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Buying a used 3.0 Diesel XF Luxury - Advise on running costs and what to look for

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29K views 81 replies 16 participants last post by  David1972  
#1 ·
Good Evening,

This is my first post, I've looked at two Jaguar XF's today and was hoping for some buying advise.

I've today viewed and test driven a 2009 (59) reg XF 3.0 Luxury with 44k miles http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201611119662432and a 2010 (10) reg XF 3.0 Premium Luxury with 70k miles http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201703103117341 at £10500. I've put a holding deposit down on the first lower mileage car just so it doesn't sell, but I can change my mind if needed and look else where. I'm part ex changing my own car so I'll get £3500 against the sale price which I'm happy with.

Both cars have fully stamped Jaguar service books, and both appear to drive very well, both felt very solid when driven and reminded me of my old BMW 730D which I loved but it had so many electrical gremlins I gave it up for a more normal motor.

The 2009 car seems in overall better condition and has the lower mileage which is what's currently attracting me the main selling point, but the other one is nice as well and it should scrub up nicely after a valet, alloy refurb and getting rid of some minor surface scratches which the seller will put right.

The only advantage I see buying the higher mileage Premium Luxury is for the extra's you get over the luxury and 19 inch alloys and the car is sold by Sytner who seem to offer more purchase protect including 6 month warranty, Full Mot and their Inspection Service appears pretty robust and they will correct anything I need scratches, refurb the alloys etc. In comparison, the lower mileage luxury comes with a 3 month full warranty, MOT will be due August 2017, they have there own vehicle inspection service.

So it's a hard decision and there are other cars out there with similar age around the 60 - 90k mileage mark that may be worth look at.

Could I ask for advice on the following:

1. Any idea on what I should look out for before committing to the purchase?
2. Which of the above seems the better car from the ad's, or should either be fine?
3. Could you give me a general idea of the costs of running the 3.0 Diesel, such as maintaining and serving the car. I love the XF, I'm not going to run it on a shoe string budget but at the same time my pockets aren't that deep either, so I probably need to know what I'm getting myself into. I've already seen my insurance will go up by about £300 and I know the tax is around £230 so a little more then what I pay now but this was anticipated, I know I can't go from a 1.8 Petrol Turbo Ford to a 3.0 V6 Diesel Jaguar and not feel some impact on my wallet.

Thanks in advance for any help and advice offered, I genuinely appreciate it. I'd be lying if I said I'm buying this car for practical reasons, I've loved the XF's ever since their release and always dreamed of owning one, so though I best check with those that know the car, rather then rely on my own instinct which is jaded by the excitement of actually coming close to owning one of these beautiful machines.
 
#2 ·
Well I'm going round in circles thinking about this. Can't decide whether to go for the lower mileage luxury spec over the higher mileage Premium Luxury. The PL seems the superior car with, better leather and some useful additional features, it didn't appear as immaculate although it hadn't been valeted. I guess the timing belt would need doing on both cars fairly soon. But the luxury with just 44k on the clock seems a bargain. Wondering what people think should I go for, they are near exactly the same price?
 
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#3 ·
Fraz said:
Wondering what people think should I go for, they are near exactly the same price?
Click to expand...
We have members on here whose first XF was a second hand buy, and who will be well qualified to give you some advice.
They just might not be around, late on a Saturday night.

At a guess, by early Sunday afternoon, you will have some useful replies.

Sleep on it, is the best advice I can give you.
 
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#5 ·
In order to be of help, Fraz, maybe the following brief info. will help you along.
First of all, the 2010 xf benefited from several mods. which you can source via your local Jaguar dealer or probably on this site. 'Pekem' will help you if you have any difficulty here.
The 3 liter diesel engine is first class and also reliable. The mileage difference is really insignificant.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Thanks very much for that information Peter, that's really useful to know, especially about the mod's I'm not aware of these and the significance that might make?

Although I've put the holding money on the luxury one, I'm considering going back to view the higher mileage premium luxury car again today, as I'm really in two minds about which car to go for. I've been thinking about the pro's and con's of both. I'm also concerned about the timing belt as I hear that can cost a bit, but it maybe something that my local garage who I really trust can do for much less.

Just in relation to both cars, the below is what's going through my head at this current time. :confused: :

The Pro's / Con's of the Grey Luxury I viewed:


  • 47k miles (This is an attractive selling point as the mileage is still lowish, same as my own car, so I feel it has plenty of life).
  • Immaculate condition inside and out. The car really looked like it had been well kept, some minor marks but overall very lovely condition.
  • Really love the grey exterior, this has to be my favorite exterior colour.
  • Not quite as keen on the beige leather, a bit more classical rather then contemporary, but it is lovely nevertheless.
  • But what happens when it comes to MOT time come August!! The car looks flawless with the condition and low miles, but I only have the verbal assurances of the sales guy but you never know.
  • P-Zero Tyre's looked in really good shape, plenty of life left. Alloys looked good, I suppose 18 inch tyre's would come in cheaper then 19 inch in future.
  • 3 months warranty so still some peace of mind.
  • Overall this is the car that my head says to go with based on it's physical appearance and lower mileage.

vs

The Pro's / Con of the Silver Premium Luxury I viewed


  • 70k Miles still gives me several years of motoring before the cam-belt should need doing. But in my mind I ideally wanted something with less then this, the other car seems more of a bargain on pure mileage.
  • Slightly newer registration plate 2010 model, not yet sure of the difference this makes other then being a younger car?
  • The warranty and inspection service seem superior - The car comes Sytner which is based within a large Guy Salmon Branch, Range Rover Main Dealer. It will have their complete inspection service within this establishment, anything like worn tyres and low pads will be put right. The car will have 6 month full warranty and they will do a full MOT which means, I can relax a little without any worries of unexpected worries.
  • I still really like the silver, not as much as the grey but there's not much in it for me on the colour.
  • I much prefer the black interior, think the family would prefer the black too. The leather all seemed good and the interior was tidy enough, but It wasn't as immaculate as the other car, the kick plates looked a bit scratched but nothing that couldn't be sorted. To be fair there sales guy explained they had only just received the car, so it hadn't had all the TLC and Sytner treatment yet. I did spot that one of the door window pillars had some small tears in the cloth, that was the only minor niggle but I suppose it could be fixed.
  • The premium luxury setup is now attracting me a bit more know you get, better leather, heated seats, windscreen and folding mirrors. I'm not sure if the beige car had heated seats, it states it in the auto trader ad, but I'm not sure tbh.
  • Overall this is the car my heart says go with, based on the higher spec, more contemporary interior and being from a bigger main dealer or luxury cars.

I know either car I go for will mean I'm getting a lot of car for the money, but it's a big investment for me, I'm basically putting the rest of the car £7 on finance over the next 5 years so what to make the right choice.
 
#8 ·
Good morning,

Personally I'd buy the Lower mileage version, it depends if you do high milage yourself?

The 30D is an excellent engine, I average around 35-36 MPG combined, but benifit from the newer 8 speed. Auto box. I've had as much as 51mpg on a steady motorway run.

I also used independents for serving a Jag B service mot and rear pads set me back just over £300.

Although a lot of Jag dealers do the 3+ service plan which as set service costs.

https://www.hafoxjaguar.co.uk/offers/servicing-offers/fixed-price/

I'm sure other guys will join in with issues and information about that model, and Welcome to the site!
 
#9 ·
The only thing that always wears on the xf is the brakes. Particularly the rear brake pads should be looked at as well as the rest from underneath the car when you view it again. I've not heard anything negative regarding the belts to date.
You may have noticed that the 19 inch wheels make the car look lower because the side walls of the tyres are not so high! This can cause the wheel outer peripheries to become grazed when parking if one is a bit careless. However the wheels can be renovated, at a reasonable cost, if damaged.
The wipers are pretty useless when using the windscreen jets so one can have the jet system deactivated and then you use the jets at your own discretion.
Much of these sort of tips you can research on the technical section of this site forum.
 
#10 ·
I do about 10k miles a year so nothing to significant, mostly local miles to work and back and trips out with the family. I asked my wife for her opinion, not that she knows much about cars and her only comment was 'don't buy beige, it will be hard to clean!!', that could be telling but I think she prefers black. On test drive car the PL was averaging 33mpg and the L 28mpg, but could just be how it's been driven. I suspect I'll have to go back and see the Synter car again. I'm also still looking around but there doesn't seem to be any trade sales catching my eyes as much as these two deals.
 
#14 ·
Well I've just heard back from Sainsbury's Finance and I've had my £7500 approved at 3%, so I'm getting there. I've also seen a 3.0 Premium Luxury S, the 275 BHP version in 2010 plate with 54k miles. I'm wondering if I can wangle a deal as it's about £1000 more then the other 2 cars. I've run the insurance quote and comes back about £100 more expensive, but I'm tempted for the extra bhp!! Getting carried away now LOL
 
#15 ·
Well I'm wondering how much these dealers may come down on this car. I've seen a couple of Premium Luxury S, 3.0's with lowish mileage for £11999 and £11500. I'm hoping I've asked for a few call backs. I know they are having to factor in PX on my car, but I doesn't hurt to try and be cheeky.
 
#16 ·
You may achieve a better deal if you let the dealer arrange the finance. Some have said it is possible to avail yourself of their funding and then replace it within the cooling off period.
Don't know if that works, no doubt others will have a view or even experience.
In the end it will depend on the costs of finance and any improvement in car deal cost.
 
#18 ·
Well I've taken the leap and opted to go for the higher mileage XF Premium Luxury, I hope I've made the right decision, only time will tell.

So I went to view this car again today and I could tell I preferred it, it ticks the boxes, PL spec, black leather, overall condition seems great to the naked eye, no valet or body work had been done, so I could see the car for what it is, warts and all. There are one or two minor cosmetics issues but no eye sores and it should scrub up nicely.

The only minor doubt was the higher mileage, 70k instead of 44k but as some have mentioned this seems insignificant and I suppose the reg is a year newer, so not sure if that counts for much. The car has been fully jaguar serviced 7 or 8 stamps and I'm trusting that these cars appear to be very well made or bullet proof as some have stated.

The dealer will address any minor cosmetics in the bodywork and fully valet the car, refurbish the alloys and change the front two Tyre's that were wearing low. They will MOT the car so I know it's good for 12 months. Their car inspection seems comprehensive. They also upgraded my mechanical and electrical warranty to a full 12 months to sweeten the deal, including labour of up to £75 an hour.I'm hoping the body work and valet will be done to a high standard given it's part of a Guy Salmon range rover dealers and the fact that the jag was one of the cheaper cars there in among, the Porsche's, Nissan GT's and Bentley's .

The only thing that I noticed was at first the air cooler vents weren't moving as the car turned on, but after a quick bit of playing about they seemed to kick into action, I think they might have been left on the permanent open option for a long time, but they seem fine once we got them going.

So all in all I'm paying about £7500 for the car with the trade in on mine, so it seems like a lot of car for the money. I'm not 100% sure I've made the right decision but I feel I've chosen the car I prefer for its colour and spec and my wife doesn't like beige. I did return to the other dealer to get my £59 back on that so saw the other car again, it looked in lovelier condition but then again it had clearly been valeted, polished and waxed so it is hard to compare on that basis. Thanks for everyone's help, I'll let you know how it goes, I should collect the car in a weeks time.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Fraz said:
Well I've taken the leap and opted to go for the higher mileage XF Premium Luxury, I hope I've made the right decision, only time will tell.

So I went to view this car again today and I could tell I preferred it, it ticks the boxes, PL spec, black leather, overall condition seems great to the naked eye, no valet or body work had been done, so I could see the car for what it is, warts and all. There are one or two minor cosmetics issues but no eye sores and it should scrub up nicely.

The only minor doubt was the higher mileage, 70k instead of 44k but as some have mentioned this seems insignificant and I suppose the reg is a year newer, so not sure if that counts for much. The car has been fully jaguar serviced 7 or 8 stamps and I'm trusting that these cars appear to be very well made or bullet proof as some have stated.

The dealer will address any minor cosmetics in the bodywork and fully valet the car, refurbish the alloys and change the front two Tyre's that were wearing low. They will MOT the car so I know it's good for 12 months. Their car inspection seems comprehensive. They also upgraded my mechanical and electrical warranty to a full 12 months to sweeten the deal, including labour of up to £75 an hour.I'm hoping the body work and valet will be done to a high standard given it's part of a Guy Salmon range rover dealers and the fact that the jag was one of the cheaper cars there in among, the Porsche's, Nissan GT's and Bentley's .

