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[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Yes, the dreaded derv has been banished but in some respects I actually quite liked it. Economy being one.

The good.

The new XF drives beautifully and handles like a good sports saloon should. The 8 speed ZF torque converter auto is excellent. Ride comfort on optional 20 inch wheels was impressive. Rear passenger legroom much better than my XF.

The car is at it's best between 1500 and 4000 RPM. 300 BHP is significant shove for an oil burner, but it's the 516 lb ft of 'stump pulling' torque that makes the car so effortlessly fast. Car is quiet and refined when cruising.

This particular example came with plenty of toys. Speed limit recognition was useful and accurate. I liked the adaptive dynamics where engine, gearbox, and suspension could be individually set. Probably wasted on a derv though.


The bad.

At start up, and just above idle, the agricultural 3 litre V6 lump made a noise similar to a school bus. It could be made to rev to a heady 4500 RPM but sounded strained. For most purposes it was 'dead in the water' by 4000 RPM giving a narrow workable power band.

The plastics and leather used for the interior are quite 'low rent' and inferior to the old XF.

Not a lot else really. An excellent car let down by a lorry engine and cost-cutting inside.

I' certainly buy one with the appropriate engine.

 



 

[Kevin Wood]

"Driving score"? Is it a car or a playstation?

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

"Driving score"? Is it a car or a playstation?

Apparently, Kevin, most derv owners are obsessed with fuel economy. Just look at that Tunnie chappy.

[Varche]

eight speed should be adequate for a diesel power band .

The driving score looked interesting. Please explain. Would kevin have got 25 or 75? Do you have to drive it for 40 hours before you get a darth vader?

Do you actually get to use the extra performance over say a V6 omega or even a decent Mondeo? I always remember the Transit van versus Clarkson in some decent car around Nurburgring. Admittedly he didn't know the track too well. 

[Marks DTM Calib]

eight speed should be adequate for a diesel power band .

The driving score looked interesting. Please explain. Would kevin have got 25 or 75? Do you have to drive it for 40 hours before you get a darth vader?

Do you actually get to use the extra performance over say a V6 omega or even a decent Mondeo? I always remember the Transit van versus Clarkson in some decent car around Nurburgring. Admittedly he didn't know the track too well.

Here is the interesting steer.....if you are willing to accept a slightly older car (2-3 years old), you can get the jag for the same money as a 6 month old Mondeo 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

eight speed should be adequate for a diesel power band .

The driving score looked interesting. Please explain. Would kevin have got 25 or 75? Do you have to drive it for 40 hours before you get a darth vader?

Do you actually get to use the extra performance over say a V6 omega or even a decent Mondeo? I always remember the Transit van versus Clarkson in some decent car around Nurburgring. Admittedly he didn't know the track too well.

The most economical drivers aim for 5.0 for braking or the lack of it. 5.0 for cruise and constant speed. And 5.0 for being gentle with the pedal on the right.

I managed 4.9 for the 'braking bit'

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

eight speed should be adequate for a diesel power band .

The driving score looked interesting. Please explain. Would kevin have got 25 or 75? Do you have to drive it for 40 hours before you get a darth vader?

Do you actually get to use the extra performance over say a V6 omega or even a decent Mondeo? I always remember the Transit van versus Clarkson in some decent car around Nurburgring. Admittedly he didn't know the track too well.

If memory serves the car was a Jaguar S-Type 2.7D driven by that half-crazed German bint.

[Varche]

"Driving score"? Is it a car or a playstation?

Apparently, Kevin, most derv owners are obsessed with fuel economy. Just look at that Tunnie chappy.

That comes from not being titled Lincolnshire gentry.

[tunnie]

Good report. 

I think XF/XJ is only real choice post 3.2, although I’m looking at 2010 plate XF-S examples. If the fox deal goes through.

But for now 3.2 will do, really beginning to love the 3.2. Now the 2.2 has gone it’s now becoming that special car!

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Good report. 

