The best model year and why?
Veteran Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,918
Likes: 2,522
From: Victoria, Canada
While certain features vary from year to year, the overall body styling (gorgeous), interior, and engine availability has remained pretty constant (but the smallest engine is now a 4 cylinder unit rated at almost 300 hp). The sweet spot seems to be the 380 hp supercharged V6. A 6 speed manual was introduced in 2015 (and the early clutch units had problems) but the most common transmission is the superb ZF 8 speed with paddle shifters. Every one of the cars is very fast; the V8 version (in various tunes) is blisteringly so. The exhaust sound runs from addictive to annoying (the crackles and pops, favoured by some).
Your question suggests a concern for reliability. These are very reliable cars in all years (the early clutch issue is to be noted, and there have been some fuel injector issues as well). The best answer is that there is no model year that you should avoid. Find an F-Type with the right equipment for you (and the vision package is highly recommended) and you will quickly find out why people love these beautiful sports cars. But they are sports cars, not family cars so your expectations have to be realistic. A few have bought a base model with no options and then (unreasonably IMO) complained that the cars were lacking certain features; but most of them are well equipped and many have virtually every possible option, so look carefully. Because they are sports cars, they have somewhat restricted luggage room (the convertible especially - the coupe is entirely adequate in this regard). The cabin is beautifully designed and in full leather it is simply sumptuous.
Colour choice is subjective but Jaguar has a stunning palette...the standard colours were white, black and red...but beyond those the optional colour choices were exquisite -and colour makes a huge difference in the way the car looks.
Your question suggests a concern for reliability. These are very reliable cars in all years (the early clutch issue is to be noted, and there have been some fuel injector issues as well). The best answer is that there is no model year that you should avoid. Find an F-Type with the right equipment for you (and the vision package is highly recommended) and you will quickly find out why people love these beautiful sports cars. But they are sports cars, not family cars so your expectations have to be realistic. A few have bought a base model with no options and then (unreasonably IMO) complained that the cars were lacking certain features; but most of them are well equipped and many have virtually every possible option, so look carefully. Because they are sports cars, they have somewhat restricted luggage room (the convertible especially - the coupe is entirely adequate in this regard). The cabin is beautifully designed and in full leather it is simply sumptuous.
Colour choice is subjective but Jaguar has a stunning palette...the standard colours were white, black and red...but beyond those the optional colour choices were exquisite -and colour makes a huge difference in the way the car looks.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 208
Likes: 101
From: Greater Toronto area, Ontario
I have a 2015 S vert that is very clean, fully loaded with about 24 000kms. Warranty for 2 more years or about 140 000 kms.
Automatic.
Might be for sale.
Before you ask yes I am looking at another one.
if interested let me know.
Automatic.
Might be for sale.
Before you ask yes I am looking at another one.
if interested let me know.
Veteran Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 724
From: Chapel Hill, NC
The F-Type is an outstanding car and there is a reasonable line of logic for several versions:
2014 Vert to have the original.
V8 RWD because it's extinct.
V8 AWD because you like the V8 power, but want some control around that power.
V6 RWD because it's the right balance of power (my personal choice).
V6-S if you're lazy and happy enough with the factory tune.
Basic tune if want a cheaper enter point - especially if you are creative and want to get a tune.
(If so, go older and don't worry about voiding the warranty.)
Newer if you want the security of a warranty.
New if you want the latest ICTP system with Car Play and don't mind the front-end depreciation.
Project 7 if you have a quiet garage for the collection and something else to drive 99% of the time.
Good luck!
2014 Vert to have the original.
V8 RWD because it's extinct.
V8 AWD because you like the V8 power, but want some control around that power.
V6 RWD because it's the right balance of power (my personal choice).
V6-S if you're lazy and happy enough with the factory tune.
Basic tune if want a cheaper enter point - especially if you are creative and want to get a tune.
(If so, go older and don't worry about voiding the warranty.)
Newer if you want the security of a warranty.
New if you want the latest ICTP system with Car Play and don't mind the front-end depreciation.
Project 7 if you have a quiet garage for the collection and something else to drive 99% of the time.
Good luck!
Last edited by uncheel; Feb 7, 2019 at 07:57 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 305
From: SF Bay Area
The F-Type is an outstanding car and there is a reasonable line of logic for several versions:
2014 Vert to have the original.
V8 RWD because it's extinct.
