Maybe the problemm is the manual. Maybe you just weren't used to this one. This car def. hooks up. At least the one I drove. I have a 330 and other than slightly more body roll this thing sticks. I purposely tried to swing the rear out and it was stuck. I see you were driving a non sport, that must be the diff. mine was the sport. I agree about the headroom. I had my seat all the way down too and I could feel my hair rubbing the headliner.
On the Jagtalk.com board ( http://www.Jagtalk.com ) there are several dozen X-Type owners who seem to all really like the car. Whether that is a function of the car being brand-spanking new is questionable. You might want to compare notes with them. It's free.
icdchess : You could be right. The sport package may make a significant difference in this car. Overall i thought it was pretty good, so don't get the wrong impression.
icdchess: well, you know, reviews are subjective; i probably just have different car goals than the guys on jagtalk. As is, i don't need to go there, because i think i won't be cionsidering it bacause of space issues. Get me that leather and nice wool, though! P.S. I've ordered things from ICD chess. I guess you guys are doing ok, huh?
You've ordered chess stuff from us? Wow, we've been in business doing that for 23 years, but what are the odds that some fellow on an X-Type board that I respond to is actually a customer of ours? Impressive. You can come to the Jagtalk board anyway- a bunch of really nice people there. They have no agenda and aren't trying to sell anything. Almost 1900 members now. Steve http://www.ChessUSA.com
Why do so many people think that the X-type is just a gussied up Contour? The Contour and Mystique were based on the OLD Mondeo platform. And being based on the same platform does not make it the same car anyway. Like the LS and S-type. These are NOT the same cars. A Taurus and a Sable are the same car.
The Mystique and the Contour WERE the Mondeo, with only minor suspension and cosmetic changes. They weren't based on the Mondeo, they were merely rebadged and slightly modified versions of the exact same car. Take a look at a 1993-1999 Mondeo and you'll see that it's the same car.
The reason people call it a gussied up contour is because it's on the new Mondeo platform. What they're probably too stupid to tell you is that the new Mondeo platform is a fantastic class-leading FWD platform, better than almost anything out there including the Passat. So by tacking on AWD capabilities and heavily modifying the Mondeo platform, they're getting the best of both worlds.
Interesting question to be sure. On Steve's Jagtalk board -- mentioned above -- it is clear that most if not all of the members agree that the S-Type is Jaguar while at the same time many consider the X-Type to be more Ford.
This seems to be true even thought the members have access to the data like statements from Simon Sproule, vice-president of public affairs for Jaguar Cars North America, that the S shares 40 percent of its parts with the Lincoln while less than 20 percent of the X-Type's parts come from the Mondeo. Apart from the platform, some suspension bits, the engine block and the gearbox, the X-Type's engineering is pure Jaguar. And that's not an expertise to be taken lightly.
A few members are even concerned that the poor Jaguar dealers might have to deal with customers wearing jeans and t-shirts. I think bottom line it is a cost/status thing and not based on any technical details. There seems to be a fear that the X-Type will somehow lower the status level of all Jaguar owners. I really don't think this is true for MB and BMW, and it won't be for Jaguar.
That's an interesting observation about the perception of how much of a Jaguar an S-type is, versus an X-type. I think maybe the problem is, although the X-type is only 20% Mondeo, it is a lower market segment than Jag traditionally competes, and it is not a traditional configuration for a Jaguar, with traverse engine and AWD. Many Jag fans seem to be very conservative about what they want in their car. Ironic I think, considering that Jaguar's founder absolutely hated doing anything that wasn't new and different, and carryover parts were used plenty in the early days.
Funny how price plays such a big part in perception of quality. I used to sell furniture and we had some chairs that were relatively cheap but looked nice. We decided to put them on special (I think they cost us $70 and we were selling them for $100, much less than normal). Nobody bought one. One look at the price and they turned their nose up and walked away. So we jacked them up to $300 and sold every one within a few weeks. Same chair. Different price. Different perception. I think that's the main reason people are dumping on the X-type. Makes you wonder what the perception would be like if the MSRP started at $39K instead of $29K.
