For me the F-Type was a Fail
Veteran Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 265
From: Mulmur, Ontario, Canada
discussion, as I'm planning to transition from my R8 (6MT) to the F-Type R. I'm not dissatisfied nor old. After 5 years, I'm just looking for a change. Having never seen an R, much less driven any flavor F-Type, this dialogue gives me some concern that I may be stepping down. But, I don't necessarily feel that way. The R8 is a phenomenal car. I'm just looking for the next phenomenal car.
I now have an R and its a total riot to drive.. well behaved, yet in dynamic mode it really changes character. I have extensively driven a merc AMG gullwing and the R handles better in my opinion and rides better.. yet its the total beauty and character that matters to me. The Porsche was too clinical for me.
The F type is a sporty type car so the ride is firm, yet I do not find it harsh.. some have mentioned that you should order the dynamic dampers if you get the 6 cylinder.. the R has them standard.
The transmission is excellent.. the AMG had a dual clutch set up and the F type comparatively was as pretty much as good for any sort of driving you would do around the countryside.
Anyway, sorting through the opinions of the general public on what car is best is at best a 'mugs' game due to the fact we all have our biases.. just be sure and test drive what you think you want to buy.
Lawrence
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 74
Likes: 12
From: Chicago
I just traded my F-Type S Roadster for a Mercedes SL550.
I definitely liked the Jaguar’s looks, luxurious interior, and comprehensive equipment package…but that was not enough to overcome low-speed steering that felt like the car was riding on soap suds; road-speed handling feel that I could only call “lumbering”; a transmission that was constantly hunting for the right gear and downshifting nervously every single time I touched the gas; a supercharger with grunt but no finesse; and an exhaust that was just plain immature.
I definitely liked the Jaguar’s looks, luxurious interior, and comprehensive equipment package…but that was not enough to overcome low-speed steering that felt like the car was riding on soap suds; road-speed handling feel that I could only call “lumbering”; a transmission that was constantly hunting for the right gear and downshifting nervously every single time I touched the gas; a supercharger with grunt but no finesse; and an exhaust that was just plain immature.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter Florida
I appreciate all the help and information that gets disseminated in forums like this. However, I just wanted to vent a little about my disappointment with my F-Type S, and see if anybody else shares my feelings…or if I’m just on the lunatic fringe! The bottom line on my story is this - after 3 months of ownership I just traded my F-Type S Roadster for a Mercedes SL550.
I definitely liked the Jaguar’s looks, luxurious interior, and comprehensive equipment package…but that was not enough to overcome low-speed steering that felt like the car was riding on soap suds; road-speed handling feel that I could only call “lumbering”; a transmission that was constantly hunting for the right gear and downshifting nervously every single time I touched the gas; a supercharger with grunt but no finesse; and an exhaust that was just plain immature. All of this is just my opinion of course!
I bought the F-Type as a daily driver but between the steering, suspension, and transmission settings it just wasn't fun enough to drive on the rough streets and highways here in Rhode Island. I’m sure there are plenty of other high-performance cars like Vipers and GT-R’s that would fare no better, but I expected more sophistication from Jaguar.
OK, sometimes I DO feel like “it’s good to be bad,” but most of the time I just think the whole package was aimed at 30-somethings who might have outgrown their Mustangs. Is this Jaguar’s new market target? If it is, the $95,000 sticker on my car would disagree.
And before, you dismiss me as somebody who “just doesn't get it” my other cars are a Maserati Granturismo-S, an air-cooled Porsche Targa, a hot-rodded Avanti, and a minty Datsun 240-Z. So I’m pretty ecumenical when it comes to my wheels.
Anyway, I’d be interested to hear comments from other owners. And if you LOVE your car, that's great too. Actually, I’m jealous!
I definitely liked the Jaguar’s looks, luxurious interior, and comprehensive equipment package…but that was not enough to overcome low-speed steering that felt like the car was riding on soap suds; road-speed handling feel that I could only call “lumbering”; a transmission that was constantly hunting for the right gear and downshifting nervously every single time I touched the gas; a supercharger with grunt but no finesse; and an exhaust that was just plain immature. All of this is just my opinion of course!
I bought the F-Type as a daily driver but between the steering, suspension, and transmission settings it just wasn't fun enough to drive on the rough streets and highways here in Rhode Island. I’m sure there are plenty of other high-performance cars like Vipers and GT-R’s that would fare no better, but I expected more sophistication from Jaguar.
OK, sometimes I DO feel like “it’s good to be bad,” but most of the time I just think the whole package was aimed at 30-somethings who might have outgrown their Mustangs. Is this Jaguar’s new market target? If it is, the $95,000 sticker on my car would disagree.
And before, you dismiss me as somebody who “just doesn't get it” my other cars are a Maserati Granturismo-S, an air-cooled Porsche Targa, a hot-rodded Avanti, and a minty Datsun 240-Z. So I’m pretty ecumenical when it comes to my wheels.
Anyway, I’d be interested to hear comments from other owners. And if you LOVE your car, that's great too. Actually, I’m jealous!
Veteran Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 978
From: Canada
I have a 2013 Merc SLK55 AMG. I'll trade it in a heart beat for an F-type. My 2013 Jaguar XKR shifts, drives, is more comfortable, less noisy, sounds better and handles better than the Merc AMG. Wow, I can't believe you went to a standard Merc SL from the cat. Damn, I would have traded you for my SLK55--it only has 700 miles on it.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter Florida
I have a 2013 Merc SLK55 AMG. I'll trade it in a heart beat for an F-type. My 2013 Jaguar XKR shifts, drives, is more comfortable, less noisy, sounds better and handles better than the Merc AMG. Wow, I can't believe you went to a standard Merc SL from the cat. Damn, I would have traded you for my SLK55--it only has 700 miles on it.
May still go for F coupe but I'm going to wait a bit and see how things shake out with initial problems on those cars. I'm in no hurry to get rid of my E55 after driving a Carreras S, Audi RS5, Jag XFR, the new M4 (sweet driving little coupe) and the SL63.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 554
Likes: 149
From: Orange County, CA
I take it this was an older SL63? The SL63 has been a 5.5L twin-turbo since 2012. Personally, I find the SL63 to be a very capable car. I tracked both the 2014 SL63 and the 2014 SLS black series at Laguna Seca a few weeks ago.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter Florida
And really, they're apples and oranges. Two completely different driving experiences. My last three cars have been AMG and I'm looking for something a little different this time.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DFW
F-Type ( X152 )
15
Oct 1, 2015 07:22 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)