Jaguar XFR ownership
Discussion
I'm on my second XFR - first was a 2009 car and now a 2013 facelift car. Have been driving an XFR for last 5 years. Very easy to live with. I like the fact they feel normal most of the time but can still feel very fast. Likewise the handling and ride is normal i.e. comfortable for daily use and family duty but surprisingly good when you drive it hard.
Later cars with 8 speed are better but only marginally - 6 speed is still a good box but 2mpg less economical. Both XFRs I have owned have been very reliable ( touch wood).
Heated and cooled seats are standard. B&w stero was optional but a common option. Meridian became standard on later cars. Only "essential" option is rear parking camera.
Running costs are really not too bad. I would like a bigger fuel tank to improve range.
Only upgrade I have done is a Spires exhaust to better enjoy the V8 sound.
Go for it!
Later cars with 8 speed are better but only marginally - 6 speed is still a good box but 2mpg less economical. Both XFRs I have owned have been very reliable ( touch wood).
Heated and cooled seats are standard. B&w stero was optional but a common option. Meridian became standard on later cars. Only "essential" option is rear parking camera.
Running costs are really not too bad. I would like a bigger fuel tank to improve range.
Only upgrade I have done is a Spires exhaust to better enjoy the V8 sound.
Go for it!
I'd say after all I've researched, read and viewed, I'm in the market for an XFR now!
Do you have the full spires system fitted? How loud in the cabin is it? I guess I want to know I've got a V8, but you can keep your god-awful drone on the motorway that sometimes comes with loud exhausts.
Do you have the full spires system fitted? How loud in the cabin is it? I guess I want to know I've got a V8, but you can keep your god-awful drone on the motorway that sometimes comes with loud exhausts.
TobyLerone said:
I'd say after all I've researched, read and viewed, I'm in the market for an XFR now!
Do you have the full spires system fitted? How loud in the cabin is it? I guess I want to know I've got a V8, but you can keep your god-awful drone on the motorway that sometimes comes with loud exhausts.
My wife's 5.0 n/a has a Spires exhaust. After test driving it I decided it needed a little more volume, so after putting the deposit down, I phoned the guy at Spires and had them ship it to the dealership, who fitted it at no extra cost (agreed in the deal).Do you have the full spires system fitted? How loud in the cabin is it? I guess I want to know I've got a V8, but you can keep your god-awful drone on the motorway that sometimes comes with loud exhausts.
It doesn't drone at all, just a lovely V8 bellow when on the loud pedal. Really transforms the car.
eztiger said:
How do these compare to a c63?
I've driven neither but my guess is the c63 is an animal all of the time. No buttons needed to be pressed for it to be in the mood.
Is the XFR like that? Can it be like that with a combo of pressed buttons? How far down the rev range does the torque hit? Given the supercharger - quite low?
I'm eyeing a c63 for my next car but the XFR, on paper, ticks far more boxes. Other than being utterly mental - tell me how wrong I am.
The XFR engine appears to pull as hard at 2000rpm as it does at 6000rpm. The delivery of torque is very linear in its relationship to the accelerator pedal though. I'd be happy to let my mum drive my car. If you push the pedal hard then yes, it can get lairy quick quickly but the light-load behaviour is very well mannered.I've driven neither but my guess is the c63 is an animal all of the time. No buttons needed to be pressed for it to be in the mood.
Is the XFR like that? Can it be like that with a combo of pressed buttons? How far down the rev range does the torque hit? Given the supercharger - quite low?
I'm eyeing a c63 for my next car but the XFR, on paper, ticks far more boxes. Other than being utterly mental - tell me how wrong I am.
The Dynamic mode button on the XF is good for driving in an un-saloon-like way but it handles very well in normal mode too. Given the paddle shifters, I find the "Sport" mode on the gearbox drive selector superfluous and never use it to be honest. It does make for a sporty drive, but it just feels like wasting petrol between corners on most windy roads given that the XFR can steamroll through speed limits between bends on all but the tightest little roads - so when sporty driving I just leave it in Drive and change up and down with the paddles.
It can be driven very smoothly and comfortably, yet significantly quicker than 95% of other traffic on rural roads just in the default/comfort/economy modes though.
As stated by another poster - it's a very easy car to live with day to day. It comes alive quickly and easily, but only when you want to play.
I've owned my XFR from new in July 2013, used as a daily driver, with no issues whatsoever.
I took it to Le Mans this year (TVR was broken - don't ask) without fuss, in fact it was such a rare car, we didn't see another!