Small world.Did you make it for Octoberfest? What is a 3-series? (Sounds like a BMW?) What is the type R? Is the xtype too small for you? There is a 2004 cherry red with 16,000 sitting at Keenan's (West Salem) Price is $22,000,blue book for that year/miles is closer to $30,000. Lots of warranty left, and YOU even live in a city that has a Jag dealer!
I haven't seen the X-type in person yet, but it looks nice from what I saw on the web. However, a nearly fully loaded Audi S4 can be had for around $40k, and it has more power (250), 6-speed manual or tiptronic and a proven Quattro AWD system. A similarly equipped X-Type, based on my calculation, would run over $43k. Which one carries more prestige is debatable.
The Jag definitely carries more prestige by default, but I'd bet that the Audi S4 is a better machine, and I prefer Audis any day. I know they don't have the image in the marketplace, but I don't care.. they're better machines. They're very cold and teutonic, not warm and nutty like a british car.
And another car enters the fray- the new Cadillac CTS. It was unveiled today at Pebble Beach and looks great. Not everyone cup of tea, but a big change from the Catera. This is a crowded market~ A.R.
I stopped by the dealer and took a quick look at it. They had quite a few on the lot, surprisingly. The car is small, so it doesn't exhibit the traditional grace of a Jag. The interior is definitely nice, especially in ivory. If I was to get the car, I wouldn't get the leather in any other color. However, the workmanship is questionable. After I popped open the cover of the coin tray in the center console, it wouldn't close any more. And I could tell the cover was misaligned. The back door opens very narrow, so getting in and out can be difficult.
The sports package erases all chrome, inside and out, which in my opinion is a bad idea. The chrome adds a luxurious and elegant touch to the car. The a uni-color scheme, the sports model looks very bland. The sports seats are small.
Can you get a 5-speed on the 3.0? The J-gate auto doesn't truly allow manual shifting through all gears, unlike the tiptronic of Audi or Steptronic of BMW.
As I have posted before, I agree that the back door opening is too narrow. I think this is an ergonomic issue that most drivers will be unhappy about after they have owned the car for a while. It also seems easy to fix. Why did they do this?
The rear doors on my Mystique were very narrow, but C&D explained it was because of the extra sturdy saftey cage. I never was sure if that was true until I sold the car and then the new owner FLIPPED IT OVER in a snow storm at 70mph. The rear actually flew over the front and the car slammed down on the top. After it was towed to the junkyard, the "cage" was relatively intact and the passengers sustained no injuries. After that, I would be happy to have a smaller opening. Besides, I got used to it quickly.
My guess is that is one quality which they retained in the new platform (thank goodness).
Have any of you noticed how much more participation there is on the boards of the 3-series-sized RWD platform newcomers? The Caddy CTS and the Infiniti --(is it G35?) come to mind. Why so?
Because those cars aren't out yet, so everyone wants to speculate and talk about them. There is no secret with the X-Type anymore, so the only people who talk here are ones that want information from owners, or owners who are having problems and want to know the answers.~ A.R.
I think that Infiniti is going to have two versions, the I35 (fwd) and the G35 (rwd) in that class. The G35 will be somewhat sportier; sort of a spruced up version of the new (2002) Altima. They both should be nice cars, and healthy competition for the x-type.
No, the altima is FWD. It is a family car, not intended to be marketed as an infiniti. The new G35 is a on a RWD platform and will be a legitimate competitor to the Lexus IS300 and BMW 3 series~ A.R.
Infiniti is phasing out it's FWD cars, replacing them with RWD or AWD. As the G35 will become the entry-level Infiniti, expect the I35 replacement to take on the GS and 5-series.
Some pics of the Nissan Skyline (which will be imported as the G35) can be found here:-
Another interesting question I think. I started joining in on these chats and boards as part of my research on the X-Type -- wanted to learn as much as I could before buying one. I think overall I have heard more about the BMW, Audi, and various cars from Japan than the X-Type. The truth is, I have already researched most of these and had a couple of them on my list, but needed data on the Jaguar. Most of the coverage is more related to personal feelings -- looks, Jaguar status image, and "its really a Ford positions".
