Hi guys! Thinking about buying my first Jaguar. I'm driving a Skoda Superb at the moment as a rental and ride is nice, but the car is a bit soulless, hence not eager to actually buy one (even though it's probably a reasonable thing to do).

Looking at XF-s with budget for around 2013-15 model and eyeing the 3.0 diesel. A couple of questions related to that. Some "Sport" or "Sport-R" models available, but people seem to be put off by those? What's wrong with them, stiffer suspensions? Or just more mediocre trim levels? I do appreciate the ride quality over ride dynamics, so granite suspension is not something I look for.

Also, given I do most of my driving in urban environment the 177kW engine option is more than enough power I need. Though there are also plenty of 202kW S-models available. Is there a noticable fuel milage difference I should consider? Any other reason to prefer S-model over regular 177kW 3.0 diesel? Lots of 2.2L diesels also available but I have an understanding that 3.0L engine is far superior to that (with also less engine clattering which I hate), hence I have focused on 3.0 models.

Thanks!

 

You will probably get a better response to your question at the UK forum where they actually drive diesels.

https://www.jaginfo.org/forum.php

 

I changed from my old 96 4.0 liter xj6 Sovereign petrol to a 09 3.0d xf and I have no real complaints. The 3.0 l is certainly a much better option than the 2.2 or 2.7. For a diesel it's surprisingly fast, with great acceleration, superb road holding and all delivered at an average 40mpg. Build quality isn't as good as the old xj6, but the finish is neat and tidy, understated even. Road tax here in Ireland was a factor as €750 per annum for the xf is much better than the €1800 for the XJ.
No regrets and almost two years later I'm still enjoying it.

 

Not sure if the Euro specs are different, but here in the US, the XF was meant to be a "sport sedan". By 2011, non-performance oriented buyers had shifted to SUVs or crossover vehicles and virtually all mid-sized luxury sedans were reconfigured to target buyers who needed a back seat and wanted performance, but who could not afford both an SUV and a sports car. However, the XF (X250) was perhaps the only sedan on the market for which there is a "kit" to transform it back into somewhat of an actual luxury car. https://www.spires-st.com/product/xf...uspension-kit/ Granted, its not the "magic carpet ride" of the X308, but when combined with the right tire and wheel package (taller sidewall), ride quality is dramatically improved. Ironic that in my youth, I had to buy sports cars with "compromise" suspension for on-road comfort and modify them for SCCA autocross and now in my middle age, I have to buy a luxury sedan that would been considered "race ready" 30 years ago and modify it to insulate me from our deteriorating roads which haven't been repaired since I started driving.