Unfortunately I said goodbye to my 2010 XF Supercharged. As I am looking for another, my question is are the 5.0 liter naturally aspirated V8's overall more reliable/less problematic than the supercharged variants? Thank you.

 

In my opinion, no.

As far as I'm concerned the biggest issues with the engines of our vintage (2010) are the water pumps, the breakdown of plastic cooling parts (especially the rear manifold), the design flaw with the earlier timing guides that deformed under the harder metal of the tensioner, along with more general oil level/starvation issues - all caused by components that are common between both engines. The only flaw specific to the supercharged variants I'm aware of is the supercharger isolator going bad.

I guess you could say a Supercharged variant might have been driven harder?

 

I'd agree given what I've seen posted on here over many years

Main issue is just age - are you looking for another 2010 or something a bit newer?

 

I agree with davetibbs except on one point - the plastic coolant pipes and tubes break down / split / crack more often and/or earlier on the SC than the NA due to the extra heat generated by the SC and because the SC covers the coolant pipes "in the V" more.

 

My 2012 XF Portfolio has 49000kms (about 30k miles) on it and still has original water pump and hoses. Timing chain still looks good. Still has original brakes and rotors. the original tires were just changed earlier this year. I also replaced the accessory drive belt and serviced the belt tensioner and idler pulleys.
I also open the hood to reduce heat soak when I park my car at home.

 

I think it has all the same weaknesses of the engine plus in addition something about the coupler in the supercharger. But its easier (or I should probably say "less difficult") to work on without a supercharger and all its extra hardware in the way. That was a factor for me in that I am a DIY'er. Also I drove the 5.0 and the 3.0 supercharged back to back and the v8 just felt and sounded better. But if I were shopping today, the extra three years age would weigh heavily and I'd probably go with a 2015 model. I expect this current XF will be my last v8 sedan.

 

>I expect this current XF will be my last v8 sedan
I thought so too, but I just learned that Lexus announced a brand new RWD NA V8 powered sedan. An

V8 "XF" made by Toyota, what could be better than that?

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Jaguar - it's not an automobile, it's a Motorcar
Current: '15 XF (X250) Portfolio AWD 3.0 (it's aubergine...)
2019 JCNA Class M Slalom 2nd-Place
2018 JCNA Class M Slalom 2nd-Place
Past B: '08 S-Type 4.2 "Satin Edition" (250.06 whp / 259.67 torque)
2015 JCNA Class M Slalom Champion
Past A: '05 X-Type 3.0/AWD Jaguar Racing Green

 

Yep, this makes complete sense.

 

Yes to further pile on get the latest model you can. I have around 50K miles on my 2014 XJR that is modified and I race too. Zero engine problems. Superb car and ultra reliable. It's my daily driver and so far I have replaced the water pump (mentioned up thread) under warranty. Plus I lost an O2 sensor.

Jaguar has added special warranty on the O2 sensors so if you do get a failure they should pay for it. Now I am a bit miffed as I replaced the O2 sensor myself and sent in the paperwork and never heard anything back!! But the O2 sensor was about $65 so no big deal.
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