Edmunds supports this forum, but look at their data on the X-Type and you will find there are no options for the car -- seems like not enough interest in the X-Type to even load the data on the options. Over a week ago I wrote a review of the X-Type -- you know, "be the first to review this car" -- and nothing. I wondered why no one had reviewed the X-Type, now I suspect several have, but they have not been posted due to a lack of interest.
I found most of my technical data directly from Jaguar. Their "Jaguar X-TYPE Press Pack Text February 2001" was a very good document covering many technical question I had as well as a lot of details on the testing performed and locations.
If I do indeed get the X-type, I don't want to see the same car every other mile as I drive on the 405. When I'm driving through West L.A., I see at least 70 3-series. I like unique low-slung cars like the X-type. As you might read in my profile, I own a Mazda 929; I doubt many of you have heard of or seen one of those.
I was able to test drive a Sport 3.0 at my local dealership and I was very impressed with the handling, brakes, and overall quality of the car. I don't know how long the lower part of the hood trim is going to stay on, it is very flimsy. I was offered this car the day after the test drive for $1K off Msrp. Had X1, Sport, cd. I personally would not buy the Sport because it rode too rough and the sport seat is hard and narrow. I balked at the offer (because I didn't want the Sport) so the next day I get a call that they have the same car without Sport for the same deal. I still balked because 1. I don't know if I am a "Jag guy" 2. Serious ? of buying 1st year of any new model esp. Jag. 3. I think the price will have to go down to compete in the "new" economy. BTW my local dealer has 15 in stock, some were pre sold and cancelled and the rest "float" cars. So what does everyone think? Is it just the economy, the car, the fact it is Jag, or the price for a well equipped car. Let's face it when is the last time your local BMW dealer had new 530i for sale at $2500 off Mrsp and 540s in stock to buy at any price?
I passed the local Jaguar dealer this past Saturday and couldn't resist going in and test driving the X-Type. I now drive an Audi A4 and was very curious to see if the Jag would be a contender for my next car. I love the A4, but am questionable about the design of the new one coming out this fall, so I have been testing the waters.
First let me say that before I purchased the A4, I went to every premium dealership out there except for Jaguar. While some treated me better than others (even though I pulled up in a Pathfinder), most treated me with respect, even if I came in in jeans and a sweatshirt.
In the case of Jaguar, I pulled up in my A4, looking halfway respectable, and I never felt so uncomfortable in my life. In fact, the hard sell was extremely pressure packed, as if they were desperate to sell a car. They all looked at me as if I were an outcast.
I test drove the Jag, really liked it except for the fact that it did not have memory seats (why would they skip that on a $40,000 car?). The A4 2.8 doesn't have it now, but will have it come the new redesign.
Admittedly, after test driving the Volvo S60, I really liked the Jag. It had so many more important features in it, like a real armrest! Unfortunately, unless I really don't like the new A4 in person, I wouldn't consider the Jag because of the response I got from the dealer. It just confirms to me that one of the reasons I chose the A4 in the first place, barring the fact that I liked it the best out of all the cars I test drove, was that the stigma of being untouchable wasn't there.
I am sorry, but you must treat everyone the same, because you never know. Even if they don't look the part. You qualify someone when you talk to them and find out their intentions not when you first see them. I'm sorry the previous poster had a bad experience, and would encourage them to seek out a different dealer.
I had a customer one time. He was wearing jeans and a T-Shirt with a denim jacket. The first thing he said was "I've always wanted to have a Jag." So I started thinking he was a dreamer. We get them quite often, people who can't afford the cars they just like to come and look. Wrong, turns out not only is he a doctor but he and his partner always drive the same kind of car. I ended up delivering two XJR's that night.
The biggest problem with selling the cars is getting them esp. 2.5's. If someone gave me an order today for a 2.5 it would be Oct. before I even got an allocation for their car, and another two months before they got the car.
