New XF practicability....

[a311]

I've just ordered a new XF my first foray into Jaguar ownership following a too tempting at deal to resist. Will take delivery in March.

I'm mildly concerned about a couple of practical issues. The main one is the boot coming from a hatch, the loading area looks a little narrow, will it take a pram/buggy OK? I assume plenty of saloon drivers have kids and manage perfectly fine. If another kid comes along worst case I'll invest in a roof box.

We've got a dog, however he's on his way out. My wife's family are a 6 hour drive away he can't really get in the boot any more without being lifted in and out so he tends to get boarded in kennels when we visit. Worst case if needed will get a harness so he can sit in the back, think he'd be too heavy to lift up into a roof box . Didn't want to restricted to getting something that may only become less than ideal for a one off trip here and there.

Cheers

[a311]

REALIST123 said:

I too have ordered my first Jaguar, an XF that I get in the next few weeks.

Last 4 years I've had a 5 series, which has a similar size and shape of boot; it has 60/40 split rear seats and I've carried all sorts in it. Huge plant pots on the rear seats, several pairs of skis, lengths of timber, boxes of rubbish to the tip; you name it.

If I had a really large load I'd rent a van but haven't needed to yet.

The XF has 40/20/40 split seats and I think it'll be fine. I've also ordered a boot liner and sill protector. I had a liner in the 5 but not the sill protector.

With the middle of the seats down I would think the boot would be fine for a dog, unless it's a Great Dane!

When it arrives let me know how you find it-which engine did you go for?

[a311]

REALIST123 said:

BenjiS said:

Word of caution. The XF only has split fold seats as standard if you buy an S or, I think, a Portfolio.

Yes, I think that's right.

Yep that's right it's more a case of where the dog will go if/when required, the Mrs Leon will be going in February so we will have an alternative but it's not likely to be something big enough for longer journeys.

[a311]

My XF arrives a week tomorrow. Just under 12 weeks from order.

Will be on a 57 plate but with other cars being returned it has worked out well and will be no fuss trying to use the one car in the interim.

How is everyone else getting on with their XF's?

[a311]

Mine arrived Friday morning at was bit dirty and I picked up a couple of small stone chips but the guy had driven it from London. Glad I went for black I not seen one in the flesh or sat in one I was slightly apprehensive but first impression were really good. Coming from a Skoda the interior is a much nicer place to be and has a high end feel. Overall given that it's a relatively big class if car it doesn't really offer any extra interior space over the Octavia which im glad I'll still have as the wife's car because the boot whilst long isn't as deep as I expected as the main battery and puncture stuff takes up quite a bit of space. still it's big enough for our family of 3. I'll see how pram suit cases etc can be configured when we next have a holiday or long trip planned.

The only negatives on first impression is the boot and the standard wheels aren't really to my taste but aren't as bad in the flesh as the configurator images showed.

I got the email promting me to downlaod the Jaguar remote app a couple of days before the car arrived so it was quite fun seeing where it was at and randomly starting it....... I can see me starting it up tomorrow before work so.its nice and toasty for the drive into work.

I've had a busy weekend so need to have a fiddle with the features still. It drives really well and find it to be very refined. Whilst the performance isn't blistering it goes well enough for a big car.

So far I'm really happy with my choice.

Edited by a311 on Sunday 25th February 19:03

[a311]

REALIST123 said:

I know what you mean about space. Doesn’t feel as big as my previous 5 series, though apparently key dimensions are similar. Good leg room in rear I find.

Boot is a bit awkward to access too. We got two large suitcases in OK, and other things. Folding seats help.

My mate is getting a 5 series so will be interested to compare. It's apples and oranges though as I got a cracking deal on mine. Feel big when driving. I'm 6'4" so have the seat right back and low so when on a certain gradient find the bonnet bulge a bit obscuring.

Also why have folks got an extra sim?

Edited by a311 on Sunday 25th February 21:22

[a311]

Bit of a thread resurrection after living with my XF for a little over 6 months.

It's swung between a bit of a love hate relationship. The main negative for me is for the size of it, it's not very practical as a family car. If you've kids and have a two part pram it will take up most of the boot space not leaving you much space to play with. Things are better with a buggy, as it leaves space for a couple of small suitcases, bags etc. Having the second battery in the boot really takes away from the depth of the available load space. Due to the practicality issues I wasn't using it for longer trips and used the other car (Skoda Octavia) for trips to the airport for holidays and trips up to Scotland visiting family.

However on a few recent trips now the little one needs less crap I've been able to use the XF for some longer trips where it's came into it's own, being a comfortable place to sit for a 6 hour trip returning 44 mpg. The things I've always liked about it I still do, the looks, the interior, nice drive, and comfort. We'll be going on holiday towards the end of September and will be taking two or three large suitcases which will rule the XF out again-I guess the practicality issues will be true of a lot of saloons.

6 month verdict, nice but a ste as a soul family car.

[a311]

stumpage said:

But on the plus side it means we use my wife's Skoda Kodiaq for family/ holiday trips so the sand, mud, general carnage that 2 kids can cause in a car after a 5 hour drive are kept away from the my car.

The Skoda will be getting replaced next Feb so at this point will be having a good think about what to replace it with then once the XF goes back if I'm wise with the Skoda replacement I can be a bit more flexible in what I get

A good mate is getting the XF in sportbrake guise. Whilst I prefer the looks of the saloon I've told him all the issues I've had should be removed with the estate.

[a311]

Krikkit said:

Surely a Sportbrake would be a better choice for family accessories etc? Most saloons would struggle with a decent sized pram in the boot to do much more.

Not to say the XF is especially roomy mind.

I took my XF up on a very appealing lease deal which was only available on the saloon at the time. The bonus is I've only to live with it another 18 months so not the end of the world or I could always get a roof box....