Hello dear Jaguar community,

After spending quite some time reading through this forum, I finally decided to reach out and ask for your expertise and experience.

I live in Switzerland and I’m planning to buy an F-Type without an OPF, because I want to experience the full Jaguar feeling — especially now that the brand seems to be moving in a slightly different direction.

I’m currently looking for an F-Type Coupé (2014–2018).
Models I’m considering:

• V6 S (380 hp)
  
• V6 400 Sport (400 hp)
  
• V8 R
  
• V8 SVR – my dream car, but unfortunately it’s about CHF 30K above my budget compared to a used V8 R here in Switzerland.
  

I’d love to know: What made you choose one specific model over the others? What were your main reasons?

I really like the V8 R AWD – it looks aggressive, has tons of power, and delivers that classic Jaguar character. But at the moment, there aren’t many available with under 20,000 km at a reasonable price.

Then there’s the V6 (380 hp) and the 400 Sport – both in excellent condition, low mileage, beautiful colors, and at fair prices. I’m just worried that I might miss the power and sound of the V8, even though the V6 versions are more cost-efficient and practical.

I can’t really make up my mind, so I’d really appreciate your thoughts and advice in helping me decide!

Thanks in advance and best regards from Switzerland!
Jere

 

I went shopping, determined that I would get a V6 convertible. I ended up with an AWD R coupe. Then, a couple of years, later, I traded the R coupe for an SVR convertible.

When I first shopped F-Types, I commuted to work every day and the convertible just didn't make sense. I needed something I could park outside in the rain and not feel worried. I had just driven a V6 convertible and was thinking about it when I heard an R Coupe start. My head swung around at whiplash speed. I took the R for a drive and that was it.

I very much enjoyed the coupe, but a couple of years later, My job switched to work from home. I started kicking around the idea of a converible and cross shopped a lot of cars. Maseratti Granturismo, AMG GT, BMW M850i, Audi S5 and probably some others that just weren't memorable enough. I came back to the F-Type and found an SVR for sale in my area. One drive and that was it.

For some people, the SVR isn't worth the extra money. It's easy to get 25 more HP via a tune, the SVR's forged wheels are heavier than aftermarket forged wheels, you can get an exahust that sounds as good and the other upgrades can be tough to notice in the real world, except the interiot. The interior is a step above the best R interior. In the end, I liked the idea that if I bought the SVR, I would not need to buy wheels, an exhaust, a tune or any visual upgrades. I could just leave it stock and be happy. Maybe one day it will be a collector car. Either way, it makes me happy and it appeals to my vanity.

 

Thank you for sharing your experience!
In terms of cost and sound, did you saw an big diffrence?

 

I wanted RWD, no OPF, screamy engine and adjustable side bolsters seats = V6S

 

For me, it would go beyond just the motor choice. All the luxury add-ons make a huge difference.
I would buy AWD. I would consider an R or an S, either would be nice. You should drive them both. SVR’s seem a little too boy racer, to me.
I really like my R in that it can effortlessly poodle around if I want to. Or not, if I want to. The R has “adequate” horse power, as the Rolls people used to say.
I like my 2016 especially because it doesn’t have the LED DRL’s that seem problematic. I’m also not a fan of the face lift.
Alcantara or extended leather headliner, light up door sills plates, the better R seats. My car is almost 10 years old and it still smells like leather.

 

The exhaust on the SVR is a titanium true dual exhaust. It's much lighter and raspier, with more pops. My wife likes it less, I like it more. It's one of the best sounding stock exhausts on the market, but I'm not sure I could say it sounds btter than a VAP or quicksilver exhaust.

It cost a good chunk more. If I was not going for a convertible, I don't think I would have made the leap. The feel of driving the car is not that different and certainly not on a daily basis. The cars I was cross shopping generally cost the same or more, so it was on par with them. It was a bad financial decision on my part, but it was the best bad decision I've ever made.

In my seven years of F-Type ownership, I've had times when I've considered other cars. Aston Martin come to mind now and then, but the F-Type just suits me. It has a presence that is a little understated and at the same time, elegant. It's raw and unapologetic. It's not special enough for the exotic crowd and much more exotic than the BMWs and Benz's (SLS, SLR and M1 excepted). It's simple, which is both good and bad. I've had older, less expensive cars that had much better tech. My friend's 911 is superior in just about every way, except the raw torque and the looks.

