Originally Posted by Whirlinturbin

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.

Originally Posted by itsfred

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.

Originally Posted by itsfred

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!

Originally Posted by DGL

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.

Originally Posted by Speedpeddler

No way I was going for the standard SL550. I was looking at the SL63 AMG which I swear my E55 would out run all day long. 6.3 liters of naturally aspirated engine just doesn't cut it when your used to a SC engine.

Originally Posted by another_geek

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.