XFR vs XJR vs XJ Supersport running costs

XFR vs XJR vs XJ Supersport running costs

Author
Discussion

bobsavage789

Original Poster:

670 posts

59 months

Saturday 6th August 2022
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Hello fellow Jaguphiles,

I’m beginning my research into my next car and I’m struggling to look past the above 3 (2011-2015 cars seem to be in budget), but couldn’t find too much about how they compare in maintenance/running costs.

I’d imagine they’d all be roughly similar for servicing/repairs (same supercharged 5 litre V8 etc.), though there may well be significant differences elsewhere (e.g. steel vs aluminium bodies). Economy-wise, I don’t think they’re different in any major way.

Insurance is much of a muchness, based on the quotes I’ve run.

Please could could someone more learned in the subject enlighten me? Thanks!

jamieduff1981

8,040 posts

145 months

Monday 8th August 2022
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The steel bodies on the XF aren't too bad. The aluminium body cars are generally quite good as far as the body goes but they do seem to suffer from galvanic corrosion issues of the steel parts bolted to them.

The 5.0 litre V8 is generally good, but there are still potential issues with coolant pipes in the valley. The pneumatic suspension on the XJ is a failure point not shared with the XF.

Pretty much all the suspension arms, bushes, wheel bearings etc are common to each so aren't a running cost differentiator.

Like all modern cars, they are rather sophisticated/complicated compared to older ones and have a lot of clever parts like adaptive dampers which stupid people rationalise must last longer than dampers used to because "modern is better" but they don't, and they cost multiples of what passive dampers cost to replace. Nice cars, yes, but buy on condition like any other car. smile

Simpo Two

86,564 posts

270 months

Monday 8th August 2022
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Fewer places can repair aluminium panels, but it wouldn't put me off buying one. I'd purchase the model I thought looked best.

reddiesel

2,309 posts

52 months

Monday 8th August 2022
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Completely agree with Jamie’s thoughts and advice . For me , in this one particular case I would be going for the XFR . For me it’s a more complete performance package than any Supersport and long term will enjoy better residuals . Buy the best you can afford and provenance and paperwork is everything .

bobsavage789

Original Poster:

670 posts

59 months

Monday 8th August 2022
quotequote all
jamieduff1981 said:
The steel bodies on the XF aren't too bad. The aluminium body cars are generally quite good as far as the body goes but they do seem to suffer from galvanic corrosion issues of the steel parts bolted to them.

The 5.0 litre V8 is generally good, but there are still potential issues with coolant pipes in the valley. The pneumatic suspension on the XJ is a failure point not shared with the XF.

Pretty much all the suspension arms, bushes, wheel bearings etc are common to each so aren't a running cost differentiator.

Like all modern cars, they are rather sophisticated/complicated compared to older ones and have a lot of clever parts like adaptive dampers which stupid people rationalise must last longer than dampers used to because "modern is better" but they don't, and they cost multiples of what passive dampers cost to replace. Nice cars, yes, but buy on condition like any other car. smile
Many thanks for this: you raise many useful points.

I’ve currently got an X350 in 4.2 V8 guise, so I’m used to tales of air suspension woe (touch wood, nothing has gone wrong in that respect…yet). The X351 does away with front air suspension, right?

Is the valley cooling pipes issue a one-off fix (i.e. a design fault), or is it something that’ll need doing every now and then? Any idea on cost?

bobsavage789

Original Poster:

670 posts

59 months

Monday 8th August 2022
quotequote all
Simpo Two said:
Fewer places can repair aluminium panels, but it wouldn't put me off buying one. I'd purchase the model I thought looked best.
My X350 has a bit of piliform corrosion, so I wouldn’t be put off by the aluminium being potentially trickier to repair.

To complete the set, I also have a TVR Tuscan which needs some cosmetic work: fibreglass specialist body shops are few and far between!

I think the XJ is a beautiful thing, so that’s the one I’d have if it were based exclusively on looks!

bobsavage789

Original Poster:

670 posts

59 months

Monday 8th August 2022
quotequote all
reddiesel said:
Completely agree with Jamie’s thoughts and advice . For me , in this one particular case I would be going for the XFR . For me it’s a more complete performance package than any Supersport and long term will enjoy better residuals . Buy the best you can afford and provenance and paperwork is everything .
Interesting: I’ve often heard/read that one may as well go for the ‘top end’ model if price is no different. They also weigh very similar amounts, which means (I’m told; subject to test drive confirmation) that there’s little difference in the way of driving dynamics.

I have a 1 year old, so the extra rear space of the XJ is appealing.

Does anyone have a rough idea of how much to budget for yearly maintenance costs..? That’s what I’m really after…

reddiesel

2,309 posts

52 months

Monday 8th August 2022
quotequote all
bobsavage789 said:
Interesting: I’ve often heard/read that one may as well go for the ‘top end’ model if price is no different. They also weigh very similar amounts, which means (I’m told; subject to test drive confirmation) that there’s little difference in the way of driving dynamics.

I have a 1 year old, so the extra rear space of the XJ is appealing.

Does anyone have a rough idea of how much to budget for yearly maintenance costs..? That’s what I’m really after…
A yearly Service from an Indy for a 5.0 V8 Jaguar would be no more than £200 , in fact Halfords ask around £250 including from memory an MOT . Consumables such as Tyres , Discs and Pads plus the occasional suspension item will add to this but none of these are yearly items . In my experience with second hand Jaguars , once you get on top of any outstanding maintenance , they can be surprisingly cheap to run considering what they are .
As regards what Model to buy , I simply recommend the XFR on the basis of future residuals and desirability come resale time . These R Cars will in time become regarded as the Products of a Jaguar Indian Summer and good ones are already being priced accordingly . The Supersport for me is a nonsense though the X351 XJR makes a pretty convincing case for itself . Will the marmite X351 shape hamper its residuals , I think its too early to say .

Simpo Two

86,564 posts

270 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
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Plan B: Go and drive both, and see which you prefer.

You're not buying a business, it's a car smile