Ok. I guess I'm going to go for it... 2002 x-type. 3.0 auto.blue/ivory. 42k mil. I can get it for $13,600 with a 3 mo./3000mi warranty. I like the car a lot. Really fun to drive. I noticed a couple things:

At about 60mph I start to hear what sounds like a "whine" from the rear. Get's a little louder and higher in pitch as you move up to 70-75. Any thoughts?

Needs a front end alignment - pulls to the right ever-so-slightly. Has Conti's all around with the 16" wheels. I'll need to upgrade to 17"'s.

Emergency brake might be sticking.

I told the dealer I would probably buy the car if he fixed those things.

Oh, one other thing, it doesn't have a CD. That's very important for me. Can an OEM or aftermarket be found for a reasonable price? Can I retro the higher dollar radio or nav system?

And, most importantly - as much fun as I think this car can be - are they reliable? I drive a LOT of miles every day (125-200).

Thanks for any information you can give me.

modell

 

there is nothing to adjust except toe on the entire alignment.
I dont think that a bad toe adjustment will cause the pulling.
My car tracks well.

I would suspect bad tires first of all .. then I would want to see all the measurements from the alignment machine before adjusting.
if some component is bent or worn out, it needs to be addressed. I hope the car was not crashed.
Even a hard curb hit can bend stuff. and there is no easy repair.

 

Thanks for the advice. I always get a carfax on all cars I buy. It's clean. 2 previous owners. Although I wish it was one, the second traded it in on a new car from the dealership it's at.

The dealer is fixing everything that I noticed and I told them to call me when it's done so I can drive it again. The 3 mo. 3000 warranty covers bumper-to-bumper.

But, are these cars reliable? I know that various so much from car to car, but in general? I just don't want to be fixing the car more than driving it.

Thanks.
Modell.

 

RE: NO CD PLAYER- YOu do have the option of a trunk mount 6-disc changer or you can upgrade to any a cd player or NAV system from an X-type from similar year. I believe '02-'04 will work fine. My advise to find one is to look on ebay.

 

Hey guys, I've been a little remiss in my duties....

Got the car. Sooo much fun to drive. Also got a 3yr/45k mi. warranty for cheap (1k). I've been scouring ebay to pickup things like a license plate frame with the logo, radio with CD player instead of cassette, etc... ;-)

Anyway, they are supposed to get the part in this week to fix teh "whining". Sounds like a bushing in the rear, but I'm not sure. We'll see.

So, it looks like some 18's with rubber will be in my future this spring as well as some window tint.

I hope this car is at least sort-of reliable...

Thanks for all the advice. I'll post a pic soon.