Discussion
Hello,
I'm considering switching from a 2018 Octavia VRS (Petrol DSG Hatch) to a slightly newer Jaguar XE. I've liked the look of the XE for a long time and the interior is really nice. My significant other is also fully onboard and likes the car. I've also test-driven BMW M 330D (just within our price range), however, she didn't like the interior or the driving position.
The XE is slower than my Octavia, though I'd be perfectly happy to sacrifice performance for a bit more comfort and a softer ride.
From what I've read, Skoda reliability is significantly better than that of Jaguar. Bearing in mind that I keep my cars well maintained and serviced regularly, is this something which would likely prove troublesome?
One of my in-laws has owned a 2009 plate XF for nearly 10 years and hasn't faced any significant repair bills so far, though he doesn't use his car as intensively as I do (we drive across Europe when holiday etc).
We don't have children so have no real need for the (larger) XF or XJ. We sometimes have passengers in the back (I don't drink, so end up being the designated driver), so a two-seater isn't an option sadly.
Just after some opinions really. Any real-world experience or comparisons would be very much appreciated.
I'm considering switching from a 2018 Octavia VRS (Petrol DSG Hatch) to a slightly newer Jaguar XE. I've liked the look of the XE for a long time and the interior is really nice. My significant other is also fully onboard and likes the car. I've also test-driven BMW M 330D (just within our price range), however, she didn't like the interior or the driving position.
The XE is slower than my Octavia, though I'd be perfectly happy to sacrifice performance for a bit more comfort and a softer ride.
From what I've read, Skoda reliability is significantly better than that of Jaguar. Bearing in mind that I keep my cars well maintained and serviced regularly, is this something which would likely prove troublesome?
One of my in-laws has owned a 2009 plate XF for nearly 10 years and hasn't faced any significant repair bills so far, though he doesn't use his car as intensively as I do (we drive across Europe when holiday etc).
We don't have children so have no real need for the (larger) XF or XJ. We sometimes have passengers in the back (I don't drink, so end up being the designated driver), so a two-seater isn't an option sadly.
Just after some opinions really. Any real-world experience or comparisons would be very much appreciated.
I bought an XE new in 2018 - it was a 68-plate 20t petrol (200PS), in the R-Sport trim.
Similar to you - I wanted a two-seater, but needed occasional back seats and was doing a lot of motorway miles at the time, so a sedan it was.
The Octavia will probably be more… stable. Will feel like everything will have had just that more time / money available in development. But won’t have as much character.
Summary:
- reliable, beyond expectation. Not even any of the software gremlins friends & family have suffered from with JLR products. The D7a sedans are pretty good. Only faults I had were with a loose exhaust (more an assembly issue) and the water pump failing - replaced under warranty. This latter was quite common but I believe the part design was subsequently changed.
- I would not buy a diesel - the Ingenium diesel (albeit less affected by oil dilution in the longitudinal application of this architecture than say the Disco Sport or E-PACE) does still have balancer shaft wear issues. I just wouldn’t.
- petrols (at least mine) had an annual service interval, which was a surprise coming from VAG products. But obviously worth doing.
- fuel economy on the petrol was 30-35mpg, which was a little on the thirsty side
- looked incredible and drove brilliantly. Dynamically, a surprisingly competent car.
- boot was a funky shape - it didn’t have a flat floor, so if you’re carrying things like a pram or whatnot it might not be able to slide all the way back.
- rear legroom was pants but IMO not massively worse than something like a 3-Series. Octavia would be much better here.
- definitely get the widescreen nav if pre-facelift. Should have CarPlay and all those gubbins. Standard on all UK cars from 19MY onwards.
- facelift cars are rare but were better in every way. Pick of the bunch would be a later car with Pivi infotainment.
Similar to you - I wanted a two-seater, but needed occasional back seats and was doing a lot of motorway miles at the time, so a sedan it was.
The Octavia will probably be more… stable. Will feel like everything will have had just that more time / money available in development. But won’t have as much character.
Summary:
- reliable, beyond expectation. Not even any of the software gremlins friends & family have suffered from with JLR products. The D7a sedans are pretty good. Only faults I had were with a loose exhaust (more an assembly issue) and the water pump failing - replaced under warranty. This latter was quite common but I believe the part design was subsequently changed.
- I would not buy a diesel - the Ingenium diesel (albeit less affected by oil dilution in the longitudinal application of this architecture than say the Disco Sport or E-PACE) does still have balancer shaft wear issues. I just wouldn’t.
- petrols (at least mine) had an annual service interval, which was a surprise coming from VAG products. But obviously worth doing.
- fuel economy on the petrol was 30-35mpg, which was a little on the thirsty side
- looked incredible and drove brilliantly. Dynamically, a surprisingly competent car.
- boot was a funky shape - it didn’t have a flat floor, so if you’re carrying things like a pram or whatnot it might not be able to slide all the way back.
- rear legroom was pants but IMO not massively worse than something like a 3-Series. Octavia would be much better here.
- definitely get the widescreen nav if pre-facelift. Should have CarPlay and all those gubbins. Standard on all UK cars from 19MY onwards.
- facelift cars are rare but were better in every way. Pick of the bunch would be a later car with Pivi infotainment.
How much are you looking to spend?
The XE is a very good car BUT the XF is the better car overall I'd take a good look at both.
XF 250 R Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303044...
The XE is a very good car BUT the XF is the better car overall I'd take a good look at both.
XF 250 R Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303044...
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff