[Fraz]

How are you finding the car now Fraz, after having it for a month or two?

Hi David, sorry for the very delayed response, I haven't logged in for a while. I can honestly say, I'm really happy, it's everthing I ever wished for and more. Having dealt with the minor issues after purchase, I've now just been enjoying the drive!! I love the power delivery, the responsive steering and then there's the ride, it's the most comfortable car I've owned (even more so then my E65 7 Series which I also loved). I've now done a few 200+ mile drives on routes that usually leave me feeling shattered but in the Jag and I arrive feeling fresh as a daisy. I have to say, the car puts a smile on my face and I look forward to every trip. The engine tickover is solid, it doesn't miss a beat, the sound and the feel I get is great. No doubt the diy service, hasn't hurt it. I'm happy with it in pretty much every way, and do find myself admiring the car on the drive way, or parked up in a scenic spot, I love the look of the car, front and rear.

The two minor niggles I have at the moment are :- sometimes the fuel indicator hasn't been resetting or increasing when I put diesel into the car, it seems to do this at random, the electronic bar goes up, but the actual number of miles doesn't increase, it's a bit confusing when this happens as I'm not sure how much fuel I have left. I've managed to reset it and it then goes back to normal, but it's now happened a couple of times, so it's a small concern. The second niggle is the drivers seat belt doesn't always spring back to the pillar when exiting the car, so I've trapped the seat belt in the door once or twice. I'm now more weary of it, but when your in a rush, it's easy to forget to check it!! Could just be the tension, as it winds back as snails pace, but not sure how to adjust.

Overall I'm really pleased with the car, if it stays reliable and gives me 5+ years of pleasurable motoring, then I'm a happy man. By that time, we'll probably all be pushed towards electric!!

 

[Fraz]

Please tell me more...what is this process? I have the ivory leather and it is rather dirty in a couple of places, especially the drivers seat. I would be keen to know what I can do.

One other bit of advice I'd offer and that is if the trimmers are taking off the drivers door card to get the coin tray sorted, ask them to look at the metal rods inside the door. I have a dreadful rattle from where the insulation has worn away. It is a well know fault on the XF, but very simple to fix once door card is off - more detail here: http://www.xfforum.co.uk/threads/18209-Rattle-in-drivers-door-solved/page2?highlight=door+card

It's really easy.

You buy what are called 'magic sponges' also known as magic erasers, they are made from a material that is very gentally abrasive and lifts dirt from deep within the leather, these are branded for general household cleaning, so you'll more then likely find then in home cleaning sections of supermarkets, or to be specific in the aisles where you'd buy cleaning products and dish cloth's. Don't worry they are soft and you can't damage anything, it's feel like a normal sponge you'd wash your car with. They sell them pretty much everywhere, but I got mine in 'The Range' £1 for a box of 4, I purchased two boxes and was enough to do that whole car with some left over. About 1 or 2 sponges per front seat, maybe 2 or 3 for the rear, when the sponge starts to break up then just get another, cheap as chips. Ebay has loads of them, I believe there are differing qualities, but my £1 box did the job fine.

You then just run a bucket full of water and sock the sponge (I also added fairy liquid as this was recommended by the detailer I spoke with). Then use just rub the seats all over, squeezing out the dirt when the sponge gets dirty and then applying more clean water from the bucket, repeat as many times as you feel necessary, or until no more dirt is being lifted. Once this is done and the seat is dry and will have a matt like finish as any products, oils or cleaners will have been cleaned away, leaving it in it's natural state. You then just re-nourish the leather, using some leather enriching balm, the stuff that nourishes and feeds leather, not to be confushed with leather cleaner. I just used a microfibre cloth and massaged it into the seat. This will buff the leather up again to a more glossy finish and will have your seat looking like new.

