Honest advice/opinions requested

[kessler]

Hi all,

For years I have longed to own a jaguar...and now at the ripe young age of 60 I am seriously considering a particular one and would like to know what your thoughts are on it.

I have seen a 2009 model in a local dealers - an XFS 4.2L V8 supercharged petrol engine model which I have kind of fell for.  The mileage is 66,000 and the asking price is 9995 UK pounds.  The dealer lists it as  a rare model?  It is silver with full leather interior and has had 4 previous owners

I do have a liking for the earlier model with the chrome grille and badge as opposed to the black grille.  The obvious glaring thing is that it has a 4.2L petrol engine which means its going to be a thirsty car, followed by the 530 quid road tax.  My present mileage per year is between 6 and 8k.

I guess I'm really asking if I should avoid such a big engine and go for something smaller.  Also, with it being a 10yr old car with 66k on the clock, am likely to be buying myself a very expensive toy.  Also any advice on average running costs would be most welcome.

Many thanks,

Rory

[Old Peter]

Hi Rory,

I am driving my second Jaguar, an s type [2007] with a diesel engine, just a simple SE which has now 84k on the clock. It replaced my X Type 2.5 Petrol SE [2005].

I was 77 when I bought my first one and 79 when I bought my present one which I have had for 6 years.  Neither car was/is that thirsty.  A lot depends how you drive.

Your XFS with the 4.2 engine will be somewhat thirsty, and you have got to live with it but also enjoy it.

My humble 12 year old S Type is a pleasure to drive  and is both quick, comfortable and classy.  You have a choice.

Regards,

Peter,

[Leo]

Hi Rory, and welcome to the Club!

I had the XF3.0D S five years ago, but sold it when I retired since I recognised that my mileage was going to make me worry about the DPF on the diesel. If most of your journeys are fairly long, and at 50mph or more, that worry may not be applicable to you.

Yes, my XK is thirsty, but I have no regrets at all.

Whichever you decide on, make sure that the one you are looking it has a full service history, is immaculate, and that everything on it is in full working order.

[kessler]

Many thanks Peter and Leo.  I guess I have some agonising decisions to make.  I'll probably let the car I was looking at go in favour of a smaller diesel engine.  The car is lovely but I don't think I can justify the large increase in fuel that it will cost me as I have a daily commute through traffic to and from work.

Many thanks,

Rory

[Leo]

How long is your daily commute, and what does it comprise? For me it was ten miles each way in stop start traffic and would have led to DPF problems when I retired, since I would no longer be doing longer and faster runs on a regular basis.

If you do go for the diesel, I would advise you to use premium diesel, which is much cleaner and results in far fewer regenerations.

[kessler]

My daily commute is only 7 miles each way, the morning run is great, it's just the return trip which is in fairly heavy traffic, lots of stopping and starting, traffic lights etc.

[Leo]

It is unlikely that your daily commute will be enough to keep a diesel particulate filter clear. Do you do longer distances at above 50mph on a regular basis?

If so, that’s great. If not, it would be my opinion that the diesel may not be best suited to your needs.

[Jon Hyde]

Hi Rory,

 

I know this may be somewhat controversial, but I thought I should relate my own experiences with DPF regeneration...

I bought my 2011 XF-S (3 litre V6 diesel) almost exactly a year ago. Most regular trips are of less than 10 miles, maybe two or three times a day. There is usually a longer run at weekends, maybe 75-100 miles. Also, I regularly travel to Ireland, visiting in-laws, which includes a run to the ferry in Wales and over to Tipperary on the other side. This tends to be about every 2 or 3 months.

So far I've only seen one amber warning about needing a regen, which took a few minutes to complete. Car averages about 28mpg locally and up to 45mpg on the runs to the ferry. Like many others on here, I always use premium diesel, with a shot of Miller's Oil diesel additive in every tankful.

I hope this isn't tempting fate, but so far, so good! Car has just had a 'B' service and somehow seems smoother & quieter for it! Oh, and I just can't resist the 'shove' from the V6!

Good luck with whichever you choose, XFs are a lovely place to be!

Cheers,
Jon

[JOE-DOT-COM]

hi

on diesels with dpf's, its depends how you drive it

if you potter around every where and the revs never go over 1500 rpm your allways going to have problems

give the car a young lad and I can guarantee you will never see a dpf warning ever

its not speed thats required, its revs, if the dpf gets hot enough, the content burn off and exit as soot, keeping the revs up for regular intervals help the dpf heat up and keeping it clear

when the warning light comes on means its failed to clean itself and theres enough back pressure to warn the driver that a manual regen is required to burn off the soot blocking the dpf

if you like to put your foot down regular, then they should be fine, if your going to drive like Miss Daisy, avoid you will get issues with regens

cheers

Joe

 

[Trooper2142]

As Joe has said that's it in a Nut Shell, i've been preaching what he has said when i had my 2:2 Auto Sovereign X Type, drive it as if you had stolen it or give it an Italian tune once the engine is up to temperature i give it some Revs like when coming off a Roundabout. I'm now driving a 2017 model XF Portfolio 2:0 litre 180 hp Diesel, i was really looking at the 3:0 litre XFS Model but i didn't really need a 295 hp engine and with the potential cost of servicing ( ie 2 turbos, 2 egr valves, and the cost of changing belts ) i've gone for the 2:0 litre engine and loving it. And if you buy one which you will after a test drive, look for a good Independent jaguar specialist for your servicing.

Regards Tom.