Should You Buy a Jaguar XFR? Why It's The Stupidest Smart Thing for £20,000 

This man’s work rate is second only to BMW’s new grill pr department

We bought one new in 2010 and still own it. It has been a FANTASTIC car. My wife has no desire for anything new south of a Bentley because the power, interior quality, and general feel of this car is SOOO good!

I love these, Great exterior and interior, those Aston taillights are on point and the front looks mean, lovely calm cruisers with plenty of power on tap, shame the first gen XF R-S versions are as so rare to see. 542bhp was nothing to sniff at. It is a big car though I remember being in a 1st gen 3.0 XF and it feeling large and heavy in comparison to the nippyness of a 2.0 E90 3 series, though the oversized custom rims it had probably didn’t help there either. Despite the illusion of being a big lump power delivery was effortless, went like a train even on the non sporty engine, and it was miles ahead in refinement, felt like it always wanted to go faster, low speeds felt slower than usual it was so relaxed inside like the engine was barely even having to make an effort to maintain normal road speeds. Plus one of the few cars you can get a proper Wood and Leather interior that doesn’t feel cheap plastic’y and generic.

Seems a balanced review. Two XFR's - one pre facelift 6 speeder, and the current 14 plate facelift 8 speeder - have been my daily drivers for 7 years now, I put 50k miles on each. The facelift version feels more different than I expected. Minor air con issues on the first one aside, they have been totally reliable and they just deal with UK roads so well, while being great fun to drive - even with all the electronics switched on, they are quite tail happy..... On winter tyres they are hilarious. I have driven into Europe many times in them, especially the current speed pack equipped car, which I took to the eastern edge of Germany the weekend just gone. You can't sniff at 2500 rpm at 120mph, or being easily able to top 30mpg on a run if being more sensible... I find the stereo, switchgear and infotainment all so much better than on later Jags, and generally these Ford-based XF's seem a lot more reliable than the later all Aluminium / all Jaguar ones........... I massively recommend them and will have to spend a lot more to get something similar when the current one moves on. Only something like a Giulia QF has the same playful RWD, decent ride (an M4 owning friend was shocked how comfortable the XFR is) and slightly different feel to ze Germans. You may have one near you, but XFR's are rare, fast German machines are everywhere. That was a big part of the appeal of the 156GTA I once had, and also with this car.

Great video, I have had mine for 11 years now has been very reliable, used as a second car for fun and is a keeper

So a story my dad tells, is he was in a hotel for a convention, Ian Callum was there at the bar and had asked opinions on the original XF design, my dad and others explained they hated how it didn't have the iconic jag headlamps and that's how the original got the large bulge in the lights to mimic Jags of old. I for one am very happy they refined the lights in the face-lift

Jags always have some issues but at least this era of Jags aren't prone to catastrophic failures like say, the BMW M5 V10-versions. And for me (a Merc & Porsche guy) I would ALWAYS choose a Jag. Why? For us non-Brits it's always more exotic choice. Jags simply have that "something" that BMW and Audi can never quite capture. Maybe it's "soul". But Jags are like beautiful mistresses... never come cheap. But at least it's not a disaster waiting to happen like E60 M5. Cheers. Lovely car.

Timeless design and the interior is enough modern,some will say it feels dated but its just calssy. The v8 is amazing and punchy! :D Great video!

I would love to have seen this video on a blue sky day. Obviously, the weather can’t be helped, but it sure looks miserable. Love the quotes and quips in this review. Very comical!

Great video homie! Love the fact that you’re making money doing what you like. Inspiring.

Finally been waiting for you to make a video on this gen xfr

What a great looking thing. Looks better than the current xf personally.

I have a 2010 xfr in spectrum blue, best car Iv owned !

I remember watching the TopGear review of the XFR when it was first launched and it was pitted against the M5. Clarkson said “Is it better, no, but as good as? That’s as high as praise can get”. Having been lucky enough to drive one, I absolutely agree and would have one myself if I didn’t do so many miles in a year.