I think XF/XJ is only real choice post 3.2, although I’m looking at 2010 plate XF-S examples. If the fox deal goes through.

But for now 3.2 will do, really beginning to love the 3.2. Now the 2.2 has gone which it’s now becoming that special car!

It pains me to say it, Mr Tunnie, but even with a diesel lump under the bonnet you won't go far wrong with the new XF.

[2boxerdogs]

Can not see any point in having a prestige car with a diesel engine .

[Kevin Wood]

The most economical drivers aim for 5.0 for braking or the lack of it. 5.0 for cruise and constant speed. And 5.0 for being gentle with the pedal on the right.

I managed 4.9 for the 'braking bit'

.. and just my luck I'll be stuck behind them.

I always remember the Transit van versus Clarkson in some decent car around Nurburgring. Admittedly he didn't know the track too well shit. 

FTFY

[tunnie]

Can not see any point in having a prestige car with a diesel engine .

Cheaper road tax, better fuel economy. The V6 and V8 diesels are very smooth.

Often torque is better than BHP, think the diesel suits Range Rover better for example

[Doctor Gollum]

That last sentence is a given... Even the 2.2 DTi has as much torque as the 3.2

Still slow as shit compared to the petrol ones...

[tunnie]

Good report. 

I think XF/XJ is only real choice post 3.2, although I’m looking at 2010 plate XF-S examples. If the fox deal goes through.

But for now 3.2 will do, really beginning to love the 3.2. Now the 2.2 has gone which it’s now becoming that special car!

It pains me to say it, Mr Tunnie, but even with a diesel lump under the bonnet you won't go far wrong with the new XF.

Yup, cracking engines. Can't afford new XF. First generation only!

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

The most economical drivers aim for 5.0 for braking or the lack of it. 5.0 for cruise and constant speed. And 5.0 for being gentle with the pedal on the right.

I managed 4.9 for the 'braking bit'

.. and just my luck I'll be stuck behind them.

I always remember the Transit van versus Clarkson in some decent car around Nurburgring. Admittedly he didn't know the track too well shit. 

FTFY

On any motorway you'll see the derv drivers sat in the inside lane with cruise set to 56 MPH. Fingers tightly gripping the wheel, a thousand yard stare in the eyes.

The more deranged amongst them refuse to go home until they match the manufactures official economy figures.

[Nick W]

Can not see any point in having a prestige car with a diesel engine .

You're in a very small minority, as trying to buy a used one with a petrol engine will prove

[Varche]

Can not see any point in having a prestige car with a diesel engine .

You're in a very small minority, as trying to buy a used one with a petrol engine will prove

I can agree with you there

[Marks DTM Calib]

Can not see any point in having a prestige car with a diesel engine .

t means you can use it as your daily driver for 8+years when doing 25k miles a year without bankrupting yourself on fuel 

[henryd]

Good report. 

I think XF/XJ is only real choice post 3.2, although I’m looking at 2010 plate XF-S examples. If the fox deal goes through.

But for now 3.2 will do, really beginning to love the 3.2. Now the 2.2 has gone which it’s now becoming that special car!

It pains me to say it, Mr Tunnie, but even with a diesel lump under the bonnet you won't go far wrong with the new XF.

Christ Opti,it must have pained you to say that

[YZ250]

Yes, the dreaded derv has been banished but in some respects I actually quite liked it. Economy being one......

....but it's the 516 lb ft of 'stump pulling' torque that makes the car so effortlessly fast. Car is quiet and refined when cruising.

Pretty much says it all.     I sense that your resilience is weakening, and with good reason. 

