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Well the day came when I decided to part with my XF which has been an absolute joy to own. It was not an easy decision as over the four years I had owned the car it had never let me down or had a day off the road. Outlay on repairs was minimal and costs were for routine servicing and consumables such as tyres only. Even the MOT’s were pain free. This year was different as the XF was a daily driver and inevitable increasing expenditure was necessary to keep the car in top condition. The Cam belt was due for scheduled replacement, a new battery needed to be fitted for the increasing electrical gremlims, a new set of tyres was necessary in the next few months, the emergence of a potential restricted performance issue, one failed door dock and two other door locks required attention. Most importantly, through the knowledge gleaned from following this forum, it was also clear that the car was approaching the threshold where other repairs such as wheel bearings, suspension bushings etc were likely to crop up. And, of course, a 10 year old steel bodied car is likely to have hidden corrosion starting somewhere. So, for me, the financial equation meant it was time to move on and have great memories of a fantastic car rather than postponing the decision and have regrets at incurring avoidable costs. I wish I could have kept the car as a hobby car but that was not an option.
For those who like the stats:
Total miles driven: 26968
Total cost for ownership (Depreciation, Fuel, Servicing, Repairs, Consumables, Mot’s, Insurance, Road Tax) : £20060
Average fuel consumption: 32.10
Cost per mile: £0.74
Cost per day: £13.19
All in all great value from a great car.
For where I live now I really need an AWD vehicle and a Jaguar 4x4, even used, is beyond my budget so I am leaving Jaguar ownership for the immediate future. I am going to the ‘scandi noir’ side with a Volvo XC60. Many thanks to all who have given me invaluable advice and support which has been much appreciated. However I’ll be keeping up my membership of the JEC as I remain an enthusiast and like Arnie ‘I’ll be back”

Rod

Sorry to see you go Rod, but the XC60 is a cracking good vehicle.
Have a look through the classified on here and see if you can manage a ‘project’ car. Not a daily driver, just something to keep you involved.
Good luck.

Regards

Ian.

Wouldn't an X Type be of any use?
Good 4x4 capabilities and not expensive at all.

Sorry to see you go, Rod.

Nice break down of running costs. Indeed a true picture.

Mike

Good luck Rod and thanks for your contributions!

An XC60 is a good vehicle but have you considered something from Land Rover? I love Land Rover products as much as I love Jaguars. and the fact they are all the same company means you get lots of technology and mechanical crossover.

Go on, buy a used Range Rover!

Cheers

Paul

Rod - sorry to see you leaving the fold but I hope you'll keep in touch
Best wishes
David

Thanks guys for your kind replies and your efforts to keep me in the fold. To answer your suggestions. I'd love a jaguar classic but for that I need a nice warm dry garage. I have this very thing but my better half has the quaint notion that her car should live in it! That is an argument I cannot win. An X type would make a good 4*4 alternative but the age of these models means buying the very maintenance costs which I am avoiding by parting from my XF. A Range Rover would have been tempting but the running costs are high and quite honestly are just to big for Devon lanes. Land Rovers could have fitted the bill but they just don't float my boat.

Rod

Hello Zennan
Just for information my XF 3.0 diesel 97000miles just went in for a Major Service, Cam Belt, and was told it needed a Fuel Pump belt. (belt at rear of engine)
Total cost £1630 inc VAT. at Main Dealer(on special offers!). Car value about £4k at the most (currently). I've delayed the Fuel Pump belt (£525) for a few months, will be keeping the car at least for this year. to tow the Caravan this summer. Still got my S-Type 2.7d but not for long ,on SORN. I also will not be continuing with Jaguars in future, our latest BMW Mini Clubman has convinced us in respect of reliability and construction quality.
Dave

Liked your XF article in the magazine this month, Rod. Shows how a car can be used and still survive. My Peugeot Tepee mobility van gets just as filthy on the lanes of the Surrey/Kent borders. Just had it washed after four months of use. You should have seen what was growing on the roof!

Do stay in touch. Your input has been greatly liked and appreciated.

Mike

And finally Rod...having just seen your article in the mag...can I just say..what a beautiful dog! And, never thought of filling the gap between front and rear with a bean bag! Brilliant idea.. I’m sure my Border Collies will appreciate it.

Regards

Ian.

Hi Ian,
Yes the bean bags worked a treat. I bought two child size bags and decanted polystyrene balls until the bags were just big enough to stuff behind the front seats and level with the rear seat plus fill the gap over the transmission tunnel. Dog bed over the top and you have a flat bed. Perfect.
Never solved dirty splashes to the leather seat back though.
I passed on your compliments to my dog!
Rod