These are much better built than the newer ones in my experience. My SV8 was very reliable, parts and labour also quite cheap. Interior mostly well built, it's sooooo refined that a small rattle or noise will be noticed though. When I used to get mine serviced and got a Range Rover/fpace/epace/xe or new xf courtesy car, I was always glad to be back in the old XF. More comfortable, better handling, faster, nicer engine and didn't rattle and feel like it was about to fall apart like the newer cars.

7:14 This made me genuinely lol! Another informative, and very entertaning review, Keep up the good work :D

Great video and a great car I own the 2010 jaguar XFR with a remap .pumping out 590 horsepower ..all this luxury with a great ride and all these special unique features you can't find on any other car.. this is definitely the biggest Bang for your buck out there

Nice car. I had an XFR-S from new which took this platform up a level again. The taughtness of that chassis was spectular - and it was such a playful car at normal road speeds. The XFR-S gained the steering rack (and its more feely valving) from the F-Type, as well as the gearbox valving from same and the front uprights, bigger front wheel bearings and hubs were taken from the XKR-S.

When I can't sleep Jayemm's waffling sends me off nicely. Probably sounds like a rip, but it isn't. I'm always interested in what he's got to say. It's just very relaxing for some reason. ☺😌😴

Such a tempting proposition!!

Sold mine and got an ftype. Great car, family loved it. Back end spins out on the slightest touch of the go fast pedal. I prefer the handling of ftype...but its 510bhp of crazy and will make you smile. In fact i spotted my old one on autotrader this week. Red one with redinterior and stage 2 spire exhaust. Loud as a missile.

Very nice car. I'd also want it in the BRG. Keep up the good work.

Bought one a year ago. Absolutely love it. Had a X308 XJR before that. Also loved that one 😉

I had a 13 reg XJR/S Auto 550 BHP for a few months last year. 80k miles, full service, portfolio spec and only 22k. It is a beast!! And one of the few I wish I had kept. Interesting you bought the Maserati at a similar time. I bought a 10 reg Quattroporte 4.7 GTS. Out of interest have you tried the XF 3.0/S Diesel in Portfolio trim. It is a very pacey and well planted drive. I had another 13 reg with 72k on the clock and over six months had a few lovely long drives. Very reliable, great drive on the motorway and fantastic fuel economy. Very well balanced, should you find one looked after and well maintained. This and the 635d represent fantastic value at the moment and the best of the mid luxury used market.

I've wanted one of these for years. I've watched this review, along with just about every other video of the XFR on RU-vid. I finally saved enough money in my secret savings account to buy one and (after declaring my savings to the missus and the ensuing argument) bought myself a lovely metallic black 2012 facelift model on Sunday. Even better, it came complete with Spires exhaust, which was on my wishlist too, Bowers & Wilkins 1200w stereo, black leather and carbon fibre trim (instead of wood) and full Jaguar service history. I'm over the moon. *** Edit - 6:30 - the red one at Motorhub that you make reference to is still for sale and has been for the approximately 4 years I've been looking for one***

Can’t wait for the video on the car you brought to the meet🙏🏻

Very good review , thanks.

I had a 2014 luxury model, great car, in 4 years I had it and 40000 miles, the only issue was one of the vent motors stopped working. Jag had me in straight away, even offered me some lunch, have me an fpace for the day. I'm 6 foot, had no issues with it for space with my family. Now have a 2022 xc60, had more issues with this in 6 months then i did in 4 years with the jaaaaag

I had a XF V8 (the 5.0l NA variant) and as for reliability, it never missed a beat, daily driver for 8 years. Loved that engine so much, smooth, sweet, and power on tap when you needed. My actual car was featured in the June 2021 Jaguar World Mag, sold it shortly after, which still pains me.

