Howdy folks,
Finally got the capital to buy me my first jag as a graduation present for my master's this december. I've managed to find two hen's teeth here. As the title says option one is a 02 X-type in the manual (nice) and sport package (evidence by spoiler and body color trim). I love the idea of the x-type, as it will be a daily driver, manual so theoretically more fuel efficient. The AWD system will be a life saver should we get snow again here in east texas (don't know if y'all heard about our snow storm this past winter, but that left a lesson in my bones). Price is only 2700 as well. There's a newer one (2005), but it's being sold at 7000, which is ludicrous for a third hand x-type.

Option 2 is the dream. 97 powder blue X300 VDP with only 91k miles on it for 3700. Southwest kept, so no rust. My only complaints would be the lack of manual transmission, and the lack of AWD, although RWD is my other desired drive type. I love the inline six engine, and the words "jaguar" and "inline-6" just sound right to me. These are known to be well reliable cars. Ideally I'd find a manual form of these, but that's harder to find than a self-broken horse.

I'd be using the car as a daily, so fuel economy would be important to me. Considering my other vehicle is the monstrous Ford v10 excursion, I'd like something above 13mpg. My requirements for my new car was 1)200hp; 2)AWD/RWD and 3)Manual. X-type meets all of these, X300 meets 2 out of 3 (which ain't too bad per Meatloaf)

Just want y'all's take on this now.

 

turtle65, I hear you and what you have is an interesting question. I guess for me, it comes down to this: HOw sporty do I plan on driving the car? I only say this because if there is a weak link in the X-Type, it is the transfer case. I would think after 20 years, a weak transfer case would have worked its way to failure, can you be garanteed that? If the transfer case goes, then you are looking at a $3000 repair bill. The 97 has its own issue which is the air ride suspension as I recall. Again, it can get pricey to replace if you pay someone to do it for you. Both sound like they will do what you are after. So, back to how sporty you are driving.

I would tell you to ponder a 3rd idea. Look at a 2013 XJ with the V6. IT is going to come in AWD, be an auto 99% of the time for ease of driving, yet, you want to play, you can shift into manual mode and use the paddle shifters to have fun with . yes, it is the more expensive route, but the amount of car that you are getting is also up there and you shouldn't need to do a lot to the car in the coming years. So, you can enjoy the car. If the XJ is too mcuh, I believe the XF came wiht hte same motor setup, so, that would save you a little bit, but you also loose a little bit in the comfort.