With the SVR, most people don't know what it is. 911s have a similar problem where the look so similar, that unless you pay attention, you might not immediately see the difference between a Carerra and a Turbo S. I like the rarity of the SVR and would not begrudge anyone who buys an R for much less money, puts a little bit into wheels, exhaust and a tune and gets a car that probably performs better for less money.

 

I ordered mine with the options I wanted and was willing to wait. Behind some of my choices:

I wanted the 6MT, so that meant the V6. Good decision? Probably not, but I had to have it.
I wanted the LSD, so that meant the V6S.
I wanted the biggest brakes I could get (Super Performance) and the Performance seats (just fit me better).
I had to have the Vision Pack because rear view cameras were still optional, and rear visibility in the coupe is really bad.
Since I was ordering to spec, I also got a few options to personalize it (wheels, extended leather, colors, etc.)

I thought the V8 felt more like a muscle car, and that wasn't what I was after. Also, I thought the exhaust note on the V6 was much more refined. The extra weight in the front, especially with the AWD, was noticeable. I'm not sure what part of Switzerland you're in, but if you enjoy the twisty roads like in the Schwarzwald I don't see the V8 as an advantage. If you like the roads more open, the extra power is definitely exhilarating.

I had a 400 Sport as a loaner some years back and really liked it. The special seats looked good, but I didn't get enough miles to really judge feel. The extra aerodynamic bits set it apart in a nice, but subtle way, and you definitely won't see many others.

 

Lizzardo nails why I went with the 6MT S. Couple of other points.

The S has all the power you can use in a corner. I'm not a red light racer, so don't ever miss the afterburner.

Front and backup cameras are an easy addition, cost me $2,300 and worth it, integrated into the stock screen.

Regarding the exhaust note, the S sounds fantastic without being "that car". I like being able to leave in the morning without waking the neighbors. Go to dynamic mode though and you can rattle cages when you need to.

 

Even though I love my RWD v6S with an absolute passion, I probably drive it better than any car I've owned before, it is easy on the juice and steers better than the AWD R, I would have preferred an 8 and probably would have saved money in the long run had a bought one, against the cost of the mods I've done essentially getting the sound and looks. The 8 has the quad exhaust that I far prefer which is delivered closer to your ear from the outside of the back instead of the middle, and the v8 burble. It has a far different power delivery as well, although to that extent I prefer the 6 which feels darty and nimble against the meaty feeling of the 8. It is kind of hard to describe, but driving the six is like a really clever insult, driving the 8 is like a belt in the side of the head.

So in the end I needed both engines, and got the 8 in a F Pace, but my F Type (owned 9 years) isnt going anywhere. Possibly the fun of modding over the years has kept the love alive, previously I had changed cars every 2 - 3 years tops.

 

I second all the suggestions as to options. The V-6 Premium is what I got because it was a 6 speed manual and THAT was the 'had to have'. It was also just 3 hrs drive from where I live and I was familiar with the selling dealer. When I test drove it, the acceleration was amazing. I have the panoramic roof, but don't use it much. I have the Vision Pack which is great because it has the parking aids (rear, side and front) and the rear camera. That rear camera is a must because of the side structure of the coupe. It came with the 'virtual' CD player.. virtual, because you upload 10 cds, the CDs don't stay in the car.
Some other good things: the seat adjustments are right next to you on the door, no fumbling down on the side of the seat bottom.
Living in Wisconsin, the heated seats and steering wheel are really nice on those days the car goes out.
You can change the oil from the engine compartment using a Mityvac Extractor (saving $300-$400 over dealer)

The kinda bad things: the visor does not swing, to block side sunlight. I bought a flexible shade that fits up in the window crack between the glass and the weatherstripping.
The sound systems are bogus for this level of car. The Bose system in my 2013 golf is way better. However, there are TONS of threads on Meridian upgrades.
Make sure the coolant system pipes have been changed to the newer style.. The old ones have flanges, the newer ones are solid and the 'newest' ones are metal. Also check that the center vent raises and lowers without noise or grinding.
Check that the spoiler button, which raises and lowers the spoiler when the car is NOT being driven is operational. This is for cleaning.
If you have an 'active exhaust' button, make sure that all works. I think there is a 10 or 15 year covered replacement if they aren't.
The ambient lighting in the doors and the underside of the center passenger grab handle in my F had never been enabled. My JLR tech drilled down in to some module to get to it and get it going.
Don't believe it when they say the SC oil is good for 100,000 miles. It's easy to replace with the 6 cylinder. I had mine done when the factory warranty replacement on the coolant pipes was done.. the SC had to come out anyway.
Check for 'microcracking' in the headlights. While there seem to be some workaround for replacing the lenses, NEW headlights are $4-6,000... EACH. I have the swiveling ones. (numerous threads on "microcracking".)
Be careful with 'carbon ceramic brakes'.. I think I read where it's a $12,000 USD+++ replacement????

