THE super-cool Jaguar XF has been a consistent hit since its launch in 2007.
There was always one big fly in the ointment though – Jaguar never had a fleet oriented, low emissions diesel to match the huge selling E220 Mercedes and that outside lane special, the BMW 520d.
It does now though. With the announcement of the imminent XF 2.2 Jaguar is offering a much smaller engine than was previously available which should give 53mpg and get under the magic 150g/km C02 barrier – thus attracting much lower tax for the business user. Well done Jaguar.
But if you’re not a fleet buyer and you’re spending your own money, going for a three year old example, especially as a petrol, will surely save more than enough money to offset any of the economy or tax advantages of buying new.
And, we reckon, it should be the same for the car’s main rivals.
Jaguar XF
Prices for the diesel cars, whether an early 2.7 or later 3.0, are still quite firm but you can get an early V6 petrol for a great deal less money.
Remember that these petrol examples are usually private cars (as opposed to fleets) so a three year old 3.0 petrol will only have around 20,000 miles on it. So you get the Jaguar badge and golf club kudos for much, much less.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk price guide: Pay no more than £22,500 for a well looked after three year old Jaguar XF with around 20,000 miles on the clock.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk fault guide: 16 faults.
Mercedes Benz E-Class
The previous model Mercedes E-Class is a graceful, big exec which majors on the traditional Mercedes strengths of comfort and ease of use.
Later models are very well built – if you like to travel in massive comfort yet remain relatively anonymous the E is a great choice. Especially with a lovely smooth petrol engine that brings the price right down. Pay £1,500 to £2,000 less for a petrol car.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk price guide: A lightly used and well cared for three year old E320 petrol can be yours for around £15,000. Mileage should be below 45,000.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk fault guide: 13 faults.
BMW 5 Series
The 5 series is the perennial mid range exec from BMW. The previous generation car holds its value well as a diesel car but, at three years old, a petrol car makes a makes a more rational purchase.
Interior space can be a little tight, especially in the rear but few competitors handle like the 5 Series, only the Jaguar comes close. The great advantage of opting for a petrol 5 Series is the quality of the engines themselves. BMW still makes peerless and surprisingly economical petrol motors.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk price guide: A pampered BMW 520i petrol should be around £14,500 at a mere three years old with less than 30,000 miles already covered. A bargain compared to a new version which will cost you twice as much.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk fault guide: 11 faults.