In the market for an F-Type..... advice needed

[Deleted User 4828]

I think the inputs from Stephan9107 & Major Tom sum it up and break it down quite nicely, I'd only be repeating. I was looking for a 400 version for a few years, until I happened against a V8 R AWD, I took the plunge it is a pre facelift model MY2015, still has the older infotainment system, (I don't care) and I just love what is available from it when needed. I have never driven a V6 F-Type or a convertible version. I just didn't know I really wanted the V8 upon looking close and glad I did. As for maintenance costs etc, in reality I'm probably not spending that much more compared to a V6.

The looks and road presence in an F-Type way surpasses the multitude of BMW's on the road, an M2 would just be lost in the mix, plus people in general smile at you and let you out in the Jag it's about respect for your choice

[scm]

As for maintenance costs etc, in reality I'm probably not spending that much more compared to a V6.

The only extra cost would be those two additional spark plugs!

Jags are, IME, remarkably low cost for maintenance for such a lot of car (I do use a trusted independent rather than a dealer, of course). Replacement parts can be another matter, but I'm sure Jaguar isn't the only manufacturer in that position.

[gc301]

Thanks everyone - really helpful insights, much appreciated and gives me a lot of knowledge to go into the ownership experience with. Having mulled it over.... I find myself drawn to the V8, that power and noise and character just seems far too good to miss, I'm sure the V6 also has it in spades, but I think I'm going to look for a V8.
To address someone's point above however about looking for MY18s or newer, there don't seem to be any V8s in my budget that are as new as that..... so I'm absolutely fine going for a an older V8 R, unless any big problems with the first gen / older V8 Rs that anyone knows of? Infotaintment is dated but I think I can live with it and I'm not buying the car for fancy screens & Apple Carplay - any maintenance gripes with the first gen V8 Rs MY14 - 17?

Many thanks again all

[MajorTom]

There shouldn't be any particular maintenance gripes with the earlier cars. Some cooling system parts (the infamous Y pipe etc) were revised to more durable versions for both the V8 and V6 cars some time in late MY18 and I think timing chains were also updated once or twice over the years but that doesn't really seem to matter. Given the presumably higher mileage and number of heat cycles any older car will be prone to being closer to getting coolant leaks so it's good to keep an eye on that.

The only thing that might get really annoying with an early car is the issue with sticky interior surfaces and buttons. That was solved some time before the MY18 facelift though, possibly during MY16 or MY17.

If you one day would care about the infotainment you can fairly easily get after market CarPlay/Android Auto fitted.

Btw, it's a common misunderstanding, but there is only one generation of the F-Type. It's today still the same generation as when it was introduced in 2013 but with two facelifts and many incremental improvements over the years.

[paddy1000111]

I don't regret the decision to get the ftype. I have a 16 plate v6s and it's amazing. I looked at an Audi s5, BMW m4 and the ftype and I was won over by the noise and looks of the ftype. The bmw is boring, it's not a head turner and its just a quick hatch. My friend has an M4 and the repair costs are eye watering and the specialists charge more than jag specialists. If there's any advice I can offer it would be to buy from a dealership and then take it to a specialist for a full inspection and use the warranty whilst its there. If you get offered an extended warranty then get it. I paid £700 to extend mine from 6 months to 2 years and it's the best decision I made.

[stefan9107]

There shouldn't be any particular maintenance gripes with the earlier cars. Some cooling system parts (the infamous Y pipe etc) were revised to more durable versions for both the V8 and V6 cars some time in late MY18 and I think timing chains were also updated once or twice over the years but that doesn't really seem to matter. Given the presumably higher mileage and number of heat cycles any older car will be prone to being closer to getting coolant leaks so it's good to keep an eye on that.

The only thing that might get really annoying with an early car is the issue with sticky interior surfaces and buttons. That was solved some time before the MY18 facelift though, possibly during MY16 or MY17.

If you one day would care about the infotainment you can fairly easily get after market CarPlay/Android Auto fitted.

Btw, it's a common misunderstanding, but there is only one generation of the F-Type. It's today still the same generation as when it was introduced in 2013 but with two facelifts and many incremental improvements over the years.

I've got a MY16 and haven't got sticky buttons so hopefully it was solved around then...

As stated as well, you can very very easily retrofit a carplay/android auto module and many including myself have. It's not perfect and isn't nearly as clear and useable as the factory one in my iX3, but it does the job for google maps and spotify just fine.

[Lunar]

Sticky buttons can be solved with a lot of patience and make up remover.

[mickjaguar]

- F87 BMW M2 Comp (head purchase)
- Jaguar F-Type S or R old gen pre-facelift (heart purchase)

I think you know already what you to do. It's the same decision the majority of us went through and why we drive F types.

The M2 is a great car, lots to recommend and will be more practical having four seats etc. However, outside of car fans like us, most people will just see a two door BMW and what it actually is, being pretty much invisible to them.

The F type gets noticed, even people who have no interest in cars comment on how it looks, everyone from toddlers to grandmas point. It looks more exotic than it really is. Which means it's probably the only car like this that isn't ruinously expensive to run.

Which is why we all have them. Have a look at Jay Emm's you tube about his DB9 inspection. F type braces with a bit of surface rust somehow seem appealing and a the risk of a stuck injector not such a worry in comparison. Can't think of anything that would be an alternative, perhaps only the Lotus Emira again has exotic looks with ordinary underpinnings. It's a heart and head decision really.

[Jaguandy]

I do prefer the original shark's gills front end of the earlier cars. IMHO this has never been improved with the various face-lifts.

[munchie]

Before I bought my p450 I was shopping Db11s and 2020 vantages, they were OK. But when I drove the p450 I fell in love with the drive and looks
I have am m3 v8 as well but the F is in a different league.
I have AWD and glad I have as it can get twitchy in the wet, and often the dry

The M2 is a good car, the F a great car unless you need the rear seats that is.