XJ (X350) Vs early XF as a driver's car?

[jezrd]

I've been reading a lot of great stuff about the XF and have virtually decided it will be my next set of wheels...

How do the standard (non CATS) cars handle compare to the X350 XJ?

FYI: I had an X350 with the 3.0 V6, and it must be said it was one of the finest cars I've owned. Mine had so-called Custom alloys with big sticky tyres, so was very difficult to upset with the 3.0 in the dry.

With an XF, I'd consider the 3.0 S diesel, the 4.2 or the SV8. Any opinions on 3.0 S diesel Vs 4.2 would be welcome too... Not normally a diesel guy but the S looks rapid.

[The Leaper]

Even better... with the XF get a 5.0 V8 n/a. Rare car. Usually fully loaded too. I had a Portfolio model for 2 1/2 years, excellent car. Had to go because wife found it less comfy after a hip op.

R.

[jezrd]

The Leaper said:

Even better... with the XF get a 5.0 V8 n/a. Rare car. Usually fully loaded too. I had a Portfolio model for 2 1/2 years, excellent car. Had to go because wife found it less comfy after a hip op.

R.

Etypephil said:

We had a 2008 4.2 V8 for some time; a really good car, but the SV8 is better. Both are well planted (better than the X350) and ride well. Early 5.0s, both NA and supercharged XFR are great, and about for not too much money now.
The diesel looks good on paper, but is disappointing to drive, and when it goes wrong can cost the value of the car to fix.

http://jagchat.net/

Thanks both for your responses.

I'd love a 5.0, from what I know they're also a lot more throaty and vocal, which would be fun. However, I'm probably in the market for an earlier car with a budget of 5-8k depending on spec and mileage. B&W audio is a must-have. If I miraculously found a solid 5.0 or XFR near that budget, I could make the jump, but I believe the entry point is 10k for them.

Any one willing to place a bet on whether any of these models will appreciate in value? 4.2 and SV8 seem pretty rare.

[SweptVolume]

jezrd said:

Any one willing to place a bet on whether any of these models will appreciate in value? 4.2 and SV8 seem pretty rare.

Looking at the S-Type, values for them have done what values for most Jaguar saloons sadly seem to do; drop to a couple of grand and then sit there indefinitely. V8's fetch a bit more, and R's a little more again, but I can't see any flying up in value.

The XF is a much more positive design statement than the S-Type, but I still doubt any model, save for the XFR possibly, will appreciate in value any time soon.

Even Jaguar XKR's sink in value for 15 years before levelling and climbing again.

I'd say, buy a good car and enjoy it, and if you're worried about depreciation, stick to the 4.2, as the 5.0 seem still to hold a premium, where the 4.2 are bargains!

[The Leaper]

j,

The standard 5.0 V8 n/a is not at all throaty...maybe you're thinking of the XFR.

R.

[ninjag]

If going for the 3.0d I'd try and get a facelift (2012+) as I believe there were quite a few changes including better seats, relocated dpf to help eliminate issues (I get none despite loads of very short trips), crankshaft bearing sleeves designed so don't slip and prevents oil starvation and subsequent crankshaft problems etc.

I'd also recommend the higher powered 's' because it's an ECU out job to get the 3.0d remapped and despite the 240bhp version already being plenty I'm already wanting more power and torque.

If wanting petrol a good compromise may be the 3.0L V6 so long as it's a saloon.

Mine has been very reliable so far and the XF ride is very smooth on our crap roads yet still maintains good handling with 50:50 weight distribution.

[w824gb3]

"The diesel looks good on paper, but is disappointing to drive, and when it goes wrong can cost the value of the car to fix."

Not in my opinion after owning a pre facelift 2011 diesel S for 4 years. Sublime engine. Fast, frugal and very refined for a diesel. I didnt have a single issue with the engine or related systems. A door lock and battery were the only non service items it cost me.

The diesel S gained the XFR sports seats in 2010, 2 years before facelift. They are 18 way power adjustable far far better than the standard seats.