Survival Guide: Jaguar X-TYPE

Sourcing new and used parts.

It’s been a decade since the last X-TYPE went on sale, yet it still looks classy and continues to impress with its excellent ride and generous spec. The swish estate versions from 2004 are particularly desirable and make an excellent alternative to pricier loadluggers from the likes of Audi, Mercedesbenz and BMW. Indeed, an early 2.0D estate can be had for as little as £1000, and even the last, still low mileage 2.2 Sovereigns with all the bells and whistles struggle to make more than £7000.

You might recall that there was a bit of a hoo-ha when the X-TYPE was revealed in 2001, largely because of its humble Ford underpinnings. Potential buyers were also a bit miffed that there were only 2.1-, 2.5- and 3.0-litre V6 petrol options available at launch; they had to hang on until 2003 for the 128bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel and a further two years for the more refined 2.2D. The range was revised in 2007, followed by a facelift in 2008, when a whole raft of updates were introduced, as well as an autobox for the 2.2D.

Of course, none of the early gripes about it being nothing more than an upmarket Mondeo really matter now, and those durable Ford mechanicals are rewarding owners with decent reliability and inexpensive parts.

That said, early cars were criticised for their patchy build quality and, as we’re about to reveal, there are a few other common faults worth noting. Finally, a word about engine choice. If four-wheel drive is important to you, you’ll need to buy either the 2.5- or 3.0-litre V6 petrol as it wasn’t fitted to the diesels or the 2.1 V6.