Skip advert
Advertisement

Used buyer's guide: Jaguar X-Type

The Jaguar X-Type is a good used buy - but beware of poor build quality

What to look for

• Tyres can wear quickly and unevenly on four-wheel-drive cars, so check the state of the tread.• The ZF-built gearbox hasn't proven very durable. If it fails, expect a big bill to repair it.• Dual-mass flywheels can fail. It's most likely to be an issue with the 2.2-litre diesel, and is a costly fix.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Petrol X-Types are thirsty, but they are the only ones with four-wheel drive. You’ll get more for your money if you avoid diesels, but fuel and road tax costs will be much higher on petrol versions.

Equipment is generous across all models, but avoid entry-level cars – especially early ones with wind-up rear windows and air-con rather than climate control. For extra kit, buy an SE. Something sportier? Try a car with Sport trim.

We’d also recommend a post-July 2007 diesel edition, ideally a 2.2d, in manual or auto. Petrol autos are best avoided, though.

Recalls

The X-Type has been recalled six times. In March 2003, it was called back over electrical control module issues, while there were three issues in 2004 – to fix warning labels coming off the space saver spare wheel, the ESP cutting in unnecessarily and possible handbrake failure.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

UX 300e

2021 Lexus

UX 300e

25,972 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £14,600
View UX 300e
CLA

2022 Mercedes

CLA

21,157 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £23,500
View CLA
Discovery Sport

2023 Land Rover

Discovery Sport

36,613 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £27,500
View Discovery Sport
Sportage

2023 Kia

Sportage

55,816 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £19,500
View Sportage

The most recent recalls affected diesel cars only. In July 2005, the X-Type was called back over potential electrical short circuits, while the latest issue – in September 2011 – concerned cruise control problems.

Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.

Driver Power

Our view: Our Drive Power results show the X-Type has fallen out of favour. Having peaked at number 37 back in 2008, it plummeted to 82nd place in 2013. Owners still praise the car’s ride quality, as well as its handling and performance, but tell us reliability is poor and running costs are high.

Your view: Jane Stephenson from Crawley, West Sussex, is on her second X-Type. “The 2.0d engine offers strong performance with good economy, while it’s refined and well equipped,” she says. “Running costs are low, and niggles have been rare. It’s just a shame about the styling.”

Contacts

Official www.jaguar.co.uk

Forums 

www.jaguardriver.co.uk | www.jec.org.uk | www.xfforum.co.uk

Jaguar XE launch special: more content...

Launch special: new Jaguar XENew Jaguar XE: full detailsJaguar launches the new XEJaguar XE SVR to get 489bhp supercharged V8Best compact executive carsJaguar X-Type buyer’s guideJaguar E-Type: history of an iconIan Callum Jaguar Mk2 to be built• Opinion: "The XE and Disco Sport are great. Shame one arrives with a hand tied behind its back" 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,500 off RRP*
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £6,040 off RRP*Used from £13,000
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,295
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,773 off RRP*Used from £15,876
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025