ALWAYS fancied a Jaguar and thought you couldn't afford one? Well you can.

Jaguar's pretty X-Type was launched in 2001 but the company dropped it from the range in 2009 without a replacement.

Prices for early petrol models are down to a cheap as chips £2,400 for an '04 2.0-litre V6.

But never buy without full service history. You must make sure you don't get left holding the big repair bills.

Other engines include 2.5 and 3.0-litre V6 petrols, with 194 and 231bhp and they have four wheel drive to help get the power down onto the Tarmac.

Two-litre and 2.2 turbo diesels were added later with 128 and 152bhp and the 2.0-litre V6 petrol was dropped in 2005.

All are smooth and quiet - just as you would expect from Jaguar - with strong power delivery in either manual or automatic.

Comfort is marvellous and the handling is right up there with BMW.

There are three trims - Classic, SE and Sport. The Sport models have up-rated suspension and this does spoil the ride comfort a little.

All have that lovely up market Jaguar feel with leather and wood trim in SE and Sport. All have air con, four airbags, full electric pack and an excellent stereo.