I don't know if I sent you this message before, but if I did, I apologize and here it is again. I have a 99 XJ8L that has a strange shake in the steering column. It seems like the rack & pinion mechanism is not connected properly. I get this sensation at all speeds but it is more noticeable at normal city driving when making slow, sweeping left or right turns. I was trying to get some info (so I could talk more intelligently) before I go back to the dealer. Do you have any thoughts or comments on what this may be? Thanks, Bill wjodonnell1@home.com
Walked into a Jag dealership on Sat just to have a look around--six out front and 1 in showroom so stock is in--most were the 3.0's all autos--denim shorts and golf shirt, tail out. Sat in it and after we got over the 'soccer or football player' bit admited only looking for a possible spring, maybe fall buy--no lease. We'll see how long it takes to get a call back. Felt odd walking into a Jag showroom, but warmer recept than when I was looking at a Viggen convert. Being a previous Saab owner carried no weight We'll see how long it takes to get a phone call and a test drive offer. I usually deal on a cash basis--you want to sell me a car? I'll get it in your hands in 24 hours... at my price...otherwise I keep shopping reminding the sales guy there are other dealers out there--works most of the time
Where I'm coming from: current drive is a '99 SVT Contour, similar platform as the Xtype. One of the best handlers I've ever driven for the price--slightly over 7 sec to 60 and over .9 Gs on the skidpad, Can attest to gripiness on Colorado mountain roads and its zippiness when pushed. Its a Ford so it does have its unsophicticated bits compared to BMW and Audis. But...if you can live with this--its a fun drive that surpisingly will also handle long distance trips with comfort--two drives in the US totalling in the last two years almost 12k mi keep me begging for more.
My dilema: paying almost double three years later for a slightlly more powerful, maybe better handler, with a more upscape marque. Will I get my moneys worth or should I just get a Boxter S or Audi TT and go for the gusto?
I'm thinking...it will be my decision..but I am waiting for the excitement to grab me by the lapels and say 'own me'
The dealer was Ray Catena. My husband and I have had only good experiences with the Mercedes and Infiniti dealerships there. Jaguar was very stuffy and unfriendly.
I am not ready to purchase a new car at this point, but probably will be within the next 6 months. They are located right near my house, so if I decided on the Jag, I would only purchase there for the convenience. I don't want to travel all over the state for maintenance and warranty work, and not get a loaner.
If you need a reccomendation, lemme know. I used to work at Montclair Jaguar. If you go there talk to Paul DeBlois who is a great guy.
If you go to Bergen, talk to Anthony Villani.
And as far as loaners and service go, Jaguar basically requires service loaners for their customers. We had people who had bought their cars at Main or Bergen or Manhattan..etc who used our service dept and they all got loaners.
Point is, if you are not treated with respect... go somewhere else.
I cancelled my x type order last night. I finally test drove the car (3.0 automatic with Premium & cold weather package , xenon and upgrade stereo/cd) and thought it performed great and was a good looking car and deserving of fine reviews it has received. One major problem I had with the car was that I'd be paying $1200 for an upgrade 6 CD changer/sound system and still have to go to the trunk to change CDs. Jaguar definitely dropped the ball on that one.
In the end, I cancelled my order b/c I feel that car is overpriced at $42,750. For comparison, a friend of mine just purchased a BMW 530 I similarly equipped for $43,600 (but without upgrade stereo). With today's economy and the fact that many luxury dealers are selling their cars below MSRP, I believe the car I had ordered is drastically overpriced.
Although it would be nice to own a car that is not seen very often on the road (unlike BMW), the premium demanded along with traditional reliability concerns for 1st year models outweighs the benefits to me of driving a unique car.
I have decided to hold off my purchase until (if ever) the x-type pricing is more in line with compeititors. I'll wait til spring, and see where X-type is at and then compare to 530I and A6 2.7 T and may consider purchasing a 2.5 instead of the 3.0 if the car does not have any reliability concerns.
Although I love the X-type and was really looking forward to purchasing it, after doing price comparisons I feel it would not be a wise economic decision on my part to purchase the car I was looking at. Even though there are many more BMWs on the road, is there really much of choice between a 530i and similarly equipped x-type 3.0 when 530I is only selling for around $1000 more than 3.0 X-type??? Personally, I feel the car I was looking at should be priced at or under $40,000 to bring it in line with other cars out there.
Question: does anyone know if BMW plans to extend their all wheel drive system to the 5 series (to me this is the only advantage of x-type over 530 i currently)?
when i am looking at the x-type, i amonly looking at the 2.5, only becvause, 36 more horsepower is not going to come very handy, and it isnt worth 6 more thousand, so y not buy the fully loaded 2.5 for the same price..
