Bye bye S-Type, hello XF
Discussion
The long relationship with my S-Type 4.2 V8 SE has come to an end after 10 ½ years and 128,000 or so miles. It has been a great car. When I bought it with 14 miles on the clock I intended that it would be a keeper and it turned out to be pretty good.
The other day I found out that the advisory I received in December 2013 meant that the bill to put the failing suspension bits to right would likely be more than the car’s value. Nevertheless, on the basis that the car was a keeper I was very much in mind to go ahead with this and keep the S-Type. The only issues were that I did not know, of course, what else might go wrong in future, a typical dilemma. This was a major concern.
In addition, the bodywork was showing a few car park dings etc, and there’s one or two minor other problems to be resolved. So, what should I do? I just really liked the car.
So, I made the possible mistake of idly looking online at replacements and, to cut a longish story short, I made the decision to sell on the S-Type for an XF. This is no ordinary XF.I am lead to believe that it was originally registered to Jaguar UK and assigned to an executive of the company, and then sold to its only other owner. It is a 5.0 V8 Portfolio with all the extras that means, and has further other extras such as a sun roof (I think they are a must and they are difficult to get), rear window blind, B&W sound system….I could go on etc. I’ve spotted that in the service book it’s referred to as a 5.0 V8 Studio…anyone know what this is? Crucially from my point of view, it is in what I consider to be the best exterior and interior colour combination : Emerald Fire and Barley (maybe Ivory is actually the best!). It’s not a combination that is easily found: most people seem to want some grey colour, maybe black. And, as I’d only ever have the V8 with both of my S-Types, this XF has the 5.0 V8 engine. Low mileage, Jaguar warranty for a year, full year’s tax, one year’s MoT, just been serviced, superb condition etc, so it’s now mine.
Here's the newly acquired XF:
If the XF gives me as much pleasure as the S-Type I’m in for a good time.
R.
The other day I found out that the advisory I received in December 2013 meant that the bill to put the failing suspension bits to right would likely be more than the car’s value. Nevertheless, on the basis that the car was a keeper I was very much in mind to go ahead with this and keep the S-Type. The only issues were that I did not know, of course, what else might go wrong in future, a typical dilemma. This was a major concern.
In addition, the bodywork was showing a few car park dings etc, and there’s one or two minor other problems to be resolved. So, what should I do? I just really liked the car.
So, I made the possible mistake of idly looking online at replacements and, to cut a longish story short, I made the decision to sell on the S-Type for an XF. This is no ordinary XF.I am lead to believe that it was originally registered to Jaguar UK and assigned to an executive of the company, and then sold to its only other owner. It is a 5.0 V8 Portfolio with all the extras that means, and has further other extras such as a sun roof (I think they are a must and they are difficult to get), rear window blind, B&W sound system….I could go on etc. I’ve spotted that in the service book it’s referred to as a 5.0 V8 Studio…anyone know what this is? Crucially from my point of view, it is in what I consider to be the best exterior and interior colour combination : Emerald Fire and Barley (maybe Ivory is actually the best!). It’s not a combination that is easily found: most people seem to want some grey colour, maybe black. And, as I’d only ever have the V8 with both of my S-Types, this XF has the 5.0 V8 engine. Low mileage, Jaguar warranty for a year, full year’s tax, one year’s MoT, just been serviced, superb condition etc, so it’s now mine.
Here's the newly acquired XF:
If the XF gives me as much pleasure as the S-Type I’m in for a good time.
R.
V88,
Compared to the soft sound of the 4.2 V8 in the S-Type, the 5.0 V8 in the XF makes a very nice rumble, which is a surprise. Maybe it has a non standard exhaust anyway. I like the current sound...not obtrusive and very pleasurable when it's asked to get a move on..so I am unlikely to go for the Spires. There's an XF near where I live that must have a non standard exhaust and has a super sound rather like a spitfire, but it is so LOUD!
R.
Compared to the soft sound of the 4.2 V8 in the S-Type, the 5.0 V8 in the XF makes a very nice rumble, which is a surprise. Maybe it has a non standard exhaust anyway. I like the current sound...not obtrusive and very pleasurable when it's asked to get a move on..so I am unlikely to go for the Spires. There's an XF near where I live that must have a non standard exhaust and has a super sound rather like a spitfire, but it is so LOUD!
R.
The Leaper said:
V88,
Compared to the soft sound of the 4.2 V8 in the S-Type, the 5.0 V8 in the XF makes a very nice rumble, which is a surprise. Maybe it has a non standard exhaust anyway. I like the current sound...not obtrusive and very pleasurable when it's asked to get a move on..so I am unlikely to go for the Spires. There's an XF near where I live that must have a non standard exhaust and has a super sound rather like a spitfire, but it is so LOUD!
R.
Compared to the soft sound of the 4.2 V8 in the S-Type, the 5.0 V8 in the XF makes a very nice rumble, which is a surprise. Maybe it has a non standard exhaust anyway. I like the current sound...not obtrusive and very pleasurable when it's asked to get a move on..so I am unlikely to go for the Spires. There's an XF near where I live that must have a non standard exhaust and has a super sound rather like a spitfire, but it is so LOUD!
R.
The gen III AJV8 moved the game on somewhat from the already good 4.2
I think it has a different firing order, it definitely has direct injection and variable valve timing. Ford know it's a good engine, you'll see a distant relative of it available in the current and future Mustang, they call it the Coyote 5.0
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