Jaguar XF road tests and consumer car reviews

Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel 2011

Quite simply the best car I have ever had the pleasure of owning. Flawless in all respects and an absolute joy to drive. It looks pretty cool too!

Jaguar XF 2.7d Premium Luxury 2008

The 2.7 diesel Luxury Premium is indeed a loveley car, both aesthetically and ergonomically. However, having bought the car second-hand, and owned it for only four months, I already have experienced some unpleasant glitches. Firstly, the indicators failed to make the usual ’clicking’ noise when activated. The dealer had to put in a whole new instrument panel because the faulty speaker is integral to it. Secondly, the automatic gear selector got itself stuck in Drive, and wouldn’t restart. A new modified electric board had to be fitted. Thirdly, I suddenly got a "Smart Key Battery Low" warning. This turned out to need a new modified circuit panel in each smart key. The original panels evidently allowed the battery to work loose. The fuel filler cap was always difficult (reluctant) to open. The dealer has greased the necessary parts and this does seem to be better, though I hear that some soft recalls have been made to fit a modification here as well. Finally (so far) the sunroof has started to creak, but on two occasions a liberal smear of vaseline seems to stop this, at least for a while. I am now wondering what other modifications might be needed before the warranty runs out in March 2011, can anyone tell me? Finally just to say, that the dealer (Stratstone Jaguar, Stoke) has been absolutely superb, and dealt with each ’crisis’ with pleasant efficiency.

Responses to this review

I agree. It’s a lovely car and I have enjoyed driving it but boy, when you get problems! I have had nearly 20 light bulbs fitted, front and rear, as they were continually blowing. The whole back light eventually replaced under warranty. One day, whilst leaving work, the gear control would not rise and I had to be transported some 30 miles and a new panel board fitted. Whilst it was there they changed the whole back axle and then never re-tracked the tyres and so I had to have them changed again after only 15,000 miles. I have heard all sorts of problems after one year with heavy tyre wear being a major problem. So I have had 3 sets of tyres in 45,000 miles. Today’s problem is that the engine malfunction light has come on and I am told the car is still driveable as this may be a sensor fault. Still, another trip to the garage though. I would get the rear axle checked before warranty expires. Great car when problem free like them all - Ken Geering from Hampshire

I agree the Jaguar XF 08 2.7 is a lovely car but had loads of problems in three years. It has been towed to the garage six or seven times, had two new turbos, dpf filter, all suspension arms changed and lots more. I got it back Tuesday from Stratstone and it had broke down by Thursday. They tell me it may need full new engine, hard to believe with 67,000 miles and having been well maintained. They’re also repairing the dint they did while they had it. It’s been a totally unreliable nightmare and I will be changing when it finally works for long enough - Sheila Flintoft from Yorkshire

Jaguar XF Diesel 2009

I love this car but recently beginning to wonder why. Has had new diff and drive shaft due to a grinding noise coming from the rear but it took 3 trips to the dealer to get it diagnosed and sorted. It eats brakes and now today needed to use Jaguar assistance, kept on hold for ten minutes twice (must be the recession) as no Jaguar technicians either, subbed out to the AA, and they turn up and say they will get it picked up. Total waste of time and money. Currently got the car stuck in gear on the drive until don’t know when. It looks great but it needs to be reliable to become a great car.

Jaguar XF 3.0 S Prem Luxury 2009

My first Jag and very pleased I am with it. Had it 3 months, 5,500 miles with no problem other than rear windows that wouldn’t close properly. Sorted in 10 mins at the dealer. Did 1300 Sotland trip recently, 4 up (and we’re large!), boot crammed, but this car eats miles in a superbly relaxed manner. MPG figures quoted are fiction though. 33 on the trip, and my mixed daily drive gives me 30ish. The S version of the V6 diesel is a cracker of an engine. You just forget it is a diesel, it’s so refined, yet has terrific torque. Interior slightly chattery, but comes and goes. Hope it doesn’t get any worse as it takes a pounding every day out of London into the country. There is a penalty for those 20" wheels, as there always is, as it crashes on ridges. I think the styling works from some angles but head on is it’s weakest point. The new XJ is a more complete and sharp design. I chose Azure Blue which is the the funkiest colour, with a light cream/brown interior. Lifts what is a slightly frumpy design in my view. Bad points: Useless satnav, standard seats lack side support (go for the sports). I’m a little disappointed with the B&W soundsystem, but everyone else raves. Lacks a little colouration for my taste. All in all a great car, and I’m so glad I didn’t get a CLS!

Jaguar XF Premium 5.0 2010

The XF is a powerful and agile car, and has beautiful styling...aggressive stance but classic lines. The interior has modern touches yet maintains the superb leather and wood Jaguar is known for. Fit and finish is excellent inside and out. And the new 5.0 liter engine has tremendous torque. To get a better performing sedan you need a more expensive but less attractive BMW M5; to get both a better looking and performing sedan, you need a Maserati or Aston Martin costing 4 times as much. No maintenance problems so far either. Very pleased with this car.

Jaguar XF Premium Luxury 2009

This is a great car. There is nothing to fault it. It is quiet, powerful and comfortable. It is economical and a joy to drive. It’s handing in the snow has been excellent. The dealership, Sturgess, have been very good through out.

Jaguar XF 3.0 l D 2009

I live in Durban, South Africa. I have just bought one, and I am highly impressed. It’s beautiful.

Jaguar XF 2008

How long a list do you want? This is the worst car I have ever had (but the nicest to look at!). The fuel cap wouldn’t open; faulty connections on windscreen wipers - replaced 4 times already; and now after only 1 year the gearbox stuck in ’Drive’ and had to be replaced; a wooden door panel fell off. The car is a total mess. We’ve had at least 20 trips to the dealership in less than 1 year. Never ever a Jaguar again!

Responses to this review

My fuel door warning has been fixed 3 times and is still not working, any suggestions? - JJ from England

FAO: Susan Mitterer, snap! Try being broke down seven times, stuck in lay-bys for 2-4 hours and then towed to garage. My car is like the bionic man, it has been nearly rebuilt. All the major parts have been replaced even the turbos. The software does not warn of any problems, just konks out even the garage can’t figure it out. It’s very worrying for when the warranty runs out, time for a change i think. It looks fantastic, shame it’s just not reliable to use. Good luck - Fed-up Customer from Yorkshire

Jaguar XF XF S Luxury 3.0L Diesel auto 2009

Getting over the grille was the hardest part. After 2 months of driving now I can only smile every time I get in and press the Start/Stop button. There is virtually no noise from the initial start and conversation at normal levels is possible at any speed. I am getting 41.2MPG and that is not at low speeds. It is full of kit as standard and the dashboard touch screen is clear and simple to use. Everyone who has been in the car thinks it is wonderful. Having test driven the usual choices in this sector, MB E class, BMW 5 series, Audi A6 and Lexus GS450H, I can tell you this car has more character than the lot of them put together. It is well made and has all the power most drivers would need. It overtakes effortlessly when needed and goes round corners on rails. I love it!

Responses to this review

After 48 years of driving and owning several Jaguar cars all I can say is that this is the worst car I have ever owned. Keeps breaking down and I bought the XFS. Trying to keep the car in a straight line and on the road in any sort of damp weather is nearly impossible. As for driving it in snow there is no chance. I had to leave it at home and borrow my wifes Honda Jazz which was far superior. Wish i had never bought the car !! You can reply to me at stan1x@hotmail.co.uk - Stan Hyman from Yorkshire

Jaguar XF XF 2.7D 2008

Had 3 new Jaguar cars - the last one being the XF 2.7D premier which I purchased in September 2008 from Hatfields of Sheffield. Had a couple faults the plastic wheel hup centres came out - reported this to the dealer and I was told that there had been a problem during the manufactur, the plastic was brittle and the locking lugs were breaking off, also had a problem with the petrol cover cap, would not open. Before this happened I had mentioned to Hatfields that a colleague of mine had had a problem with the petrol cover cap on his XF car and I was told that there was not a problem with them but obviously there is. Of the three jags purchased this was my worst experience sales wise.

Jaguar XF XF premium diesel 2008

The car I have had since May 2008. It drives very well but it has wind noise badly on the front window. This is very bad at 60 to 70 mph. Has anyone else had the same? I have the Bowers & Wilkins radio and get this bad noise.

Responses to this review

I also notice a wind noise at around 120 km/h. Not very obtrusive, but there. I think it’s being caused by airflow around the driver’s outside rear view mirror - Peter Davies, Durban, South Africa (I don’t live in England, but this dumb website doesn’t allow one to choose any country except England!)

My new 2009 XF has serious wind noise above 60 mph from the B pillar on the drivers side. After reading other blogs this seems to have been a fault with the 2008 series which should have been rectified. The main dealer (Stratstone) is to contact Jaguar to seek advice. Does anyone have further information? - Peter Mills from Durham

Jaguar XF 2.7D Premium Luxury 2008

Have had the car since May. Have had the following faults 1. The alarm would not activate because of an electronic fault. 2. Door trims on both sides kept catching and driver’s door jammed 3. Fuel cap would not open 4. Warning light for low washer fluid will not go off 5. Touch screen would not operate heater/aircon 6. Steering "wandering" These have been faults over the period I have had the car and not all at the same time. I know other owners have had some of the same faults. Bought from Stratstone Cardiff.

Responses to this review

Mike, I am thinking of buying the XF but I am worried about some of the reviews I have read. Do you think it will be a mistake? Are you still having problems and how have Stratstone been? - Steve Stokes from Cardiff

Jaguar XF xf 2.7 d prem 2008

This review is honest and upfront... Having tracked the car for 10 months I was at the mph show to see the car in its glory. The guys on the stand must be congratulated for the knowledge. I ordered the car in Nov 07 and the dealer... well lets not go there - very bad experience with sales from the day we started talks. The service side is much better, I have had the xf prem 2.7d since April 08 and this car is the most comfortable car I have had to date, it glides across the country with ease returning around 32mpg. A couple of faults to date - the car seems to have a few gremlins with warning lights coming on; this has now been sorted by the dealer. There is a problem with the fuel cap not opening when pressed. Jaguar already have a modification. The car is a pleasure to drive and own but one word off warning - choose your dealer carefully.

Jaguar XF 2000

I really don’t know where to start with my history of this amazing motor. I’ve had 14 jags, each with their own personality and unique extras. I’ve never had any problems with this classy machine. Jags demand respect and if you’re going to rubber neck a wicked motor this is the one! At the moment I have the ultimate pleasure of owning an XJ8, Sport, with a v8 engine, midnight blue and two very careful and loving owners. My misses often says "I WISH I WAS A JAG!! I would recommend this top motor to anyone with class!

Responses to this review

Hi, a friend of mine had this problem, he took it into a garage for a check up and they reset the ECU. Now he is getting normal fuel usage. Regards - Peter D’Arcy from Hampshire

Jaguar XF 2.7D 2008

Had my XF 2 months. It still makes me smile every time I get in. It still turns heads on the road. I will never tire of the start up procedure or the effortless drive. Audi, BMW, Merc, no thanks. Cool car.

Jaguar XF 2.7 Premium Luxury 2008

We have had Audi cars for the last 7 years - 1 A8 4.2, 3 A6s, 1 2.7 bi turbo, 1 2.0l, 1 S6, 4 A4s, 2 2.0l saloons, 2 A4 Avant’s, 2 A4 Cabriolets, 1 3.2 FSI 1 2.0l Turbo and 1 All roader 2.7TDi. This Jag beats all of them hands down, I have already advised our finance director to change our director and senior management policy to Jaguar from its German rival. And to think if it wasn’t for the poor service we have received from Audi over the past 3 years we would just be taking delivery of 3 A5s and another A8. Well done Jaguar.

Jaguar XF 4.2 V8 Premium Luxury 2008

This is the best available in the UK and just as importantly shows that Britain is still capable of producing a car that it can rightly be proud of. The V8 engine sounds beautiful and the performance is exemplary with the XF managing 0-60 in about 6 seconds. The build quality is excellent and one of the most pleasing things about the interior is that there is wood in abundance, this leads to an attractive look and feel that is very traditional. The ride itself is sublime with road noise almost inaudible and the suspension ensuring maximum comfort. I cannot praise the Jaguar XF highly enough, it is everything that a dream car should be.

Jaguar XF 2.7 V6 Diesel Premium Luxury A 5dr 2008

Beautiful and British!! You can keep your BMW and Mercs, this is a car that has the full package and you can feel proud that you’re doing your bit for the British motor industry. It is Jaguar through and through yet somehow feels totally fresh. Just exhilarating to drive and looks - Wow!

Jaguar XF 2.7 D 2008

Although I ordered one (a petrol V6) a couple of months ago I made my first test drive today. I was blown away and wouldn’t give it back. Absolutely superb road holding!, very comfortable, very beautiful. My ideal combination.

Jaguar XF v8 2007

Both sporty and luxurious, this car is well ahead of anything in its class.

Jaguar XF 4.2 SV8 4dr 2008

Being a very, very, lucky boy and knowing some very nice German people I recently had the honour of test driving this car. What an absolute dream of a car. I can’t tell you how perfectly balanced and intune the SV8 is. It’s almost like you’re static and the world is moving around you. Just blew me away. This car will be available in this country early next year and I think that Jaguar are going to be selling an awful lot of them. Fabulous.