Anybody use one? I keep looking at the horribly expensive oem one, but it looks like it's no better than an aftermarket one. Main reason is that it seems like instead of anchoring into the trim panels on top, they strap around the top of the door jams. Is that right? I can only seem to find one image that's repeated everywhere for it.

 

Yep, the fit around the door jambs.
I bought a rack from Micks Garage and a roof box from Go Outdoors both for a reasonable price and probably half the price [or less] of the Jaguar models. Both were a total necessity and are still used occasionally.

It's a horrible look when they are installed .... and if it's only the roof rack then the noise is really nasty. Not so when the box is on too.

 

The xf has no hard points for attaching a rack or bars that's why they wrap around
Thule do a kit which is what I've got. It fits well and has never marked or scratched the car. I carry bikes and a roof box at times.

 

The official Jaguar rack is a re-badged Thule. Totally over-priced

I don't think any of the after-market options will damage the bodywork though.

 

That's interesting. I guess I just assumed it would.
That was my next question - do they damage the paint.

 

I got the Thule aero wing shaped bars. They've just released these as they are all black instead of the original silver colour. They fit really well and are relatively quiet... No damage to paint at all.