Jaguar xf 3.0 or Merc CLA220

[granto223]

Hi Guys,

Looking to make a decision tomorrow on either a Jaguar 3.0 TD V6 s portfolio (14) or Mercedes CLA220 AMG sport (14)

There isn’t much different in price and they are both very good looking cars IMO.

The thing is i know nothing about Jaguars. Can anyone shed any light on what they are like? I’m used to a 3 litte rather than a 2 litre but i’m still looking for the following;

Reliability
Relatively fast
Frugal

I much prefer the Jags engine and looks but i’m worred about the realibility and MPG? Can anyone help?

Thanks

[S54Love]

Any reason in particular why you are considering a CLA? The two cars are completely different in terms of size; do you need a big car?

Most people (I would think) who are considering a XF are likely to be considering an E-Class instead, and maybe even a CLS. You'd be surprised how 'cheap' CLS' are and how much they have depreciated.

[granto223]

Got a little one but do not necessarily need a big car. It’s the only Merc that looks really stylish with the AMG kit IMO. (Excluding the special ones of course).

So it boils down to MPG and realibility really.

I do around 12k a year.

[ZX10R NIN]

It would be the XF every time with S Portfolio you have proper luxury & serious pace plus that smooth 6 cylinder engine makes this a no brainer.

The Jaguars are as reliable as anything else out there so don't let that be a reason not to buy.

[davidkellighan]

I have a V6 (non-S) Jag in Luxury spec (lowest trim). '60 plate and on 118k miles, I've had it since 80k miles. In terms of reliability it has been absolutely fine; some new pads and tyres in line with the mileage I've done. Had a wee fuel sensor to change as I kept getting a 'water in fuel' message - cost me £50. I'm about to get the belts changed that'll cost me around £500 but it'll hopefully facilitate a further 100k miles so it'll be worth it.

In terms of driving it can be a gentle big cruiser when you want and a bit of a beast when you flip it to sport + dynamic driving mode, and that's me only in the 240bhp version.

MPG I get about 48-52 on a long run sitting between 65 and 70. Pottering around town is closer to 30. Overall MPG since purchase is about 38 which I'm fine with.

A friend in work has a CLA220 in AMG trim. It's no doubt a capable car but a lot smaller inside and the ride is a lot more harsh. Not a lot or rear passenger or boot space either, although it is arguably a sportier drive.

It comes down to what you want but as a previous poster said a 3.0s in portfolio trim would be miles ahead for me, I'd have it over a similar E or 5 series.

Anything else you would like to know about the Jag fire away, and if you're in Scotland I can recommend a good indy (Dougie at Prestige Jaguar in Paisley).

[granto223]

davidkellighan said:

I have a V6 (non-S) Jag in Luxury spec (lowest trim). '60 plate and on 118k miles, I've had it since 80k miles. In terms of reliability it has been absolutely fine; some new pads and tyres in line with the mileage I've done. Had a wee fuel sensor to change as I kept getting a 'water in fuel' message - cost me £50. I'm about to get the belts changed that'll cost me around £500 but it'll hopefully facilitate a further 100k miles so it'll be worth it.

In terms of driving it can be a gentle big cruiser when you want and a bit of a beast when you flip it to sport + dynamic driving mode, and that's me only in the 240bhp version.

MPG I get about 48-52 on a long run sitting between 65 and 70. Pottering around town is closer to 30. Overall MPG since purchase is about 38 which I'm fine with.

A friend in work has a CLA220 in AMG trim. It's no doubt a capable car but a lot smaller inside and the ride is a lot more harsh. Not a lot or rear passenger or boot space either, although it is arguably a sportier drive.

It comes down to what you want but as a previous poster said a 3.0s in portfolio trim would be miles ahead for me, I'd have it over a similar E or 5 series.

Anything else you would like to know about the Jag fire away, and if you're in Scotland I can recommend a good indy (Dougie at Prestige Jaguar in Paisley).

Thanks for all this information - that is great!

Does yours still have twin turbos?

The Jag is a private sale.. anything i should look out for? I think it’s bloody gorgeous!

[SFV]

Another vote for the Jaguar. I've had my 2012 XF 3.0 twin turbo diesel for about 4 years. Not had a single issue with it other than the aircon radiator got hit by a stone and holed, but that was just pure bad luck. Great performance and great mpg - as has been said you can expect high 40's on a motorway cruise. My trip computer says 50+mpg average on a 150 mile when cruising at 70 but it tends to be a bit optimistic. I bought through Jag dealer as it came with 2 year used warranty for peace of mind on my first Jag. Suspension and ride is slightly firmer than I expected from a Jaguar, but does result in better handling. I still think that model XF is a very handsome car, and looks better than the current XF which doesn't appeal to me as much. I'm not sure if it's standard but mine has 60/40 split folding rear seats so that you can fold down the rear seats if you need to insert a bike or for a visit to Ikea. This has been a useful feature.

[SWoll]

XF all day long. The previous generation is actually a nicer car than the current one and both are miles ahead of the CLA in terms of refinement and comfort. The CLA is very tight inside, very plasticky and unless someone has gone mad on the options list not very well equipped.

[granto223]

BenjiS said:

What form does that 12k a year take? Tooling around town, or motorway miles?

My Dad and I have both had the same XF and he had a load of DPF issues due to stop start driving. Me doing motorway commutes had none over less mileage.

The CLA is a hateful car though. Drove one for a day recently and couldn’t wait to get out. The XF is vastly more comfortable and better handling, as well as being a lot larger. As others have pointed out, it’s an E-Class equivalent, not a C.

i do about 30 miles a day all in. Abit of motorway and abit of town.