In the market and been test driving a number of cars. at this time, Jaguar
XF is top of my list (even though I have never owned a Jag and reliability rep worries me).
Looking for better comfortable ride over firm handing, so considering base/portfolio models
I have test drove 11,12,13 v4 and 13 6vsc. I like the upgrades in year 12, so cross off 11. And I didn't like the power of v4, cross that off. Now need to narrow down between 12 v8 and 12 v6sc.
1. I read that the suspension changed in 13. My test drives, I thought they
felt similar, too close to call. anybody have an opinion if you think one is
better than the other related to comfort ride?
2. I think I read that some issues we improved in the COMMAND unit in
13. anybody know if 13's is better than 12, I have read they can
be slow to respond.
3. Any other improvements in 13 making it the better choice, besides each
warrant year?
4. When testing both 12/13s, the nav location on map wasn't accuate at
times. Is this a downfail in Jags versus other brands?

I'm probably leaning to 12, should be able to get cheaper than 13 and see how the 13 is the first year for that engine in the XF, maybe the V8 is better choice reliability wise. I have only seen it mainly having issues with
water pump, but not much else..

I appreciate any input your vet Jag owners might have..

Thanks in advance..

 

I was in the same situation and am very happy I chose the Jag.

Even the improved NAV system sucks on these cars imo.

I would chose the V8 for the simplicity of the engine (no boost) and for the sound that will make your heart smile every time you press that gas pedal down.

 

V6 SC first came out in 2013 model year. There is no 2012 or earlier V6 SC.

the four is not a V4 but an inline four, turbo charged.

The 3.0 V6 SC runs about the same as the 5.0 V8 NA in the real word because it comes with an 8 spd instead of the 6 spd fitted to the V8 cars.

If you drive at higher elevations get the V6 SC as it delivers the same power regardless of elevation while the V8 drops off quite a bit as you go higher.

Jaguar have been building rock solid cars since at least 2008. The XF has been very reliable and the consumer reports about serious reliability issues are just wrong.

 

I would go w/ the v8. You just can't beat that sound!


As for the nav system -- are there any brands out there that actually works! My '14 BMW has great electronics, but I still find myself using google maps on my phone to get around!


IMO gadgets get old. Stomp your foot and hear that v8 doesn't

 

I have the V6 SC, and I have to say it's not a very loud car. It's just an exhaust thing considering the F-type has the same engine but sounds MUCH more aggressive.

That being said, I wanted a perfect balance of power and fuel economy, so I went with the V6.

 

I purchased a new '12 XF exactly because I heard that they would be replaced by a V6. Since, I have driven the V6 multiple times as loaners and have to say that it is a good power plant. Still, the V8 is simply better in terms of driveability, idle smoothness, and relaxed power. The V6 with its 8sp transmission provides for superior mileage, if that is a factor for you. For me, the perfect combination would be the V8 with the 8sp.

 

No regrets on my '13 V6 purchase. Smooth, powerful, economical, and refined. But I have to admit that there is nothing like the sound of a v8. Hoping for an aftermarket exhaust for the XF V6 that sounds like the FType V6, but I doubt it.

 

I did download the 12 and 13 quick start guides. The Navigation is the only thing I see different in the 2 guides. If I do more test driving in the 2, I will have to check those out further..

Anybody have any input if the updated 13 version is better in any ways?