2001 Jaguar X Type 2.5 V6 AWD

Thankfully this one-owner X-Type, which is offered from a retailer of modern classic cars, is of the petrol V6 variety. Its 2.5-litre engine mated to a switchable five-speed automatic, which as mentioned above, drives all-four wheels. The dash displays just 27,123 miles despite being made within the first eight months of X-Type production back in October 2001.

The car benefits from a complete service history (14 stamps) with invoices charting annual visits to its supplying Jaguar main dealer – despite often covering less than 3000 miles in each intervening 12-month period. The car also comes with its original book pack, two keys and an audio CD of ‘operating highlights’. The car’s remarkable time-warp-like condition sets this X-Type head and shoulders above the masses of survivors.

The silver paintwork on this Jaguar gleams with a very near faultless finish. We looked extensively around this example to find anything untoward and could only come up with trivial issues. It presents like an 18-month old machine not a twenty-year-old! There are some small scratches around the lower rear panel (surrounding the tail pipe and parking sensors). There’s also a very minor scratch to the C-pillar surround on the driver’s door and a tiny scratch to the offside rear door’s rubbing strip. Really that’s about the extent of its sins. The bodywork really does appear to present exceptionally well, with consistent and accurate panel gaps too.

The wheels haven’t a mark on them worth mentioning and the tyres that surround each are matching (crucial for AWD vehicles) Michelin Primacy 3s. They all have an equally healthy amount of tread on them too. Chromework shines with a mirror-like finish and all glass and plastics appear clear and stain-free. We’d not bet against that fact that this Jaguar is likely one of the finest examples of its type currently for sale.

It’s a similar story in the cabin. The leather seats have all survived exceptionally well. There appears to be none of the usual creasing or cracking associated with old hide. In fact, it remains supple and clean throughout. It’s really sumptuous still and every bit as comfortable as its German rivals – some might even say a little more so.

Lifting the tailored mats doesn’t reveal any hidden nasties on the carpets, quite the opposite in fact. Even the spare wheel well looks near new, there are no signs of moisture or associated staining. The spare itself appears to be unused as it still carries its new tread paint – though we’re unsure if it’s the original tyre or not. An odd quirk of the era and a reminder that almost everything was optional in 2001, is the fact that the rear windows are opened and closed manually. Imagine that…

That Ford-sourced, transverse-mounted V6 makes a very healthy 194bhp at 6800rpm, enough to get this Jag to 60mph in a BMW-worrying 7.3 seconds. Flat-out it’ll manage to top 135mph and, better still, it’ll put down all its performance in all weathers. The mechanical bits of this Jaguar aren’t as pretty as its bodywork or cabin companions, though the vendor reports that the car drives beautifully. The engine bay is clean and tidy with plastics and alloy surfaces clear of any tell-tale signs of leaks.

If you dig deeper underneath though you’ll discover plenty of mild surface rust. The most obvious and advanced can be found on both front outriggers (passenger side is worse). The corrosion doesn’t appear to be affecting their strength but these could do with some weather proofing, sooner rather than later.

The rear subframe and suspension on the other hand look near new – the stickers are all still visible. There’s corrosion to both exhaust back boxes but it’s far from excessive. Poke around a bit more and you’ll start to find surface crud on the lower rear control arms, mounts, fuel tank straps and the front suspension components, though none appear to have got past the treat and paint phase. We certainly didn’t find anything that would require attention from a welder anytime soon though an afternoon with a wire brush and a tin of Waxoil will do wonders.

This car’s only owner from new appears to have made sure that his car has wanted for nothing when it comes to servicing and maintenance. Bought new from Jaguar Hanley (Stoke on Trent) this X-Type has returned here to be serviced annually since new. There are stamps for all the major servicing work up to and including a 150k or 15+ years, despite it covering nowhere near that mileage. It’s been serviced on the button every year regardless.

That’s until very recently. But despite the car’s main dealer history stopping in 2018 the car’s covered less 1000 miles since. Having said this, its most recent invoice from GC Classics lists an oil- and brake-pad service in October 2021 for a cost of £221.25. The car’s current MoT expires in October 2022.

It’s rare to find a Jaguar from this era that’s been doted upon. The X-Type was well regarded when it was new but less so as it aged and inevitably passed into the ownership of those less likely to maintain it in a manner befitting a premium saloon. That led to plenty of cheap examples flooding the market and dragging down prices. But do not make the mistake of thinking that this car is deserving of such a fate.

These are engaging and entertaining driver’s cars that also offer a deep and cosseting level of comfort when you just need to ease back and waft. This X-Type is in remarkable and utterly original condition with a mileage that’s barely broken in. That’s why we’re confident in placing a guide of £6,000 - £9,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.