Jaguar XFR vs VXR8 VS e90 M3?

[chrispwill]

Hi all,

Currently looking at getting my next car, and fancy a V8 as never had one before. Got between £16-18k, which seem to get the following:

- 2007/08 VXR8, 70kish miles
- 2007/08 E90 M3, 70kish miles
- 2011/12 facelift Jaguar XFR, around 50-60k miles

What am I missing here? The XFR seems outrageously better value, newer, less miles, more premium etc than the other 2 cars, for the same price?
The only reason I'm not straight away choosing the XFR, is I'm worried it'll be a little boring/tame/reserved for me, and also they only have it in auto whereas I'd way prefer a manual.

In terms of depreciation for the 3 cars, what do you think is likely to happen? Is the XFR likely to depreciate at a higher rate due to being newer? In theory, I'm wondering if it's possible to buy a VXR8 now, and switch it up for an XFR in a couple of years when I'm feeling more sensible without losing money, but unsure if the VXR8 prices are inflated or anything right now.

Would welcome input!

Thanks

[BRR]

It would be the XFR for me, but i'd want to budget for a few mods which really brings them to life, easy to get them sounding great (they're a little muted as standard) and up-to near 600bhp for not much money

[liner33]

XFR's of this age do have the ability to chuck up monstrous repair bills

Having owned one and considered the VXR8 I wish I had gone for the latter

[XFRFred]

XFR for the win!

The drama, pace and comfort were all satisfied.
Would recommend that you upgrade the rear exhaust boxes to the Spires offerings, which removes the muted V8 noise with the standard exhaust.

[Cascade360]

liner33 said:

XFR's of this age do have the ability to chuck up monstrous repair bills

Having owned one and considered the VXR8 I wish I had gone for the latter

What goes wrong with them? I've been considering one as well and it seemed they didn't have any major issues...

[liner33]

Cascade360 said:

What goes wrong with them? I've been considering one as well and it seemed they didn't have any major issues...

Timing chain - google timing chain xfr

Plus superchargers are often worn at this mileage

These were nearly £70k new and come with £70k car repair bills

[chrispwill]

liner33 said:

Timing chain - google timing chain xfr

Plus superchargers are often worn at this mileage

These were nearly £70k new and come with £70k car repair bills

For some reason I can mostly see posts from the US about timing chains. Is it something to get done as preventative maintenance? Guessing the cost is astronomical.

[liner33]

chrispwill said:

For some reason I can mostly see posts from the US about timing chains. Is it something to get done as preventative maintenance? Guessing the cost is astronomical.

I suspect the cost is astronomical from dealers (Seem to recall about £8k but that might be total nonsense its been a while) but not sure what an indie would charge probably half that, either way enough to make the subject of depreciation moot for sure

This engine in the Rangie has a bad rep in the US for sure but they were quite a big seller there

Supercharger is about £3500 fitted, i had to put one on mine

[Cascade360]

liner33 said:

Timing chain - google timing chain xfr

Plus superchargers are often worn at this mileage

These were nearly £70k new and come with £70k car repair bills

They seem a much more sensible bet than an equivalent German super saloon though?

[SWoll]

Biggest issue with the Jag is its size/weight. At almost 5m and 2000KG it's 35cm longer and 350KG heavier than the E92 M3 and feels it.

Whether that' a problem for you will depend on your usage of course. It'll be a far better cruiser/GT than the M3 but nowhere near as well suited to B-Roads or track days. The VXR8 is similarly huge but is 150KG lighter.

[SWoll]

Cascade360 said:

liner33 said:

Timing chain - google timing chain xfr

Plus superchargers are often worn at this mileage

These were nearly £70k new and come with £70k car repair bills

They seem a much more sensible bet than an equivalent German super saloon though?

If you buy a V8 M3 with the rod bearings done there shouldn't be much to worry about. An F10 M5 on the other hand, which is actually the car the XFR competed with when new, is another story entirely..

[ninjag]

XFR:

I believe the timing chain went through a few revisions, the hard steel chain against the soft aluminium guide wasn't a good mix. From what I last remember seeing Jaguar's solution was to put a small steel button on the guide for the chain to run over. I would check that the latest has been done.

Coolant pipes in the valley can leak, presumably from the heat cycles damaging the plastic/composite pipes. A fairly time consuming job.

Rear e-diff had a problem at the factory where they left the mould material/paste on, which subsequently comes apart during driving and screws the rear diff. Should be covered under warranty so check that it's done.

I'm sure there's something about the supercharger coupler wearing quite fast.

A few smaller inherent design flaws with the XF in general but a lovely car to drive and a great sound system. If you have a good local Jaguar indy then should be fine.

[liner33]

ninjag said:

XFR:

I believe the timing chain went through a few revisions, the hard steel chain against the soft aluminium guide wasn't a good mix. From what I last remember seeing Jaguar's solution was to put a small steel button on the guide for the chain to run over. I would check that the latest has been done.

Yes the tensioner can/will deform the aluminium guide over time , I believe the revised parts came out around 2010 but in 2015 they were still being fitted on some engines . That said even revised parts have failed, regular oil changes are essential as is the correct grade of oil which even Jag struggle to do

[ninjag]

Interesting article:

https://robisonservice.blogspot.com/2019/08/timing...

[R18RDD]

i was in the same boat, and ended up buying a 2010 C63 6.2 V8

the good thing about that selection is you could chop and change between all of them and not really lose any money

That was my thinking anyway, i went the C63 route (after saying i wouldn't) purley based on the drive with it being a bit more of a crazy car that just makes you laugh every time you drive it

[Zumbruk]

I loved my XFR, and would have another like a ... oh, I've just read some of the timing chain stories.

Perhaps not, then?