USED Jaguar XF Saloon (07 - )

My car

I was disappointed that a fool who had clearly never even seen an XF, never mind driven one, could be allowed to trash its scores so much, but it takes all sorts....

I've driven an Audi A6 3.0 Tdi Quattro SE from new for the past three and a half years, a very good car, but after only 200 yards I thought that the XF was a way better car, after 150 miles I'm quite convinced of it. Not quite as fast as the Audi, and not quite as much room in the back, but way better.

In the flesh it's beautiful, the interior is great. The ride is firm for a jag, especially at low speeds but not uncomfortable, and at speed the ride is smooth and fluent. On twisty stuff, especially considering its size, it's brilliant, it corners way better than the Audi. Depreciation? The waiting list is already four months and rising. They'll sell every one they make.

I used to get in the Audi to drive somewhere, I'll get in the XF just to drive. Thanks Jaguar.

My car

I took a test drive recently and have to say I was completely blown away by the XF. I have previously owned a number of top spec BMWs and Jaguars but this was something else. I personally like the exterior shape which from the back is definitely very Aston Martin like. For anyone to compare the shape to a Ford Mondeo is just completely stupid (a visit to spec savers might be the order of the day!). The ride itself is very smooth, handles well especially on narrow winding roads and has impeccable manners. The interior is pure theatre and there is truly no other car on the road to match it. It is the sort of car that one would really look forward to driving no matter how often. I was so impressed with everything about the car and the salespeople at my local jaguar dealership that I ordered one immediately despite the fact that my present car is only one year old and I had intended to keep for considerably longer than that. My lovely Jag is due to arrive towards the end of April and I am already counting the days.

My car

For anyone likening this car to a Mondeo, or any other car for that matter . . . get in it and drive it. Personally I have to agree with Paul Norris - any similarity with this car is possibly an Aston Martin. I have only had my XF a week but I can honestly say it is glorious. The drive is sharp and smooth - obviously this is a large car but it's roadholding and agility belie its size. It's also tremendous value when you consider the amount of equipment it comes with. This is one special car. Sure it's early days for me but I can't remember the last time a car put such a grin on my face every time I drove it. For Keiran Wood, and anyone else having the same thought processes about preferring a Mondeo, good luck to you. Personally a Mondeo would never give me the 'feel good' feeling that my Jag does.

My car

I currently drive a fully loaded BMW 530D SE on a 55 Plate you can see my full review on that page but in short I have had lots of build quality issues in what is basically a great car. This car in my view is actually better than the 5 series which is plaudits enough to be true. To eloborate it is more refined, about the same on the twisty roads (slightly better but splitting hairs) and great on the motorway. It is a brilliant car that has moved the benchmark for vehicles in this category. I ordered one on the spot although delivery dates are now July 08 (I think that answers any questions re:residual values, finance are currently quoting a retained value of 52% over 3 years, My BMW has held about 44%). My only other comment is I dont understand some of the negativity about this car in previous reviews i.e. the Mondeo nonsense (a great car in its own right so I'm led to believe) and general anti Jag rhetoric. The car (to me anyway) looks Aston Martin from the back (not such a bad thing) and quite unique from the front. The interior is beyond anything I have ever driven which includes BMW M5, Audi A4 & Saab 9-5. We havent got a situation where the negative reviews are coming from BMW / Mercedes Salesman with too much time on their hands have we. I will write another "warts and all" comprehensive review once I have had the car for 18 months (not like some of the reviewers of this car who appear to not even driven it).