Is it worth looking at the Jaguar X-Type?

I'm looking at an X-Type Jaguar, around 2008 or 2009. Are they worth looking at? Or should I look at a Mondeo or Passat?

Hugh Fleming (Wicklow)

Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Hugh,

Well, a Mondeo or Passat would be a more sensible choice - more around to choose from and slightly cheaper running costs. And that's the Achilles' heel of the X-Type - running costs. While the diesels are reasonably frugal, and in general it's a well-made and reliable car (after some serious horrors on early-build examples back in 2001 and 2002), the X-Type can be expensive to fix if and when it does go wrong, and don't go assuming that because it's based on a MkIII Mondeo that you can use more affordable Mondeo bits; there's still a lot of bespoke Jag in there.

Still, it's a lovely car to drive, and the 2008 facelift (new grille, slightly squarer looks) made it much more stylish. Shop around carefully, don't buy anything that doesn't have a full service history and check for any noises coming from either the transmission or the suspension.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe