Hi Everyone,
I've only recently "discovered" just how great these new Jaguars are and am now seriously considering an XF to replace my aging family sedan. In looking at local preowned inventory, the 09 SC is at a similar price point to the 10 Premium, well equipped. Is there any reason to consider one over the other aside from the minor power differences?

I like that the 4.2 SC has a more potential as far as aftermarket modifications go, but am wondering if there are any significant "fixes" in MY2010 that would make it a better choice. Is it reasonable to expect the 4.2 SC with minor modifications to come close to the performance of the new 5.0 SC?

Thanks in advance,
Jay

 

I chose the 10 and I was asking the same question as you are.

My reasoning is the 10 will be cheaper on gas, insurance, license plates (in Iowa), and will have a longer warranty life left. After all, the HP/TQ difference is is only +/-35 stock between the two and it is harder to find a used SC that has been beat on than the Premium 10.

 

I love the dynamic and sport modes in my '11 SC. I don't know how the '09's were equipped, but I wouldn't have bought the car without these features. That's just me though. It depends on what you are looking for.

 

If its a premium, I would go with the 2010. Newer is better and the lovely 5 liter engine .....

 

It all depends on what you want. I don't know what the premiums have but the SC has every option standard except for adaptive cruise and the heated steering wheel. I don't know if they offered the suede headliner in 09 but if they did than that was also a option. Try to find either with a extended warranty and if you can't then shop like normal. Compare pricing, mileage, etc. My insurance costs are pretty low so I can't imagine the non SC being much cheaper. Since the 10 would be a year newer it might cost more.

I've driven both types quite a few times and I'd still pick my 09 SC over a NA 5.0L easily. I love how the SC delivers the power and the SC whine, while relatively tame, is great at WOT.

All the XF's have those as far as I know. The SC versions respond differently to them though.

 

Having the ability to paddle shift in D is a plus with the '09 SC, not sure if '10 non-SC motor has that option.

 

Not all XFs have Dynamic mode. Having the Sport option on the gear selector, they do.

I believe all Gen 1 XFs had paddle shifters enabled in D. It can easily be deactivated or activated on later models - just a software upgrade.

 

Driving a loaner base model 2012 XF. Maybe I'm crazy but I'd still pick my 2009 SC over the base 2012. I like the new front end and multimedia setup but that's about it. If I ever have to replace my front bumper due to an accident I'll be swapping the 2012 on there immediately.

My impressions for what it's worth:
-09 SC handles better (too much body roll in any mode on the base 12)
-Steering feels better (over-boosted IMO on the base model)
-2012 seats are too hard and lack lumbar support. Side bolsters on the back are a bit tight for me and I'm skinny. Maybe they noticed the older seats sinking down too much and beefed up the foam. All I know is that I can't get comfortable in the 2012 seat and it isn't just me.
-2012 engine is noisy almost like a diesel (loaner only has 1k miles on it). Others have posted about this so maybe it's normal for the DI engines.
-Base rim/wheel combo is very unattractive in comparison to the 09 SC volans.
-2012 Dash has a textured feel to it instead of the smooth leather in the 09. I prefer the 09. Maybe it's fake leather in the base model though.
-The heated windshield lines are very annoying. Sure you eventually forget it's there but it's still like staring through a screen. Forget that option.
-Power delivery in the 5.0L NA is hard to describe. It's definitely fast but I feel like the SC 4.2 power band is larger and more usable. Hard to prove without a dyno graph I suppose. Not to mention every car is a bit different.

Anyway that's my rant. I have my car in for alignment and a paint defect. Hopefully it's ready soon. Don't get me wrong the base 5.0L cars are fabulous cars. I'm just comparing them to my 09 SC. I really want them to loan out a 2012 SC one of these times.