What is it which makes the X100 so unreliable?
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#42
It would seem Vauxhall, Fiat and FORMER Jaguar owners are to be believed but CURRENT Jaguar owners are not.
If your own positive opinion of the Astra after 16 years of experience is valid then so too is the opinion of an X100 owner.
It is strange that you would seek to exclude the very people with the most knowledge on the subject and even stranger as to why you so distrust their word.
If your own positive opinion of the Astra after 16 years of experience is valid then so too is the opinion of an X100 owner.
It is strange that you would seek to exclude the very people with the most knowledge on the subject and even stranger as to why you so distrust their word.
It's the same thing with any product. People get attached to their material things. I take part in other forums which have nothing to do with cars and you find the praise only individual everywhere. It's only praise, till he sells it. Being new here I don't know if it's the case here. But I would find it hard to believe there are no people like that here. Maybe not the majority, but I just wanted to send a clear message of the type of opinions I was looking for. That's all. And although it took a while for them to start coming, the balanced opinions are now flowing in and I'm thankful for that.
#43
Although you might indeed be right. I have not looked very deep into it yet. I want to make sure the stock car is up for it before I spend time looking into the manual conversion more deeply.
#44
Like I said, I can't vouch for every Vauxhall or even every Astra generation. I can only speak on the ones I current run.
#45
It appears you are adamant about a definition of what is meant by 'regular maintenance'. It can best be defined as maintaining the vehicle according to the manufacturer's maintenance intervals as outlined in the vehicle Owner's Manual.
If you haven't done so already, perhaps you may want to read through the X100 Owner's Manual and become familiar with the maintenance/service intervals for both time and mileage.
Perhaps another Vauxhall may be just the thing since you're readily familiar with the vehicles and know what to expect.
If you haven't done so already, perhaps you may want to read through the X100 Owner's Manual and become familiar with the maintenance/service intervals for both time and mileage.
Perhaps another Vauxhall may be just the thing since you're readily familiar with the vehicles and know what to expect.
But if the maintenance being spoken here is just what's outlined in the vehicle Owner's Manual, then it should be fine. I don't think it's a service manual, right?
And that's a very good idea to read the X100 Owner's Manual. I had not thought of that. Thanks! I will try googling it and see if I can find a pdf. If not it's even worth trying to find an actual one on ebay or something. Excellent idea!
#46
In terms of regular maintenance, mine has an annual service and MOT by an independent Jaguar specialist in Suffolk. The only unscheduled maintenance while in my ownership was the replacement of the fuel pump. I replaced the knock sensor and the wheel sensor myself using the excellent guidance you will find on this forum.
We are a friendly and welcoming bunch despite what you may have thought from our responses (we can also be suspicious of bar room criticism). When you drive one of these cars, it is not just driving a tin box which gets you from A to B, it is an enjoyable journey which will put a smile on your face and if you see another XK look at their smile and give them a wave.
We are a friendly and welcoming bunch despite what you may have thought from our responses (we can also be suspicious of bar room criticism). When you drive one of these cars, it is not just driving a tin box which gets you from A to B, it is an enjoyable journey which will put a smile on your face and if you see another XK look at their smile and give them a wave.
I think it's not only one of the most beautiful Jaguars since the E-type but also ones of the most beautiful cars ever. But I want to drive it. Not be constantly repairing it. This is why I'm trying to do my homework to see what I could possibly be getting into.
#47
Where?
It doesn't deserve one.
But if you want something that matches the Astra just get another Astra. They're nothing like as great in my experience as you make out, however. I'd put the Astra down as just another car. Not especially reliable or any other metric.
The X100 has more to go wrong and is rather more of a thoroughbred but at least is not in Ferrari territory.
It doesn't deserve one.
But if you want something that matches the Astra just get another Astra. They're nothing like as great in my experience as you make out, however. I'd put the Astra down as just another car. Not especially reliable or any other metric.
The X100 has more to go wrong and is rather more of a thoroughbred but at least is not in Ferrari territory.
And not all performance and luxury cars are unreliable. I could mention the ones which are not and don't have a bad reputation, but it will only cause more argument. So no point. Sure there are bad apples. But that is not the same as being known as unreliable. There are also cases of early cars being bad and that reputation sticking with the car, even after the manufacturer has solved the problems. In an used car, that just means those who do their home work get a bargain by buying the reliable later years of the car for cheaper, because of misinformed opinions.