Be sure to SIT in the car you plan to get. Make sure the seats are comfortable and that you can adjust them for good braking and gear changing, as well as being able to see.
Get the carfax and track all the services and owner records. This will help you understand how the car was cared for.

 

Welcome, excellent choice of car!

To start with, it sounds like your heart is set on a V8 so that's probably what you should get but here's an alternative view.

It all really boils down to what you consider being that full Jaguar feeling and Jaguar character and how you intend to use your F-Type. All the versions you mention are fantastic in different ways. You may have seen the comparison in other threads but what do you expect an F-Type to be - one that feels and sounds like a German muscle car or one that feels and sounds like an Italian sports car? Where and how do you intend to drive it? Sounds like a V8 version is the right one for you but for some like me it's definitely the V6 in S or 400 form with RWD which I think is the quintessential F-Type config.

So to answer your question, some reasons to why I went for an RWD V6S instead of any V8 variant:

- I never thought the V8 was suitable for the F-Type and wouldn't want that engine in an F-Type. Don't get me wrong, the AJ133 V8 is an amazing engine but to me it only fits the character and overall package of bigger Jags - the XK, XF and XJ. I love the rumble of a V8 but if I wanted that I'd get one of the lardier Jags, some Detroit muscle or a Maserati GT. As a bit of a European cultural reference, in a way the V8 versions are like Dua Lipa singing with the voice of Rammstein's Till Lindemann... two awesome things which don't quite match IMHO.

- Way better sounding engine and exhaust. Yes that's obviously subjective.

- A more engaging drive with shorter gearing, a more progressive power delivery, a bigger variation in engine/exhaust noise and a better balance.

- The perfect amount of power. Yes there is such a thing as too much power. IMHO around 400 horses is optimal for an RWD F-Type on public roads. Anything more will just bring you to to the limit a fraction of a second quicker, whatever that is worth. The only places where I think I really would have noticed and used more power are derestricted Autobahn sections and the Nürburgring. I'm neither into red light racing or drag racing so I have zero interest in any more straight line grunt from the F-Type than the V6S offers stock and that's one of the reasons to why I haven't remapped the F-Type, after having several other cars remapped. I mainly enjoy mine on superb twisty country side roads and alpine roads and I'm convinced that an RWD V6S/400 is the best config by far for such conditions.

- Just a subjective detail but also better looks - to me the two fat centre pipes look so much better than the quads.

Unless you intend to daily it in crappy and very hilly conditions (which I know may well be the case in the winter in Switzerland) I'd avoid AWD. Unless you really need it, it just adds weight, complexity and takes away a smidge of the driving experience.

When it comes to running costs and practicality there's hardly any difference between the V6 and V8 cars.

The best would of course be if you could test drive some different ones to compare. Good luck!

 

All I can say is your instincts on avoiding OPF/GPF are pretty solid. They are butt pain on more than one level, not just impacts on sound —>

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...emoval-290806/

I don’t regret the purchase of my 2024 R, but the GPF is on a short list of only 2 things I don’t like. The insane insurance cost in my region is the other, which I only found out about after fully committing to the purchase. In a few months span from when I originally checked it literally doubled overnight. Everything else has met or exceeded my expectations, and I much preferred the revised look of the newer F-type.

The insurance cost I can’t do much, but I’ve got an acceptable game plan to be happy in the end even with the GPF in place. The ASR controller mentioned in the linked thread above, a Velocity AP back box change out, and a scan tool that will allow me to monitor the GPF and force regen cycles against it if needed.

If it was me I would go V8, but if you insist on having a manual then obviously that’s not an option. Most on here seem pretty happy power-wise with the v6, but some are not and end up engaging in endless upgrades to get more.

