Executive estate: Jaguar X-Type

All the flak the Jaguar X-Type has received over the years has helped depress prices to the point that our example is now on sale again for 30 per cent of what it cost three years ago. And while it’s not the most desirable Cat, the X-Type’s sure-footed roadholding, overall reliability and great kit levels make it an excellent driver’s car. Leather is standard on all the estates, plus there’s electric seats, parking sensors and six airbags.

The boot is useful rather than huge at 445 litres, but more relevant is the 48mpg economy from the 126bhp 2.0-litre diesel. Back in 2005, CAP wasn’t that optimistic about X-Type residuals, but its £8,475 trade-in prediction for the Sport Estate would have meant £10,000 on the forecourt. At a shade less than £7,000, the example we found is a silver lining of the current financial thundercloud.

Jaguar X-type
2.0D Sport Estate

Price new in 2005: £23,165
Example we found:
55-reg, 58,000 miles, £6,984

Value drop: 69.9 per cent