Hello everyone, I’m new here and just hoping you can help me make a purchase decision on a 2012 XF Base. The current owner sent me a video of cold start and when he opened the hood the valve train noise seemed loud. Should I consider this a warning sign? He says it’s always been dealer serviced and has the documentation. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. What a beautiful car! 😎

 

Best include details of what engine the car has, 'base' might mean something to some on here but there are several different engines, all with their own possibilities.

 

V8 car, normally aspirated 5.0 liter. Rattling sounds like incorrectly adjusted valves to my ear.

 

Or tensioners/chain guides are on the way out. A very common weakness in the AJ series V8 engines. I don't think they ever really solved the problem going back to the first versions installed in the '98 model year.

This is an interference engine. 1 tooth slip, it runs like snit. 2 and you're bending valves.

All of mine over the last 15 years have required, at about the 100K mark, work in this area. Your mileage may be different.

(Still better than the 24-month service life of the cam belt on a Lotus 907 engine...original specs called for replacement every 24K miles of 24 months!)

 

Current owner has documentation of 3 airbag recalls completed, and camchains and injectors serviced. After showing a video of a cold start to my mechanic, he said it’s like the noise of the mechanical injectors that we’re hearing. Car has 103k miles and dealer service records from day one. My mechanic and I think it’s a good deal on a beautiful and well maintained car. Thanks for reading, and I really appreciate your feedback.

 

It's a DI engine or what's known as a "Geisel". A gasoline Diesel. So all that noise is the very high pressure fuel injectors clicking away. Much louder when cold and will quiet down somewhat when the engine warms up.

Way different than tensioner noise too. They are noisy engines for sure!
I think if he has done the tensioners that is a sign of a well cared for car. BUT the real problems in these cars and engines is the cooling system and all those failure prone plastic parts.

With it being a 2012 I would bet he has replaced some and maybe all of the plastic parts by now but it's worth asking. You did not give us the miles but with the age I would plan on a transmission and rear diff fluid changes if they have not been done in recent times.

The 5.0L NA version is considered the "sweet" spot in XJ drive trains. It was a shame they dropped it and I have an XJR with the SC version!
As always if you can DIY the repairs owning a Jaguar will be a MUCH more pleasant experience.
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