There are loads of video guides on Youtube, so if you a visual guide, just do a quick search for 'magic sponge car seat.' and you'll get the idea. I was advised of this method from Sprayteq, who are a professional vehicle detalier, body shop and specialise in interior refurbishment, they advised me it's very popular among detailers. It also avoids any chemical cleaners.

 

[Fraz]

Told you

You certainly did, and thank you for the advice, I needed the prod. Car goes back for the work on Friday.

At the weekend, I magic sponged the leather, front and rear to give it a really good clean, was advised it would be better to clean it prior to any repairs. The sponges revealed a considerable amount of dirt and grime, whilst also removing any masking or shine products, to stip the leather back to its natural matt state. I then replenished the seats with some Autoglym leather encriching balm, I'm not sure how well rated this stuff is, but it was on offer and the seats have come up very nicely. I'm confident with a bit of time and detailing work that I can get the interior looking nearly new.

The cosmetic repairs will be done by a place called Touch and Go in Wakefield, I'm hoping they will really do a top job on the drivers seat, including fixing the wear / tear / cig burns, but even more so on the coin trap plastic part of the doorcard which is a real eyesore. I'm going to ask them to take their time, I'd like both areas to come out like the damage was never there to begin with, even if it means me waiting in town all day.

 

[Fraz]

I've heard back from Sytner today and had the following update :

"I have spoken to Richard this morning, he has agreed that we can refurbish the Driver’s Seat, refurbish the Door Card and change the side panel on the Driver’s Seat. I will order the part today and let you know when it arrives so we can arrange for you to come through and have the work done."

All I can say is what excellent service, putting the damaged trims and seat in order is all I could ask for to make this the car I had hoped for!! Much credit to Sytner, this is truly excellent service and shows they are a company who care about their customers, not just before but after the sale has been made. Will update the post with pictures once the above work is carried out, hopefully this week.

 

[Fraz]

This site seems to be for Dealers only. Can you clarify please.

Not sure if that question is directed at me, but I've had a few issues with my car if you read back and I'm just relieved things are being put right. I'm not a dealer, just bought a car from Sytner last week.

 

[Fraz]

Have you tried using your phone with music on it connected with a 3.5 mm jack lead.

Yeah, same as using the Ipod really, it works fine, but not having playlists or and interface from the cars controls, is a bit of a pain.

 

[Fraz]

Sorry to say no candu.

That feature came with the electronic oil level display unit.

I no longer use the analog speedo if I can have a digital display. Knowing one's speed is irrelevant except for compliance purposes. A digital read out is a bit like a cash register display, in fact I would find it more useful if it simply displayed the applicable dollar cost in fines and the demerit points on my license, I know how fast I am going for safe driving purposes without a number to look at.

The last racing car I drove had the speedo covered in electricians tape. The instructors don't want you driving to a speed target, they want you to stay out of the armco.

The iPod solution works except that there is no interface. I found that the volume on my iPhone had to be set quite high for the car stereo volume to produce enough sound, just so you know.

Thanks. Yes I had just had a similar digital readout on my last car and it was good for a quick glance, but I'm fine driving on instinct, it was just a 'can it do it' question, and now I know it can't.

I've had a very old 512mb Ipod suffle going through the aux to test and the volume seems fine, so I'd just need to buy a better MP3 player at some point, but then there is no interface as you say. Are there any other solutions / workarounds for the audio, or is it literally aux or mp3 cd's for the car? I don't think mp3 Cd's do selectable playlists if I call rightly, they just hold more tracks.

 

[Fraz]

No. The standard level 6 CD player fitted does not accommodate USB input. More correctly, there's no two way communication capability you need in order for your USB to work.

The optional 440 W B&W system came with the 6 CD changer and USB port.

Not to worry, I'm probably just going to get a second hand Ipod or similar and play music through aux, not quite as user friendly but it will serve the purpose.

