Jag F Type - What’s the best version / spec / year

[DSLiverpool]

A convertible is on my radar circa £30k and as I’m so happily with my Rangey maybe we have a British double act.

However I know nothing about these except I don’t want a 2.0, I’d like pops n bangs for occasion as I believe newer ones don’t?

Is there an optimum spec or must have pack?

Lastly - are they made of chocolate?

[SFTWend]

I fancy an F Type R but it appears the must have spec is a really good warranty.

[Chamon_Lee]

SFTWend said:

I fancy an F Type R but it appears the must have spec is a really good warranty.

I agree and even then the warranty does not instill you with confidence with a few things just not covered like the exhaust issue

[DSLiverpool]

Chamon_Lee said:

I agree and even then the warranty does not instill you with confidence with a few things just not covered like the exhaust issue

Er what exhaust issue? What are the weak points. I run a L322 I’m aware of the fragility.

[Phil.]

The V8S is the one to go for. The last of the rear wheel drive cabs. Make sure it has the ‘exhaust’ switch. I’ve had two, both fantastic fun and you won’t believe the sound until you drive one

[J1990]

I've had an F-Type V6S AWD since early November and genuinely cannot fault it, my budget was £45k and I ended up paying £32k for mine and was delighted. The budget was scraping the bottom of the V8 AWD models or gave me free choice of the V6S AWD models. After a few test drives of the V8 and V6S I quickly preferred the V6S, especially when considering that I go to the gym most mornings at around 5:30 and don't wish for my neighbours to lynch me with that V8 startup sound.

You'll note I was only looking at AWD models, this is because in the pre-facelift cars the RWD models had their bonnet vents sit above the supercharger in a position where rain would trickle through the vents and, when the car was cold, this water would run around the supercharger and sit above the injectors, which would frequently seize up - Especially on lower usage cars that weren't stored indoors. This is something that you can't realistically check for prior to purchase as it requires removing the supercharger entirely to inspect, fixing is often quoted around £2-3k for injector removal from people on the owners clubs around the country. The AWD models avoided this due to having the vents lower down on the bonnet, added in with the fact that I use this car year-round I appreciated the extra grip the AWD could afford me.

Entry level V6 is 340PS vs the V6S with 380PS, however the V6S comes with cruise control and a few other toys as standard.
Essential spec for me was the performance seats (much more adjustments and heated as standard), panoramic roof (a gloomy cabin overwise but irrelevant if you want a convertible) and I didn't want white/black as I think the paint is just too flat to be fun.

Economy is surprisingly good, 38mpg on the last run to the airport and even when I'm having spirited drives it doesn't really tend to be much below 25mpg.

[J1990]

Chamon_Lee said:

I agree and even then the warranty does not instill you with confidence with a few things just not covered like the exhaust issue

To be fair, the active exhaust valves do seem to be horrendous at sticking, even if I haven't encountered this myself. However if I find myself running in to this issue I'll be getting the much better designed Mod-Stock valves installed, which come with a lifetime guarantee during your ownership of the vehicle. It's not costly to have fixed via these guys, whereas Jaguar try charging £2.5k for a new exhaust system as they won't fix just the vales.

[ZX10R NIN]

The supercharged 3.0 V6 is the pick at this price point:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302104...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305237...

This 5.0 seems like good value:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304186...

[DSLiverpool]

ZX10R NIN said:

The supercharged 3.0 V6 is the pick at this price point:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302104...

mileage=70000&model=F-Type&page=3&postcode=CA7%200AA&price-to=35000&sort=price-desc&fromsra

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305237...

This 5.0 seems like good value:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304186...

Cheers ZX - I believe they got less poppy on the overrun after a certain date - any idea when?

[Macron]

There is a massive thread in the Jag folder about these in general, takes some going through if you start from the start but naturally, a real wealth of experience.

The V6 and 8 are surprisingly different, you really should try both. Once you've got which engine you like nailed, then there are loads to choose from, so take your time and get the bits you want.

[J1990]

DSLiverpool said:

Cheers ZX - I believe they got less poppy on the overrun after a certain date - any idea when?

There's a few parts to this:

1 - Petrol Particulate Filter was added somewhere in the VIN range that falls around the 68 plate models.

2 - There was a software update to ensure the car always starts in 'standard' mode - Previously it would remember if it was in Dynamic mode when turned off, which meant a more throaty start.

3 - Another software update closes the valves once you move off, until revs exceed 3000RPM, even if you're in dynamic mode. This can be overcome by removing fuse 15, however this leaves the valves always open. I believe I read before that this is only applicable to the V8 models but I can't find a source to confirm now that I'm looking again.

[ZX10R NIN]

DSLiverpool said:

Cheers ZX - I believe they got less poppy on the overrun after a certain date - any idea when?

That was on later cars as they had to adhere to stricter noise emissions, with your budget you'll be looking at cars that aren't as restricted.

[DSLiverpool]

J1990 said:

There's a few parts to this:

1 - Petrol Particulate Filter was added somewhere in the VIN range that falls around the 68 plate models.

2 - There was a software update to ensure the car always starts in 'standard' mode - Previously it would remember if it was in Dynamic mode when turned off, which meant a more throaty start.

3 - Another software update closes the valves once you move off, until revs exceed 3000RPM, even if you're in dynamic mode. This can be overcome by removing fuse 15, however this leaves the valves always open. I believe I read before that this is only applicable to the V8 models but I can't find a source to confirm now that I'm looking again.

Many thanks

[bennno]

5.0 S 2wd drive model is the pinnacle

[DSLiverpool]

bennno said:

5.0 S 2wd drive model is the pinnacle

I’m thinking that - what year ?

[Phil.]

DSLiverpool said:

I’m thinking that - what year ?

I had two 2014 V8S (they are the last of the 2 wheel drive). You may find a 2015 model but so long as it’s a V8S it will be 2 wheel drive. It was the nearest thing to a de-cat V8 Cerbera which I owned previously but far more modern and comfortable. The V8S must be heading towards classic status.

[MrManual]

I haven't driven either but personally I would go for the V8 if you can. The F-Type isn't the most dynamically capable car, so those saying the V6 is more driver oriented are missing the point. The V8 sounds glorious and suits the character of the Jag.

[P. ONeill]

Drive one, you will be disappointed. Lovely looking cars but awful handling.

[ettore]

P. ONeill said:

Drive one, you will be disappointed. Lovely looking cars but awful handling.

Rubbish.

V8 is always the one in these - it becomes a proper musclecar/GT.

[DSLiverpool]

My last 3 convertibles have been E500 640i and SL55 so I’m used to wallow and pitch.

I’ll test drive a few though definitely