I've been leasing an Audi A4 and like it. Not even sure why I bought it-- it's like one day, the A4 appeared on every block around where I live and it looked like something I would drive. It handles well. I feel safe.

But I've been hearing a lot about the new Jag X-type. My lease is almost up and I'm thinking about it. But no one I know my age, mid 30's, drives a Jaguar. In about the same price range, should I be considering a BMW 3 Series instead? Mercedes C-Class? Any opinions about the X-type? X-type drivers are saying pretty great stuff about the car-- performance and handling, design, pleasurable ride, take it to the edge and oversteering characteristics give you a lot of fun when cornering... Thoughts appreciated as I make some decisions.

Thanks

Never think that age has to do with what you drive, it's your experience. Just because nobody drives a Jaguar, yet the ratings are good doesn't mean you shouldn't drive one. Make a differece, and get one. They've been great cars since Ford bought 'em. If you are looking for speed, do not and i mean do not go for the 2.5, because you'll die when you see it has absolutely no juice, so if it's speed, get the 3.0. I test drove it before getting my Acura. But if money is the matter, then get the 2.5, because it's the same exact car, just different engines.

X-Type has virutually no rear legroom.

3 Series is sporty with performance, enuf horses, common options are mostly included.

C Class is luxury car. Ride is very smooth.

It's really up to ur taste...
Every car has its advantages and disadvantages...

C Class is better.

Get either the 3 Series or C Class. The Jaguar is an expensive Ford.

yeah..Ford totally messed up on the Jaguar X-type. First it came out with an AWD due to the chassis shared with Ford Mondeo. Then it actually came out with a 2.1L FWD X-type...
wonder whats next

stay away from the taurus(jag),i have a 03 c230,no problems with this gem..you can get a certified used one for a good price,and a extended warranty..good luck on any vehicle you decide on......

the Jag x-type is based on a ford contour chasis. i'd say go for an Acura TSX, or even a TL.

Ok, I'm british, so i love jags, however i do own my fair share of mercs. Ok, the X type is a ford, but so is an astom martin. Thats got nothing to do with it, so ignore it. PS, the X type is based on the new generation mondeo platform, but everything else is jag. Suspension, most of the mechanics, bodywork etc etc. It still feels every but as jag as an XJ6.

The C class is good, as is the 3 series, but they lack the character of the jag, and are far more common. The jag also features all wheel drive, so the handeling is spot on. The 2.1 V6 is a nail, and the TDCi is very much a ford, the the 2.5 is acceptable and the 3.0 is very good.

break tradition, go for somthing a bit different.

Its nice to break tradition...I agree with that. I'm not about to say that Jag quality is bad or anything because , lets face it, these days engines don't break down, radiators don't explode and transmission don't slip (too much). And even if they do, most car companies will fix them fairly quickly with all the excellent warrantly programs out there. And seeing as though most people I know only keep their new cars for at most 5 years...you should be okay going with just about any car without having to worry about the reliability.

As far as Jag having more character than a Benz or a Bimmer....I don't think so. And if I were really gonna go for something different, I might go for a Citroen or something like that....but don't forget the fact that being different for the sake of being different is no virtue...there should always be a balance of substance and style.

You cant really compare the likes of Citroen to Audi BMW Jag and Merc! The C class, A4 and 3 series sales way outstrip the sales of the jag. Its not one of the german giants simple as that. So it is the more unorthadox choice. I find the 3 series and A4 to be very dull. The top end cars are nice, like the 330i or the S4, but I feel that the lesser cars, (316's 318's and A4 1.6 FSI's) look cheep. Things like plastic wheel covers, and black bumper inserts dont help. OK the 2.1 X type hasn't got massive wheels, but at least they're alloys, and the bits of chrome on the standard spec, may not be to all tastes, but it looks better than plastic!

The C class isn't as bad as the 3 and A4, but in classic guise, its still plastic fantastic. I just feel that for a budget, the Jag looks good.