Hello from Melbourne, everyone. This is my first post here, but have been reading your F-Type threads with great interest for weeks before finally deciding to give myself a Christmas present - I'm picking up the new F-Type R tomorrow morning!! To say I'm excited would be a bit of an understatement!

I just wanted to say thanks for all the interesting posts - I have been weighing up the merits of placing an early order for the AWD and then waiting 6 months to pick it up. Coming from a history of AWD cars, including the VERY enjoyable RS5, the coming AWD model had a certain appeal to me.

There were many good comments on your forum, for and against, that helped me understand the differences between the two - not just the performance, but also the little things like body coloured trims (yuck) and hydraulic vs electric steering.

I read LynxFX's tale of the 1,200 mile trip home with much interest, which put into perspective that we just dont get that sort of extreme weather here in Australia that might justify the extra front drive.

Stohlen's AWD option sheets post was also very helpful in dealer discussions - thanks. I was quite surprised/disappointed at several of the options that are included as standard in the US-spec F-Type R but are chargeable options here - glass roof, Meridian 770W, powered tailgate and climate pack.

In the end, after obtaining an advanced quote on an AWD from a local dealer, another dealer then came back to me with an extraordinary (read "never-to-be-repeated") end of year offer on an almost identical, fully optioned RWD (with Ceramics, Technology Pack, Parking Pack, panoramic roof, powered tailgate, Seat Memory, Convenience Pack) that was just sitting in the show-room, un-driven and ready to take home. It was too good to refuse (and I don't really know how I could have lasted 6 months waiting), so when the dealer was able to meet my desired price on the trade-in, it was all over! I'm a Jag owner. Makes me realise that this end of the year is definitely the time to buy a car!

I dont know how you all feel, but if you had suggested to me 3-4 years ago that I'd buy a Jag, I'd have said you're crazy. But I have fallen in love with this car - it is just jaw-droppingly beautiful. And the noise! I analysed my own reaction for two days after my first visit to the showroom - when the dealer started it up, I just giggled like a little kid! That is the most fantastic thing I've heard in ages.

Sorry to go on, but I'm in my happy place today!

Cheers!

 

Congratulations! Post pics as soon as you can. We always love to see another beautiful F-Type and the Stratus Grey is very striking. Do you know what wheels it has?

 

Welcome to the forum & Congrats on your new R! You've made a great choice. Fully loaded w/CCBS...nice. I see how excited you are & you have every right to be. I still get excited every time I walk towards my car knowing I'm about to get in it & go. I know you will enjoy it just as much as the rest of us F-Typers.

 

Same here. I had no urge to even consider Jag after the E-Type went away and before the C-X16 concept was unveiled.

OzRisk, welcome. I am indeed jealous (and will be for the next 6 months).

Post some pics from down under.

 

Yes, they're the 20" Storm Black and Polished. Love 'em!

 

Congratulations!

I'll think of you - very briefly - this morning as I drive my 2015 Stratus Gray V6S to work. December 29 - in the northeastern US (Maine) - with clear and sunny skies. Remarkable.

Like your new car!

And we all drive Jaguars

 

Congratulations on your new purchase, now it is about midnight where you are, so you only have at the most 12 hours of anxiety until dawn comes and you can get on your toy and have at it. Post some pics.

 

Welcome,congrats and looking forward to seeing pictures of the new toy...!

 

Congratulations OzRisk. I've had mine 6 months and the only complaint I have is that I can't get the giggling to stop. Enjoy.

 

Congrats man. Drive the hell out of that Jag.

 

Two and a half hours, and counting....

 

Congrats. There's a Kiwi on the forum too. You guys can do a meetup LOL Perfect timing, it's Summer down there, right?

 

Excellent choice ! Congratulations and a Happy New Year with your lovely cat !

 

Congrats! Can't wait to see more pics

 

Congratulations on your new Toy!! CERAMICS and SG sounds like such a delicious combo. Looking fwd to pictures.

Welcome!

 

Here's a quick couple of snaps taken with my phone outside work today. Clearly I won't be giving up my day job to become a photographer! Cheers!

 

Ceramics look great on the Stratus Grey! Great choice and beautiful car. However, I am quite taken with the wall mural. Is it associated with your work?

 

No, we just have a lot of street art around Melbourne. This one is across the lane from my office (photo only shows about 20% of it). It gets painted over every month or two, so always something interesting and new to look at.

 

NICE!

 

What is "SG"?