#48
Jaegar, Jaguar's reputation for having reliability issues was well earned prior to time that Ford purchased the company and infused it with cash and with some management discipline. I have owned many cars over the past 50 years of driving, from a new 1967 Camaro 327 with two-speed auto (thanks dad) to current C-Merc, RX Lexus & 2 XKRs. When my wife requested that we buy a new 2003 Type S, I was wary of the marque's reputation for high maintenance expenses particularly because we new the local dealer too well. I bought it anyway and wow. It was the six cylinder, but it had plenty of power for SoCal freeways and absolutely no maintenance issues over first 70k mi. It was totaled in freak parking lot accident and my wife started driving Lexus RX's. I bought two XKRs last year (2001 w/40k & 2006 w/30k) and so far i have had no serious maintenace issues with either. The headrest adjuster on the 2001 is not working properly (minor fix-see threads) and the 2006 has the "check brake lights" code which is probably a burnt out switch (also covered by threads). In every other respect, they look and perform as new. I challenge you to name another 15 year old 390 HP grand touring or sports car (loaded with gee-whiz options of the day) which you can purchase for the cost of a new corolla that can match it. If you want absolutely bullet-proof reliability and low maintenance costs for $20k or less, buy the Toyota Corolla. Like someone said earlier, maybe the XK8/XKR is not the car for you.
I'm aware that the Leyland era is responsible for Jaguars reputation, even to this day. Some still base it on that era. But the Ford era also had its faults.
It's good to hear of your good experiences. To the contrary of what many are implying, hearing that I should stay away from the X100 is really the last thing I want to hear. I want the facts so I can make up my own mind if the car is for me or not.
#49
My Dad taught me 2 important things about buying a used car: 1, don't buy a car with no written records that's had more than 2 owners (preferably only one), unless you plan to spend a lot of money replacing worn out or abused parts. And 2, check the radio presets, which will tell you a lot of about the owner and his/her driving habits, regardless of how clean the car may look. Very wise guy.
All parts in any automobile are subject to life-limiting wear, especially moving and non-metal parts. Non-moving metal parts are, of course, still subject to rust. Timely fluid replacements lengthen moving part life, but they will eventually require replacement. Everything I've read (or experienced) about repairs/replacements has to do with either old component age (60,000+ miles) or outright abuse (annual outdoor parking in inclement weather, failure to change fluids, complete abandonment, etc). This car is no different.
Gary R. VanRemortel has written an excellent, must-have, in-depth review and guide in pdf form for the 2003-2005 XK8; it can be found easily by just googling him/it. The latest one I have is Rev G dated 03/06/17. Many of it's points apply to older XK8's also. The whole thing points out important maintenance items, and, at the bottom of the review, there is a comprehensive component replacement schedule. Any current owner or prospective buyer should have a copy and review it regularly.
I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but please re-read these threads with an educated eye. This forum serves not to pass judgement and condemn this wonderful, sexy "touring salon", but to equip owners with the information needed to conduct a lot of maintenance and projects themselves. Thank goodness for everyone here that has gone to the trouble of photographs and/or detailed instructions that have helped me to pass through walls and accomplish the seemingly impossible with just a little elbow grease. It has tremendously increased my pride of ownership and trust in my (now) daily driver, and reinforced my sense of good judgement in acquiring this beauty!
#50
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In the absence of the automatic gearbox, I would be very intrigued to learn how one would get the ECM to function properly as it needs to communicate with the TCM to make the vehicle perform correctly. Perhaps that would be the place to start with this quest before spending additional time debating the reliability of the X100 in particular, or Jaguar in general.
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Jeagar (02-13-2018)
#51
There isn't a single serious petrolhead who also cares for Jaguars who didn't wish there were a X100 with a manual transmission option. From Tiff Needell to Jeremy Clarkson to basically anybody who enjoys driving at its core. Even Jaguar knows that, hence the XKR-R project. The only reason we never got one was because Aston Martin wouldn't have it and they were both owned by Ford. It would be embarrassing for Aston to have the DB7 humiliated by the XK8 manual. It's also the reason we never got a manual X150. It was developed and released while Ford still owned both Aston and Jaguar. Ever wondered why there is a manual F-type? And even a stick shift one, albeit even if only in V6.