Went to our local Jaguar dealer in a tee shirt and jeans. We were treated with respect and were made to feel welcomed by every staff member which we encountered. Absolutely loved the car but also felt that it was just a tad over priced. Having owned two Sables, I could not help but notice that the car felt a little cramped. Anyone who sits in one should agree that entering and exiting the X-type leaves you feeling a little confined. I Think that if you like this car,and yes, there is an awful lot to like, you should buy it as I suspect you will be pleased long term. We have not eliminated this vehicle from our list of considered vehicles. I would again like to point out that of all the cars that we tested, the jeep liberty was the biggest piece of crap, hands down!
when comparing cars, keep in mind the class and size of the car. to compare the space in the x-type to a sable is unfair. compare the s-type to the sable. the x-type is aimed at cars the size of a bmw 3-series, or c-class m-b, not bigger cars. the sable is more than a foot longer than the x-type, of course you'll feel "confined" comparatively. if you want to compare space in a mercury, compare the x-type to a cougar. the cougar is an inch longer than the x-type, and i'm sure the interior space in the x-type will seem more spacious comparatively. but even this isn't really fair since the cougar is a coupe and the x-type is a sedan.
if you compare a loaded X-type 3.0 to a comparably equipped 330i or C320, you'll find that the price-difference is not that great. I doubt that the 530i you spoke of--if in fact it was comparably equipped-- was bought at anything close to MSRP.
Having owned a 5 series BMW and now a 3 series convertible, I would agree that the X-type is overpriced and definitely compares more with the 3 series than the 5. Probably will see better deals after Christmas especially if the economy does not improve markedly. Notunusual to see cars demand full sticker when they first come out. Remember the Miata?
My wife has her heart set on the X-type. I've been registered on their website since it came online.
Our problem is that she is 5'5"; I'm 6'8". I handle the maintanance on our vehicles. So it is kind of important that I can drive the car in more than a straight line. Would those who have driven it say it is the size of the Lincoln LS? Please say no as I couldn't get my left leg into the car.
As a side observation, car manufacturers seem to be making their vehicles smaller while the population is getting taller. All are at fault. I wanted to replace my totalled Intrigue with an Aurora but couldn't fit into their full-sized car. Same is true for the Seville, DeVille, Continental, LS, anything Nissan/Infiniti or Honda/Acura, VW (haven't tried Audi), all BMWs (belive it or not) and the C-Class (wife wanted that until it was revealed I couldn't fit). Despite this, I test drove a CTS and, while tight, was able to get into the car and move it thru the test track.
Comments
At least the one I drove. I have a 330 and other than slightly more body roll this thing sticks. I purposely tried to swing the rear out and it was stuck. I see you were driving a non sport, that must be the diff. mine was the sport. I agree about the headroom. I had my seat all the way down too and I could feel my hair rubbing the headliner.
Steve
icdchess: well, you know, reviews are subjective; i probably just have different car goals than the guys on jagtalk. As is, i don't need to go there, because i think i won't be cionsidering it bacause of space issues. Get me that leather and nice wool, though! P.S. I've ordered things from ICD chess. I guess you guys are doing ok, huh?
dave
You've ordered chess stuff from us? Wow, we've been in business doing that for 23 years, but what are the odds that some fellow on an X-Type board that I respond to is actually a customer of ours? Impressive. You can come to the Jagtalk board anyway- a bunch of really nice people there. They have no agenda and aren't trying to sell anything. Almost 1900 members now.
Steve
http://www.ChessUSA.com
The reason people call it a gussied up contour is because it's on the new Mondeo platform. What they're probably too stupid to tell you is that the new Mondeo platform is a fantastic class-leading FWD platform, better than almost anything out there including the Passat. So by tacking on AWD capabilities and heavily modifying the Mondeo platform, they're getting the best of both worlds.
This seems to be true even thought the members have access to the data like statements from Simon Sproule, vice-president of public affairs for Jaguar Cars North America, that the S shares 40 percent of its parts with the Lincoln while less than 20 percent of the X-Type's parts come from the Mondeo. Apart from the platform, some suspension bits, the engine block and the gearbox, the X-Type's engineering is pure Jaguar. And that's not an expertise to be taken lightly.