The only thing that I noticed was at first the air cooler vents weren't moving as the car turned on, but after a quick bit of playing about they seemed to kick into action, I think they might have been left on the permanent open option for a long time, but they seem fine once we got them going.

So all in all I'm paying about £7500 for the car with the trade in on mine, so it seems like a lot of car for the money. I'm not 100% sure I've made the right decision but I feel I've chosen the car I prefer for its colour and spec and my wife doesn't like beige. I did return to the other dealer to get my £59 back on that so saw the other car again, it looked in lovelier condition but then again it had clearly been valeted, polished and waxed so it is hard to compare on that basis. Thanks for everyone's help, I'll let you know how it goes, I should collect the car in a weeks time.
Click to expand...

The air vents going up and down have been deactivated on my car and I don't miss that function at all, quite frankly. If you look into the section regarding "my modified Xf" or words to that effect, you will see why I had that done. I had the dash and doors laminated with a wood film to enhance the appearance and felt that the peripheral edges could get rubbed or catch and hinder the vent movements.
I think your decision is the one I would also have taken, Fraz.
 
#23 ·
hi and welcome. what can I say - you won't be disappointed. neither with car nor guy salmon/sytner dealership - I've bought from them and can't fault. stop worrying about higher mileage - as it was mentioned before - minor difference comparing to 44k as these seem to be bullet proof indeed. just sit back and relax. you can enjoy your dream car now :)
 
#24 ·
Thanks Bik3rz, I think I needed to hear that, I'll stop worrying and start looking forward to the car!! Buying a car should be a pleasurable experience and I've probably been sounding like a miserable git!! Hoping to collect the car on Friday, so already very excited!!
 
V
#26 ·
I agree with Bik. Just relax and enjoy the car. These are incredible cars and you will not stop grinning once you get behind the wheel. Welcome to the forum and I look forward to you telling us in a few weeks time that you agree with us and love your Jag!!
 
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#27 ·
Thanks Vernon, I don't think I'll get that much sleep this week, starting to get very excited, just sorted the insurance for Friday so it's happening. I'm surprised to see that its less then £100 difference with my existing policy, so well pleased.

I actually thought of one I wanted to ask, can the kick plates be swapped easily on these cars, the ones on it are ok for now but a bit scratches which is to be expected. I'd probably look at doing this in the future.
 
#29 ·
same here, dream realized, I thought I would stop here...but no...now I want more - V8 XFR ;)
 
#30 ·
Wow, that's definitely a beast, if ever there was one:) I'll be interested to hear if you get one.

About 10 years ago, I also used to own a ZT 260 with the 4.6 V8 mustang antiquated stone lump. With a super charger it was capable of 580 odd BHP. As you can imagine the fuel consumption caused me to sell it!! To be honest though, I was more then happy with the 3.0 V6 on test drive, I tried it in the sports mode and it pulls very well, it doesn't give me the butterflies but it made me smile and I loved the feel. It's not all about scaring the hell out of yourself, but I must admit I did try and push for an S model and in the back of my mind I'm already wondering if the standard 3.0 can be mapped, or tuned to S spec, because if I'm honest I'm still a petrol head at heart??
 
#43 ·
Fraz said:
Just wondering, does the car I bought look like it has Xenon's. I assumed Xenon's would be standard but apparently not.
Click to expand...
I don't think, you can see it by looking at it. But xenons are self levelling. The height adjustment for the halogen headlights is a wheel next to the driver's door. If there are two wheels like on the low mileage car, you were looking at, it has halogen headlights. If there is only one wheel, it has xenons. The other wheel is the instrument lighting dimmer. It is a huge advantage to have xenons. The light is much better, and they normally don't blow. Halogen bulbs blow once in a while, and they are a hassle to change on the XF.

Edit: The xenons also have cornering lamps. I just had a look in the original 2009 catalogue. The xenons were an option on both Luxury and Premium Luxury. They only came standard on the supercharged SV8.
 
