Used Vehicle Review: Jaguar X Type, 2002 2008 jaguar
2004 Jaguar X-Type. Click image to enlarge

The X-Type was sold exclusively with all-wheel drive, which means that all X-Types are possible candidates for a common problem with the transfer case – the set of gears that transfers power to the rear axle. Early signs of trouble are a whining noise from the transfer case, gear oil leaking from the case’s vent hose, and a clunking noise that occurs while decelerating to a stop.

The best preventative measure is to change the transfer case oil regularly (though Jaguar states the transfer case is a sealed-for-life unit). Normally, this is a “hellish” job that requires removal of exhaust components, but a poster at Jag-Lovers.org has devised an easier way. You may have to register at the site to view the post.

It has been suggested that the X-Type uses brake calipers that are prone to seizing, which can subsequently cause further brake problems, as well as negatively affect fuel consumption.

Used Vehicle Review: Jaguar X Type, 2002 2008 jaguar
Used Vehicle Review: Jaguar X Type, 2002 2008 jaguar
2003 Jaguar X-Type (top); 2004 Jaguar X-Type. Click image to enlarge

Watch for a centre rear seat belt that can get stuck in the fully-retracted position. The belt mechanism is inside the folding rear seatback; the easy fix is to fold the seat down, whack the seatback, then give the seat a good slam back into position. If this doesn’t work, the seat will need to be opened up and the mechanism serviced or replaced.

Consumer Reports only offers reliability information for X-Types built from 2002 through 2004, but what information they do have suggests that this car suffers from worse-than-average dependability.

The X-Type crash tests results are encouraging, however. The car earned four stars all around in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) frontal and side impact tests. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) frontal offset crash test, the X-Type earned a “good” rating, though the organization’s side impact test resulted in a “marginal” rating, thanks to poor protection for the driver’s torso and a poor performance by the car’s passenger compartment structure in the test.

If you’re jonesing for a used X-Type but are worried you won’t be able to afford one, you’ll be pleased to learn that the car suffers from poor resale value common to all Jaguar models. According to Canadian Black Book, X-Types are worth between $7,200 for a 2002 2.5 model, to $25,500 for a 2008 3.0-litre wagon with navigation. I’m partial to the wagon myself, and I think the $15,675 Red Book value for a 2006 model sounds like a good deal – as long as you can put up with this car’s finicky reliability. You might be better off spending a few more bucks for an A4 or 3 Series, though they can’t boast stellar records for dependability, either. One thing is for sure: the X-Type’s slow sales when new ensure a certain level of exclusivity for those who do own them.

Pricing

Black Book Pricing (avg. retail) January, 2012:

Year
Model
Price today
Price new
2008
X-Type 3.0 sedan
$22,900
$45,000
2007
X-Type 3.0 sedan
$17,300
$47,000
2006
X-Type 3.0 sedan
$14,625
$41,995
2005
X-Type 3.0 sedan
$11,925
$41,995
2004
X-Type 3.0 sedan
$10,400
$44,995
2003
X-Type 3.0 sedan
$9,400
$48,195
2002
X-Type 3.0 sedan
$8,300
$49,950

Online resources
  • Perhaps unsurprisingly, the best X-Type resources are found on UK-based web sites. JaguarForum.co.uk was most useful in my search, but X-Type.org.uk is a good spot too. So is the X-Type section at JaguarForums.com. Also, check the X-Type forum at Roadfly.org. The old-school layout may be frustrating, but there’s a healthy amount of information here. And do have a look at Jag-Lovers.org. One thing to keep in mind, at least when browsing Euro-based sites, is that the X-Type was available with diesel engines, and in front-wheel drive form, in Europe and the UK, so not all information relating to these models will be applicable to North American cars.

    Recalls
  • Transport Canada Recall Number: 2003005; Units affected: 2,613
    2002-2003: On certain vehicles, when power is lost to the external turn signal indicators, the internal “tell tales” flash as if there was no fault which is in contravention or the vehicle compliance requirements. The General Electric Module (GEM) design includes feedback to the driver via a “tell tale” function for bulb failure but does not include feedback in the event of power loss to the Direction Indicator System. Correction: Dealer will replace the General Electric Module (GEM).

    Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004337; Units affected: 124
    2004: On certain vehicles, the fuel filler cap will not provide a proper seal around the fuel tank filler neck. In the event of a vehicle roll-over, fuel may be allowed to leak past the seal. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel cap seal.

    Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004339; Units affected: 353
    2001-2003: On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the automatic handbrake adjustment may fail to properly adjust the parking brake. If the transmission is left in a neutral state, the handbrake might not apply sufficient force to prevent a “roll-away” condition. Correction: Dealers will replace the automatic adjustment handbrake lever system.

    Crash test results
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  • Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

    Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.

    For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

    For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

    For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.

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