New Buyer - Excited but help needed please

[Steveyballa22]

Sorry double post - also on classified section incorrectly!...

Firstly it's great to join this forum and feel part of the 'community'. Like many of you I'm falling increasing in love with the Fype (all varieties) and even more now I see the passion and joy from owners via this forum.

I am looking to make a purchase in the next few weeks / months (the sooner the better but trying my best to be patient!). Ideally a budget of £30k and looking to maximise 'peace of mind' based on a solid service history, low(er) mileage and number of previous owners etc, vs. maximising the spec of the car (or some balance between the two).

In terms of 'essentials' to consider ahead of buying, I have been searching the forums for guidance. Clearly it's not the first time this question has been asked but I just wanted to check my understanding below please. This will be my first ever sports car (hopefully more to come). Im in advance of having kids (could be next few years) therefore want to use my money now while I have the chance !...

Ideally I would like a 2014-2017 model V6 (or S) RWD (AWD seem to be out of budget). Preferably white with black alloys, black pack and pano roof

To check my understanding of the things to look out for please:

MY16 or MY17 preferable given some reliability issues fixed?
Obtain Reg/VIN to post on here to do background check
Service History: in this age range to make sure the relevant annual services being completed. Ideally checking the items performed during service (rear diff oil change at 4th, spark plugs 5th etc).
Check if diff leaking (if can see under car)
Check corrosion on cross braces
Check window for vertical scratches
check air vents rise/fall okay
Check Chrome/Gloss trim for peeling around windows
Ensure exhaust vales adjusts when changing drive modes.
Also watched the SKKRT YouTube video. Really good advise in terms of things to listen for when starting engine

A nice live example I'm currently interested in: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... on=at_cars

Should I be thoughtful about buying from Toyota dealer (it was part-ex)?

I am close to putting down refundable £250 deposit (so that dealer releases service history etc) before viewing (its 2.5 hours away from where I live!).

Welcome feedback please - very excited to be here.

[Lunar]

Welcome!

It seems to me like you've done your homework and are going in eyes open - nice one.

No real advice to add, other than check for tyre tread and disc wear as potential negotiating points, along with the MOT history on the Gov site.

They tend to pick up road rash in front of the rear wheels, so expect a bit of this - but also a point to pick up on for negotiation.

I wouldn't worry too much about buying from a Toyota dealer - I seem to recall someone else did that and when a problem occurred they were good at stepping up to get things sorted.

I believe the diff is only a problem on the S with the LSD - the open diff base model should be fine.

I wouldn't get too hung up on finding an S - if you can find a base model that's been well spec'd and in the colour you want then don't be put off - things like the Performance (winged) seats, heated front screen, etc. are worth checking out. It's also relatively cheap to re-map / pulley swap the base 335bhp up past 400bhp and this is all JLR did with their various flavours of V6 - no mechanical changes.

Good luck with your search and we expect your first post purchase post to include photos (doors locked!)

[simpleR]

So excited you posted twice!

Welcome to the search!! That is car 51205. It went 2.5 years between services in 2020 and 2023 (unless there are some paper records that say otherwise).
As it is non S V6 it doesn't need a rear diff oil change at 4 years.

If you put the full VIN here - https://osh.jaguar.com - you will see the service history. Look for a car with a PDI record and serviced every 12 months or 16,000 miles whichever occurs first with an itemised list if that is important to you.

I will send you a private message with reg and VIN now. It has had no MOT since 1st September which might limit the test drive and please note this car has a mileage discrepancy listed.
NOW = For sale = 34323
JAG = 21st February 2023 = 24553 Possibly typo but even if that was supposed to be 34553 then that is still wrong as car has less miles now.
DVSA = 1st September 2022 = 32903
DVSA = 2nd September 2021 = 24917
DVSA = 22nd August 2020 = 20946
JAG = 22nd August 2020 = 20946
JAG = 31st August 2019 = 14717

[Steveyballa22]

Guys thank you so much ! really appreciate the prompt response and that itself gives me confidence in the strength of the community helping me pull the trigger...

simpleR - wow.. how do you find that info (I thought I would need to supply a VIN/Reg plate at least)!?

Would you say it's worth a deposit / further exploring and perhaps a road trip next week to take it for a test drive? It seems good value based on other AT or PH ads (Toyota giving me the usual pitch that its 'priced to sell as we only have a small forecourt and this is a part-ex)... perhaps a good deal to be had?

Toyota telling me service history etc all up to date with main dealer (no more info shared at this stage) so hopefully it all stacks up as this is important to me.

Lunar - thanks also for your response (and the nudge to lock the car for the photo hah!). I think I will stick to the base v6 then... like I say my first dabble in sports cars so should break myself in gently I suppose

[scm]

t went 2.5 years between services in 2020 and 2023

Lockdown has so much to answer for.

[MikeM]

Hi, I’ve just successfully finished my search so know what you’re going through . Think main issues, once you’ve identified your spec requirements is how well the car presents I.e overall condition, a full service history preferably Jaguar or a known F type specialist. For me no more than two owners, I found a number of F Types seem to go via third party and used by Jaguar internally as first owner. This is my sixth sports car but first Jaguar and have to say you won’t be disappointed.
Noted your spec requirements earlier and just be aware the car you are looking at Does NOT have a pan roof

[Steveyballa22]

Thanks again guys. I do feel like I'm going to run the risk of over complicating / researching and need to be pragmatic with budget, spec and mechanical things to look for. Feels like an exhaustive journey - all part of the fun I suppose Thanks - not sure why I thought pan roof if the one I posted but good spot MikeM.

I guess any cars that appear to have not been driven (and therefore serviced) during lockdowns shouldn't flag up concern (I.e. car sat in a garage for most part of 2020/21?

Agree with two owners for these ages of car and not Jaguar themselves....

[Kev]

Welcome to the forum

Other things to look for; heated windscreen, heated steering wheel (not a deal-breaker but more buttons is always a good thing), cruise control, power folding door mirrors. Most of these can be retro-fitted but it's always better to have them from factory and also helps when it comes to resell time. Also check brands of tyre fitted; all the ones I looked at tended to have a proprietary brand so you know it hasn't been run on a budget

[Steveyballa22]

Kev - top tips thanks for the advice. It's a good point, I was thinking I was being rationale not looking for a high spec. no doubt 2 weeks into ownership and many hours spent on this forum I'm sure I would be having second thoughts if I went for a car that didn't include some of those. Expensive hobby.

[Lunar]

I have to disagree with you there - an F-Type is great value for money when you consider the smiles per gallon you get