My only two gripes of the car, is the fuel tank is too small, ok, I expected it to be thirsty (23 mpg overall) but the maximum range when brimmed is 350 miles!
The second gripe is the V8 is way too muted, easily rectified by fitting a spires exhaust.
I have no regrets whatsoever and still enjoy every drive, I say go for it
I took it to Le Mans this year (TVR was broken - don't ask) without fuss, in fact it was such a rare car, we didn't see another!
My only two gripes of the car, is the fuel tank is too small, ok, I expected it to be thirsty (23 mpg overall) but the maximum range when brimmed is 350 miles!
The second gripe is the V8 is way too muted, easily rectified by fitting a spires exhaust.
I have no regrets whatsoever and still enjoy every drive, I say go for it
Hi OP,
Had my XFR a couple of months now and use it as my DD. I looked at both C63s, and Audi RS's, and even the Lexus ISF, but Jaguar just ticked more boxes. I needed a family car and wanted to get into the V8 owners club before the death of the good old big engined cars. Easy to drive, comfortable, but also a monster when you need it to be. Eye-watering speed!
I did test drive a C63 also, I couldn't afford the facelift and also space wise the XFR is in the E-Class league (and I couldn't afford the latest E63 shape so again not a contender). Audi's didn't cut for me either, and the ISF was nice but didn't feel in the same league as the XFR especially when inside the cabin.
Fuel wise, can get high twenties on a motorway run on occasions, not as bad on fuel as I was expecting.
go for it! you won't be dissapointed.
Had my XFR a couple of months now and use it as my DD. I looked at both C63s, and Audi RS's, and even the Lexus ISF, but Jaguar just ticked more boxes. I needed a family car and wanted to get into the V8 owners club before the death of the good old big engined cars. Easy to drive, comfortable, but also a monster when you need it to be. Eye-watering speed!
I did test drive a C63 also, I couldn't afford the facelift and also space wise the XFR is in the E-Class league (and I couldn't afford the latest E63 shape so again not a contender). Audi's didn't cut for me either, and the ISF was nice but didn't feel in the same league as the XFR especially when inside the cabin.
Fuel wise, can get high twenties on a motorway run on occasions, not as bad on fuel as I was expecting.
go for it! you won't be dissapointed.
Not sure if you have bought one yet Toby ????
I sold mine about 3 months ago after having it for 3 years as my DD. Ive had some tasty cars in the past but can class the XFR as the best and worst car i have ever owned for differing reasons.
Firstly the best ; Its a great car to drive daily, loads of power, reasonable MPG considering the power on tap, i averaged 19mpg, sometimes just breaking the 20 mpg in mixed use. It looks great and sounds good from outside.Its a comfortable old bus also with heated and cooled seats as std i think but great anyhow.
The worst; I have never owned a car that needed so many trips back to the dealer. I will summarise what warranty work was done over 3 years / 60k - new windscreen (delaminated), new drivers seat (leather worn prematurely), remote tyre valves snapped off (4 occasions), The rear electronic diff (e diff) was replaced twice , it took 3 visits each time to diagnose the problem, faulty USB interface, replacement jaguar emblems on wheels (delaminating), fuel filler car developed a leak flooding and closing a garage forecourt and stranding me for a whole day, water pump failure, reverse camera failure, in addition to the above when replacing the seat the trimmer scratched the inner door that took 4 attempts to repaint and when the fuel leak was repaired the dealer forgot to refit the rear seatbelt anchors after removing the seat. I think thats it but throw in servicing and rarely 2 months went by without a visit to the dealer... not good at all. A point to watch for is oil, apparently (mine was true to this) they use a litre every 2 - k which is only available from jaguar..... at £20 od pounds a litre, now im no skinflint but it seems a little rich to spend £100 quid on oil in-between services. Service costs are as you expect with a car such as this, typical service £600-£800 and a disc change all round £1500 tyres £1200 a set.... tax £550 a year and tracker subs, insurance expensive blah blah
All the above said id like to think mine was a friday car but it seemed the dealers i tried were completely inexperienced in working on XFR's, as they see crappy diesel models most of the time me thinks....
Id have another one, but happy with the M5 at the mo, its not missed a beat - an accolade the XFR couldn't hold a candle to.
S
I sold mine about 3 months ago after having it for 3 years as my DD. Ive had some tasty cars in the past but can class the XFR as the best and worst car i have ever owned for differing reasons.