V8 AWD because you like the V8 power, but want some control around that power.
V6 RWD because it's the right balance of power (my personal choice).
V6-S if you're lazy and happy enough with the factory tune.
Basic tune if want a cheaper enter point - especially if you are creative and want to get a tune.
(If so, go older and don't worry about voiding the warranty.)
Newer if you want the security of a warranty.
New if you want the latest ICTP system with Car Play and don't mind the front-end depreciation.
Project 7 if you have a quiet garage for the collection and something else to drive 99% of the time.
Good luck!
2014 Vert to have the original.
V8 RWD because it's extinct.
V8 AWD because you like the V8 power, but want some control around that power.
V6 RWD because it's the right balance of power (my personal choice).
V6-S if you're lazy and happy enough with the factory tune.
Basic tune if want a cheaper enter point - especially if you are creative and want to get a tune.
(If so, go older and don't worry about voiding the warranty.)
Newer if you want the security of a warranty.
New if you want the latest ICTP system with Car Play and don't mind the front-end depreciation.
Project 7 if you have a quiet garage for the collection and something else to drive 99% of the time.
Good luck!
Banned
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 374
Likes: 57
2014 V8 S RWD or 2015 V8 R RWD Convertibles
With only RWD, they are the fastest most vicious F-Types ever made. Even with a tire upgrade they have more HP than rubber. There is no difference between '14 and '15 dispite Jag's more conservative rating on the 2014. Both dyno ~500 WHP stock (about 50 more WHP than an SVR AWD and 100 lbs lighter).
The launch car is the one to have but it is almost impossible to find:
V8 S RWD Convertible
Firesand w/black lipstick and side vents
Entended leather w/orange stitching
Black Cyclone wheels
With only RWD, they are the fastest most vicious F-Types ever made. Even with a tire upgrade they have more HP than rubber. There is no difference between '14 and '15 dispite Jag's more conservative rating on the 2014. Both dyno ~500 WHP stock (about 50 more WHP than an SVR AWD and 100 lbs lighter).
The launch car is the one to have but it is almost impossible to find:
V8 S RWD Convertible
Firesand w/black lipstick and side vents
Entended leather w/orange stitching
Black Cyclone wheels
Last edited by JIMLIGHTA; Feb 7, 2019 at 09:42 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 926
Likes: 264
From: Connecticut
2014 V8 S RWD or 2015 V8 R RWD Convertibles
With only RWD, they are the fastest most vicious F-Types ever made. Even with a tire upgrade they have more HP than rubber. There is no difference between '14 and '15 dispite Jag's more conservative rating on the 2014. Both dyno ~500 WHP stock (about 50 more WHP than an SVR AWD and 100 lbs lighter).
The launch car is the one to have but it is almost impossible to find:
V8 S RWD Convertible
Firesand w/black lipstick and side vents
Entended leather w/orange stitching
Black Cyclone wheels
https://youtu.be/gTLCf_KCsI8
With only RWD, they are the fastest most vicious F-Types ever made. Even with a tire upgrade they have more HP than rubber. There is no difference between '14 and '15 dispite Jag's more conservative rating on the 2014. Both dyno ~500 WHP stock (about 50 more WHP than an SVR AWD and 100 lbs lighter).
The launch car is the one to have but it is almost impossible to find:
V8 S RWD Convertible
Firesand w/black lipstick and side vents
Entended leather w/orange stitching
Black Cyclone wheels
https://youtu.be/gTLCf_KCsI8
Can you please explain most vicious? Is that a way to describe a car that it's quite easy to get out of composure?
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
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From: Toronto
If you can could you drop me a pm/dm
Banned
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RWD is not dangerous at all, it's been around a long time. You can slide the tail out if you so desire, that doesn't mean you have to, but it is tremendous fun. Humans have control of their own feet.
Last edited by JIMLIGHTA; Feb 7, 2019 at 10:39 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 656
Likes: 136
From: Australia
jaguar built the awd for the US market - fact
americans struggle bigly exiting carpark meets with rwd v8's - also fact
american sales account for more than row (though that is now changing with china as the new growth market) so that's why the awd eventually replaced the rwd entirely - for a couple years we could order the v8 in either rwd or awd
americans struggle bigly exiting carpark meets with rwd v8's - also fact
american sales account for more than row (though that is now changing with china as the new growth market) so that's why the awd eventually replaced the rwd entirely - for a couple years we could order the v8 in either rwd or awd
Veteran Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,109
Likes: 1,396
From: Gold Coast, Oz
My 2 cents...
