Jaguar X-Type Saloon (2001 - 2010) 2.2d Sport 4d (Euro 4) Owner Review

I was driven into the back of with my old car, and got £1700 from the insurance company for a 1.9dci Megane CC, which was a nice car but written off. My plan was to get a similar spec for slightly less money, considering I might find issues. I spent £1200 on this Cat-N 2.2d inc a fresh service. I do like the extra power, and at £200 a year to Tax, it's not too bad. I have test driven the 2.0D and wasn't keen as the one I drove was a bit noisy and had mushy brakes, though power was ok. On the other hand, I really liked this 2.2D after the test drive, especially considering what else I could find locally for £1200, a corsa, a honda jazz, some Mazada 6 with DPF issues. This was much nicer. The fella I bought it from is a mechanic and I figured, that'll help if there's any issues, he also only lives round the corner. Unfortunately, after I bought it, I've gotten to know him alot more than maybe I'd hoped. In the first month, I've had to pay out £540 for a new egr valve, a replaced rear-brake line, two tyres which deflated within a month and split on the inside, a brake line which had corroded and another £190 to get it through the MOT, failing due to rusted rear suspension component. Not to mention the new turbo actuator, which my seller bought, paid for and fitted after I got glow plug light in the first week. Likewise helping me out with fitting the EGR which saved on costs. So total costs about £1930, for a £1200 car though could eaisly have been more costly going through a main dealer. Given the £1700 I got for the megane, it's cost me £230 and some evenings afterwork sat outside the garage waiting for it to be fixed. I gotta say though, I really do like it. It's comfy, quiet, quick enough, eats up motorway miles, has a huge boot, the wife likes it and personally I like the way it looks. Inside it's very clear, no wear on the buttons, everything works. Really is a nice place to be. The 18" wheels look good and mean, but I've gone and got myself a set of 17" so it's a tad more comfy on country roads. I prefer the look of the sport, but the SE is probably the model to go for with a bit more comfort and Cruise control. It's not really a car for ragging about in. Now it's through the MOT, I have a list of things I would like to do to it including sorting out some fan belt rattle with a new tensioner which I hear is a common issue. I would recommend one and there is a nice community of owners online who'll help out with any issues, though I'd be sour if I'd spent £2000-3000 on the same spec from a dealer and had to deal with similar issues. Even at 2006, its getting on a bit now, so issues like rust and that I could expect to affect most models. Though I said £540, including a new spare key cut, the new wheels and bits and pieces, my total spend is £2318.86. So £620 over the old car's payout. I've driven about 2000 miles in it, and though it's been a bit of a bumpy start, it is now holding air pressure in the tyres and got through the MOT. Also, it's a jaaaag. I would recommend, though they are cheap for a reason, so I wouldn't get one expectting it to be perfect straight off.