My 2006 MB e350 is nearing the end of its life and the XF recently caught my eye.

Been impressed with the performance, fit & finish and used car values for the 2012 model year.

If you don't mind, would folks please let me know about their experiences with this model and year? Anything I should watch out for in a used XF?

Thank you!
Chip

 

You can not beat the 5.0 normally aspirated V8 for smoothness and for plenty of power. I envy the 8sp transmission in the '13 XF but, would not trade my 6sp, V8 for the new V6.

I own both a '12 XF and a '12 XJL. The whole drive train, brakes and much of the electronics are the same for far less cost. The XF is the better handler of the two with excellent steering feel and agile handling. In all honesty, I love the luxury of the XJL more but, I prefer to drive the XF.

As you probably know, the '12 XF received a facelift and updates all around. I think it is a good choice.

 

I don't know if there's anything to really "watch out" for in the 2012 models. With any 2012 model, you are most likely going to have a good amount of factory warranty left. I have a 2011 XF S/C and I wanted a 2012 because of the facelift, but it wasn't in my budget because I was only looking at the supercharged and xfr models. What model trim are you looking at? I recommend the supercharged or xfr version if it's in your budget. A lot of the upgrades are standard with those two models not to mention the extra hp.

 

My 2012 XF S/C has been nothing but fun, joy and complements. I can't help but let her loose every now and then and it still thrills me every time. If I have a complaint it would be you can't watch DVD's while driving and with the power under your feet that was a very very smart move by Jaguar.

 

If you are considering the NA 5.0 V8 models, I would take the time to sit in and understand the differences between the base and Portfolio interiors. I was initially set on buying a 5.0 S/C, and when I switched to the NA V8, I was caught off guard by the difference in interior quality, not having paid attention to base vs. Portfolio trims (which the V8 S/C models have by default). The base interior didn’t seem quite up to spec for this segment, though to be fair, it’s been some time since I’ve sat in a German mid-sizer that wasn’t fully loaded and leathered-up, so their basic trims might be comparable.

The Portfolio interior has a much a higher grade of leather, more surfaces covered in actual double-stitched leather (some of the base trim looks to be synthetic), suedecloth headlining, and completely different seats. After sitting comfortably in a V8 S/C, I was instantly miserable in the base seats- not because of less adjustability, but because the design and fit are intrinsically quite different. In general, I would argue that seat comfort is a make or break priority, and idiosyncratic to individual habitus, so be sure to try them out; I’m sure some folks would be more comfortable in the base seat design over the Portfolio’s, and visa versa. Another potential knock against the more expensive model, given posts in the forums about the full leather dash pulling away or the suppler leather in the seats stretching out, is that the “bond grain” leather and synthetics in the base model might actually be more durable. Very nice leathers can require more care.

I’d guess more than a few NA V8 shoppers (and certainly reviewers) gloss over the Portfolio model without fully understanding the differences in interior specs; the base trim doesn’t look bad at first glance, but if you’ve spent time in both or in an XJ, the difference in quality is obvious. Brand new, the price difference was not trivial, so I’m not saying it’s definitely worth it, but it is definitely worth understanding the difference so you can make an educated decision.

 

Great points on the interior. My XFR is soooo much more luxurious than the base loaners I've been in.

 

Yeah, it's pretty rough in the loaner base seats after riding in the good ones all the time.

 

Mine has been trouble free for two years and 15K miles.

 

I have the '12 XF Base. I have no problems with the interior quality. It is very comfortable and quiet. It has every thing I need. It does have the proximity key sensor option. Only issue I had was the common creaking from the sunroof area. Dealer ordered the "kit" to fix this and all has been perfect. Great power and I get more complements on the car (Claret colour) than any other car I have owned.

 

Thanks all; pleasantly surprised by the positive responses on reliability.

Took an 2012 XF 5.0 V8 out for a test drive and found it to be heaps of fun to drive and an incredibly great car.

Amazed that they depreciate so quickly, but one person's loss is hopefully my gain.

Will post pics of the new ride in 3-4 weeks once purchased.

 

Do it......love these cars..

 

Getting closer; have a line on a GREAT deal...

 

had an XF for 3 years, issue free.

the only thing id say to look out for is the warped leather on the dash from too much sun exposure.