Item: Used Jaguar XF 2007 - 2015
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

The XF is aimed squarely at the BMW 5 Series. That isn’t quite as fun to drive, but it’s still far from cumbersome in corners and offers more interior space. If you go for the 520d model, you also get a 2.0-litre diesel engine that’s stronger, smoother and more efficient than the 2.2-litre diesel of the XF.

Alternatively, if comfort is your top priority, you should consider the Mercedes E-Class. It glides over bumps like a magic carpet - as long as you avoid models with the optional sports suspension, that is - and like the 5-Series, it’s more spacious than the XF. The biggest problem with the E-Class is its four-cylinder diesel engine, because it’s noisy and sends a lot of vibration into the car.

The final member of the German big three is the Audi A6. It can’t match the handling of the XF or 5 Series, or the ride comfort of the E-Class, but it counters those shortcomings with the classiest interior of the lot.

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What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Jaguar has made big strides in improving reliability in the last decade, as confirmed by What Car?'s reliability studies. However, a small number of intermittent faults and gremlins have cropped up on the XF, most prevalently in early examples.

The electrics can suffer, with warning lights staying on, the touch-screen sat-nav turning itself off and the stereo sulking. The fuel filler cap can refuse to open along with the doors, while the door trim can work itself loose.

The air-conditioning system can also let you down, and there have been a few reports of turbo failure on diesel engines.

Data from CAP Derwent – a scheme which pools repair information from some of the UK’s biggest vehicle leasing firms – shows that the Jaguar XF is harder on brake pads and brake discs than the average executive saloon.

However, an XF will typically be able to cover more than 100,000 miles before the air-conditioning needs re-gassing, or there are any problems with the engine, gearbox, electrics or suspension.

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Saloon

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

The Jaguar XF is a stylish and better to drive alternative to a BMW 5 Series.

Used Jaguar XF 2007 - 2015

The most popular engine when the XF first went on sale was a 2.7-litre diesel, which emits 199g/km of CO2. However, in 2009 this was replaced by a 3.0-litre, which managed 179g/km, so this is cheaper to tax, despite having more power. What’s more, it averages a fuell efficiency figure of 41.5mpg in official tests, compared with the 37.4mpg of the 2.7-litre-engined model.

Later in the car’s life, Jaguar introduced a 2.2-litre diesel engine which is more efficient once again, with an official average of 52.3mpg – although our <a href="http://www.whatcar.com/truempg/my-true-mpg">True MPG</a> fuel economy tests suggest 42mpg is more likely in the real world.

If you’re buying a car that’s still under warranty, you should stick to franchised dealers for servicing until it expires. While this will cost noticeably more than at an independent, it will help resale values and ensure that all maintenance work and software updates are carried out.

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The Jaguar XF is a stylish and better to drive alternative to a BMW 5 Series.

A budget of around £16,000 can get you a 2011 example of our favoured 3.0D V6 Premium Luxury model with about 55,000 miles on the clock.

If you want the revised look, you’ll need to stretch your budget to £20,000 for a 2013 facelifted XF.

Alternatively, if you’re less concerned by age and more by miles covered, then £19,000 can buy you a 2011 car that's done 21,000 miles.

A 2.7-litre diesel-engined model is a fine choice, combining low running costs with enough power for the XF to be entertaining. However, the 3.0-litre diesel engine that replaced it in mid-2009 is even better.

The next major change came in 2011, when Jaguar restyled the car, giving it more modern looking front and rear lights and a slightly classier interior. At the same time it added a 2.2-litre diesel engine, but while this is the most efficient engine in the range, it feels a little underpowered and still isn’t as easy on fuel as an equivalent BMW 5 Series is.

Originally, the most powerful XF was the supercharged 4.2-litre petrol SV8, but when the car was facelifted this was replaced with an R model that uses a 5.0-litre petrol V8 and produces more than 500bhp. Both V8s are naturally expensive to run, as is the 3.0-litre V6 petrol.

Jaguar went to town when deciding what should be fitted to the XF as standard. Sat-nav, climate control, electrically adjustable seats, a leather interior and parking sensors are all included on the lower-spec Luxury model, while the Premium Luxury also gets higher-quality seats, upgraded interior trim, larger alloys, keyless entry and powered folding mirrors. The 2.2-litre diesel is also available in a more basic SE specification.

Our favourite used Jaguar XF: 3.0 D V6 Premium Luxury

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.

And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.

Executive

Some Jaguar XF owners have reported squeaks and rattles coming from the interior, particularly around the windows and dashboard, so be sure to listen out for this on the test drive.

There have been other reports of issues with the electrical wiring in the boot, making it important to check that it opens properly and that the brake lights work.

Also, listen out for a thud when braking on a full tank of fuel. This isn’t usually dangerous, but will still need checking out by a dealer.

A recall was issued on some XFs from 2010 because of an issue that led to the engine not being supplied with sufficient fuel to run. Be sure to check if the car you’re interested in was one of those affected – and if so that the work was carried out.

The Jaguar XF was a radical departure for<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/jaguar"> Jaguar</a> when it first went on sale in late 2007. Retro styling was out, replaced by a sleek, modern look.

Jaguar also managed to make it more fun to drive than contemporary versions of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a>, as well as insulating passengers well from wind and road noise. True, the XF's ride has a firm edge to it, but it’s never overly uncomfortable.

The wow factor continues on the inside, where everything is backlit in cool blue, and starting the engine causes the air vents to power open and the gear selector to rise out of the centre console.

There's plenty of space in the front, but the sloping roofline and thinly padded rear seat base means this isn’t the most comfortable place to spend long journeys. Storage-wise, the boot is big enough for suitcases or golf bags, and the rear seats fold down for extra space.

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Used Jaguar XF 2007 - 2015 review

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Advice for buyers

What should I look for in a used Jaguar XF saloon?