Dad wants a new car in the new year, and was originally set on the Merc, however we had a look at the X-Type on the Jaguar stand at the motorshow, and both of us really liked it, very nice inside and gorgeous outside..

But, he's now swaying back towards the merc, and I want the jag :D

So help us out here please, which is better and why??

[Edited by AndiThompson - 10/30/2002 10:34:38 PM]

bump, thought someone would have an opinion..

They're both good motors. The Jag would sway it for me if I was older as it's got a bit more 'character' in the looks department.
BUT don't get the 2.0 FWD!

I've driven both in 3.0/320 varient - IMO the Merc is the better car. Looks are subjective and I always have prefered german saloons to british. In the road, the Merc has the performance edge (similar power but less drivetrain losses), and handles far better (RWD Vs AWD for a start). Steering is a lot better in the Merc (Front wheels just steer don't have to drive as well) and feedback is very good and incredible for a Merc. Interior design is again subjective, though in top flight guise the Merc does look good whereas the Jag is a bit plasticy on the centre section of the dash.

All in all they are both good cars, both well built both pretty quick, I guess the Merc will cost more, but will depreciate far less and has more models to choose from, including a cracking 330d rivalling 270 diesel.

That being said, The 3-series still has the edge and I would take a 330i sport over either.

I'd choose the Jag. Sooooo much more character than the Merc and the Beemer. I like the interiors of the Jags too. Lets face it, we're not talking drivers' cars here, so some of the decision will be based on other factors, such as style, image, comfort, etc. Very subjective, I agree. Will they both be automatic?

If you want to sell it in 3 years time Merc will hold its value much better than the jag, I love mercs simply for the fact that they are built like a car should be built. Jag may have the looks but remember (Ford) bits in it and reputation not nearly as good as the Merc yet hope this helps, my wife has a 1995 Merc coupe that honestly looks like new and still gets admiring glances ( maybe its the wife they are staring it) but honestly we have never had a better car.

Go for the Merc Whack on a set of 18" wheels and enjoy trouble free motoring

Forget the Merc over priced rubbish! Forget the Jag, it's a Ford Mondeo in a ugly suite! Buy a Audi A4 Quattro! A true car! or even better an new S4 due to go onsale in 2003/4

My Dad had an 'X' plate Merc C180 and part exchanged it a few months ago for a 2.0 Front Wheel Drive Jag 'X' Type Sport.

The Merc had a number of faults - e.g. failed to start one day and had to be towed away - it was at the garage for a while awaiting new immobiliser system. There were also suspension faults which were sorted under warranty. To be fair the Merc was one of the first of the new shape so later ones might be better.

Jag has been 100% reliable so far :) Not sure how well it will keep its value though.

Still prefer my Scoob :D

Cheers,

Ian.

Noby considered dealers?

Jag dealers are the absolute worst based on my experience.

find MarkO

normaly in computers or non scooby stuff