10th Feb 2013, 08:18
There is a problem with the original JATCO 5-speed automatic transmission. JATCO is a subsidiary (spinoff) of NISSAN. My transmission failed at 69,000 miles, refusing to go into any gear. This was 2 weeks after buying it used, but was covered under 30 day warranty. Jaguar dealer in Columbia SC replaced it with a factory rebuilt unit. (I didn't buy the car from this dealer.) Rebuilt units have enhancements and modifications the new transmissions don't have, and I'm NOT talking about AAMCO rebuilds, only rebuilds done by Jaguar. The failures have shown them what needs beefing-up in these units. I've had no trouble since, and 30k miles later I had my local dealer flush and replace the fluid with synthetic.
I had the water intrusion in the EFI computer problem (due to a damaged and improperly installed cowl scuttle panel) which I repaired myself, adding a plastic shield underneath the scuttle to prevent water from entering.
I have noise from front sway-bar bushings, which I have on hand and will replace.
Some 20% of these cars is non-Jaguar, and it seems the non-Jaguar parts are always the issue. For example I once worked for Porsche, and new cars arrived with Taiwan-made (plastic) hood badges that came in broken on brand new cars. We always replaced them with German made badges (metal) that didn't break.
All car makers are forced by law to use a percentage of foreign parts in their cars. There is a disclaimer notice on the window sticker that tells you this. Ford induced Jaguar to build these cars. Considering the Mondeo origin of the frame and Ford engine blocks, I think Jaguar did a pretty good job with what they were given to work with. The X-Type is a far cry from the last Cougar or the Contour. Jaguar inherited two good things from Ford; modern tooling on the assembly line and a thoroughly modern electrical system. Both were sorely needed.
As for my own 2002 X-Type 2.5, I have always used Mobile One synthetic oil and enjoy 30 MPG on the highway and around 23.5 city. With 93k miles on it, it's been back to the dealer only 2 times, and one of those trips was at my request to change the transmission fluid over to synthetic.
29th Nov 2011, 23:30
I got my X Type Jaguar with 90k, and owned it for two years, then the tranny went! I really like the car, but it's so expensive to fix, and I was unaware of the history of this particular car! Jaguar knows about it, and doesn't want to fix it from what I see online. Shame on them.
I had AAmco fix it, and that was a nightmare too. I will never buy a Jaguar vehicle, and I hope there is a class action suit, because I'm out 5 grand!!