#52
The vehicle Owner's Manual is not a 'service manual'. You can purchase the Workshop Manual as a series of PDFs from several vendors on the Internet.
In the absence of the automatic gearbox, I would be very intrigued to learn how one would get the ECM to function properly as it needs to communicate with the TCM to make the vehicle perform correctly. Perhaps that would be the place to start with this quest before spending additional time debating the reliability of the X100 in particular, or Jaguar in general.
In the absence of the automatic gearbox, I would be very intrigued to learn how one would get the ECM to function properly as it needs to communicate with the TCM to make the vehicle perform correctly. Perhaps that would be the place to start with this quest before spending additional time debating the reliability of the X100 in particular, or Jaguar in general.
I'm only talking about the X100 and I'm not sure I'm debating as much as asking.
As for researching about the manual transmission swap being a better place to start, it's hard to say. It seems to be a case of a dog chasing its own tale. I already did some basic reading which made me think it's doable enough to prompt me to now look at the stock car's reliability.
#53
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...As for researching about the manual transmission swap being a better place to start, it's hard to say. It seems to be a case of a dog chasing its own tale. I already did some basic reading which made me think it's doable enough to prompt me to now look at the stock car's reliability.
You will most likely say that the Mustang is too pedestrian when compared to the X100, but it seems far easier in my mind to just simply purchase a vehicle with RWD, V8 and manual gearbox. As you said, vehicles are meant to be driven, not sit in a shop undergoing a major and pricey retrofit.
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Jeagar (02-13-2018)
#54
When my wife requested that we buy a new 2003 Type S, I was wary of the marque's reputation for high maintenance expenses particularly because we new the local dealer too well. I bought it anyway and wow. It was the six cylinder, but it had plenty of power for SoCal freeways and absolutely no maintenance issues over first 70k mi. It was totaled in freak parking lot accident and my wife started driving Lexus RX's.
So it's great to hear the S-types are solid. I might have one at some point.
#55
If you are really serious about purchasing a RWD vehicle with a V8 and manual gearbox, I would strongly urge you to save yourself the trouble of re-engineering an X100 and purchase a Ford Mustang GT. If you are in the UK, the Mustang is now available in RHD and is a relative bargain compared to other vehicles with the performance you seek.
You will most likely say that the Mustang is too pedestrian when compared to the X100, but it seems far easier in my mind to just simply purchase a vehicle with RWD, V8 and manual gearbox. As you said, vehicles are meant to be driven, not sit in a shop undergoing a major and pricey retrofit.
You will most likely say that the Mustang is too pedestrian when compared to the X100, but it seems far easier in my mind to just simply purchase a vehicle with RWD, V8 and manual gearbox. As you said, vehicles are meant to be driven, not sit in a shop undergoing a major and pricey retrofit.
The only thing I could see replacing the X100 would be something Italian. But then if I'm worried about reliability this is not exactly an improvement. Or maybe an Aston. But I may be alone here, but I think the X100 looks better than most Astons. At least the affordable ones.
#56
#58
I was a former owner of a 2000 XK8. It was not all too reliable, but, let's be real, that car underwent some extraordinary circumstances. It lived its life in Puerto Rico, where the roads are bad, the sun shines bright, the rain is frequent. Did I say the roads are rough? They are very bad. Sometimes it feels like driving on the surface of the moon.
First, that car belonged to my dad. His idea of car maintenance was to change synthetic oil once every 100,000 miles. Not a good start. I don't know where he got that idea from. That car sat one year next to a beach, unused because he couldn't be arsed to get it inspected (equivalent of MOT). I was in college and did not have a car. He told me that if I could get it running, it was mine. I did get it running, and drove off with it. Bought new tires, replaced the fluids (engine oil was basically tar), among other things. Mind you, I did not work back then, so I learned mechanic skills with the XK8 in order to avoid going into bankruptcy. I changed the tensioners for the metal ones. Slowly, as my budget allowed it, I brought the car from the condition of a beater to a reliable car. I changed the valve cover gaskets, the MAFS, the intake tube which was toasted, all sorts of filters, cooling system hoses, water pump, thermostat, all of the suspension bushes and dampers, and fuel pressure regulator. Finally, when I was done with all the mechanical fixes, I gave it a new paint job because the clearcoat was peeling.
