I have now lived with my X-type for ten months and 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers). I can honestly say that the car has been simplymarvelous. It is smooth, quiet, comfortable, fast, fun and elegant. Average fuel consumption has been about 23 mpg (Imperial) but I attribute much of this to the way I drive (fast). When I took my car in for its first major service, I noted the following items requiring attention ( see sidebar )

The car spent the day at the dealer on October 15th and came back better than ever. The door problem was fixed by adjusting the cables and latching mechanism, the fuel door was lubricated and works fine. The squeak turned out to be glazed brake pads, a result of my overheating the brakes while turning laps at Lime Rock race Race Park last May. The pads were "decontaminated" and the discs cleaned and now the car is quiet again and brakes smoothly. Pad wear is only 20% front and rear after 10,000 miles. Pretty good considering the way I brake. Tire wear has also been impressive.

To solve the oil mystery, my service manager confirmed to me that regular oil is standard issue for this model. I asked for and received synthetic oil at my cost. The mysterious air bag light that would not turn off has been solved; it was my fault! I have a habit of leaving my heavy briefcase sitting on the passenger seat while driving. Sensors pick this up and think that someone, perhaps a lightweight child is sitting in the passenger seat and the light comes on as a warning. Problem solved, place briefcase on floor!

There are NO other issues with the car with the exception of the clutch. The oil change and switch to synthetic did the car a world of good; in my experience all cars seem to "sing" a happy tune right after you change their oil. My X-type is no exception, all the imaginary noises I was hearing have disappeared and the car runs strong and quiet.

The clutch problem is more a personal thing than anything else. After years of driving cars like my E-type, I have gotten to like a firm clutch pedal with a very abrupt, positive action. The clutch in my X-type drives me a bit crazy with its lightness and vague action but I'll just have to learn to live with it.

Re-reading my comments made when the car was new, I don't think I would change a thing. The car still meets or exceeds all expectations. The 2.5 with the manual transmission is a fun car and can be a fast car. It is impressive on the highway if you learn to use the gearbox properly. It was very impressive on the race track due to its predictable handling, all wheel drive, great braking and steering. The engine can be made to "sing" in the 5,000 to 7,000 rpm range. And yes, the rev limiter will come in at about 7,200 rpm and shut down the engine! For those of you contemplating an automatic X-type, I would personally recommend the 3.0 liter version. You will not win any stop light Grand Prix with the 2.5 liter X-type, and from zero to thirty miles per hour just about any econobox will eat it alive. Stir the gearbox to 5,000 rpm in second and third gears though, and you will effortlessly sweep by slower cars.

The car, being recognized as a Jaguar, suffers from unwanted attention. I still get constantly harassed by drivers of German machinery, who all seem to want to race with me in the 80-100 m.p.h. range. I worry constantly about theft and vandalism, although so far I have only suffered the theft of the leaping cat hood ornament. Total cost for my first visit to the dealer was about $25 (the cost of the synthetic oil). Total operating costs in the first 10,000 miles are two unscheduled oil changes (before and after the track days), a new hood ornament at $175, and gas. The dealer has been absolutely first class: knowledgeable, timely and helpful on all counts.

Count me as one very satisfied customer!

On track at Limerock for the Empire Division Annual Driving School