I bought a facelift XF R-Sport two years ago and I love it. It's only got a 2.2 litre diesel engine, which wouldn't normally have been my first choice, but I got a good deal on the car and don't regret it. It doesn't sound overly diesel-like and there's a bit of a growl when you put your foot down. Plenty of grunt too- I was surprised how well it accelerates from 30 to 50 or 50 to 70, particularly with the cruise control. It's a nice place to sit and its starting performance with the air vents and gear selector never fails to please. Plus all the toys you need. What convinced me to buy this one was fuel consumption- it averages around 44mpg in normal driving and it's achieved 55mpg on a motorway journey, including town traffic at both ends. And it's a Jaaag!

Bought one 4 years ago, love it. However the saying should go 'You can't be a petrol-head unless you've had an Alfa or a Jaaag'. So far I've had to sort out.....3 windows regulators, ignition coils, heated seat, air conditioning leak, passenger door handle, and the supercharger snout. Still love it, can't help it.

You're so right Jay. Would love an xfr, they still look so slick and sound stunning

I have a 2006 300C SRT8 and thinking of buying the Jaguar thanks for the review!!

Excellent review! As an XF owner myself, I agree with almost everything you've said. I've had zero (knock on wood) problems with my XF and would recommend them to anyone. Here in Japan, they aren't as popular so heads do turn whenever I drive by. 😎 Thank you for another extensively covered review!

I have one in Italian racing red with the black pack, absolutely epic car !

Great video as always! I used to own a black XF SV8. Loved the supercharged whine in concert with the V8. It was very 'tail happy'. Did cost me a bit though in maintenance costs, so sold it. Currently own an Audi S6, 4.0TT V8. Great car, although I won't rule out trying an XFR before they become too rare/expensive.

Some people dream crave of this spec. So congrats on this car. It's stunning! Enjoy it! ;)

Good review.

Another great review, if you're interested in getting one, get yourself a test drive now! Finally he's right about JLR build quality....but pay attention to the detail of his comments...I owned two 5.0 XK's the first 2011 was superb, the second 2014 less so, and my recent 2020 Evoque (sorry!) has seen me take on voluntary work for JLR as a quality control manager(!). Perhaps someone could tell me when a warranty become the time period a customer has to complete and finish the car...I suspect with JLR it was circa 2014?

"In the Worrrld" 😆 Nice one.

I have a XF -S…..absolutely awesome 🍒

I've just bought a 64 plate one in white with only 31k miles OMG it is amazing 👏 🙌 😍 510 bhp.

I find with a lot of Jaguar models that they become appealing once they’re not in production any more, obvious exceptions being the X Type and early S Type.

Hey! We recognise that window sticker 👀😂

Totally agree regarding steering - think the wheel itself is 50% of the issue. Also watch out for pre facelifts, the wheels are extremely easy to buckle!

Never been a fan of the styling. There’s something off about the headlights. Anyways, love your honesty and what you love about cars, pretty much share the same feelings! Thank you for this video.

Really nice carrr. You have to add an extra R to get the best Jaaags in my opinon.

"Jags, no one buys them, but I saw them everywhere including my neighbour" 😁

My dream Jag. I have a 2011 XF 3L V6 diesel S and it is just great.

Great video, thank you! In Germany you can get the new XF with a 380hp V6 petrol engine. I would be interested in your opinion on that car! Of course it won't be anywhere near as fun, but I do think it is a more recent interesting proposition!

Got an XF R-SPORT (2016 model with 92k on the clock). Last August went on a 2 week holiday driving from Manchester to Venice with my family. The car was fully loaded in the boot/trunk & there wasn't a single problem. They're great cars with an undeserved reputation for being unreliable. Glad I made the decision to buy one

I occasionally drive the early XF and I love the v6. All I can say :)

Ha ha, I had a Jag XJ8...it was a lottery at start up....regular walks home irr taxi's lol. However, loved it and looking at Jags again (after a 10 year break!)

Great video. I’m a Jag nut but I wouldn’t buy anything from 2015 onwards, bar the F-Type. The current XF and XE lost that quality look and feel inside and out, that this XF had in spades. The introduction of the new Ingenium engines and the current range sent Jag quality and reliability spiralling down. I’ve owned XJ40, X300, X-Type, S-Type and this shape XF and never had any issues, bar little niggles. I now drive a Volvo as a daily. I’d have another XF like this one, or an XK as a second car. Never a new Jag as a daily again and it makes me very sad.

