Models · Jaguar
Jaguar XF X250 buying guide
The first XF, built from 2008 to 2015 as a saloon and, from 2012, a Sportbrake estate, with V6 and V8 petrol engines and V6 and four-cylinder diesels. It was facelifted in 2011.
The versions
- Diesel: 2.7 V6 at launch, replaced by the 3.0 V6 in 2009 (237bhp, or 275bhp in the twin-turbo XF S)
- Diesel: 2.2 four-cylinder from 2011 (188bhp, later also 161bhp), the most economical choice
- Petrol: 3.0 V6, 4.2 V8 and supercharged 4.2 SV8 (410bhp) at launch; the 5.0 V8 (385bhp) replaced the 4.2 in 2009
- Saloon, and Sportbrake estate from 2012; automatic only
What to check on a X250 XF
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Fuel recall work
What to look for: Ask a Jaguar dealer to check outstanding recalls against the VIN, and look and smell under the back of the car for any sign of fuel.
Why it matters: The XF had recalls for potential fuel starvation (October and December 2009, August 2010 and December 2012) and fuel leaks (December 2012 and August 2013), along with campaigns for the rear seatbelts, instrument cluster and power steering. Most cars have had the work done by now.
3.0 diesel particulate sensor
What to look for: On a 3.0 diesel, check no warning lights stay on after starting, and on the drive make sure the car pulls cleanly without dropping into reduced power.
Why it matters: The particulate sensor fitted to the 3.0 diesel can fail and put the car into limp-home mode. A new sensor usually restores normal running.
Rear brake pad wear
What to look for: Look through the rear wheels at the discs for a raised lip at the outer edge or deep scoring, and ask when the rear pads were last changed.
Why it matters: Rear pads can wear early on the XF, and left too long they damage the discs. Rear pad changes at regular intervals in the history are a sign of a car that's been looked after.
Also in the full guide
- Timing chain rattle on the 5.0 V8
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the X250 XF
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Jaguar.