New X Type Owner

Phil Jay · April 21, 2014

Hi everyone, my name is Phil and I'm new to all things Jaguar - though have admired the brand for many years. I've just got my first Jaguar - an X Type Sport Premium 2.0D Estate (though I prefer the American name - Sportwagon) in that beautiful colour Ultraviolet. It's a 2005 car with 104K miles, full service history and appears to be immaculate apart from a couple of stone chips. It's a fairly high spec car with some nice options including full leather heated and electric memory seats, cruise, power fold mirrors. Looking at the specification it seems it would have been well over £30K when new and now 9 years later I've got it for about 1/10th of that. Amazing value, or a disaster waiting to happen. I hope it's the former, but I'll wait and see! I particularly wanted a 'British' car. I work in marketing with British manufacturing companies and feel it is important to support the 'brand'. Also, I wanted something a bit different to the seemingly endless amount of German cars on the roads these days. I've not have my car long, but so far I'm well pleased. This forum also looks great, with lots of helpful enthusiasts so I look forward to chatting with you guys over the coming months. It seems to be a valuable resource of information too. I was really interested to read Micks post on Celtic Tuning and also the information on Millers and Castrol additives to reduce engine noise and improve combustion. I plan to try this out myself.

The car does have one fault - cold starting is fine, but when hot, it starts in 'limp mode?' at 500 RPM for 3-5 seconds, then clears and runs perfectly. I've been told there's a software upgrade that solves this issue for around £60.00 plus an overnight stay at a Jaguar dealers, as it has to be carried out when the engine is cold. I would appreciate any thoughts or knowledge of this please.

Otherwise, a fabulous car so far and looking forward to being part of this community.

Many thanks from Phil

Old Peter · April 21, 2014

Welcome to the Club, Philip,

It seems you are both enjoying your Jaguar and the Club already. There are lot of both expert and friendly people in the Club.

I will check out the software issue and get back to you. I had a 2.5L SE AWD petrol x type and it was very well equipped.

Regards,

Peter.

Old Peter · April 21, 2014

Hi Phil,

I have had a look around and it seems that what you have heard is correct. I would suggest you look for an independent specialist. There is a Jaguar specialist in Northfield that has been recommended by other owners who might be cheaper than Stratstone or other main dealers. Just google Northfield Garage.

I live in Sutton Coldfield, so if there is any assistance you may need I am available.

Regards,

Peter.

Phil Jay · April 21, 2014

Hi Peter,

Many thanks for checking into the problem and it's good to know that I have been given correct information by the vendor, which bodes well for the car. I live in Drayton Bassett, not far from you. I'll give Northfield Garage a call tomorrow and find out what they suggest.

Best regards

Phil

Old Peter · April 21, 2014

Hi Phil,

I pass through Drayton Bassett every now and then when going the back way into Ventura Park.

Regards,

Peter.

msmicksmith · April 21, 2014

Welcome Phil.

Glad my experiences were useful you. Be sure to get the upgrade done before any remap. The beneift of using Celtic is that they modify your existing software. Some remappers use generic software, so you'd lose the upgrade!

The Celtic upgrade has been done on a 2.0D and according to the owner made it quicker than his sons standard 2.2D! Worth every penny!

Phil Jay · April 21, 2014

Hi Mick,

many thanks for the information. I'll get the upgrade done as a priority. I was then thinking of having it Terracleaned, as I've heard great reports and there's a company close by in Coleshill who I trust and offer this service, but I'll be calling into Halfrauds tomorrow for the Millers fuel additive and ordering the Castrol 2 stroke Oil, as I really like what you've done with your car. The next stage will be to speak to Celtic and hopefully get that done next month.

Hi Peter,

as I live on Drayton Lane, I'll look out for you if you're passing through of a weekend! If the car's outside, pop in for a cuppa.

All the best from Phil

msmicksmith · April 21, 2014

Yes the Terraclean does have good reviews. There is a place in Market Deeping near me who does it for a good price. I'm contemplating doing mine. I want to put it on the dyno but want to Terraclean it a strip out the intercooler and flush it first. I'm convinced I'll see a shade over 200 bhp on the dyno if I do that.

By the way, you chose the best colour! Mine is Ultraviolet too!