The XE SV project 8 makes up for there not being a V8 2015 alloy XF. Looking forwards to seeing you test drive it!

I can agree about the rear leg room. I am 6'1" and like to stretch out. When there is someone sat behind me, I have to adjust my seat position. Mine is a XF Sportbrake 3.0D S Portfolio and for such a size car, you would have expected more rear leg room. Anyway, that is my only gripe. It's a Jaag!

Glad to see you like a nice tidy Growler on the wheel

I bought a 2016 Jaguar XF Prestige in Hawaii in July of 2019. I loved it at the beginning. The first problem I had was the rims were 19" and scared up so I did lots of research and found the rim and tires I wanted. There were 18" and the tires I wanted came in the correct size. I bought the rims and made my appointment at Jaguar of Honolulu. When I took the car in they told me that they can not swap out the rims because I did not buy them from their dealership (The ONLY Jaguar dealership in Hawaii). I explained that I spent $2,000 US dollars on the rims and basically begged them, but they were firm and did not do the work. I took my Jag to GoodYear in Pearl City and begged them to switch the TPS sensors from the old rims to the new rims and do a wheel alignment. They agreed to switch the TPS sensors but told me they can not do work on Jaguars (At all not even oil changes). In fact, I quickly learned that no shops of any kind will do any work on a Jaguar (Fast Lube, Jiffy Lube, No one will do oil changes). Jaguar of Honolulu charges about $900.00 to service the car and do an oil change (information I found out after I was already STUCK with the car). I scheduled another appt with Jaguar to do the wheel alignment and fix the doors which were suddenly not locking anymore. At the appt I was told that the reason my doors stopped locking was the door actuators went bad. They replaced them on (2) doors and I paid the $2,000 bill making my Jaguar start to leave a dent in my wallet. This brings my investment to over $4,000 dollars plus the (4) new tires and I just bought the car! I should also say that I bought the car with 25,000 miles just for complete understanding. Door locks should not be breaking at 25k miles. That is insane!!!! Ok, so after paying the bill I walk out to my car and there is a huge 5 inch long area of scratches and missing paint at the bottom of one of the doors they fixed. I got so mad it was difficult to contain my rage after the bill I just paid. They did NOT discount the work after admitting they damaged my car. They could not even fix it that day because they had to schedule with an outside vendor for paint repairs. So I had to bring it back in a few weeks. In the meantime every time it rained my doors they started filling up with water or when I washed the car too.!!! At the next appt they (sort of fixed the paint damage). I could tell where they damaged it and they cleaned out the doors so they stopped filling up with water. This bill was no charge (Thank God!!). That was all in the 1st year of ownership. Now fast forward to now in Nov 2023. My Jag started leaking coolant. I made an appointment to Jaguar of Honolulu and the quote for the repair was $7,000 US dollars. I am not even finished making payments on the car and I have only driven the car 28,000 miles since I bought it!!! The Odometer is at 53,000 miles!!!! Explain to me how it has a 7,000 dollar coolant at 53K miles??? I own a 2006 Toyota Tacoma (I am the only owner) with 160,000 miles and only paid for breaks, oil changes, and a couple of battery replacements. How on Earth is Jaguar built so BAD????? I called Subaru and told them my 2016 Jag was in perfect condition and asked them how much they would give me to trade it in and you know what they said? Sorry, we won't take Jaguar for trade-ins. You have to sell it on your own. Are you freaking kidding me here!!!!!! I hate Jaguar and I will never ever have anything good to say about them ever again. I have to find a way to get out of this nightmare car!!!!! Any thoughts???