Firstly the best ; Its a great car to drive daily, loads of power, reasonable MPG considering the power on tap, i averaged 19mpg, sometimes just breaking the 20 mpg in mixed use. It looks great and sounds good from outside.Its a comfortable old bus also with heated and cooled seats as std i think but great anyhow.
The worst; I have never owned a car that needed so many trips back to the dealer. I will summarise what warranty work was done over 3 years / 60k - new windscreen (delaminated), new drivers seat (leather worn prematurely), remote tyre valves snapped off (4 occasions), The rear electronic diff (e diff) was replaced twice , it took 3 visits each time to diagnose the problem, faulty USB interface, replacement jaguar emblems on wheels (delaminating), fuel filler car developed a leak flooding and closing a garage forecourt and stranding me for a whole day, water pump failure, reverse camera failure, in addition to the above when replacing the seat the trimmer scratched the inner door that took 4 attempts to repaint and when the fuel leak was repaired the dealer forgot to refit the rear seatbelt anchors after removing the seat. I think thats it but throw in servicing and rarely 2 months went by without a visit to the dealer... not good at all. A point to watch for is oil, apparently (mine was true to this) they use a litre every 2 - k which is only available from jaguar..... at £20 od pounds a litre, now im no skinflint but it seems a little rich to spend £100 quid on oil in-between services. Service costs are as you expect with a car such as this, typical service £600-£800 and a disc change all round £1500 tyres £1200 a set.... tax £550 a year and tracker subs, insurance expensive blah blah
All the above said id like to think mine was a friday car but it seemed the dealers i tried were completely inexperienced in working on XFR's, as they see crappy diesel models most of the time me thinks....
Id have another one, but happy with the M5 at the mo, its not missed a beat - an accolade the XFR couldn't hold a candle to.
S
We purchased an ex demo XFR in March 2012 - it was originally registered in September 2011 - with 5k miles recorded. The idea was it would be my daily driver, however during the last 2 1/2 years it has experienced a very varied life!
Within a couple of weeks of taking delivery, a customer asked to lease it for a few months whilst they waited for their own XFR to arrive. On return, I managed to keep hold of it for 3 months, during that time it was used as a support car on our Nurburgring trip, easily keeping pace with the exotica on the tour, and certainly much more relaxing at Autobahn speeds than everything else!
After the Germany trip, due to the popularity over the weekend, we added it to the hire fleet, where it spent 3 months before a customer decided to keep it on a long term lease - they still have it and will be returning her in March next year.
The car has now completed 46k miles. Faults have been very few - reduced power due to faulty fuel pump, central screen going blank, rear electric window not fully closing - all fixed quickly and efficiently under warranty.
During the short time the car was in my possession, it exceeded all expectations - performance, handling, comfort, child carrying ability and most importantly, FUN - were all things it excelled at.
Due to not having the car, I decided to dabble in an XKR-S, which ended up having a similar life. It has just returned from a customer after 12 months on lease. The plan was to sell it straight away as it has made a decent return over it's life. After mooching around in it for the last week though I have decided to keep hold until March, maybe longer, as it is just such a great all rounder. I even prefer it to our F Type!
Back to the XFR - running costs are good, servicing has averaged around £330 per time (every 15k miles), rear tyres around every 12k miles and fronts at around 16k miles. Average fuel economy (from our time) was 19.5 MPG, brake pads were needed at 38k, miles. Great car, great all rounder and could highly recommend it.
Within a couple of weeks of taking delivery, a customer asked to lease it for a few months whilst they waited for their own XFR to arrive. On return, I managed to keep hold of it for 3 months, during that time it was used as a support car on our Nurburgring trip, easily keeping pace with the exotica on the tour, and certainly much more relaxing at Autobahn speeds than everything else!
After the Germany trip, due to the popularity over the weekend, we added it to the hire fleet, where it spent 3 months before a customer decided to keep it on a long term lease - they still have it and will be returning her in March next year.
The car has now completed 46k miles. Faults have been very few - reduced power due to faulty fuel pump, central screen going blank, rear electric window not fully closing - all fixed quickly and efficiently under warranty.
During the short time the car was in my possession, it exceeded all expectations - performance, handling, comfort, child carrying ability and most importantly, FUN - were all things it excelled at.
Due to not having the car, I decided to dabble in an XKR-S, which ended up having a similar life. It has just returned from a customer after 12 months on lease. The plan was to sell it straight away as it has made a decent return over it's life. After mooching around in it for the last week though I have decided to keep hold until March, maybe longer, as it is just such a great all rounder. I even prefer it to our F Type!