For power and noise and excitement, the RWD V8 (pre-16) but it has an awful infotainment if that is a thing for you;
For more usable power and noise, the 16 update AWD V8 - but check on the infotainment as there are two units, one not very good and one which is OK that came later but they both look the same, also the AWD makes it feel weighty at the front;
For noise and the ability to throw the car around, I'd go the 16 and up V6S RWD which is much lighter at the front end, above caveats regarding infotainment apply;
For handling and value for money, P300 (4 potter turbo), in good hands this car is a real weapon but it doesnt sound as good as the V6
For power and noise and excitement, the RWD V8 (pre-16) but it has an awful infotainment if that is a thing for you;
For more usable power and noise, the 16 update AWD V8 - but check on the infotainment as there are two units, one not very good and one which is OK that came later but they both look the same, also the AWD makes it feel weighty at the front;
For noise and the ability to throw the car around, I'd go the 16 and up V6S RWD which is much lighter at the front end, above caveats regarding infotainment apply;
For handling and value for money, P300 (4 potter turbo), in good hands this car is a real weapon but it doesnt sound as good as the V6
Banned
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 374
Likes: 57
jaguar built the awd for the US market - fact
americans struggle bigly exiting carpark meets with rwd v8's - also fact
american sales account for more than row (though that is now changing with china as the new growth market) so that's why the awd eventually replaced the rwd entirely - for a couple years we could order the v8 in either rwd or awd
americans struggle bigly exiting carpark meets with rwd v8's - also fact
american sales account for more than row (though that is now changing with china as the new growth market) so that's why the awd eventually replaced the rwd entirely - for a couple years we could order the v8 in either rwd or awd
It's been a very effective strategy. Jag bit.
Last edited by JIMLIGHTA; Feb 7, 2019 at 11:10 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 800
Likes: 243
From: So Cal
jaguar built the awd for the US market - fact
americans struggle bigly exiting carpark meets with rwd v8's - also fact
american sales account for more than row (though that is now changing with china as the new growth market) so that's why the awd eventually replaced the rwd entirely - for a couple years we could order the v8 in either rwd or awd
americans struggle bigly exiting carpark meets with rwd v8's - also fact
american sales account for more than row (though that is now changing with china as the new growth market) so that's why the awd eventually replaced the rwd entirely - for a couple years we could order the v8 in either rwd or awd
Fact: AWD adds about 170+ lbs to an already overweight car, and increases parasitic driveline loss.
Fact: AWD cars have their engines raised 1.5", thereby raising center of gravity, not considered optimal for a sports car.
Fact: AWD cars needed to have the hood bulge raised to accommodate said higher engine placement, which exacerbates the high cowl/hood visibility issues
Opinion: Loser lawyers probably have more to do with the demise of RWD than bad USA drivers, but I'm just guessing.
The debate rages on.......
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
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From: Toronto
My 2 cents...
For power and noise and excitement, the RWD V8 (pre-16) but it has an awful infotainment if that is a thing for you;
For more usable power and noise, the 16 update AWD V8 - but check on the infotainment as there are two units, one not very good and one which is OK that came later but they both look the same, also the AWD makes it feel weighty at the front;
For noise and the ability to throw the car around, I'd go the 16 and up V6S RWD which is much lighter at the front end, above caveats regarding infotainment apply;
For handling and value for money, P300 (4 potter turbo), in good hands this car is a real weapon but it doesnt sound as good as the V6
For power and noise and excitement, the RWD V8 (pre-16) but it has an awful infotainment if that is a thing for you;
For more usable power and noise, the 16 update AWD V8 - but check on the infotainment as there are two units, one not very good and one which is OK that came later but they both look the same, also the AWD makes it feel weighty at the front;
For noise and the ability to throw the car around, I'd go the 16 and up V6S RWD which is much lighter at the front end, above caveats regarding infotainment apply;
For handling and value for money, P300 (4 potter turbo), in good hands this car is a real weapon but it doesnt sound as good as the V6
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 118
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From: California
And I absolutely love it.
