Decisions Decisions

[C525LEE]

So first of all thankyou for letting me join, bloody long time serial Lotus owner here from Elan, Elise, Europa and Exige. But I'm getting bored so thinking of trying something new.
I've alway liked the F type but never really learnt about them, construction, models, engines etc.
I really like the SVR version but is that that model for me, my current Exige is 430 BHP and light so feel I would need above this power.
Am I right thinking SVR or are there other alternatives I should consider ?
Servicing and maintenance any recommendations costs etc ?
What are the big cost issues that can go wrong I understand that may be a difficult question.
Any words of wisdom greatly received

[MikeM]

You will be moving up over half ton in weight, with a totally different set up and build quality to that of the Exige, which is like driving a frantic skateboard on “speed”, excellent control and great fun but so raw and kit car basic when compared to the F Type, which is a wholly different driving drama. Personally prefer it, and keep the Exige for track. My advice, go drive a few first.

[davidls]

Depends on what you’re looking to spend and age. Currently the new models don’t include an SVR, instead they used the engine and other parts in the latest R so the P575. 567hp, 700nm. Not sure if all the SVR parts made it into the P450, however I am sure someone will know. SVR’s are available pre MY21 I believe.

[scm]

Best advice is to drive as many variants as you can and decide which you prefer. Don't discount the V6 models since those who have them claim they drive better than the V8s. I put it down to buyer's remorse when they see a V8, but I would, wouldn't I?

[jagseven]

Agree with the above - F-type will feel very soft but also very comfortable/normal compared to an Exige. I also love a Lotus and have owned an Elise, Caterham 7 and had an Emira on order until I got bored waiting and concerned about build quality etc. A test drive of the Emira also didn’t quite make me desperate to own one.
The F-type is a different sort of fast - more about straight line speed but surprisingly good in the corners when you push it hard. It is more of a sports car than you might first realise.
Nothing is perfect but try one and see. The P575 is basically an SVR spec facelift car without the cache of the SVR badge or the unique bits e.g. no carbon bits or titanium exhaust.

[Timbo]

Personally, if i was coming from a lotus i'd be looking at a rwd v6 or v8r, pre 2016.
More of a raw feeling and with being rwd, it will feel more lotusish.
My 650hp R is as quick as a lot of supercars and bloody good fun, they all are to be fair.

[C525LEE]

Thankyou for the replys I'm wanting a little more comfort over the Lotus now. I Agree I need to try one at first. SvR prices seem all over the place, SAT have a nice car in but worried its got to many miles 59000.
Another reason I was thinking of a SVR is hopefully not as bad depreciation but I might be wrong

[paddy1000111]

In terms of servicing and maintenance costs find your local independent instead of the main dealer and ask for a quote for a full service. I pay ~£460 for a full service on my v6s using all genuine parts and my independent is honest enough to tell me when things don't need changing or replacing based on age or condition where a dealership will scalp you. A good example of this, I've just had a new battery installed, main dealer wanted £375+fitting+VAT, my local independent wanted £350 all in for the identical battery from jaguar. If you buy from a dealership ask about extended warranties, I extended mine for 2 years for £700 which is worth it in my opinion on my 2016 for 2 years of stress free motoring.

[mickjaguar]

Servicing and maintenance any recommendations costs etc

What are the big cost issues that can go wrong I understand that may be a difficult question.
Any words of wisdom greatly received

Servicing

It comes down to the people. Indies generally have a vested interest in their reputation, but not always and some Jaguar specialists are more focused on classics. Dealers are a bit of a mixed bag as with any marque, some are good others not and that can vary over time as people move on.

My local dealership has been good. They are expensive, so it's cheaper to buy Jaguar service plans via the website and use that route. My SVR has cost £38 per month over 6 years of servicing through any dealer, which is transferable and cancelable

Major things that can go wrong but not always are:

The rear diff seals can leak on LSD models ( some V6 and all V8), which leads to premature wear. Check for leaks regularly and change the diff oil more regularly (Jaguars schedule is every 4 years).

Injectors can play up and be difficult to remove from the cylinder head (not specific to just these JLR engines and is a problem for many other brands). Loads of early F types running around with big miles and not showing problems, so it's not a generic issue that affects all cars (using premium fuels that contain additives and getting the engine properly hot regularly probably helps)

Coolant pipes that run under the supercharger can split, as they are plastic. Particularly early cars that had the pipes with seams. Although plenty running around with no problems. Investigate any coolant smells or losses asap.

As you are thinking of an SVR. Many of these come with Carbon ceramic brakes, but not all. Pads are circa £1500+ each end and discs £7-9k (but the discs should last 100k miles and are wear measured by weight). The standard steel 'super performance' brakes are fine, except for extended track use, just not as pretty.

Other than that it's probably no different to many other similar cars.

[C525LEE]

Thanks for the heads up, I went to my local dealer today to have a look, they had a p300 and a 450 in. I was more looking overall at the package, size, shape etc and I really do like them. I think I might make the jump, just need to 1, find a car and 2, get a good price for my Exige.