The Jag only left me stranded or in limp mode three times. One was because I broke the vacuum hoses when I removed the throttle body to change the octupus hose. I had not noticed that I broke those until the car was running rough. Second time was because I had three flat tires at once (did I mention the roads here are bad?). The third time, I had a dead battery. Despite it all, I consider that Jag to have been reliable given the circumstances, and it was easy to fix with the help of this forum, even for a novice mechanic such as myself. I never had to fix something for a second time. I sold that car and bought a Jeep Renegade because I needed something to daily drive that I could take to dental med school, where it would have garnered too much attention because we don't have assigned parking spots.
Now, my dad died, and I have inherited his '04 XKR coupe. Thank God he didn't have that car for more than a year and the previous owner was really **** retentive about that car's maintenance. So far, all I have had to do is replace the brake switch (took me about 10 minutes), and replace the coolant expansion tank because that was leaking (took me about 30 minutes). I changed and flushed all the fluids, and the car drives great, better than the XK8 I had. I plan to replace the brake pads soon, as they are a bit worn. Only problem I have with it right now is that both front rims are cracked (they are 18s") and seem to have had a bad repair. Thus, those are leaking air. (Did I mention the roads here are bad?)
All in all, as a former owner, and current owner who did not expect to have another one in his hands, I can recommend this car. I just advise that you be on top of maintenance, and that you don't wait for something to break. If you think something is nearing the time to be replaced, do it.
Now, I should go back to paying attention to the Radiology class.
First, that car belonged to my dad. His idea of car maintenance was to change synthetic oil once every 100,000 miles. Not a good start. I don't know where he got that idea from. That car sat one year next to a beach, unused because he couldn't be arsed to get it inspected (equivalent of MOT). I was in college and did not have a car. He told me that if I could get it running, it was mine. I did get it running, and drove off with it. Bought new tires, replaced the fluids (engine oil was basically tar), among other things. Mind you, I did not work back then, so I learned mechanic skills with the XK8 in order to avoid going into bankruptcy. I changed the tensioners for the metal ones. Slowly, as my budget allowed it, I brought the car from the condition of a beater to a reliable car. I changed the valve cover gaskets, the MAFS, the intake tube which was toasted, all sorts of filters, cooling system hoses, water pump, thermostat, all of the suspension bushes and dampers, and fuel pressure regulator. Finally, when I was done with all the mechanical fixes, I gave it a new paint job because the clearcoat was peeling.
The Jag only left me stranded or in limp mode three times. One was because I broke the vacuum hoses when I removed the throttle body to change the octupus hose. I had not noticed that I broke those until the car was running rough. Second time was because I had three flat tires at once (did I mention the roads here are bad?). The third time, I had a dead battery. Despite it all, I consider that Jag to have been reliable given the circumstances, and it was easy to fix with the help of this forum, even for a novice mechanic such as myself. I never had to fix something for a second time. I sold that car and bought a Jeep Renegade because I needed something to daily drive that I could take to dental med school, where it would have garnered too much attention because we don't have assigned parking spots.
Now, my dad died, and I have inherited his '04 XKR coupe. Thank God he didn't have that car for more than a year and the previous owner was really **** retentive about that car's maintenance. So far, all I have had to do is replace the brake switch (took me about 10 minutes), and replace the coolant expansion tank because that was leaking (took me about 30 minutes). I changed and flushed all the fluids, and the car drives great, better than the XK8 I had. I plan to replace the brake pads soon, as they are a bit worn. Only problem I have with it right now is that both front rims are cracked (they are 18s") and seem to have had a bad repair. Thus, those are leaking air. (Did I mention the roads here are bad?)
All in all, as a former owner, and current owner who did not expect to have another one in his hands, I can recommend this car. I just advise that you be on top of maintenance, and that you don't wait for something to break. If you think something is nearing the time to be replaced, do it.
Now, I should go back to paying attention to the Radiology class.
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#60
S types
Touching on this part of your post, you are lucky your wife requested a S-Type. I've been trying to convince mine to trade in our standard German box for a S-type and she can't understand why I want to move to a much older car. "But it's older and looks older too". It's not old honey is classic and more classy too. And as a bonus I can get a V6 with an manual too. Emptiness in her eyes...
So it's great to hear the S-types are solid. I might have one at some point.
So it's great to hear the S-types are solid. I might have one at some point.