Used Jaguar bargains for every budget

Sept. 30, 2010 - PRLog -- To celebrate, here’s our pick of the used Jaguar bargains  to suit everybody’s style and budget.

£2,500 – X-Type

Between 2001 and 2009, the Jaguar X-Type took the best bits from the Ford Mondeo – the great ride and handling – and added a dollop of Jaguar finesse, in its sleek looks and leather interior. It now makes for a great used car bargain, with prices starting from as little as £1,500.

Power is provided by a choice of five engines, including the popular 2-litre petrol and 3-litre V6 four-wheel drive version. Our pick is the efficient 2-litre diesel (introduced in 2003) which returns an average 50.3mpg.

Entry-level models come well-equipped, with alloy wheels, air conditioning and ABS fitted as standard.

The X-Type has a very good reliability record but there have been a few reports of transmission and suspension problems – bounce each corner and listen for any clunking noises and test each gear engages smoothly. Make sure the electrics work as they should, including the electric windows and keys.

Our pick: Jaguar X-Type 2003, 2-litre D

£5,000 – S-Type

The Jaguar S-Type was introduced in 1998 and replaced by the XF in 2008. Its design caused quite a stir when it launched, with its bulbous retro looks and classic wood and leather interior – that is until you spot the complex dashboard and its myriad of switches.

There is a range of engines, from a 240bhp 3-litre V6 to a 400bhp supercharged V8 R model introduced in 2002.

The S-Type received a major facelift in 2004 with a new aluminium bonnet and 2.7-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, capable of going from 0-62mph in just over 8 seconds while returning an average 36mpg.

While early models suffered from a few reliability issues, post-facelift models are a safer bet. There have been a few safety recalls so check the service history or contact the manufacturer to make sure any necessary repairs have been carried out. Make sure you check any potential buy thoroughly, especially if it has a high mileage.

Our pick: Jaguar S-Type 2004, 2.7 D V6 SE

£10,000 – XJ

The Jaguar XJ – which rivals the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 – was introduced in the UK in 1968 and has since maintained its status as the manufacturer’s flagship model. There are three main versions available for used car buyers: the model introduced in 1997, re-designed in 2003 and replaced in 2010.

Though there are plenty of bargain 10-year-old XJs to be had starting from as little as £1,000, the 2003 to 2009 version offers the best mix of luxury and reliability for your money.

There is a range of high-powered engines, from a 2.7-litre petrol and a 3-litre V6 diesel to the range-topping 4.2-litre V8. The rarity of diesel models has pushed up used car values so it’s best to opt for the 3-litre V6 which offers the best mix of price and a decent 27mpg fuel economy.

Though the XJ is generally reliable, there have been reports of a fault which causes some diesel engines to stall, so make sure you inspect any potential buy thoroughly before handing over your money. There have been a few safety recalls so check the service history or contact the manufacturer to make sure any necessary repairs have been carried out.

Our pick: Jaguar XJ 2005, 3-litre Executive

£12,500 – XK Coupe

The Jaguar XK Coupe broke onto the market in 1996 and quickly became known as the affordable equivalent to an Aston Martin. With its sleek looks, eight-cylinder engine and sumptuous leather and wood interior the XK became an instant success in the UK.

There are two versions: a 300bhp 4.2-litre V8, christened the XK8, or a supercharged XKR version which produces a monstrous 400bhp – the latter is capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. This speed does come at the price of fuel economy, however, with even the entry-level version returning 24.7mpg.

Make sure any potential buy comes with a full service history as repairs can be very costly. Things to look out for include the automatic gearbox (make sure each gear engages smoothly), scratches or tears in the full leather trim (these can be very expensive to correct) and excessive exhaust smoke when you press the throttle. Check the electrics all work as they should, including the electric windows and sat-nav system.

A new generation XK Coupe was introduced in 2006 – this version has a more elongated look, and a lightweight aluminium body for a faster 0-60mph time. Used prices start from around £23,000.

Our pick: Jaguar XK Coupe 2003, XK8


£15,000 – XK Convertible

The Jaguar XK Convertible – introduced in 1996 and replaced in 2006 – is one of the most elegant soft-tops on the market. It’s fast, sumptuous and effortlessly graceful.

Power is provided a choice of two engines: a 300bhp 4.2-litre V8, christened the XK8, or a supercharged XKR version which produces a whopping 400bhp. Neither option could ever be described as economical but the XK8 is the best option, returning an average 24.9mpg. Entry-level models come fitted with a full leather interior, climate control and 18-inch alloy wheels.

There have been reports of issues with some older engines suffering bore wear – when test driving a car keep an eye out for misfires and excessive exhaust smoke when you press the throttle. The automatic ‘box is also a known weakness, so check each gear engages smoothly as repairs can be very costly. Make sure it has a full service history and the electrics all work as they should, including the electric windows and sat-nav system.

A new XK Convertible was introduced in 2006 – this version boasts a range of high-powered engines, a more streamlined look and is available used starting from around £27,000.

Our pick: Jaguar XK Convertible 2003, XK8


£20,000 – XF

The Jaguar XF was launched in the UK in 2007 and introduced a radical new look to the range, with its sleek profile and contemporary interior.

There are four engines to choose from, including a 3-litre V6 and a high-powered 4.2-litre V8 petrol. But if fuel economy is a priority it’s best to opt for the 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel which is cheap to tax at 199g/km and returns 37.6mpg – diesel versions also offer better used car values so expect to pay a premium.

The XF comes well-equipped, with entry-level ‘Luxury’ spec models getting sat-nav, climate control, keyless start, parking sensors, six-speed automatic gearbox and a leather interior.

Reliability is generally very good but there have been reports of electrical issues, so make sure you check all the gadgets work as they should – including the touch-screen sat-nav. With almost 600 used Jaguar XFs for sale on Auto Trader starting from around £18,000, you’re sure to find your perfect one.

Our pick: Jaguar XF 2008, 2.7-litre D Luxury

By Rhian Angharad Jones

Read Auto Trader reviews on Jaguar cars http://www.autotrader.co.uk/carmakes/jaguar

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Autotrader.co.uk is the UK’s largest motoring website and ranks as the second largest ABCe audited UK website with over 360,000 vehicles listed at any one time. It has a 38% share of the automotive classified market (Hitwise, August 2007).