I googled motor hub and did have a laught at the reviews hahaha good to know

hi jay, i bought a 2014 xfr 3 months ago and i love it to bits, ive had scoobys for the last 10 years and with petrol cars being banned in 8 years i simply had to try a V8. my 1st choice was the f10 m5 but the prices are silly high at the minute. i paid £28k for mine with 50k on the clock through the approved used scheme. its my 1st v8 and i find it simply fantastic as a daily driver which quenches my petrol-head thirst at the same time. its fantastic

You are spot on with the reason turbo charging comes down to emission tests. Under load, superchargers are extremely inefficient compared to a turbo charger at the same power level and will produce a lot more emissions - this doesn't really reflect real life driving because most of the time cars are running at low to no boost.

Hi everyone, I own XF 5.0 V8 non supercharged 2011 model I’ve had absolutely nothing go wrong with this car, it averages 10 liters to an 100kms around town, and on the highway 7 to 8 liters to 100kms, it’s fast, it’s reliable, it’s smooth riding and extremely quite and comfortable to travel in! What’s not to love!

The "2012 face lift" made a difference and they changed the headlights since the ones they originally ordered were at last available. Since then I have wanted only an XFS, not the R. Forget the alloy ones give me a 2014 XFS 5.0 somebody please and I'll promise to be good all year. Honest! Nice report Jay.

Had an xj James nothing but trouble with it lovely car

2:30am PST and I'll watch any, 'Jay says "Jaaaaaag"' episode...

I do take issue with the unreliability comments. I've driven jags since 2002, in that time I've had an xj6, xjr, 2 xtypes, an xfs, xe and now got an F type. Running those vehicles sometimes to north of 100k miles I've never had a major failure or breakdown. My xf needed a door lock, the xtypes a few suspension bushes. That's it other than routine servicing.

HI Jay, what didn't you like about the XJR ??, I'm looking at them now it would be good to know what you found off putting.

insane how there are very many examples (pre 2012) for sub £10000.

Goa a 2016 XF R-sport and use it as a daily driver. no problems so far.

Thanks!

This is a timely video. I'm currently tearing my hair out trying to decide between XKR and XFR. My head says XFR is all the car you ever need. I do love having usable back seats and back doors. But my heart says XKR... No kids to worry about. When else in my life will I be able to daily a sexy 2 door coupe grand tourer

I have a face-lift XFS twin turbo diesel with 170k on it!!! The 8 speed auto is very very sweet and it drives superbly. The performance is well above adequate. Having driven 70k bug eye 6 speeds pre 2011 before getting the face-lift, the 8 speed was like driving a different car. BTW, the Bowers and Wilkins audio system is utterly ground shattering if you get portfolio etc. It is by far and away the best in car audio I've heard for this level.

Yes Jay, I like it!

My Gma had one. Was a beast!

You should try and get your hands on an XF-RS. My mate had one for a while and it was an insane animal. But a lot more comfortable than you'd expect. 👍 The noise could start and earthquake and if you turned off the traction control it would attempt to hug every tree and telegraph pole it went past. 😂

The shape is great but deserves a better color matching.

Nearly bought a 2009 xf 3.0 diesel,but chickened out (due to a head full of " oh no it's a Jag,it will break) and bought a 2010 Mondeo titanium X sport estate, I also sat in a 2009 xjL and that has been my dream car in the jaguar line up ever since,

I ve had my Supercharged 2010 XF since new and love it. Have only 28k miles even after a US coast to coast run last year on freeways and mountain roads where I drove it hard enough to make the catalytic converter heat up and stink like it was ready to burn up the car, and the only issue to date has been the key fob - replaced at 610 US$. JLR has progressively cheapened up the interior and commoditized the styling to the point where I would never even consider buying a new one today. Secret: for those of you shopping, for the price, the performance, sound, engine and simple but elegant interior, it cant be beat. I wouldn’t get much for it if I sold it, the insurance only costs me a few hundred a year, license 60 bucks, so I ll keep mine till it really starts to cost money - or leaves me stranded.

I wish they kept all of the styling cues from the classic XJ (X308 and X350) with all of the mech and tech bits from their modern offerings.