The diesel economy means that you can do monster miles on a steady run without hitting your wallet too hard. It means that you can take a drive out with the family without constantly watching the fuel gauge and worrying about the fuel cost. All of them are plenty quick enough but the big engines are surprisingly quick.
Our current 3.0d has a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and I've been told that they will pull constantly all the way up to the limiter (70mph) on the A40 after a late-shift.... but I can't confirm that personally.    Although not great by any means compared to the two litre diesels of any chosen manufacturer, it will still return 50mpg on a run so not too shabby. The mid range grunt makes it quicker mid range than its petrol equivalent (even the M version ) so what's not to like. 
Luxurious, fast and economical, it is possible after all.  ( Unless you're TB, who manages to defy economy in an economical vehicle ) 
Where it can't compete is in the sound sector, that lovely sound the 5.0 XFR makes when it takes off might just make it worth it. 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Yes, the dreaded derv has been banished but in some respects I actually quite liked it. Economy being one......

....but it's the 516 lb ft of 'stump pulling' torque that makes the car so effortlessly fast. Car is quiet and refined when cruising.

Pretty much says it all.    I sense that your resilience is weakening, and with good reason. 

The diesel economy means that you can do monster miles on a steady run without hitting your wallet too hard. It means that you can take a drive out with the family without constantly watching the fuel gauge and worrying about the fuel cost. All of them are plenty quick enough but the big engines are surprisingly quick.
Our current 3.0d has a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and I've been told that they will pull constantly all the way up to the limiter (70mph) on the A40 after a late-shift.... but I can't confirm that personally.    Although not great by any means compared to the two litre diesels of any chosen manufacturer, it will still return 50mpg on a run so not too shabby. The mid range grunt makes it quicker mid range than its petrol equivalent (even the M version ) so what's not to like. 
Luxurious, fast and economical, it is possible after all.  ( Unless you're TB, who manages to defy economy in an economical vehicle ) 
Where it can't compete is in the sound sector, that lovely sound the 5.0 XFR makes when it takes off might just make it worth it. 

Er.....not really.

I'd still rather eat coal than buy a diesel with my own money. I merely suggested that for anybody choosing a car run on narrow boat fuel then the new Jaguar XF is worthy of consideration.

Long live petrol.

[BazaJT]

Don't know about elsewhere but round here diesel is now 5p per litre dearer than ordinary unleaded so that take a bit of the edge off the economy side of things,not much I grant you but some anyway.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Don't know about elsewhere but round here diesel is now 5p per litre dearer than ordinary unleaded so that take a bit of the edge off the economy side of things,not much I grant you but some anyway.

I also think that diesel cars become more expensive to repair as they age.

[STEMO]

Don't know about elsewhere but round here diesel is now 5p per litre dearer than ordinary unleaded so that take a bit of the edge off the economy side of things,not much I grant you but some anyway.

I also think that diesel cars become more expensive to repair as they age.

I don’t think that reall comes into the equation now, Opti. Modern Petrol and diesel cars are, more or less, bulletproof in the engine department. In fact, if it wasn’t for MOT and servicing, I doubt many of them would see the inside of a garage at all.

[YZ250]

.......
Er.....not really.

I'd still rather eat coal than buy a diesel with my own money. I merely suggested that for anybody choosing a car run on narrow boat fuel then the new Jaguar XF is worthy of consideration.

Long live petrol.

I am genuinely considering the XF as a replacement for the Omega in the future so thanks for the write up.  Not sure yet whether to keep it sensible and look for a late'ish 2.2/2.0 or do what I usually do and go for the non-sensible option. 
I would dearly love one like yours, if only for the noise  , but I would kick myself soon after due to the lack of economy.
I had never looked at the XF before but I've been looking recently and I am genuinely surprised at the reasonable prices that you can get a two year old XF diesel for. You get an awful lot of car for sensible money. 

[Nick W]

Don't know about elsewhere but round here diesel is now 5p per litre dearer than ordinary unleaded so that take a bit of the edge off the economy side of things,not much I grant you but some anyway.

I also think that diesel cars become more expensive to repair as they age.

I don’t think that reall comes into the equation now, Opti. Modern Petrol and diesel cars are, more or less, bulletproof in the engine department. In fact, if it wasn’t for MOT and servicing, I doubt many of them would see the inside of a garage at all.

Meanwhile, back in the real world............

[tunnie]

Fatty admins XJ will be one to watch, 12 months of his driving is about same as 10 years normal driving. 