A quick question, my odometer has the same time readout in the center as pictured below. I'd rather this screen tell me the speed I'm doing, can I swap it to that, as can't seem to figure out out how? It might help me to stay within the speed limit, as the car feels so refined it's easy to go faster then you think your doing

 

[Fraz]

Well yesterday I sent Sytner (Guy Salmon Wakefield) a rather long email to express my unsatisfactory situation with the car. I've tried cleaning the seats and the carpet this morning, but it's not even worth me trying, they are really dirty and need a professional clean. It doesn't look like they've been washed or shampoo'd or given a proper valet at any stage. Here is the evidence.

Below are the final lot of pictures I putting on here for Sytner / Guy Salmon's reference and to catalog of the extent of the damage state the car was sold to me in.

The balls now in Guy Salmon and Sytner's court to put these things right, I'm sure they will come good and I can give them a positive appraisal at the end of all this.

 

[Fraz]

I also found there was no USB, which was a bit of a disappointment, it has the 12v and the aux, but no USB or IPOD connector. Can I retro fit this - /www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JAGUAR-XF-X250-IPOD-AUX-USB-12V-SOCKET-OUTLET-TRIM-PANEL-2008-09-8X2319C166AB-/182456020441?fits=Car+Make%3AJaguar%7CModel%3AXF&hash=item2a7b39edd9:g:YaoAAOSwh2xX~2Dw and if I can is it a simple plug and play job??

 

[Fraz]

Well I'm now the proud owner of a Jag XF, as promised pictures posted in my newbie thread - http://www.xfforum.co.uk/threads/62906-Proud-new-owner-of-a-2010-3-0D-XF-Premium-Luxury

Thanks for everyone's input, you helped me to make the decision to by the car and now the real fun begins

 

[Fraz]

Cheers I'll stop obsessing over seats. Last thing 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?

 

[Fraz]

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

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.

 

[Fraz]

you can always sign up topix site for free and check what your car has or not. all you need is VIN number.

https://topix.jaguar.jlrext.com

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

 

[Fraz]

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!!

 

[Fraz]

Just wondering, does the car I bought look like it has Xenon's. I assumed Xenon's would be standard but apparently not.

 

[Fraz]

Forget my last, I see from a bit of further research there should be a USB socket in the glove box, was thinking for a minute I'd have to go back to CD's!!

 

[Fraz]

Just a quick question, I've used to playing music from USB in my current car. I'm assuming you don't have a USB port on the 2010 jag. What's the best solution for music? I note the chas bluetooth and aux.

 

[Fraz]

I've had my XF nearly two years now and I still sometimes find it hard to believe. Spent most of Saturday cleaning it inside and out, used a clay bar on the paintwork and had planned on giving it a really good polish on Sunday, but I hadn't checked the forecast :-(

Get an extra bit of old carpet for the front window as you'll find yourself staring out on your cat on the drive and then making up the most ridiculous excuses for taking a drive in it.

Remember the photo's when you get it so you can share your pride and joy with the rest of us!

Ha, I can just see me doing that. Yes will share pictures, Friday is looking like the big day, can't wait.

 

[Fraz]

Had to look up TOWMBO. Ha The One Who Must Be Obeyed :


In my case TOWMBO (or SWMBO as I like to say) agrees with me that the magic of a Jaguar is not so much raw power (although raw power is good) but the ability to waft smoothly and gracefully along knowing the power is there on tap if you need it

The wafting is what I'm looking forward to the most!!

I must admit I've already had a quick ganders about the remapping, it seems that the car can be mapped to 290 BHP!! I'll more then likely be tempted to do this at some stage.

Well just had call from Sytner, car has past it's MOT with no advisories, also past their inspection with just one thing to put right (something very minor, some sort of interior cap cover missing). Two new tyres fitted to the front, the brand are Nexen, who I've never heard of, but I'm hoping there not total ditch finders, he said these are not far off Hancooks. Alloy's being refurbed tomorrow, then valet and the bodywork. Will be ready to collect on Friday.