James Ruppert
Examining Jaguar’s excellent XF
The XF was refreshingly different rather than another retro rehash
Ithink we might have reached the tipping point where an old-school Jaguar XJ is no longer the go-to saloon for us bargain-hunting used car buyers. Which brings us to 2008 and the launch of the XF – a refreshingly different Jag saloon rather than yet another retro rehash.
Finally, you could be under 60 years of age and feel relatively comfortable behind the wheel of a four-door Jag. The XF had a refresh in 2009 and again in 2011 with some new engines and it still looks the part – and it is important that you try to make one part of your life. This is the executive car you always promised yourself.
The XF is the latest in an increasingly long line of Jaguars that has a genuine reluctance to break down. Early examples had lots of minor quality niggles and Jaguar still lags behind the Germans for fit and finish. We are here looking at the revised models, then, which are much better put together. The interior is nice enough, but some owners find it just a bit short on passenger space, which limits the real-world practicality and explains why they swap out to something else.
At the top of the range is the 5.0-litre V8 R and, below that, there is also a supercharged 4.2-litre V8. These are the top depreciators, so if resale |is not an issue, they are the fun ones. If you really want petrol but not a V8, then it’s the 3.0 V6, which can be found quite easily at the moment. Obviously, the vast majority of company buyers opted for the V6 diesel. The later 3.0 is the one to have (early V6 diesels are 2.7s) because it’s more refined than the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel.
There are loads of diesels in the classifieds at all mileages and some with a massive kit list at the Luxury trim level. That spec delivers satnav, leather, Bluetooth and parking sensors. With a Premium upgrade, it’s keyless entry, heated seats and even rear folding benches. There is a Portfolio trim level, but the Premium would be our pick, combined with the everyday 3.0 diesel.
A shuffle through the classifieds pitched up a 2013 3.0d V6 Premium Luxury for £19,750. It’s a main dealer car with added Luxury trimmings and 20in alloy wheels, and there’s a two-year Jaguar Approved warranty to top it off. Otherwise, a nice oneowner 2011 2.2d SE with 60k miles and a full history is £12,750. Well, the one I saw was.
Whatever model you choose, you won’t lose out and there is no denying that the XF looks special and feels special, both inside and out. It’s the best used Jag, possibly ever.