A few members are even concerned that the poor Jaguar dealers might have to deal with customers wearing jeans and t-shirts. I think bottom line it is a cost/status thing and not based on any technical details. There seems to be a fear that the X-Type will somehow lower the status level of all Jaguar owners. I really don't think this is true for MB and BMW, and it won't be for Jaguar.
The sports package erases all chrome, inside and out, which in my opinion is a bad idea. The chrome adds a luxurious and elegant touch to the car. The a uni-color scheme, the sports model looks very bland. The sports seats are small.
Can you get a 5-speed on the 3.0? The J-gate auto doesn't truly allow manual shifting through all gears, unlike the tiptronic of Audi or Steptronic of BMW.
I may go back and test drive a 3.0 this week.
Bill
My guess is that is one quality which they retained in the new platform (thank goodness).
Some pics of the Nissan Skyline (which will be imported as the G35) can be found here:-
http://auto.ascii24.com/auto24/e/2001/0618/e88npr_kt0618_22.html
With a 3-litre engine, it produces 260hp in Japan, so with a 3.5-litre coming here, it should be a serious contender.
Edmunds supports this forum, but look at their data on the X-Type and you will find there are no options for the car -- seems like not enough interest in the X-Type to even load the data on the options. Over a week ago I wrote a review of the X-Type -- you know, "be the first to review this car" -- and nothing. I wondered why no one had reviewed the X-Type, now I suspect several have, but they have not been posted due to a lack of interest.
I found most of my technical data directly from Jaguar. Their "Jaguar X-TYPE Press Pack Text February 2001" was a very good document covering many technical question I had as well as a lot of details on the testing performed and locations.
Anyway, moving on....
I don't know how long the lower part of the hood trim is going to stay on, it is very flimsy. I was offered this car the day after the test drive for $1K off Msrp. Had X1, Sport, cd. I personally would not buy the Sport because it rode too rough and the sport seat is hard and narrow.
I balked at the offer (because I didn't want the Sport) so the next day I get a call that they have the same car without Sport for the same deal. I still balked because 1. I don't know if I am a "Jag guy" 2. Serious ? of buying 1st year of any new model esp. Jag. 3. I think the price will have to go down to compete in the "new" economy.
BTW my local dealer has 15 in stock, some were pre
sold and cancelled and the rest "float" cars. So what does everyone think? Is it just the economy, the car, the fact it is Jag, or the price for a well equipped car.
Let's face it when is the last time your local BMW dealer had new 530i for sale at $2500 off Mrsp and 540s in stock to buy at any price?
Most dealers are at MSRP or $1,000 off at best (That's about as good as the deals are at the moment..)
But I don't see over sticker.
Bill
First let me say that before I purchased the A4, I went to every premium dealership out there except for Jaguar. While some treated me better than others (even though I pulled up in a Pathfinder), most treated me with respect, even if I came in in jeans and a sweatshirt.
In the case of Jaguar, I pulled up in my A4, looking halfway respectable, and I never felt so uncomfortable in my life. In fact, the hard sell was extremely pressure packed, as if they were desperate to sell a car. They all looked at me as if I were an outcast.
I test drove the Jag, really liked it except for the fact that it did not have memory seats (why would they skip that on a $40,000 car?). The A4 2.8 doesn't have it now, but will have it come the new redesign.
Admittedly, after test driving the Volvo S60, I really liked the Jag. It had so many more important features in it, like a real armrest! Unfortunately, unless I really don't like the new A4 in person, I wouldn't consider the Jag because of the response I got from the dealer. It just confirms to me that one of the reasons I chose the A4 in the first place, barring the fact that I liked it the best out of all the cars I test drove, was that the stigma of being untouchable wasn't there.
I had a customer one time. He was wearing jeans and a T-Shirt with a denim jacket. The first thing he said was "I've always wanted to have a Jag." So I started thinking he was a dreamer. We get them quite often, people who can't afford the cars they just like to come and look. Wrong, turns out not only is he a doctor but he and his partner always drive the same kind of car. I ended up delivering two XJR's that night.
