XF buyer’s guide

[Nick0]

Hi guys, I’m looking at buying a 3 litre diesel XF (2010).
It’s very low mileage (vosa checked, no mot advisories), and has no service history, the dealer says the previous owner was elderly, and lost it’s book. Cosmetically it’s a bit lacking, typical London car, but drives really nicely, all electrics work, and there’s no water in the spare wheel well.
I spoke to a London based specialist (very nice chap called Paul) who said the engines are largely excellent and reliable, that the banana arms wear quickly, and that was all I remember really. I’m factoring in getting timing belt asap.
I’ve never had a jag, or a diesel before. What else should I be double checking?
With thanks and hoping to join the club soon,
Nick

[Tomato]

Very low mileage diesel would worry me as they need to be driven to stop them clogging. How many miles has she done?

Would also be a little nervous with no service history, engines are good, but like most cars need to be serviced regularly.

When you say cosmetically lacking, what does that mean, does the exterior/interior look like the low mileage.

Car may be perfect, but what you describe would trigger some alarm bells to ask more details. If car has been serviced by Jaguar franchise, may find service history online through Jaguar, my entire service history is on their system.

[Bill C]

I also own a 2010 XF 3.0 D. Mine has done 67500 miles andi I am the second owner. It drives really well but I have reluctantly made the decision to sell it as I am getting increasingly frustrated at the warning messages that appear on the screen. They are not actual faults as they appear and disappear regularly. So, I would ask the seller if he has had any similar experience to date.

Another potentially expensive fault is the Exhaust Gas Regeneration Valves, which cause loss of power - Jaguar dealers will charge £1000+ to replace them.

Good luck.

Bill

[Nick0]

19 minutes ago, Bill C said:

I also own a 2010 XF 3.0 D. Mine has done 67500 miles andi I am the second owner. It drives really well but I have reluctantly made the decision to sell it as I am getting increasingly frustrated at the warning messages that appear on the screen. They are not actual faults as they appear and disappear regularly. So, I would ask the seller if he has had any similar experience to date.

Another potentially expensive fault is the Exhaust Gas Regeneration Valves, which cause loss of power - Jaguar dealers will charge £1000+ to replace them.

Good luck.

Bill

Thanks Bill

[Nick0]

12 hours ago, Tomato said:

Very low mileage diesel would worry me as they need to be driven to stop them clogging. How many miles has she done?

Would also be a little nervous with no service history, engines are good, but like most cars need to be serviced regularly.

When you say cosmetically lacking, what does that mean, does the exterior/interior look like the low mileage.

Car may be perfect, but what you describe would trigger some alarm bells to ask more details. If car has been serviced by jaguar franchise, may find service history online through Jaguar, my entire service history is on their system.

Thanks Darren. It’s done 35k miles, 4k since 2014!

cosmetically; scrapes and scuffs to bodywork mainly.

think i might do well to spend some money on an independent inspection.

[Coolcity]

That is low. 7-8 months ago I bought mine, 09 plate 3.0 diesel XF and it had the DPF Full warning on when I picked it up. Took 150 miles of motorway driving to clear it but the warning came back every couple of weeks and eventually wouldn't clear.

It turned out that the DPF filter was blocked which I put down to the low mileage. Mine had around 50k miles on when I bought it, but had only done 4-5000 miles over the previous 4 years so obviously hadn't been on any long motorway runs, and had probably been used just to run round to the shops in. 

I had the DPF filter removed and cleaned by these guys and it's been fine ever since. Never had any other problems with it and it's easily the best car I've ever had. Have not regretted the purchase even after having to get the DPF filter removed (and added new tyres), dealer was naff but the car is superb and feels pretty bulletproof. 

Only thing I would say is be very wary of a low mileage car with no service history. You would still be getting a very good car with twice that mileage on it as long as it's been well maintained. Never buy the first one you look at!