The £15K Jaguar XFR: You Know You Want To

Well if a diesel SUV isn't really your idea of a Jaguar family car, there is another way...

Even before it was confirmed as a pretty damn good car, the Jaguar F-Pace was always going to be popular. The buying public loves an SUV, the Jaguar badge is arguably more appealing than it's ever been and the car looks sharp too. So expect to see plenty over the coming months and years.

Ah yes, about this...

However, no matter how good the F-Pace is, for some it will be too far removed from the traditional Jaguar remit. It seems certain that a pacier (sorry) version will arrive in time, but what about those who wish to take five people very fast in a Jaguar that isn't an SUV?

There's the XFR, obviously. Believe it or not the original XF flagship was launched seven years ago, meaning genuine bargains are beginning to emerge on the used market. Perhaps a few of the details and the interior will look dated where they didn't in 2009, but 500hp V8 saloons will always be fashionable for us.

Back then the XFR was received extremely well, providing a sharper drive than an Audi RS6 and a better gearbox than the E60 BMW M5. Those cars, plus of course the Mercedes E63, were replaced after the XFR's introduction, but the big Jag continued to offer a compelling range of abilities. It still does a used package in fact, with luxury, performance and great dynamics.

It's cheap, too. This car wasn't chosen solely because it's the most affordable on PistonHeads (honest), but also because it's a good spec and accompanied by a well written advert. When it lists details like recently fitted Michelin Pilot Super Sports and a sports exhaust that can be included, you know you're dealing with an enthusiast. The service history is extensive and it's only being sold to fund a Maserati Quattroporte purchase - top man!

Sure, the miles are higher than average, but this is due to it spending a lot of time on the motorway. Some may prefer silver wheels, which are just a respray away. The leather may be a trickier one to sort for those who don't like it, but it seems like a minor issue given how much is on offer here. And it's £15K!

Yep, 15 thousand pounds. We all know big, fast saloons depreciate, but that is definitely a double-take kind of figure. Alternatives? There's an E60 M5 for similar money, though that will be an older design of car. The V10 RS6 and first W212 E-Class AMG are currently still more expensive.

So there's a lot to recommend this XFR, the owner even going as far as to detail the common faults already addressed that the car is known for. Finally, for something slightly more subtle (and hopefully more spacious), there's this XJ 5.0. Because who wants a diesel 4x4 really? You're spoilt for choice!

JAGUAR XFR
Price: £15,450
Why you should: Great car, great spec, great price
Why you shouldn't: Might use a lot of fuel? At least the tyres are new...

See the original advert here.