Good luck

 

I mean, everyone has an opinion, but I liken saying that a v8 doesn’t belong in an F-type as being equivalent to saying that a v8 doesn’t belong in the Aston Martin Vantage…A statement that many would not agree with I’m sure.

That said, I respect your opinion. For me I have a similar strong opinion that making the 4 cylinder available in the F-type never should have happened…lol

v6 or v8 only ;-0

Cheers

 

I remember a few year back a Canadian guy came on the forum and said in Canada a Jag dealer wanted 50k Cnd (36k USD) to replace his ceramic brakes. So crazy.

 

Yeah, I know, probably an odd opinion on here. The Vantage gets away with it because it's an Aston. Otherwise I think the character of six cylinders or possibly a small screamy V8 is ideal in the F-Type / Vantage / 911 size/type of car. Clarkson's legendary first review of the V6S nails what the F-Type is all about, in my opinion. The C-X16 concept was a V6 hybrid after all and the main reason to why they also fitted the V8 was probably because they had to work with the parts they had from the XK back then. Having said that, Ian Callum, Mike Cross and the third gentleman who were the main brains behind the F-Type all said they would have chosen a V8 F-Type so opinions clearly differ.

I have a much stronger opinion about the 2 litre four banger though. Even more of a case of an engine which belongs in another type of car (small Miata type cheap sports car or hot hatch) although it actually works pretty well in the F-Type and sounds surprisingly good for a four cylinder. Sadly I suspect that the I4 will turn out to be the least reliable (most prone to catastrophic failure) of the three engine variants, considering what an insanely bad design the ingenium engines (both diesel and gas) are turning out to be as they age and wear. A bit off topic, since it wasn't even on the list of the thread starter.

 

Get some seat time in both if you can. As with most cars there is an inherent owner bias to V6 or V8 based on their priorities, and following that a confirmation bias that they made the superior choice That aside, I personally think they drive like totally different cars (surprisingly) - so much so that I recommend shoppers try both before making the decision.

 

With the roads you have in Switzerland, the 6 speed manual should be at the top of your list for a genuinely engaging Jag experience. Just the other day I was watching 3 super car executives talking about how bringing back manual transmission and other analogue goodies became an obsession at the top end of the market. If you know how to make the most out of a 6MT, then you'll feel like a movie star driving the F-type and your heart will skip a bit every time you nail a downshift.

With a simple tune, the base V6 can get to 420hp so if you fine a well spec'd base model, that's worth considering. 2017 to early 2018 was the golden manufacturing season for the V6 in th UK IMO.

I agree with everything that's been said about why the V6 engine suits the F-type better for daily road use. Just be prepared to see your typical journey time double once you get one! 😊

 

I bought my 2016 R convertible back in 2018 and have since put close to 60,000 kms on it.
When I was researching, I was between the V8R and V6S. My reasons were:
-Explosive power/torque which is great for passing on the highway or for silly stuff at stoplights
-AWD doesn't require much focus and is great for safety with my driving habits
-Fuel efficiency wasn't bad for the V8 (I average about 8.9L per 100 km)
-The V8 sounded much more menacing at higher RPM, and had a sense of restrained power at low RPM
-I liked the looks of the pre-face lift (2017 and earlier) headlights and shark gill bumper
-Best value used sports car for under 75K CAD (in 2018) that had over 500 hp, AWD, and that looked and sounded that special

The bonuses I found out through 8 years of ownership are:
-Low maintenance cost
-Reliable (car is now 10 years old). Original battery lasted 9 years, never needed a trickle charger.
-Such a fun car, you can have fun going slow too (I have a newer AWD V10 R8 and it's actually not that fun to drive most of the time)
-No fear with high mileage, or putting on miles - as long as the vehicle has been maintained (I did the aluminum pipe upgrade too), it's a car that I feel should be able to surpass 200,000 kms
-It's a timeless design, I still go into the garage to stare at it 8 years later

I don't think the difference between the SVR and R is significant enough to justify the 30,000 CHF price difference. In Canada, for that amount, you can buy yourself another F-Type R.

I made a questionable decision to buy this car when my finances weren't so solid, but thankfully it has blessed me with minimal financial pain and instead brought so many unforgettable experiences. Good luck on your hunt, and may you have many wonderful experiences with your future F Type!

 

1

 

Did you had some problems with your Jag? Which repair cost, did you had. If I can ask this