Hi all:

I'm another new guy but I don't have a XF yet. Looking to buy within the next month. I'm a designer / developer of web sites and I've been awe struck by the Xf design since I saw the first one pass my old and beloved mazda mx-6 on Rt. 66 back in 04. I've been reading everything I can find on the net about the car and and have found a lot of contradictory information. So, I'm here looking for any recommendations, warnings, etc. before purchasing. I've found a 05 Blue sapphire Limited automatic (my wife can't drive a stick and won't learn) for $17,250 with 28k miles on it. I'm in Northern Virginia where the summers are hot and humid, the winters are usually fairly wet and cold with 4 to 8 slippery winter events a season. One question is-- are there all weather tires for the XF. I also don't have a garage so it would be out in the weather all year. I've heard that the car is very expensive to repair and most mechanics do not know it very well. Anyway, I really love the look of this car and any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.