So I've been planning to buy my first Jag, a 2013 base with the new V-6SC/8-sp combo. However, I've come across a 2012 Supercharged demo with 4000 mi. that would allow me to get into it for about the same, or a slightly less purchase price or significantly lower lease rate. This will be mainly my wife's car and the extra MPG would be a bonus as she drives 12-15k/yr. I can get the color I want on the base but not the SC. The base appears to have adequate power. I know I should be salivating over the Supercharged version, as I normally would be all about the increased power, but the improvements in the Nav, possibly better ride and, as I mentioned, better efficiency and color choice of the base gives me pause.

What are your thoughts? Any other points points of consideration? Thank you.

 

It is a tricky question. I would go for the base and hope that maybe jaguar has finally fixed the dreaded roof creaks at the factory. But I doubt it because its a design flaw. But don't be surprised how much that 2013 will quickly depreciate as you can tell by the price of the 2012 sc. I have a 2012 xjl non supercharged It has plenty of power. Better looking wheels and rides better than a sc with the 20 inch wheels. If you are going to do a lot of city driving. You really won't get a chance to appreciate the power of the sc and will be wasting lot of gas. I'd get the 2013 base with the v6. But the 2013 aren't here yet to test drive. Or have you driven one ?

 

[QUOTE=Venture;596715 But the 2013 aren't here yet to test drive. Or have you driven one ?[/QUOTE]

No, the cars are set to arrive within the next two weeks with the one I'm considering due in the first part of November. I may get a chance to drive it but if I choose the demo route I need to act before that.

 

I'd wait and test drive. There are plenty of 2012's on the market with low mileage.

 

Anyone who says that "you cant use the power" of a supercharged engine (sorry if this offends people) is just not a performance oriented driver. I live a VERY urban area and appreciate the supercharged torque daily. In fact, when I test drove both cars, I found the base engine to FEEL underpowered. From what I understand the 2011's had the roof problems and the 2012's dont. I have a 2012 and havent had any roof related problems. Also how can ANYONE say that the 19" wheels LOOK better than the 20" wheels? I personally think that the 20" wheels ride fine, but it appears that Jaguar has a demographic that really craves Lincoln town car cloud like ride quality. Different demographic than the Mercedes AMG/BMW M crowd that I came from.

 

I agree with the poster that recommended waiting for the test drive of the 2013s. If I knew that the 2013s would come out with an improved ride I would have waited and passed up the great deal I got on my new 2012. Also, I bet, the 8 speed transmission will produce a good 2-3 MPG more for highway driving, which will make some difference over the yearly driven mileage you indicated.

I'm sure the deal on the 2012 is tempting but, you will, no doubt, find one in the future if you wish, as there are plenty of XJs on the market. I had both the supercharged model for day and my normally aspirated XJL and all I can say is that 385HP is more than enough for my ex-race car driver background. It passes cars on my local winding roads like a scolded cat and MT tested it to 60MPH in 4.9sec. Just a few years ago that time would have been excellent for the fastest Porsches and Ferraris. The only thing I would be looking out for when test driving the V6 SC car is to make sure that the small 3.0 liter engine feels relaxed for most driving. You do not want a buzzy engine that lives in the high RPM range in a car, such as the XJ.

Albert

 

go with the 2012 supercharged...you wont regret it

 

Sorry to inform one of the previous poster response. I have a 2012 and it has roof problems. It's not just the 2011's. anyone buying a 2013 xj should inquire if and how they have fixed the roof problems at the factory.

 

I have to agree. If you are performance oriented you will appreciate the supercharged engine and the firmer ride (and yes, I have driven a base model). The look of the 20" wheels is also far superior IMHO--obviously that is the only reason to get them, but that's okay. Concerning the roof problems, mine (2011) was fixed permanently ages ago and no noise since--I am convinced that you are hearing from the vocal minority on this forum about this issue and they have not gotten a competant dealer to correct the problem. It can be fixed.

 

I had mine fixed 3 times at momentum here in houston. Where did you have yours fixed?

 

You may want to check with your dealer regarding delivery times as they only were able to order cars starting 2 weeks ago. If anyone still has roof creaks there a fixes if done properly fix the noise. The design flaw mentioned was fixed on the production line. The difference between a 2012 XJL SC is you get a car with most all options standard, factory maintenance & the 6 speed trans. The 2013 will get you a car that you will have to find with the options & color you want as the possibilites are endless. The 2013 will give you the option of awd with standard 8 speed trans & stop/start technology. I would go for the 2012 you will be much happier. I am on my second supercharged XJL & love the car.

 

If you owned (or leased?) a Jag within the last 2 years you are also eligible for a $5,000 Jaguar Loyalty Rebate on a 2012 XJ or XJL SC.

 

The S/C car is equipped with basically everything......heated/cooled seats front and rear.....massaging in the front, suede headliner etc......not to mention the engine!
Take the demo if it is a color combo that you like and when YOU get to drive it, you will be thrilled that you did! I promise.

 

I do business at the north store--I am not overly impressed with the southwest (Momentum) and central stores. They are all owned by Sonic Automotive.

 

That may apply only if the car has not been punched.

 

This applies to new or untitled demos.

 

So the supercharged demo sold. However, I have come across a nice used 2011 Supersport with 20k miles on the clock, which is my preferred color choice for around the same $ as the demo was. I have looked at the vehicle history report and it has had numerous warranty repairs such as the sunroof (thank goodness) but also steering column replaced, roof console replaced, hood latch replaced, stereo speaker replaced and coolant reservoir replaced. So I am wondering if this is typical of these cars or if this is just a poor specimen. Since I don't want to have the most beautiful car in the shop, what do you think?

 

Sounds about average. The hood latch repair fixes the rattle in the front right side dash. I had that done and it has styled fixed. The sun roof repair. I'd test drive to make sure that fix worked. Sometimes it works. Sometimes not. Not sure what the roof console repair is? Let me know if you figure that one out. I'd be more concerned or ask questions bout the steering column being replace and the coolant leak or reservoir being replaced.