The biggest problem with selling the cars is getting them esp. 2.5's. If someone gave me an order today for a 2.5 it would be Oct. before I even got an allocation for their car, and another two months before they got the car.
What "color"???
Bill
What part? I know most of the dealers out there and could probably give a great reccomendation...
Bill
Thanks, Bill
wjodonnell1@home.com
Where I'm coming from: current drive is a '99 SVT Contour, similar platform as the Xtype. One of the best handlers I've ever driven for the price--slightly over 7 sec to 60 and over .9 Gs on the skidpad, Can attest to gripiness on Colorado mountain roads and its zippiness when pushed. Its a Ford so it does have its unsophicticated bits compared to BMW and Audis. But...if you can live with this--its a fun drive that surpisingly will also handle long distance trips with comfort--two drives in the US totalling in the last two years almost 12k mi keep me begging for more.
My dilema: paying almost double three years later for a slightlly more powerful, maybe better handler, with a more upscape marque. Will I get my moneys worth or should I just get a Boxter S or Audi TT and go for the gusto?
I'm thinking...it will be my decision..but I am waiting for the excitement to grab me by the lapels and say 'own me'
I am not ready to purchase a new car at this point, but probably will be within the next 6 months. They are located right near my house, so if I decided on the Jag, I would only purchase there for the convenience. I don't want to travel all over the state for maintenance and warranty work, and not get a loaner.
Thanks for your comments.
If you need a reccomendation, lemme know. I used to work at Montclair Jaguar. If you go there talk to Paul DeBlois who is a great guy.
If you go to Bergen, talk to Anthony Villani.
And as far as loaners and service go, Jaguar basically requires service loaners for their customers. We had people who had bought their cars at Main or Bergen or Manhattan..etc who used our service dept and they all got loaners.
Point is, if you are not treated with respect... go somewhere else.
Bill
reviews it has received. One major problem I had with the car was that I'd be paying $1200 for an upgrade 6 CD changer/sound system and still have to go to the trunk to change CDs. Jaguar definitely dropped the ball on that one.
In the end, I cancelled my order b/c I feel that car is overpriced at $42,750. For comparison, a friend of mine just purchased a BMW 530 I similarly equipped for $43,600 (but without upgrade stereo). With today's economy and the fact that many luxury dealers are selling their cars below MSRP, I believe the car I had ordered is drastically overpriced.
Although it would be nice to own a car that is not seen very often on the road (unlike BMW), the premium demanded along with traditional reliability concerns for 1st year models outweighs the benefits to me of driving a unique car.
I have decided to hold off my purchase until (if ever) the x-type pricing is more in line with compeititors. I'll wait til spring, and see where X-type is at and then compare to 530I and A6 2.7 T and may consider purchasing a 2.5
instead of the 3.0 if the car does not have any reliability concerns.
Although I love the X-type and was really looking forward to purchasing it, after doing price comparisons I feel it would not be a wise economic decision on my part to purchase the car I was looking at. Even though there are many more BMWs on the road, is there really much of choice between a 530i and similarly equipped x-type 3.0 when 530I is only selling for around $1000 more than 3.0 X-type??? Personally, I feel the car I was looking at should be priced at or under $40,000 to bring it in line with other cars out there.
Question: does anyone know if BMW plans to extend their all wheel drive system to the 5 series (to me this is the only advantage of x-type over 530 i currently)?
Our problem is that she is 5'5"; I'm 6'8". I handle the maintanance on our vehicles. So it is kind of important that I can drive the car in more than a straight line. Would those who have driven it say it is the size of the Lincoln LS? Please say no as I couldn't get my left leg into the car.
As a side observation, car manufacturers seem to be making their vehicles smaller while the population is getting taller. All are at fault. I wanted to replace my totalled Intrigue with an Aurora but couldn't fit into their full-sized car. Same is true for the Seville, DeVille, Continental, LS, anything Nissan/Infiniti or Honda/Acura, VW (haven't tried Audi), all BMWs (belive it or not) and the C-Class (wife wanted that until it was revealed I couldn't fit). Despite this, I test drove a CTS and, while tight, was able to get into the car and move it thru the test track.
Go figure.