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#44 ·
Thanks, I was too busy paying attention to everything else that I overlooked this. I've had Xenon's on previous cars and they are so much better. I those Xenon Gas HID bulbs on my current car to see if they came close, they make the light brighter but still no comparison to real Xenon's. Fingers crossed!!
 
#45 ·
#46 ·
Just done it, looks like they are halogens, not to worry. Can't spot any extra options, but anything stand out?


  • 8.5 X 19 CARELIA ALLOY WHEEL
  • ANALOGUE AUDIO BROADCAST
  • AUDIO 6 DISC PLAYER
  • AUTO DIMMING REAR VIEW MIRROR
  • AUTOLUX CONSOLE MATERIAL
  • BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY
  • BUMPERS-N/ASP
  • CASTLE BROMWICH
  • CCR CENTRE CONSOLE
  • CCR FRONT DAMPER
  • CONVENTIONAL REAR SEAT
  • CRUISE CONTROL
  • DOOR SILL APPLIQUE
  • DOVE HEADLINER
  • DRIVER HEATED SEAT-VARIAB TEMP
  • ENGLISH/UK LITERATURE PACK
  • FLOOR MATS-CARPET
  • FLTR CWL AIR INTK-COMBINATION
  • GREAT BRITAIN
  • HALOGEN HEADLAMPS
  • HEADRESTRAINT-REAR CENTER
  • HEATED FRONT WINDSCREEN
  • HIGH PERFORMANCE AUDIO SYSTEM
  • HTD/P-FOLD/MEM/A-DIM/APP.LIGHT
  • I/P FACIA MONOTONE-CHARCOAL
  • INT FLINT GREY CARPET-JAGUAR
  • INTERIOR TRIM - MORZINE
  • IP-LEATHER
  • JAGUAR SEAT BELT-CHARCOAL
  • KEYLESS START
  • MANUAL HEADLAMP LEVELING
  • MARKETING LEVEL 1
  • NAV SYS/DYNM RUTE GUDE-TRF MST
  • NAVIGATION DISK - EUROPE
  • POWER 10-WAY DRIV SEAT ADJUST
  • POWER 10-WAY PASS SEAT ADJUST
  • PROGRAMMABLE DRIVER SEAT
  • REVERSE PARKING AID
  • SPARE WHL-REDUCED SECTN ALLOY
  • STANDARD SUSPENSION
  • STNG WHL-LEATHER WRAPPED
  • STRG COL-TILT/TELESCOP-MEMORY
  • THEATER LIGHTING
  • WIRE MESH GRILLE-BLACK
  • LESS ADAPTIVE DAMPING(PASSIVE)
  • LESS BLIND SPOT MONITORING SYS
  • LESS BREAKDOWN WARNING SIGN
  • LESS CAMERA
  • LESS CONTRAST STITCHING
  • LESS FENDER WARNING SIGNALS
  • LESS FIRST AID KIT
  • LESS FRONT PARKING AID
  • LESS GARAGE DOOR OPENER
  • LESS REAR WINDOW BLIND
  • LESS SVP
  • LESS VOICE ACTIVATED CONTROLS
 
#47 ·
bit surprised seats are only 10way adj, usually at prem lux they are more than that, but there was a lot changes in options being included or not through the years, so better seats must have been an option back then.

all I would miss at this spec comparing to mine would be better seats and adaptive suspension. I haven't got rear camera (don't need it personally - rear aid is enough) and blind spot sys - that would come in handy :)

not long time now :D
 
#48 ·


Does that mean I've got downgraded seats in terms of the leather or quality or just missing some functions? They look different to the seats in the Luxury I viewed. Sorry I'm not sure of the seat specs on this car, I just thought getting the PL would ensure the seats were at the higher end. This is the only pic I can find of them.
 
#49 ·
they are not downgraded for sure, just not upgraded :) and difference will be only less functions, not quality. if they are different, it might due to a fact they lookwas slightly changed few times - some say they are not as comfy as upgraded seats, but can't confirm or deny (I've got 18/18way sport seats:D)
 
#51 ·
Fraz said:
I take it some of the options that I'm not getting, can't be simply enabled, e.g. they are physical rather then activation's that can be switched on in the ecu?
Click to expand...
it will be both - physical as well as activation which seems to be very expensive (if possible at all in some cases)
 
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