Back to the XFR - running costs are good, servicing has averaged around £330 per time (every 15k miles), rear tyres around every 12k miles and fronts at around 16k miles. Average fuel economy (from our time) was 19.5 MPG, brake pads were needed at 38k, miles. Great car, great all rounder and could highly recommend it.
VInteresting reading.
I've had mine for nearly a year now. Only minor issue was a rattle related to bonnet air bag which was easily fixed.
I moved over from an A8. It is a fantastic car. Rides very well considering what it is and wheel size. Well made - as well as my Audi. Real world performance it isn't far off my Ferrari. On a track it might be different.
The toys it has which I didn't think I would care about but do now are the heated steering wheel and reversing camera. Great gadgets. I also used the flappy paddles a lot.
Just got my road tax bill (£500) and warranty replacement (£1360) which is a bit of a s
tter, but it is after all a supercar in disguise.
I've had mine for nearly a year now. Only minor issue was a rattle related to bonnet air bag which was easily fixed.
I moved over from an A8. It is a fantastic car. Rides very well considering what it is and wheel size. Well made - as well as my Audi. Real world performance it isn't far off my Ferrari. On a track it might be different.
The toys it has which I didn't think I would care about but do now are the heated steering wheel and reversing camera. Great gadgets. I also used the flappy paddles a lot.
Just got my road tax bill (£500) and warranty replacement (£1360) which is a bit of a s
tter, but it is after all a supercar in disguise.TobyLerone said:
IS-F is something I hadn't considered at all. Not a bad looking car from the outside (apart from the hideous exhausts) but a bit bland, an the interior doesn't look even a little special.
The RS6 could be a decent car, but I'd like to run something without a 5 figure bill looming!
Good cars no doubt, but very expensive . I know personally of 3 RS6's needing replacement gearboxes. At less that 10,000 mile intervals...
FYI its the same gearbox in the jag as the V10 Audi RS6, ZF 6 speed.The RS6 could be a decent car, but I'd like to run something without a 5 figure bill looming!
Good cars no doubt, but very expensive . I know personally of 3 RS6's needing replacement gearboxes. At less that 10,000 mile intervals...
Edited by TobyLerone on Wednesday 17th September 08:28
The 5 speed gearboxs in the earlyer V8 RS6's came with a dustpan and brush to sweep the bits up.
The current newer V8 RS6 has the same ZF 8 speed.
Ok there is a centre diff bolted to the back of the audi one, but essicially the same.
Tame tech's guide to super cars on a budget.
Never buy the first one you see, drive a few examples, even if this means going to the main dealer and faking an interest in one you cant afford.
Learn what a good one drives like, so you can tell the difference when you do test drives on the real cars you CAN afford later.
All cars of this type have potential for big bills, key is not so much which one you get (Jag Audi, BMW) but that the one you get is the best possible example you can afford.
Avoid any automated manual box, very problamatic. BMW SMG - Audi R Tronic (only in early R8's) in lots of Aston Martins
If you get a proper torque converter auto like the XFR / RS6 make sure you pay to have the oil changed every 60,000 or 5 years regardless of anything you hear about sealed for life.
If you can get one from a pistonhead with good history that is by far the best way to go.
I bought my XFR 6 months ago and I love it. The car is perfect! The perfect blend of performance, technology, style and luxury. It never fails to amaze me. Supercar performance with no compromises whatsoever.
I use mine as a daily driver; it is faultless. Nothing else I would rather be in.
Just 3 considerations, not faults because the XFR is perfect, but considerations.
1. This car is a 5.0 so it will go through some fuel.
2. This is a big car size wise so you need to be careful.
3. This car is fast. Really fast. It is almost too easy to go some pretty extreme speeds with it. So be careful. You could end up going 120 without realizing it.
As for trips to the dealer. The car can have some minor gremlins. But if you turn the car off then on again then that so far has fixed any minor glitch.
I would advise you to get an XFR they really are the weapon of choice for any occasion.
I use mine as a daily driver; it is faultless. Nothing else I would rather be in.
Just 3 considerations, not faults because the XFR is perfect, but considerations.
1. This car is a 5.0 so it will go through some fuel.
2. This is a big car size wise so you need to be careful.
3. This car is fast. Really fast. It is almost too easy to go some pretty extreme speeds with it. So be careful. You could end up going 120 without realizing it.
As for trips to the dealer. The car can have some minor gremlins. But if you turn the car off then on again then that so far has fixed any minor glitch.