Old Peter · April 22, 2014

Hi Phil,

I was put in touch by Terraclean with a mobile mechanic who does the Terraclean service, and am arranging for it to be done towards the end of May. The engine in my car was replaced when it was owned by Jaguar and has only done 33k, but I feel that a good engine clean would help in keeping the expensive bits on a V6 in good shape.

Regards,

Peter.

bilmac · April 22, 2014

:) ;) :D

Yes the Terraclean does have good reviews. There is a place in Market Deeping near me who does it for a good price. I'm contemplating doing mine. I want to put it on the dyno but want to Terraclean it a strip out the intercooler and flush it first. I'm convinced I'll see a shade over 200 bhp on the dyno if I do that.

By the way, you chose the best colour! Mine is Ultraviolet too!

A reasonable guy would say. " Colour is a personal choice" I however know better, British Racing Green is the best colour. So there, Young whippersnapper. (not quite sure which smiley) but you get the idea.

msmicksmith · April 22, 2014

BRG is surely an ageist colour?? :D

I think, in certain lighting conditions, or if the sun reflects in a particular way, BRG actually looks similar to Ultraviolet

P**s taking aside, I nearly bought a BRG one. it's a lovely colour. Part of why I didn't is that for some reason, green is the hardest colour to resell. I had that from a reputable dealer in the trade. He won't buy a green car because if he does manage to sell it, he usually doesn't make much profit.

I actually love the BRG, but the Ultraviolet is my first choice.

bilmac · April 22, 2014

OK,Well apology accepted, :P I will concede Ultraviolet is a good colour. as is the red, and the black, and the grey, and the gold. and the silver,(sorry if I missed your one)

In fact I would like to have one in all the colours. I remember seeing a programme where some Arab prince said he had an AMG mercedes in the colours of the rainbow, I thought that car would look rubbish. but he had the same car, one in each colour,

O to be rich.

I traveled to the Uk for my car, because the photos were stunning, by the time I paid VRT, it cost as much as a black one up the road from me, in as good if not better condition, just shows, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

msmicksmith · April 22, 2014

I think you forgot White ;-)

I know this is a personal thing, but the only thing I can't bear about the X-Type is the interior colour schemes. I hunted for 12 months to find mine with the black half leather and the piano black dash. I'm not overly keen on the beige or cream interiors but can see the attraction for some, but the BROWN steering wheel???? What on earth were the designers at Jaguar thinking?? It looks like something from an Austin Allegro!

bilmac · April 22, 2014

I think you forgot White ;-)
I know this is a personal thing, but the only thing I can't bear about the X-Type is the interior colour schemes. I hunted for 12 months to find mine with the black half leather and the piano black dash. I'm not overly keen on the beige or cream interiors but can see the attraction for some, but the BROWN steering wheel???? What on earth were the designers at Jaguar thinking?? It looks like something from an Austin Allegro!

Now I know you are taking the p**s. I love my brown steering wheel, anyway your X is only half my XJ. Been ancient I must have,but dont remember ever seeing a white Jaguar, by the way I also have an zircon blue 3.0 V6 XJ. So Colour is from I to 10 Number 1 British Racing Green, Number 2 Zircon Blue, and then ultramarine, ( see what I done there)

msmicksmith · April 22, 2014

Well comparing trouser snakes has been fun! ;-)

Yes, they made one called 'Onyx White'.

At least the favourite colour is British........

Ultramarine all the way!

bilmac · April 23, 2014

Well comparing trouser snakes has been fun! ;-)
Yes, they made one called 'Onyx White'.
At least the favorite colour is British…....
Ultramarine all the way!

Yes I will concede it is a beautiful colour, I would be happy to own and drive it. bilmac

msmicksmith · April 23, 2014

Likewise with the XJ. I'm just messing with you ;-)

I'm undecided on my next car. Can't decide on the XF or the XJ. Either way, it'll be a colour that stands out from the crowd. Massively tempted with the XJ but I prefer the look of the XF back end

bilmac · April 23, 2014

Likewise with the XJ. I'm just messing with you ;-)
I'm undecided on my next car. Can't decide on the XF or the XJ. Either way, it'll be a colour that stands out from the crowd. Massively tempted with the XJ but I prefer the look of the XF back end

Agree the XF looks better from behind. I had a loaner for a week last year and was impressed with everything driving, looks and toys. and, it was diesel. I think you would not be disappointed.