Advice on which X-Type to get

[Flo-90]

Dear All,

I am looking to acquire an X-Type, the estate version, and was wondering if any member could advise as to which model/engine to go for (or not to go for) as well as which year to go for/not to go for, whether it be a petrol or a diesel one. I am aiming at making it a daily drive, so I am mostly looking for something reliable (not necessarly for the most efficient one).

Many thanks for your help/advice,
Florian

[RobXJC]

Find a 2.1 v6 petrol. No awd to worry about. No diesel dpf filter to worry about. Just makes a good diy car then with just the usual rust to watch out for as per most cars of similar age.

[steve_m]

I had a 2.5 petrol Estate and it was probably the most useful car I ever owned.
Once the persistent problems with the transfer box were sorted had no issues.
Apart from the dual mass flywheel that cracked up.
Had to sell it in the end because my left leg couldn't cope with the weight of the clutch in stop/go traffic.
Only lost traction when I beached it on the drive in 8 inches of snow.
Uninspiring inside though, a symphony in black; had to stick a leaper on the glovebox to remind me that I was in a Jag.

[Dave Eynon]

Hi,
The petrol versions, now they are getting older, will probably be the easiest to live with and I would not be too concerned whether it was an auto or a manual. The spec the car is built to can vary so much, from base spec to top of the range, with either a sports or traditional wood and leather themed interior, so I suggest looking at few to decide what style you want. The highest spec you can find would be my choice as they can be very well equipped cars and generally pretty trouble free. If you buy a 2.5 or 3.0 petrol version it will be All Wheel Drive and the transfer box requires fresh oil and the right quantity if it is to be reliable. The 2.1 FWD models are delightful to drive and very straight forward to own and maintain.
Diesel versions are now falling foul of any emission zone restrictions and seem to now require more maintenance on injectors / EGR DPF etc.
Road fund licence can be high depending on age and fuel type.
I moved to a petrol 2.5 manual estate in 2013 and have covered over 40k miles without any major issues on that time, I have changed the transfer box oil and thoroughly rust proofed the car which is a must if it is to be a keeper. Find an example with solid sills - they are out there - or budget to have them replaced. The X-type is a car that lends itself to DIY maintenance if that is your aim.
The X-type is a mini XJ and you will not be disappointed, particularly as it easily fits into parking spaces and makes for a great daily driver.
Happy hunting.

[Flo-90]

Many thanks everyone for your contributions!

[ng4xjs]

My Wife has a 2009 2.2 deiseal turbo. Has proved to be really reliable, frugal and inexpensive to run. I do think, for once that the "run-out" version is the better variant. She has had a manual and auto 2,5 awd and whilst really nice cars have presented any number of issues (and expensive to sort). I guess the down side wit a deiseal of this age is wit the number of increasing and expanding lean area zones, avoiding daily charging is becoming a bit more awkward.

We are doubly stuffed. My daily driver being a 4.0 AJ16 XJS and my Wife's X Type both face the penalty if we are unfortunate enough to cross the invisible London ULEZ border.

Happy days
Nick