Considering early XF petrol

[RB CV8]

I am considering an early (2008-10) XF for regular use, either the 3.0 V6 or 4.2 V8 (NA) petrol. No superchargers and no diesels.

Outright performance is not a major priority, so “brisk” is sufficient, but a prime concern is refinement; I want something smooth and reasonably quiet. Most of the journeys the car would cover are A-roads and dual carriageways, no town or stop-start driving.

I have driven a 4.2 V8-engined car, but not a 3.0 V6, and as I am unlikely to be able to try the latter for the time being I would be interested to learn from anyone with experience of the model as to how it might suit my requirements.

It would be especially helpful to get some input from anyone with experience of both engines who could offer a comparison.

Thank you in advance for any input.

[mike_e]

Petrol XF's are quite rare in comparison to their diesel counterparts, so finding the ideal colour/spec might take a while. I was looking for an SV8 and at the time of purchase, I had the choice of precisely one, with a horrid colour interior. I ended up with a 3.0S oil burner. Out of your choices, I'd personally go for the V8, I found the 3.0 a bit lacking in performance compared to the equivalent sized diesel. It was only a back to back test-drive so not a fair comparison perhaps. In terms of passenger comfort, go for the portfolio specification with as many factory options as possible. If I was looking again, I'd try and find one with bucket seats, I tend to slide out of mine on quick corners. They are generally well insulated, quiet, comfortable cars with a more luxurious interior than a lot of their German counterparts. Very easy car to live with on long journeys.

Having lived with one for the past 9 years, I wouldn't dismiss the 3.0 V6 diesel, they are pretty quite and very smooth. Bags of torque, and 40 more BHP over the petrol unit in the S variant, plus really good economy. It will never sound like a V8 though.

Edited by mike_e on Tuesday 12th January 13:23

[stevemcs]

Depending on budget the 3.0 does come with a supercharged lump in the facelift. The older 3.0 is in the highest tax band too, so if you were going to pay £500 upwards on tax you might as well buy the V8 and enjoy it.

[The Leaper]

I had an XF 5.0 V8 n/a Portfolio. 380BHP, nice! Wafted just like a Jaguar should and had excellent performance and V8 rumble. Ran it for 2/1/2 years no major issues. It was originally supplied to a Jaguar executive so it came with all extras.

I planned to keep it for a long time but my wife started to find it not so comfortable due to increasing arthritis, so it had to go. Replaced it with a Land Rover Discovery Sport...it's not the same!

R.

[mikeyb1987]

The Leaper said:

I had an XF 5.0 V8 n/a Portfolio. 380BHP, nice! Wafted just like a Jaguar should and had excellent performance and V8 rumble. Ran it for 2/1/2 years no major issues. It was originally supplied to a Jaguar executive so it came with all extras.

I planned to keep it for a long time but my wife started to find it not so comfortable due to increasing arthritis, so it had to go. Replaced it with a Land Rover Discovery Sport...it's not the same!

R.

I know it’s a V8 and it shouldn’t matter, but what sort of MPG did you see?

[fatboy b]

mikeyb1987 said:

The Leaper said:

I had an XF 5.0 V8 n/a Portfolio. 380BHP, nice! Wafted just like a Jaguar should and had excellent performance and V8 rumble. Ran it for 2/1/2 years no major issues. It was originally supplied to a Jaguar executive so it came with all extras.

I planned to keep it for a long time but my wife started to find it not so comfortable due to increasing arthritis, so it had to go. Replaced it with a Land Rover Discovery Sport...it's not the same!

R.

I know it’s a V8 and it shouldn’t matter, but what sort of MPG did you see?

The 5.0 with an 8 speed is a lot better than a V8/V6 with a 6 speed. Last time I looked, my R-S was doing about 24 mpg over 10k miles. On a gentle run (rare) I’ve seen 35.

[The Leaper]

fatboy b said:

mikeyb1987 said:

The Leaper said:

I had an XF 5.0 V8 n/a Portfolio. 380BHP, nice! Wafted just like a Jaguar should and had excellent performance and V8 rumble. Ran it for 2/1/2 years no major issues. It was originally supplied to a Jaguar executive so it came with all extras.

I planned to keep it for a long time but my wife started to find it not so comfortable due to increasing arthritis, so it had to go. Replaced it with a Land Rover Discovery Sport...it's not the same!

R.

I know it’s a V8 and it shouldn’t matter, but what sort of MPG did you see?

The 5.0 with an 8 speed is a lot better than a V8/V6 with a 6 speed. Last time I looked, my R-S was doing about 24 mpg over 10k miles. On a gentle run (rare) I’ve seen 35.

Around town about 20mpg. On long trips eg Surrey to Cormwall at a good average speed, high 20s, say 28 MPG..

R.

[mikeyb1987]

The Leaper said:

fatboy b said:

mikeyb1987 said:

The Leaper said:

I had an XF 5.0 V8 n/a Portfolio. 380BHP, nice! Wafted just like a Jaguar should and had excellent performance and V8 rumble. Ran it for 2/1/2 years no major issues. It was originally supplied to a Jaguar executive so it came with all extras.

I planned to keep it for a long time but my wife started to find it not so comfortable due to increasing arthritis, so it had to go. Replaced it with a Land Rover Discovery Sport...it's not the same!

R.

I know it’s a V8 and it shouldn’t matter, but what sort of MPG did you see?

The 5.0 with an 8 speed is a lot better than a V8/V6 with a 6 speed. Last time I looked, my R-S was doing about 24 mpg over 10k miles. On a gentle run (rare) I’ve seen 35.

Around town about 20mpg. On long trips eg Surrey to Cormwall at a good average speed, high 20s, say 28 MPG..

R.

That’s impressive Leaper/Fatboy. They’re cars I admire and always fancy owning at some point. If I were to buy one it’d be used for the odd commute so it’s great to hear they’re not that bad on fuel (a tweaked Monaro is my reference on V8 ownership and fuel consumption).

[RB CV8]

I’d go for an early car because most of the use I will put it to will be in Cambridgeshire, and I can no longer bring myself to spend 5-figure sums on a car that will be subjected to the dreadful roads in the county. I would go for Premium Luxury spec, and many of these seem to have a few extra options too. I don't think the Portfolio spec was available during the early years.

I do not need the performance of the V8, but if this engine is noticeably smoother and quieter than the 3.0 it would tip the balance. Although the petrol cars are not as readily available as the diesel, there is usually a reasonable selection of V6 petrol cars on offer, though the NA V8 is less plentiful.

The V6 cars are also notably cheaper, so if they perform OK but offer the refinement I am after, I’d probably be happy with one. I want a relaxed wafter; my XKR 5.0 fills the rocket ship role, albeit with limited practicality.

I realise the diesels go well but they do not appeal for a number of reasons.