I would advise you to get an XFR they really are the weapon of choice for any occasion.
Very reassuring thread to read, I'm strongly considering an XFR myself, barring sums to figure out the feasibility of being able to afford it and still be able to eat!
I currently have an MG ZT260, as it has now reached the age of being a highly efficient parts list generator I feel the need to move on before it ruins me and eats any cash I may ever have to move on.
Considering both the ISF and the Jag due to their subtlety, even though I'll be losing a manual box in the process. Both seem to have similar, if even slightly cheaper, running costs than the MG too. Will admit to being utterly smitten with the Jag, in looks and on paper. Sat in one at the dealer, but not had a drive yet. I'd rather be in a position to say 'yes' before wasting someone's time by asking for a drive.
Are they really so kind on the tyres (given normal driving, naturally)? I only worry as a pair of rears costs as much as a whole set on the MG!
What's the life on the brakes with fairly normal driving too?
I currently have an MG ZT260, as it has now reached the age of being a highly efficient parts list generator I feel the need to move on before it ruins me and eats any cash I may ever have to move on.
Considering both the ISF and the Jag due to their subtlety, even though I'll be losing a manual box in the process. Both seem to have similar, if even slightly cheaper, running costs than the MG too. Will admit to being utterly smitten with the Jag, in looks and on paper. Sat in one at the dealer, but not had a drive yet. I'd rather be in a position to say 'yes' before wasting someone's time by asking for a drive.
Are they really so kind on the tyres (given normal driving, naturally)? I only worry as a pair of rears costs as much as a whole set on the MG!
What's the life on the brakes with fairly normal driving too?
Edited by Scourge151 on Friday 12th December 15:05
As a replacement for the old E39 530, i've picked up on the supercharged Jaguar XFR.
Initially i was looking at the E60 M5 as a replacement, but the XFR seems to do everything that the M5 can do, but in luxury and comfort too.
But one thing i cannot confirm is the type of headlight that is used on the XFR.
On the adverts that i've read, i cannot see any mention of xenon or LED.
Can i assume that these cars still use the halogen headlights?
If this is true, is it possible to retrofit a better type of headlight?
Many thanks
Initially i was looking at the E60 M5 as a replacement, but the XFR seems to do everything that the M5 can do, but in luxury and comfort too.
But one thing i cannot confirm is the type of headlight that is used on the XFR.
On the adverts that i've read, i cannot see any mention of xenon or LED.
Can i assume that these cars still use the halogen headlights?
If this is true, is it possible to retrofit a better type of headlight?
Many thanks
Deano,
Never heard of the word "classics" being applied to the XF...something for the future maybe!
The XF was introduced in 2008 and was face-lifted in April 2011. Visibly, the front and rear lights were slightly redesigned, then there's some minor changes internally. The gearbox was changed from 6 to 8 gears.
From your description of the headlights you are really looking for a face-lifted model ie post April 2011.
For the record I have an XF V8 5.0 Portfolio non S/C, June 2009.
R.
Never heard of the word "classics" being applied to the XF...something for the future maybe!
The XF was introduced in 2008 and was face-lifted in April 2011. Visibly, the front and rear lights were slightly redesigned, then there's some minor changes internally. The gearbox was changed from 6 to 8 gears.
From your description of the headlights you are really looking for a face-lifted model ie post April 2011.
For the record I have an XF V8 5.0 Portfolio non S/C, June 2009.
R.
The Leaper said:
Deano,
Never heard of the word "classics" being applied to the XF...something for the future maybe!
The XF was introduced in 2008 and was face-lifted in April 2011. Visibly, the front and rear lights were slightly redesigned, then there's some minor changes internally. The gearbox was changed from 6 to 8 gears.
From your description of the headlights you are really looking for a face-lifted model ie post April 2011.
For the record I have an XF V8 5.0 Portfolio non S/C, June 2009.
R.
You need to read his post again. He's after a pre-facelift, which are generally known as classics, which were introduced in 2007, though the R came out in 2009. Never heard of the word "classics" being applied to the XF...something for the future maybe!
The XF was introduced in 2008 and was face-lifted in April 2011. Visibly, the front and rear lights were slightly redesigned, then there's some minor changes internally. The gearbox was changed from 6 to 8 gears.
From your description of the headlights you are really looking for a face-lifted model ie post April 2011.
For the record I have an XF V8 5.0 Portfolio non S/C, June 2009.
R.
Edited by fatboy b on Saturday 3rd January 09:40
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