Hi everyone,
As stated above, which one would be the best car for every day driving. I want a comfortable, fast, quiet, reliable, decent on gas for amount of performance.
Which one would you choose?

 

Newer is always better, but that's a question you can only answer.

Drive them both see what you like. They are two different vehicles.

 

I have owned a 2010 XF Premium Luxury w/5.0 385 HP V8, a 2011 XF 5.0 Supercharged 470 HP and just this week a 2012 XJL Portfolio 5.0 V8. I still have an 2004 XJ VDP.

The problem is they are all great cars. the main difference is space and high power or super-high power.

The standard 385 HP 5.0 makes the XF really FASTER than anyone would need in normal driving and gets very fuel good fuel economy. The V8 sound sells you.

When I traded up to the 2011 XF SC, I also tested the 510 HP XFR. The interiors were upgraded over the Prem Lux. The 470 HP XF SC makes it really-really so much faster than anyone would need in normal driving. It's really a cool car and more V8 sound really sells it. The XFR was so fast it required extra care in daily driving because of its hyper powerful 510 HP.

I traded the XF SC on a 2012 XJL Portfolio 5.0 385 HP. Having driven all and owned all three, the best driving, most comfortable, faster than you will ever need is the XJL 5.0. With the Aluminum construction it weigh a lott less even though it much longer than an XF. the XJL 5.0 is a really fast car and super comfortable. Generally most people around here drive is straight lines and for straight line speed and power its great. The comfort is world class surpassing the XF by a wide margin. The trunk is smaller than the XF with no pass through which may be a negative for you.

In any event get the 5.0 V8. They will not be available in 2014 and in any XF or XJ they are so good. The 5.0 V8 makes the 3.0 V6 SC seem so wimpy especially in an XJL. When you're in this class you want the V8 and I don't care about the V6 technical specs. I drove an A6 Audi Supercharged V-6 and Benz V-6. The 5.0 V8 closed the deal on going with the XF Jaguar for me. If I want PC and practical I'd have a Honda Odyssey minivan.

I won't be trading out of the XJL 5.0 V8 for a another Jaguar in the future. I'm keeping this one as well as the X350 4.2 V8 XJ VDP which is a classic and nowhere related to the new series. Biggest issue with the VDP is the CD Changer hangs up once and awhile. The obsolescence of the audio systems are more a factor, because iPods and phones charge every 9 months. In the end they all have 4 wheels and doors, ride great and look cool. It's about the look you're going for because until cars fly they won't be obsolete.

 

Purely in the category of in my humble opinion, I believe the XF to be a thoroughly more modern and contemporary expression of where Jaguar is and where it will go versus the X358 last gen XJ (with the exception of the aluminum construction), which seems antiquated to me in 2013. The 5.0 is a much more modern engine than the 4.2, though the XJR will have more ultimate supercharged power than the NA 5.0. Also, having had a couple Jaguars with the J gate shifter, I much prefer the newer approach... If you drive both vehicles, I think that will make your choice clear, in which direction, only you know.

 

Although the old series aluminum XJ is a fine car there is no doubt the new XJ is far better.

The XF is probably the better choice than the previous generation XJ for many reasons but there is no doubt the XJ, old or new, is a better engineered car than the XF. When the new gen all aluminum XF is released then any older generation XJ will be obsolete.

 

Here was my experience on the subject:


In summary, and after digesting it for some time, I'd say its XF all the way. From an overall driving perspective I just like it better. The amazing all aluminum chassis in the XJ I drove was sold short by a soft suspension and more conservative setup in general. It's important to point out that the XF is never as intrusive as an overstrung German or other performance car. Both are classy drives, the XF just feels more connected.

But, as stated, they are different cars, its really simple, just drive em and decide!

 

Was the loaner the new XJ or the old?

 

Ed, good to see you dropping in.

Congrats on the new cat. I have to say, I am surprised to see you giving up the 470hp in the XF.

Now that i have gotten used to NA XF, i have been wondering if i should have gotten the XF SC for the extra kick. Don't know why, but maybe just so if anybody asks how much power it's packing i can say 470....

But, you are absolutely right, the NA 5 liter has more than enough kick to it. Disable the traction control and you are in for a perilous voyage.

 

I had a 2010 XF (black) and currently own a 2012 XFR (white). Both are incredible cars. I love the V8 performance and exhaust note. The interior is elegant and clean - no clutter. I just drove over the grapevine which is a killer because of the grade. The XFR took the hill at 100 mph and I hit 130 at one stretch. It was effortless and scarey how easily you hit those speeds without a second thought. Both cars got/get a lot of compliments. Mileage is so-so but I don't care. I want the performance and the exclusivity. In Los Angeles performance imports are plentiful - but I have only seen 2-3 other XFRs on the road. I recently test drove an M6 and would not trade in my XFR for the M6 even if there was no out of pocket cost for me. So far the XFR has been trouble free but for a squeak in the chassis that no one can seem to track down. But it's hardly noticeable with the radio on. There's an occasional rattle from the center speaker when I hit rough road. But those are not deal breakers for me. Still love the car. I would certainly test drive all models you are considering as I have driven the XJL and consider it too big and clumsy. Just my 2 cents. Andrew

 

AJMARTIN: I had a squeak in my rear suspension (2010 XFR) and it was the control arm. Got it replaced under warranty. If you need specifics, just let me know.

 

New one

 

The OP wants to know about the previous generation Xj. The new model is X351

 

Yes, Kyanite - please message me with details or reply here. I will mention it to the service advisor on my next visit. I think they tinkered with the front suspension which helped temporarily and then with the sun roof which did nothing.

 

Here is a copy of the repair invoice that cured my noise. Hope it helps. And sorry for going off topic on the thread. Didn't see how to send the pdf through messaging.

 

Thanks!

 

Well,

I owned an XJR when they first came out in the summer of 03 (Sadly it was a lemon ) and I currently own a 5.0 NA XF as well as an 06 XJ8.

The XF and XJ8 are VERY different cars. I've always felt that the X300 felt much more "nimble" than the X308 and the X350, my XF feels even more nimble and responsive and is at least as fast as my X308 and X350 XJRs were. This engine is just flat-out incredible. The X350 has a plusher ride, is a nicer place to be on road trips; I find that it's a more "luxurious" car and has a much cushier ride to it. However the XF kills it in that it's a true 21st Century car, the X350 is really dated in comparison but if you like "old school" Jaguars it may be your cup of tea.

Don't get me wrong, I love both of them and my X350 in particular has been incredibly reliable, the only real failure it's had has been a piece of vacuum hose.

Put it this way, two friends of mine who own 5 series BMWs have driven my XF, both of them felt that my car was more responsive. I tend to agree. My best friend owns the new A6 3,0T and was blown away by how my car drove.

If I have to go to Vermont and have back roads to blast around? XF every time.

Now, the X350? If I have to drive a thousand miles on the Interstate I'll take that.

 

Interesting. The air springs on rear of the XJ certainly give a softer ride but the one I drove cornered very well.