting on new tires).
Engine light is on.
Trans was replaced last year.
After reading all the comments, I am thinking of possibly trading it. Have always driven VWs and Hondas without problems. Hmmmmm.
7th Mar 2012, 15:39
Whew!!! Just read the comments and am deflated... I inherited a 2002 Jag X Type 3.0... (brother passed). He had the transmission replaced last year at 50,000.
Doors don't work well, although taking the suggestion from another comment, leaning on it when pulling up the handle does work.
Slight oil leak (just a couple drops).
Other than that, I am getting estimates on the dings and re-painting. I am wondering if it's worth spending the time and money on. Dealer offered 3600 as is, which seemed low, however when considering fixing it up...??? Have to do some thinking after reading the comments.
8th Mar 2012, 11:18
The answer is no... take the $3600.00 and run. Consult your Consumers Report Annual Auto Guide that comes out every year in April... they have a lot of great reliable used cars under $4000.00. Also before you buy a used car... pay the $80.00 bucks and have it checked for prior accidents and abuse by a good, reliable mechanic.
14th May 2012, 22:24
Good luck with that. They are NOT reliable either. Search the reviews. You need a Toyota or Honda my friend!
16th May 2012, 06:48
If the person is considering (and can afford) a Mercedes Benz, I doubt that they would be interested in a Toyota or a Honda, and I can't say I would blame them.
Not everyone wants to drive a Toyota or a Honda - based on my experience with Hondas, I wouldn't want one, and based with my experience with Lexus, I doubt I would ever buy another Toyota product - they are not all perfect, contrary to what some would like us to believe.
1st Oct 2012, 12:07
I purchased a 2003 Jaguar X-Type with the 2.5 engine and automatic transmission, and have had no problems. I purchased it from an auction with 90,000 miles on it.
When I got it, I changed all fluids (including transmission fluid - Castrol Multi Import and a bottle of Lucas transmission fluid). Also changed the brakes and air filter. I have not had any problems at all with this car. I now have 135,000 miles on it, and it roars in sport mode when I hit the gas.
I guess it depends on how you take care of the car. Just because you bought it from a dealer, does not mean they actually kept up with the car. In other words, did basic maintenance. Perform it yourself, or get someone you know to do it, and I'm sure it will last a lot longer.
1st Feb 2013, 03:34
Been driving my 3.0 X Type through recent northern Michigan blizzards. It has been better than my old Range Rover County Classic for traction.
Also I have only had to replace the brake pads and a wheel bearing in the last 2 years. I have put about 30000 miles on it in that time, and it has been trouble free. Although I notice the previous owner replaced the transmission under recall.
I put Lucas in the engine and pay close attention to fluid changes and maintenance. If you don't, even a Toyota or Volvo will fail, and I have seen both brands do so at low miles recently. Cars are usually as reliable as their owner's maintenance efforts are diligent.
10th Feb 2013, 08:18
There is a problem with the original JATCO 5-speed automatic transmission. JATCO is a subsidiary (spinoff) of NISSAN. My transmission failed at 69,000 miles, refusing to go into any gear. This was 2 weeks after buying it used, but was covered under 30 day warranty. Jaguar dealer in Columbia SC replaced it with a factory rebuilt unit. (I didn't buy the car from this dealer.) Rebuilt units have enhancements and modifications the new transmissions don't have, and I'm NOT talking about AAMCO rebuilds, only rebuilds done by Jaguar. The failures have shown them what needs beefing-up in these units. I've had no trouble since, and 30k miles later I had my local dealer flush and replace the fluid with synthetic.
I had the water intrusion in the EFI computer problem (due to a damaged and improperly installed cowl scuttle panel) which I repaired myself, adding a plastic shield underneath the scuttle to prevent water from entering.
I have noise from front sway-bar bushings, which I have on hand and will replace.
Some 20% of these cars is non-Jaguar, and it seems the non-Jaguar parts are always the issue. For example I once worked for Porsche, and new cars arrived with Taiwan-made (plastic) hood badges that came in broken on brand new cars. We always replaced them with German made badges (metal) that didn't break.
All car makers are forced by law to use a percentage of foreign parts in their cars. There is a disclaimer notice on the window sticker that tells you this. Ford induced Jaguar to build these cars. Considering the Mondeo origin of the frame and Ford engine blocks, I think Jaguar did a pretty good job with what they were given to work with. The X-Type is a far cry from the last Cougar or the Contour. Jaguar inherited two good things from Ford; modern tooling on the assembly line and a thoroughly modern electrical system. Both were sorely needed.
As for my own 2002 X-Type 2.5, I have always used Mobile One synthetic oil and enjoy 30 MPG on the highway and around 23.5 city. With 93k miles on it, it's been back to the dealer only 2 times, and one of those trips was at my request to change the transmission fluid over to synthetic.
11th May 2013, 01:10
I service my Jag as required, and with 70000 miles the transmission just crapped out. Buyers remorse, where do you get that? You should not have to change your transmission every 50000 miles; that's absurd. Very disappointed with the workmanship in the transmission, and the reviews I have read give me just cause. There should be recall when there are so many problems with a certain part. Stand behind what you put together, or get out of the business.
12th May 2013, 19:46
Wow, I guess some are okay, I have a 2002 2.5 X-Type with 111,000 miles, NO MAJOR PROBLEMS!!! Still looks and runs great. Water pump went out at 90,000, A/C leak at 70,000 (screw rubbed a hole in a metal hose elbow). My only complaint is the resale value has plummeted so bad my daughter's 2001 Honda Civic is now actually worth more.
26th Jul 2015, 02:29
I have a 2003 2.5 too, and no problems other than the oil smell. Love it, will pay to fix the oil smell soon probably, doesn't go through much oil at all though.
24th Dec 2015, 10:57
OK, go onto YouTube and check out Jaguar automatics and EMF fields. Turns out that if cheap aftermarket ignition parts are fitted, they create an EMF field that affects the transmission computer and causes other computer faults; hope it helps!
From across the pond where money is tight!
19th May 2011, 15:17
That's a PVC hose issue. Replace it, and it should help.