So if his survives a year, it’s a good sign. 

[STEMO]

Don't know about elsewhere but round here diesel is now 5p per litre dearer than ordinary unleaded so that take a bit of the edge off the economy side of things,not much I grant you but some anyway.

I also think that diesel cars become more expensive to repair as they age.

I don’t think that reall comes into the equation now, Opti. Modern Petrol and diesel cars are, more or less, bulletproof in the engine department. In fact, if it wasn’t for MOT and servicing, I doubt many of them would see the inside of a garage at all.

Meanwhile, back in the real world............

Most people change their cars every five to eight years, so there shouldn’t be a problem. If you want to hang on to an aging rust bucket however...........

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Don't know about elsewhere but round here diesel is now 5p per litre dearer than ordinary unleaded so that take a bit of the edge off the economy side of things,not much I grant you but some anyway.

I also think that diesel cars become more expensive to repair as they age.

I don’t think that reall comes into the equation now, Opti. Modern Petrol and diesel cars are, more or less, bulletproof in the engine department. In fact, if it wasn’t for MOT and servicing, I doubt many of them would see the inside of a garage at all.

Meanwhile, back in the real world............

Most people change their cars every five to eight years, so there shouldn’t be a problem. If you want to hang on to an aging rust bucket however...........

Forty years from now the Omega could fall into this bracket.

[Nick W]

Most people change their cars every five to eight years, so there shouldn’t be a problem. If you want to hang on to an aging rust bucket however...........

Forty years from now the Omega could fall into this bracket.

They've been in that bracket for several years. It would have to be an exceptional Omega that is worth paying someone to weld.

[Rods2]

Nothing wrong with derv fueling those 2 or 3 cylinders as you are ploughing the field behind you. My BIL swears by them as a tractor driving farm labourer in Ukraine.

I can understand M'lud providing a derv drinking basic frugal pleb pool car for those unfortunates under his orders downstairs.

But, why would any other petrolhead and keen connoisseur of real drivers cars want one?

[Kevin Wood]

Fatty admins XJ will be one to watch, 12 months of his driving is about same as 10 years normal driving. 

So if his survives a year, it’s a good sign. 

When it comes to tractors, it'll be the ones that are used to pootle around in urban driving that'll suffer, of course.

[tunnie]

Fatty admins XJ will be one to watch, 12 months of his driving is about same as 10 years normal driving. 

So if his survives a year, it’s a good sign. 

When it comes to tractors, it'll be the ones that are used to pootle around in urban driving that'll suffer, of course.

True, I think high mile diesel examples often a better bet. As you know they've been used well.

[Viral_Jim]

Yup, I'd agree with this. Although I've not had any problems with the Volvo, mpg has improved, and the car runs better from cold nownits had 2 services and got 14,000 motorway miles under its wheels

[Kevin Wood]

Ahh. Volvo. That reminds me. Got to take a look at my brother's V50 2.0D some time. Complete basket case of limp home goodness that the main stealer have only made worse after throwing £2k worth of chin rubbing and random parts replacement at it.

I'd stick to your long commute, if I were you!

[2boxerdogs]

Nothing wrong with derv fueling those 2 or 3 cylinders as you are ploughing the field behind you. My BIL swears by them as a tractor driving farm labourer in Ukraine.

I can understand M'lud providing a derv drinking basic frugal pleb pool car for those unfortunates under his orders downstairs.

But, why would any other petrolhead and keen connoisseur of real drivers cars want one?

.   



My sentiments exactly I want a V8 that sounds & performs like one, bugger the cost of road tax or fuel I want to enjoy my driving 😀

[Marks DTM Calib]

Ahh. Volvo. That reminds me. Got to take a look at my brother's V50 2.0D some time. Complete basket case of limp home goodness that the main stealer have only made worse after throwing £2k worth of chin rubbing and random parts replacement at it.

The Pug Ford special, have fun!

[tunnie]

Nothing wrong with derv fueling those 2 or 3 cylinders as you are ploughing the field behind you. My BIL swears by them as a tractor driving farm labourer in Ukraine.

