Looking at a used MT 2016 on Monday...
 

I'm going to take a look at a used 2016 F-Type S MT on Monday, just wondering what I should look out for. It's got 5k miles on it and is for sale by a non-Jaguar dealer.

I've already been talking to them, the local Jaguar dealer said they had no records of service. They don't know what version of the clutch it has (vin is 31XXX). If it has version 1 or 2, is that something that I can just take it to the dealer to have replaced immediately, or do I have to wait until it starts failing?

Also, I was wondering about the software version. I read that the audio system can have some issues on older versions of the software. How do I check what version it is updated to? And is it a simple process to update to the latest version?

What else should I look out for?

I would walk away unless you have documented clutch fix. If they want to sell you car, tell them to produce paperwork of a new clutch and flywheel.

Unless you have a relationship with a Jaguar dealer, they will want you to show that it is slipping. Some Gen1 clutches don't slip, especially if you don't push the car.

K31xxx may be late enough to have a decent clutch. What was the production date? If after September/October 2015 it might be ok. The only way to know would be to do a hot 0-60 run. If the clutch is bad, you'll have no trouble feeling/smelling the slip during the 1st-2nd shift.

Seems if the dealer ran the VIN and nothing comes up then no warranty work has been performed.
As others have said the clutch issue is pretty obvious if it is indeed bad - try the downshift from 4th to 3rd at about 60 or 65 mph while hammering it. If it doesn't slip your probably ok, but you should have plenty of warranty left with a 2016 if something does fail.

Why would you walk away? It is covered under warranty right?

Hard to say on VIN...let's face it, I thought I was safe with a 303xx VIN and that proved not to be the case, with the call for a replacement being made even before I had 1K miles on it.

Concur that putting it through its paces should answer the question pretty quick, and with a used (ie. broken in) model, it should be easier to do and not feel queasy about.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. Is there anything else I should look for aside from the potentially bad clutch?

Yes, but you might still end up fighting to get it fixed. Especially as you purchased your car from non-dealer, any dealer you will approach will not have established relationship with you.

a. Clutch is a wear and tear item, they can easily blame you or PO for this
b. Clutch is slipping, not broken, the can easily argue that it is working as intended
c. F-type MT are rare, this would be probably first clutch job for tech doing it

Thanks, fair points!

How much does it cost to replace an f type clutch with an aftermarket clutch?

I suspect the challenge is - how many used MT F-types are there to choose from? Very few, I would assume.

That is the challenge indeed - especially if you’re like me and want to be able to drop the top. The convertible MT combo is almost impossible to find. Only 6 for sale nationwide right now.

I have been tracking manual 2016 coupes and they are equally rare. I'm hoping a big batch of them comes onto the used market next year since I imagine most of them were 3 year leases.

No aftermarket clutches readily available. I have, however, lined up a performance clutch manufacturer who is willing to custom build one for a reasonable price(less than OEM), but it will require supplying them with a brand new clutch disc, pressure plate and flywheel to take the dimensions. The first time my clutch fails out-of-warranty, I will undertake that exercise. It will involve eating the 20% restocking charge on all the OEM parts, but then the pattern is available for all of us.

Isn't the 3rd generation OEM clutch good though? Or does that one have issues too?

How much does a clutch change cost with OEM parts?

Sounds like a good bargaining chip, if you can confirm the clutch was never changed.

Don't know.. I'm still on Gen 2 and it is still holding in there after 17k miles and a highly tuned engine.

.............................Dealer........ Online
Flywheel ...............$1651 ........$ 990
Clutch kit......... ...... 517......... 310 (Gen 4)
T.O. bearing (hyd.) .. 191.......... 114


You gotta be careful. Some of the dealers are still selling the gen 1 clutch through their online channels.