Yeah, fair review. Speaking as an XJ, XK, F-Type fan, there are some things they get wrong, but generally speaking they get it right. My personal experience with the JLR brand hasn’t been bad at all - quite the reverse in fact. Unerringly reliable, mechanically speaking, but with a few hiccups with the electrics. But I don’t have any experiences with the F-Pace, XE, XF, or any of the rest of the current lineup. But generally, it’s a good car.

You really should have a go in the xfrs, I've had an xfr and an xfrs sportbrake, rs is definitely a step up, I sold mine last year, which was in hindsight a big mistake loved it

Do you have cold air boxes for the filters that cut off hot under hood air? …sounds great by the way as long as you are getting cold air not hot air.

Afternoon Jay I hope All is well When are you going to review the 2015 XF-S 3.0 SUPERCHARGED

09 XF S diesel here with 192k on the clock. Had it for 6 yrs and 50k and the only breakdown was a worn out alternator. I could have forgiven this if the old school battery light had worked, but sadly the first you know about it is when the gearbox craps out... That was a head scratcher! Oh, the pass window doesn't work, nor do the lock actuators on both rear doors. Still not sure what i could have that's as good for similar money though.

It's true about superchargers in the real world, there isn't much difference if any between turbo and superchargers. I get about 22 mpg out of my XKR when driving country roads, I doubt a turbo engine with 400hp will get any better. On a good run it will get about 28-34 mpg. The only problem I have with the XF is that it doesn't look like a Jaguar, just looks like any other saloon out there from BMW, Audi or Mercedes. Jaguars should look pretty distinct in my opinion.

I wanted one but couldn't afford one, had to settle for the 3.0ltr Petrol V6 premium luxury. I like the car although at 14 years old it's now starting to flag a bit but essentially I'm paying the same running costs as an XFR for what is essentially half of that car.

My wife has owned her 2013 one for six years, now on 85,000 miles. An amazing car; quicker, better riding, and better handling than any M5, and costs pence to run because of reasonable fuel economy and total reliability. The only car which I prefer to drive is my own XJR.

I Absolutely love the XF-R - it's a beautiful thing. Dare I say, I think it's just as handsome and timeless (hopefully) as the E39 M5 and the Facelift models. Personally I think the only mods I'd do is a slightly louder/cleaner sounding exhaust + a nice noisy belt on the supercharger, I want to hear my big cat scream when I step on it.

might just be me but I quite prefer the pre facelifts exterior, somehow looks classier to me. Facelift is nice but slightly bland

I had one, one of the best cars I ever owned, and I have been lucky enough to have had some pretty nice cars. Mid range grunt is fantastic (it easily demolished e60 M5s at runway events. Tasteful and understated, it was like the best bits of AMG and M cars combined. I miss it.

I have a first generation XF, love the headlights of the facelift headlights but wish they had the silver dash buttons from the pre facelift...the interior of the pre facelift really reminds me of 70s hifi.

Was that Disco sport with the snapped timing chain a diesel by any chance?

James, excellent presentation as usual. Just one tiny point, they are Golf CLUBS, NOT golf bats....bats are creatures that fly and shit everywhere...

i "only" have the 2014 - 3.0 V6 S/C 4x4 and realy like this car

I have a standard 2011 Audi s3 and I’m lucky to get those mpg on a long run

Just got me a replacement xk8 Jag! So there'll be an e46 m3 cabrio on collecting cars soon. Brilliant car and was a goodun, just didn't love it which is what from my second car

Nice pheasant shirt - where did you get it from?

My brother used to have one of these except it had a 2.2 diesel lol

I do like these cars and where I live, they’re a much rarer sight than an E60 M5! That said I find it hard to lust after an XFR, although as a graceful and potent ‘sleeper’ I can see the appeal… if given a choice I’d probably go for the 10 cylinder Bavarian - despite the engine frailty! Great video.

Idk if it's still for sale, but Jaguar in Wolverhampton had an XFR-S for sale for 50 grand last month. I think it was still there when I drove past a couple weeks back but I'm not 100%