Convertible F type but no garage

[Paul J]

Dear all.

Still looking in the classifieds for my first F-Type. Definitely want a convertible but I do not have a garage and don't have space within the grounds of my property to build one.

Three questions:

1) Anyone have a convertible and keep it outside? How do they fair over the winter months (roof wise) and do you use a cover? I have heard very mixed views about winter car covers.

2) It won't be a daily driver, is it correct that the battery drains easily and this can result in the soft top not opening - is this a worry?.... although I can always hook up a trickle charger I guess.

3) I have a viewing on my Jag XK 4.2 this weekend so hoping to get a sale and I think about purchasing my first F-type!! Below is my favourite so far - a bit over my budget but I might be able to stretch to up to 5+ owners - would this many owners put anyone off?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... on=at_cars

Thanks so much in advance!

[Lunar]

Hi Paul,
Mine lives outside with no cover - I wouldn’t cover it if I were you.
I sweep any tree debris off it and especially from the rear rubber seal and re-protect the hood once a year with Autoglym convertible soft top clean and protect.
Mines MY14 and I bought a new battery for it a year ago when I had a low battery warning - but only fitted it this morning as it had been sat in my dining room awaiting a second warning that never came! Charged right up and sat on the conditioner overnight - bit of a fiddle to fit, but was in no rush - windows re-set and all good.
Although I am between jobs (retired?) for now I do tend to drive it every 2-3 days and if it’s not been used all week I have a 30 mile loop I like to drive - all in the name of good maintenance
If that one is the spec you desire you’ll not find a similar one for a while - heated screen and wheel are good to have.
Carbon ceramic brakes are a bit marmite and red interior a lot marmite
Find an F you like and go for it - each sunny day like today you’re missing out!
…and then post some photos of your new cat.

[AJ13]

As above, treat roof well with quality product and it will be fine.

[scm]

... I have a 30 mile loop I like to drive - all in the name of good maintenance

Must be a Jag thing - I have a 30 mile loop i like to drive, too!

[Lunar]

[Quiet man]

Looks well and a V8 to boot, I managed to squeeze mine in the garage but plenty people drive convertibles and leave them outside without issues. Mine isn't a daily so I have it on a battery conditioner and haven't had any issues with the battery.

[Paul J]

Thanks all! I plan to give it a good run every week to keep it fresh!

[Deleted User 3572]

Hi Paul , nice car , mine is kept outside but I have a half cover for it works great , it gives access to the boot , I do not use a ctek as I have in the past found them to be very unreliable I much prefer every 2 weeks pooping the boot and taking a reading of the battery if it has fallen below 12.6 volts I then charge it up using a ring 6amp smart charger I have , I t unlike ctek will show you the current voltage on it also has a back light when fully charged it switches itself off , yes go for a spray like autoglym for roof waterproofing, the question no one has answered is yes a low battery can lead to roof not going up and down , good luck

[jono_h]

Mine sits outside all year round - and usually looks a state due to the moss coming off of the house roof.

I cleaned the roof this year with the Autoglym kit which worked Ok. The roof tends to look a little green on the back edge. at times over the winter months, but it soon washes off.

Mine gets stuck onto a Ctek if I know I’m not going to use it for a few days - I try to keep the battery in good condition as I’m tight & don’t want to buy a new one!

[BobHarrington]

Mine is five years old and a daily driver and stays outside all year round, with no probs.
I get my hood professionally cleaned every autumn, and two coats of waterproofing applied.
Every month on a dry sunny day, I leave the hood halfway open, and throughly clean and dry the compartment where it stows. I also check the two drain holes either side are clear.
For the paintwork, I had a ceramic coating applied, and every two weeks I have a professional maintenance wash.