So after a lot of looking, I found the car I was looking for. More miles than I typically go for (a little worried at 45K) but color/equipment/interior, price, all worked. So I compromised.

For now, I'm going to keep it stock till I trust it more and go though some level setting maintenance. But there will be pulleys/tune/cats, etc. in the future. The dealer mounted 255's / 295's all season tires on it. So wrong tires, and the fender gap/tucked tires are killing me. It has the carbon wheels, I think these will end up being my winter setup.
From my forum search, 15mm spacers from https://www.motorsport-tech.com/ seem to be the recommendation? As to lowering springs it appears to be H&R?, or I'm leaning towards the adjustable KW's. I autocross and do an occasional track day, so my typical default is adjustable. I'm pretty well versed in Porsche's/Bimmers, I've turned a lot of wrenches. But I have 2 days experience with the Jag, so open to any suggestions. Thanks.

 

Change your rear differential oil, unless you have service records that show its already been done. 45k miles is past the recommended 30k interval, based on much research here into rear diff problems. I just picked up an R-Type as well, same mileage. I looked at your car, but wanted white. I just got 2 liters of the proper diff oil (BOT 720) from the local Jag dealer. I'll change it myself, several good guides online to help.

 

For the existing wheels and tyres (exactly the same wheels and same size tyres as my set-up) you will want 15 mm spacers on the front and 20 mm on the rear.
If/when you go to a summer set-up of 265/305 tyres then swap the 20 mm rear spacers out for 15 mm.
One good thing about the Blade wheels is they are the ONLY OEM F-Type 20" wheels where you can use 15 mm spacers without needing to cut or grind approx. 3 mm off the wheel lugs, so if you go for a different set of wheels for your summer set-up you will need to carefully consider which wheels. Different wheels could mean you want/need different size spacers or else consider after-market wheels with different offsets such that you don't need spacers at all.

 

You absolutely picked the right color.

 

That colour is sick, great find

 

Yep, it's called Firesand.
Or Firesand Orange.

 

Based on the carfax it's been dealer maintained, but I see no record of the diff fluid. I'll change all fluids just to level set on maint. I do a lot of that kind of work myself. The engine bay is freaking packed, so some jobs are probably going to be a pain (like plugs)

Second set of wheels would have offset to eliminate spacers. I knew this going in, but the lack of aftermarket support is going to make things challenging. I think I have to do springs/spacers now, current stance detracts from otherwise incredibly beautiful car.

Never thought I'd go for an orange car, but Firesand with black trim just does it for me. That's why it took so long to find the car I wanted. Contrasting stitching was also a must, The carbon package really pops with this color. And I can find it in a parking lot....

 

That's super pretty. When I got the mustang I ended up with one in orange fury which is a metallic orange colour, not as nice as the firesand Jag of course but quite nice. Similarly, I never expected an orange car but having had it for a few years, I am really happy with it. It doesnt show a lot of dust or water marks, doesnt get too hot in the sun, and it sticks out like dogs' ***** so you dont have to worry about someone not seeing you coming (essentially is is a hi viz colour), also it goes really well with black accents

 

Great stuff. Feels great when you finally get the one that you wanted. All that searching paid off.

 

There are at least two manufacturers that will make wheels to your specs. I opted with BC Forged over VS Forged because of the styles available, but both are represented by members here. There are a few threads on the subject.

As for the color, I agree. I considered it when I ordered my car but thought it was a little too flash for daily driving, particularly if my driving were of a sort to attract attention on its own. I had not seen one in person. When I finally did, in full sun, I had a bit of "color envy."

 

The story I tell from time to time is I had a black Cayman S, showed up at a track day, 2 other cars just like mine. Heard someone comment on the black Cayman, and the other person said which one? As a car guy, I was not pleased. Went to a Cars & Coffee with a Guards Red 911, 4 other guards red 911's. I just went ahead and parked in the red 911 row. Right now I have a white M240 that I have modified quite a bit, but last season there were 3 other white BMW's autocrossing in my local region. And I can't count how many white BMW's with black wheels are rolling around here- a lot is the answer.

So Firesand it is!! And there are not many F Type R's either.

 

Congratulations on your purchase. I see you bought the car that was at RMS in Butler, PA. I bought my 2017 SVR Coupe from them in November 2022. Steve was the used car manager at a Jaguar dealership for years and really knows these cars. Don't be afraid of the miles. Mine had 43K on it when I bought it and has 57K on it now. Drive it and enjoy it.

John

 

They did know Jags, which helped ease my mind about the miles somewhat. I was specifically looking for '16-'18 because of the modifications I'm planning, and Firesand was my first choice in color. There were exactly 2 in the country for sale at the time that fit my criteria and I had been looking for awhile. The other was in Cali and had a full grey wrap on it. So this one was relatively close, took the chance and bought it remotely.

 

Regarding mileage, I had a 2001 XK8 that ran up to 60,000 miles and a 2004 XKR that got up to 90,000 miles, both running the predecessor engines to the ones in the F-Type. Jaguar won't have forgotten how to design engines properly between the two versions.

 

Gorgeous. My first F Type drive was in a V8 convertible in that color..., suits the car very well.

 

I found the ONE—not that I was looking—25, going on 26, years ago in Portland, Maine. Married 20 plus blissful years. Wait…a…minute. Oh sorry. You’re talking about a car. My apologies.

Congratulations!

 

I'm sure that as long as you can manage to keep it properly 'serviced', you'll be good for another 20yrs.

On a completely different note, H&R springs showed up today, spacers are inbound. Let the mods begin!

 

I wasn’t going to reply—highjacking your thread—but I can’t help myself. My wife is being “serviced” getting a professional massage even as I type. (And I’m next). If the next 20 will be as great as the past 20 have been…I’ll take it!

Good luck with the mods. I’m sure many—including our esteemed member, The King of Mods, Unhingd—will be watching.

 

No worries brother, its nice to hear about people being happy.