I can understand M'lud providing a derv drinking basic frugal pleb pool car for those unfortunates under his orders downstairs.

But, why would any other petrolhead and keen connoisseur of real drivers cars want one?

.   



My sentiments exactly I want a V8 that sounds & performs like one, bugger the cost of road tax or fuel I want to enjoy my driving 😀

But balance that against a say 20k annual miles and family to support. 

[2boxerdogs]

Nothing wrong with derv fueling those 2 or 3 cylinders as you are ploughing the field behind you. My BIL swears by them as a tractor driving farm labourer in Ukraine.

I can understand M'lud providing a derv drinking basic frugal pleb pool car for those unfortunates under his orders downstairs.

But, why would any other petrolhead and keen connoisseur of real drivers cars want one?

.   



My sentiments exactly I want a V8 that sounds & performs like one, bugger the cost of road tax or fuel I want to enjoy my driving 😀

But balance that against a say 20k annual miles and family to support. 

.   




Mortgage free & kids all flown so don't have those considerations, been there done that 😀

[Doctor Gollum]

Nothing wrong with derv fueling those 2 or 3 cylinders as you are ploughing the field behind you. My BIL swears by them as a tractor driving farm labourer in Ukraine.

I can understand M'lud providing a derv drinking basic frugal pleb pool car for those unfortunates under his orders downstairs.

But, why would any other petrolhead and keen connoisseur of real drivers cars want one?

.   



My sentiments exactly I want a V8 that sounds & performs like one, bugger the cost of road tax or fuel I want to enjoy my driving 😀

But balance that against a say 20k annual miles and family to support. 

Older car, so cheaper to buy and cheaper to tax... You could always have a smaller house too

[STEMO]

Nothing wrong with derv fueling those 2 or 3 cylinders as you are ploughing the field behind you. My BIL swears by them as a tractor driving farm labourer in Ukraine.

I can understand M'lud providing a derv drinking basic frugal pleb pool car for those unfortunates under his orders downstairs.

But, why would any other petrolhead and keen connoisseur of real drivers cars want one?

.   



My sentiments exactly I want a V8 that sounds & performs like one, bugger the cost of road tax or fuel I want to enjoy my driving 😀

But balance that against a say 20k annual miles and family to support. 

Older car, so cheaper to buy and cheaper to tax... You could always have a smaller house too

Go on, Tunnie, you know you want a smaller house and an older car 

[Kevin Wood]

Ahh. Volvo. That reminds me. Got to take a look at my brother's V50 2.0D some time. Complete basket case of limp home goodness that the main stealer have only made worse after throwing £2k worth of chin rubbing and random parts replacement at it.

The Pug Ford special, have fun!

Is this the one that has a habit of filling its sump with fuel?

[Viral_Jim]

Ahh. Volvo. That reminds me. Got to take a look at my brother's V50 2.0D some time. Complete basket case of limp home goodness that the main stealer have only made worse after throwing £2k worth of chin rubbing and random parts replacement at it.

The Pug Ford special, have fun!

Is this the one that has a habit of filling its sump with fuel?

Yup, amongst its other "little foibles". Mine otoh is a 5 cylinder lump of Volvo's own pig iron from yesteryear that will probably remain on the road until it becomes illegal to run a Euro3 car. No DPF to worry about

[TheBoy]

Fatty admins XJ will be one to watch, 12 months of his driving is about same as 10 years normal driving. 

So if his survives a year, it’s a good sign. 

Well over half way into that, nothing to report except door lock motors, and a couple of suspension bushes that were shagged before I got it.

The stupid tyre pressure monitors get all shitty for some reason, if you turn off TC, or launch the car, looking for a way to disable them.  Which reminds me, I need to plug in to reset them again. When I CBA.

[TheBoy]

And back to OP, you really need to try harder.

I've not managed to get mine to sub 30mpg over a tank yet, but got bloody close with a 30.1mpg last time around