I'll soon be back in the market for a fast toy. Sold my modded C6Z last year & have been itching to get back into a fast V8 since. Regardless of what I end up with, it will be used. In the case of the F-Type, I am looking at a 2014ish F-Type S V8. Not sure if I'd go Vert or coupe. Prefer Vert, but I do have a highly modded Miata to fill that role. However, orange is my prefered color.

Once Spring actually shows up, I'll start test driving and narrowing it down more, but for now I am also considering cars like the Hellcat, classic muscle car (Chevelle preferred), Charger 392 SRT, 2012-14 Cherokee SRT, 2013-14 GT500, Gen2 CTS-V, another wide body C6 Corvette & C7 Corvette. Honorable mention go to the S550 Mustang GT & 6th Gen Camaro SS, but highly doubtful as they are far too common. Left out all BMW, Merc, etc because of maintennace costs & nightmares. Whatever I buy, I am looking to keep for many years.

So how is the F-Type on build quality, reliability, maintenance costs as well as wrenching on yourself? I do most of my work myself. I know I will likely get most folks telling me to pick the F-Type, but try not to be too biased. Any options that I should definitely seek out?

 

Quite the variety there! Choice is a great thing. The 2015 f types are selling at 50% depreciation so you can get some great deals. I think you need to think about if you want a true 2 seat sports car or if more room would be nice. I loved my gen 2 Cts-v. Anyway good luck narrowing it down!

 

All I can say is that the F-Type is not as hard to wrench on yourself as you might think and pretty much everything to do with routine servicing and maintenance including brakes is easy to DIY and saves you a bundle compared to what a dealership charges.
About the only hard to DIY routine thing is changing the spark plugs, but that is needed only every 100,000 miles or so.

 

You're really all over the place with the models of interest. Are you just looking for straight line power?

I would say none of the models you've highlighted are really a model for reliability... however when the F-type breaks its going to cost much more and be more complicated to fix than any of the other options you've mentioned. Its basically the same as the BMW/Mercs of the world on that front.

 

To be honest - I haven't seen much go wrong with the F-Type at all. They've actually been quite a good car since launch.


If you're looking for something that is dependable, fun to drive V6 or V8, and stands out from the crowd, F-Type is it my friend...










There's nothing else like a F-Type V8 roar

 

So you don't spin your wheels (figuratively), the coupe was not available until 2015 and then as an R model in V8 (550hp) trim. The V8S was a vert in '14 & '15 (495 hp) and tuned/issued as an R starting in '16. Don't let the 495hp stand in your way. The engine mechanically is exactly the same as the R but with a different tune that can be tweaked to 600hp for under $1k.

 

I don't need more room, it's just me. No kids, etc. I also have another car to DD

 

F-Type repair parts are cheaper than those for my MINI.

 

Just about everything I listed is reliable. Well, do these cars break on a regular basis? What are the common problems?

 

Also, I do like to turn to, but this toy will be more geared toward straight line speed. I can always take the Miata out if I really want to do some serious driving.

 

Too*

 

I did not know that. Awesome news, thanks.

 

How many clutches have you gone through again?

 

Good thing I'd buy an auto then I guess.

 

Well...ummmm...uhhh...

 

I don't really agree with that. Do the engines explode on a regular basis? No, but they are hardly the marque brands for reliability. Little things go wrong with those cars all the time because the build quality isn't nearly as high as certain other brands like Porsche and Lexus, which historically have very low problems per vehicle.

 

If you're cross-shopping a Charger, Mustang, Camaro, CTS-V, Corvette, and F-Type...don't get the F-Type.

 

Take a test drive, and you will soon find out if this is the car for you or not.
Tecnically it is just as well built as any of the others you mentioned, and should not be the deciding factor.

 

+1

You want another car. Until you really want a Jaguar, then don't even consider an F-Type.

Jaguar ownership isn't just a mode of transport, it's a mindset. Jaguars, regardless of model or specification, take more personal involvement and commitment than other marques.

I see a huge number of posts from would-be owners, current owners and past owners ranging from delighted to disgruntled. Those who didn't specifically want Jaguar rather than another marque often find they become a burden rather than a pleasure.

Graham

 

+1. The F-Type is like a beautiful woman you fall in love with, flaws and all. Like any relationship you get out of it what you put into it. If you want a good poke without commitment, get any of those other cars.