Tempted for a XF 4.2 SV8

[Maniac88]

I can't stop looking at replacement cars and I keep coming back to the XF 4.2sv8.

I currently do about 25k miles p/a.
I declined the new company car a year and a half ago (diesel Kia ceed) for a monthly car allowance and a fuel card. Leaving me to pay for insurance, tax and maintenance.

I currently drive a Saab 9-3 Aero and while it is practical, moderately pokey and a very decent all round car I have never really loved it.

There is a 2008 XF SV8 for sale moderately close to me with 108k miles at £7,500

Upto say 175k miles (within the next 3 years for me) are there likely to be some massive bills on one?

Will one bankrupt me keeping it running for 2000 miles a month?

What are the common problems and things that can go wrong?
My brother recently bought an XKR and a coolant hose failed.. the supercharger had to come off to replace which was a pretty big job apparently

Cheers all

[stevemcs]

I think the valley pipe stick affects the SV8, i guess the questions that you need to answer are can you afford low 20's for the MPG and £550 plus for road tax ?

Or the slightly newer 5.0 NA engine found in the XF might be worth a look.

[Maniac88]

stevemcs said:

I think the valley pipe stick affects the SV8, i guess the questions that you need to answer are can you afford low 20's for the MPG and £550 plus for road tax ?

Or the slightly newer 5.0 NA engine found in the XF might be worth a look.

The work fuel card will cover the petrol cost and I just pay for any personal miles @21p/mile at the end of the month.

The tax doesn't seem hugely rediculous. ~£50 per month?

Is low 20's mpg for average use? I'm 80% motorways for my driving.

Anything other to worry about than the valley pipe? I can budget for that if ever it goes.

The 5.0's seem a bit more expensive and while I can stretch that that, but it doesn't leave me any money in the bank for big repairs.

[stevemcs]

If work are covering the fuel then go for it, I would have thought that has to be the biggest expense, tyres, brakes and general services won’t be anymore than a Bmw/Audi of similar age.

[burpface]

Really great car, I had one for about 3 yrs, sold about 4 yrs ago, and still really miss it. They are usually very well spec'd, lovely place to sit and a really lovely engine. Did I mention I still miss it? I also think that that generation of XF is the best looking and best put together version. And all the leather inside is real, unlike it's successors .

Biggest problem for your mileage would be fuel, I would have thought you'll average 25-27mpg.

[P700DEE]

I ran a 4.2 S type for three years with few additional costs.Valley pipe is easy on non supercharged as access is better. On motorway use I got about 30mpg its only if you start pushing a bit on a roads orb spend time stuck in traffic in towns you get low 20s.
I'll be doing it again given a chance.

[928]

Nice if you can do it, although I'd be worried about my employer being so accomodating long term. If you're being offered a diesel hatchback but declined for a fuel card, is your employer likely to stump up two or three times the expected fuel cost for your mileage?

If it was me signing it off I think I'd tell you that you're taking the St. Michael., reign it in, take the company car or walk on to your next job.

[Maniac88]

P700DEE said:

I ran a 4.2 S type for three years with few additional costs.Valley pipe is easy on non supercharged as access is better. On motorway use I got about 30mpg its only if you start pushing a bit on a roads orb spend time stuck in traffic in towns you get low 20s.
I'll be doing it again given a chance.

That's reassuring to know! Cheers

[The Leaper]

I ran a 4.2 V8 S Type for 10 years, did 140,000 miles, great car.

I then went looking for an XF and found the perfect spec XF 5.0 V8 n/a SE,almost 400bhp of pleasure.. Fab car and very rare too The only criticism I had was that the ride quality was less Jaguar like than I anticipated. I'd go for one of these again over an older SV8. Sorely missed, changed it because wife found it a problem getting in and out as she developed a bad hip.

R.

[Maniac88]

928 said:

Nice if you can do it, although I'd be worried about my employer being so accomodating long term. If you're being offered a diesel hatchback but declined for a fuel card, is your employer likely to stump up two or three times the expected fuel cost for your mileage?

If it was me signing it off I think I'd tell you that you're taking the St. Michael., reign it in, take the company car or walk on to your next job.

I can see where you are coming from.

The lease and maintenance for 25k p/a are not insignificant. So they make a considerable saving by me using the car allowance and them paying for fuel.

The rate of 21p/mile personal use is ~27mpg at current fuel prices so mid 20's mpg shouldn't really raise any eyebrows.

I have been averaging 31mpg from my Saab for 18 months which is in the cheaper bracket and they haven't said a word.

I guess they worst outcome is either they put me on a company car, and I keep the v8 for family duties and weekends, or they would withdraw the fuel card and put me on mileage @45p/mile for 10k then 25p/m for the rest which would still cover my fuel costs @23mpg plus £2k for maintenance etc

[Bat28]

burpface said:

Really great car, ....., and still really miss it.

Same here. Ran one for 3 years, was a great car which I really miss