Hello everyone! My beloved 2006 X-Type Sport (87K miles) was just totaled… 😢. So I’m looking for a replacement, and I’m looking at 2010 - 2016 XJs and XFs…which will be a definite upgrade for me.

I’d love to hear any suggestions/recommendations for someone looking at 2010-2016 XFs…

Are there some key production years like 2013 and 2016 where there were significant mechanical and technological improvements?

Also, as I’m transitioning from the X-Type, will I be happier with the more comparable size of the XF, as opposed to the larger XJ?

thanks for your suggestions!!!

 

Try to make sure you get at least two (2) working key fobs with the car you purchase.
Good luck with your search

 

My advice would be to buy the last year XF that same with the 3.0 V6. The new ones with the turbo 4 are seriously under powered.
Find one with the remained of the Jaguar new car warranty. That way you will know that the car is good shape.
I did that on all three of mine.
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Jaguar - it's not an automobile, it's a Motorcar
Current: '15 XF (X250) Portfolio AWD 3.0 (it's aubergine...)
2019 JCNA Class M Slalom 2nd-Place
2018 JCNA Class M Slalom 2nd-Place
Past B: '08 S-Type 4.2 "Satin Edition" (250.06 whp / 259.67 torque)
2015 JCNA Class M Slalom Champion
Past A: '05 X-Type 3.0/AWD Jaguar Racing Green

 

Check for certified XFs at jaguarusa.com. An 2018 w a 3.0 V6 and ~35k miles is priced ~$35K. It would come w the remainder of the original warranty.
Oh, I also saw 3 Wagons for ~$50K
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My karma just ran over your dogma
Current Hers: '13 Lexus ES350
Current Mine: '15 Jaguar XF (it's aubergine)

 

>Oh, I also saw 3 Wagons for ~$50K

Actually, they are called the XF Sportbrake ...
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Angle parked in a parallel universe

 

I would tend to support the advice to buy the newest car you can afford. But sadly, the newer XFs are no longer the beast that the old XF was.

Some noteable changes, 2010 saw the switch from the 4.2L v8 to the new 5.0L. The 4.2 was fully developed at that point and very reliable, tho now with age, probably would not compare all that favorably to 2015 v6 as far as reliability. 2012 was what we refer to as the "facelift" year which ditched the rounded headlight bubbles and hood sculpting that were a nod to the predecessor S-type. Its just personal preference which style you like best. 2012 was also the last year that you could get the naturally aspirated v8 with 385hp, tho the 510hp supercharged version continued on in the XF-R. In 2013, they almost quite literally just left a couple of pistons out of the v8 and put a supercharger on it to make up for the difference, only they didn't quite cover the whole difference as the v6 only came in at 340hp which is still quite respectable for a car this size. If you are an audiophile, in 2013 they switched from Bowers and Wilkins sound system to Meridian for the premium sound.

Whether you choose a 5.0L or 3.0L, either way, by around 10 years old or 60,000 miles whichever comes first, you need to replace all the PA66 nylon tubing and piping in the cooling system and clean the intake valves. They're also known to eat water pumps about every 30 to 50K miles. Maintenance records are a must on any Jaguar, but if an XF shows a recent water pump, then you know you are good for a while or if shows none or a long time ago, then plan on that pretty quickly. If you are a DIY'er its actually easier to change than an old small block chevy.

Now I had an X308 previously (and actually still have it, tho its effectively enjoying a well-deserved retirement as I wish I were) and did not update to the X351 specifically because of the size. Its a WHALE. Especially the LWB is comparable in scale to a Lincoln Town Car. The X308 was no bigger than a modern Accord or Camry as is the X250. The X351 would have barely fit in my garage and left no room to walk around it nor to get the lawnmower in and out without moving the car. Check the dimensions against your own garage before you buy an X351.

 

Is there an upgraded or newer design water pump for the 3.0 Supercharged engine? I've heard the pumps go out fairly often and thought there might have been an updated design? I have a 2014 3.0 with no pump problems yet but want to think ahead.

 

>Is there an upgraded or newer design water pump for the 3.0 Supercharged engine?

I might be wrong, but aren't most of the water pump problems with the V8s?
I'm hoping that the 3.0 doesn't have many of the same issues as the V8s.
================================================
Jaguar - it's not an automobile, it's a Motorcar
Current: '15 XF (X250) Portfolio AWD 3.0 (it's aubergine...)
2019 JCNA Class M Slalom 2nd-Place
2018 JCNA Class M Slalom 2nd-Place
Past B: '08 S-Type 4.2 "Satin Edition" (250.06 whp / 259.67 torque)
2015 JCNA Class M Slalom Champion
Past A: '05 X-Type 3.0/AWD Jaguar Racing Green

 

Actually there's been at least eight new part numbers for the water pump over the years. Not sure how many were design changes vs just supplier changes. But they've also issued technical service bulletins and parts to change hose routing to reduce pressures. I'm not convinced that there was ever anything really wrong with the pump, but rather I think there's just something amiss with the cooling system on this engine series. I don't have statistics, but anecdotally, it does seem here on the forum that the X250 5.0L is the most afflicted, tho other Jaguar models, and the 3.0L all have a few reported cases of frequent/multiple water pump failures.

I'm on number four and this last one I gave up on Jaguar and just bought a Beck Arnley off Amazon for like $99. It's lasted the longest so far (knock on wood). You can pay like $15 extra for a 3-year warranty. I think Autozone sells one under their house brand for north of $180 with a lifetime warranty. That might be the way to go if you are a DIY'er because you'd never have to pay for one again. After you've done it once, it's dead-simple to replace it. Back in the 60s, most v8s had all the engine accessory brackets attached to the front of the water pump so you had to remove three or four belts, the a/c compressor, alternator and power steering pump to access the water pump. On the X250, you just have to get the air filter boxes out of the way, then it's one serpentine belt (or I guess maybe two if supercharged), four tiny bolts and its off. Install in reverse. Actually the easiest water pump I've ever done.

 

Yes the upgrade from 6 speed to 8 speed ZF transmissions is a nice improvement. Think the 8 speed was introduced in 2013?
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