• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Well these days it says "I buy and run my own car".

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Wife hated it until she saw it, now loves it. Some S Type colour/specification and trim combinations now look very dated whereas mine still looks quite fresh.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, without a doubt I would replace this car with another if it was stolen/written off. I have been impressed with fuel consumption (35-39 mpg brim to brim, 40 on a run), cheap servicing, and the build quality.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    It's a problem because the XF rides too firmly for my taste. I'd like a Bentley Continental GT but will probably settle for a late old model XJ 2.7 Sovereign.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £6,990

    When did you buy the car?

    January 2012

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Stratstone have decided to retail older cars if they have a good history. I thought it was a bargain for a main dealer sale.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Wanted a cheap, but modern diesel engined executive car.

    What was the dealer like?

    Honest, and straightforward. No pressure - and treated the same as customers spending £70,000 not £7,000.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    I had a 5ltr Mercedes before and this car feels much faster. Ride/handling balance is justifiably lauded and it's far better than the XF (which has a much harder ride even than my Sport S Type).

    What's it like to park?

    You need the rear sensors.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Nothing - gearbox makes squeeking sound on kickdown but told easily sorted with a gearbox oil change.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Superb tank range, 550 miles easily possible and I hate filling up.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Cruise control, and I have superb turbo style alloys on my car which look superb.