I am trying to figure out how to afford an F-Type. I haven't driven one yet, but am totally smitten by the looks of an F-Type S manual coupe, and just the idea of blasting through the mountains in something like that. The way I've configured F-Types on the website, it's about $90k MSRP.

Right now I have 3 vehicles in my fleet, and my overall fleet budget is about $2000/month including all property taxes, insurance, maintenance, fuel and payments/financing. The other cars in my fleet will probably usurp about $700/month leaving me $1300/month for the F-Type. I don't have any real cash that I want to put into a downpayment, but by the time I'm looking to make a move, I will have fully paid off my 2007 XKR convertible, which I'm hoping will still have a trade-in value of at least $15,000 (or perhaps I could sell privately for $20,000+), and I would be willing to trade in. This F-Type will only be weekend driver and mileage will probably be less than 5000 miles a year.

So, what do you think??? Should I just forget about it now? This car feels like a major stretch for me, the most expensive car I've ever bought was my XKR at $35,000.

 

You could consider leasing

 

The used market might make a lot of sense, though I doubt there are many manuals out there.

 

Supposedly Jaguar says the take rate on the manual F-Type is something like 10-20%. That's actually pretty high. Unfortunately, the manual wasn't available until 2016, so it could be a long wait if I want to buy used at a substantial discount.

I guess one thing I'm curious about is what sorts of discounts are being offered on new F-Types from MSRP?

 

You can fit F-type into $1300/mo. Just don't take first deal they give you and you should be fine.

The best F-type deals are offered during the winter. I closed at $15,000 off MSRP this February on 2016 MY car. My suggestion is to wait a month or so until winter JLR promotions start and then haggle to take existing MT car off dealer's lot. If you order the car with features you want - you will not get much of a dealer discount.

Keep in mind, you don't need to get S unless you want LSD. Extra HP is tune, hardware is identical, is all at the redline and can be unlocked with an aftermarket flash. Premium package that includes blind spot monitoring is a must-have feature, as blind spots are rather severe. If you get to choose rims - get something easy to clean, as the car produces A LOT of brake dust, especially if you engage in spirited driving. Stock tires are garbage, I suggest swapping to MPSS on delivery if you are at all into racing or spirited driving.

You can also buy used at even greater discount, but you won't find MT - they are still too new in addition to being rare.

 

Buy a used one, they depreciate like a retro-rocket. There are some out there with very few miles and in pristine condition.

 

Yeah def look into the used market. Got my v8s with 2200 miles on the clock for 74k

 

Definitely look at a used (1-2 yr old) under 10k miles CPO. Great deals out there! Then apply online at bank of america and if you don't get all the credit you need ask them to increase it and voila you've got a Jag

 

The LSD is probably the only feature I care about from the S. Are there any cosmetic differences on the front end on the base and S other than an S badge?

 

no

 

don't buy new, be patient and find the perfect car on the market

 

Other than badge, there are no cosmetic differences.

Someone here posted that all MT would have mechanical LSD, even base, but I can't confirm this as mine is S and does have LSD. Tail-happy MT RWD car without LSD would be too much...

Two other S features - active suspension and active exhaust are also worthwhile. Active suspension is softer in normal mode and make car more comfortable for commute without compromising on-track handling. Active exhaust affords you 'quiet mode'.

I don't think you should focus on S vs non-S, get one that is available with features and color you want.

 

S also has upgraded brakes ('high performance', I believe) - having tracked it a couple of times, I think the brakes are awesome.

 

If you are a Jaguar Clubs of North America (JCNA) member in good standing you can have an additional $2500 off of the purchase price you make with your dealer. All models 2016 and 2017 except SVR. Best of luck!

 

Buy used and sell all of your other cars. In Arlington, VA, there will only be 5 or 6 days you can't drive a RWD F-Type (maybe even on those days if you get a set of all season tires). Rent an SUV on those days.

 

+1. If you want to keep it for a long time buy used. 16s are coming in from leases at increasing rates now and that will accelerate next spring. There are new 16s still around going at low prices with a little negotiation. Otherwise lease and you can get it for under $1k per month easy.

 

If you aren't particular about the options (aside from it being manual), there are several 2016 used manuals listed for sale via Cars.com. Take a look and see if something interests you.

 

I like your thinking, but my wife would hate having to hoof it!!

 

Thanks, I did see a few. I think the problem is I either need to buy brand new, and lease, or buy used and have it be a few years old already. Just from a cash flow standpoint.

A used $70k car is going to have higher monthly payments for me to purchase than a leased $90k car.

 

Yes, but with a purchase of a used car, you'll own most of it after 3 years (and none of a leased car).