So after 8 years of service at 145,000 miles, two deer strikes, being hit by a van of Mennonites (via a water truck), being hit by a pick up truck, and on its third engine - My 15 S 3.0L Conv has spun a bearing. Needs an engine. I looked in to fixing it again - $10.5K for a jaguar parts reman (but these are currently unavailable), $14.5K for a new Jaguar Parts Engine, ~7K used. It would take about $5.5K to put in. The Jag ones come with 12 month / 12,000mi warranty. I will eat up the milage in about 8 months. So new engine installed ~$20K.

Looking around for a new car, and even after all that, I'm considering a 2018 SVR Conv with 30K. No warranty of course - I am understandably gun shy. This would be, like my other one, mostly a daily driver. ~$60K

Although if the SVR ever does need a new engine - I feel like I would be at least repairing the car I really want. I spoke with my Jag mechanic and he was saying the 8 Cyls seem to hold up better than the 6, even on head gasket repairs (the cause of the first engine replacement). When the 6 overheats its usually means the engine is toast. And I understand the timing issues have been addressed in the newer models. And lets face it - the SVR is a beast!

Carmax offered me a laughable 4K for the old one. So if I get the SVR I will probably keep the old car and change out the engine myself with a used one.

Sooooo - help me out with your thoughts

Option 1. 20 grand on fixing old S model
Option 2. 60 large on an SVR
Option 3. Run far away and land on a nice reliable Toyota or something. And have money in my pocket.

I realize I'm on a forum full of avid F-TYPE Acolytes and I am one of them. But I thought this would be a fun topic.

 

Well…
1. Stop reading the forum and buy the SVR.
2. I suppose an older V6S isn’t a great parts car for the SVR, but something to consider. Much of the electronics would be the same.

 

Not to disagree with your mechanic, but I wouldn't go out and buy a V8 and think it will love through overheating any better than a V6. These motors do not like overheating, and the blocks are pretty darn similar. Key is, don't overheat it, deal with the know cooling system risks, and shut it down immediately if you detect signs of it getting hot. Now go buy an SVR

 

Option 4 - Fix the old S model yourself. With the money you save on labor throw a tune and pulley on it and turn it into a beast and still have some money in your pocket

 

Better the devil you know and boy you know yours pretty darn well!

 

Any in reason you don't want an R? You'd be pretty close to an SVR and you'd save some money.

 

I'm not going to not say SVR...

 

On a serious note - my original engine went after I did pull right over. Tried a head gasket swap and it didn't take. I mean it wasn't even a quarter mile on a highway. I don't necessarily think you're wrong but he mentioned that he has been more successful in gasket repairs with the eights than the sixes, months after the repair is all.

 

Its definitely temping

 

That is a major consideration. One thing is I would like the options the SVR brings as well - vented seats, backup camera and lane change are a big reason. Plus it seems my devil hates me.

Funny thing is I had a chevy impala for 12 years and nobody hit it and the engine ran.

 

If I get the same year - yeah i would save. But I would buy a newer R and try to get some warranty out of it. I do like the R but I figure if I'm gonna do this well, SVR is the way to go. Where I messed up is test driving it - Ha

 

If money matters: I'd put a new engine in the old car, do metal coolant pipes (all of them), solid s/c coupler and perhaps tune it after 500 miles to 1000 miles for 473hp on pump gas....plenty of power.

if money does not matter, get the svr.

On heat, the 6's cylinder walls look quite a bit thicker, so one would think the gasket would be tougher on a 6....just saying...

jb

 

I think it's probably more about the heads than block actually. Now that I think of it, maybe due to the 6 having smaller heads makes a difference? Also think its down to luck, sometimes you see the signs early enough, sometimes you don't. Metal pipes definitely help mitigate the risk. OP when you get your SVR you may want to consider the upgraded Y pipe, although the SVR should have at least the improved plastic version.

 

Think I can do it.
Go with a first year V8S. RWD.....underated. Very fast. Can be upgraded, if wanted, for very small amount of money to over the HP of the SVR. 1/2 the price. Heck......you could buy two. Coupe and Conv.

 

Only one problem with that, the V8S is/was 'vert only!

 

Telling someone not to buy an SVR if they are able to feels like it could be against some rule somewhere ;-0

 

Get a 2015 R if you want a RWD coupe.

 

Good thing the OP said he’s looking at an SVR convertible.

 

Honestly what about getting a ‘21 R? You’ll get what’s left of the warranty and they’re cheaper than the SVR (at least from what I’ve seen). Plus you get some additional creature comforts/interior upgrades. If exhaust is a concern just pull fuse 15 and you’re at about 80% of the exhaust note of the SVR without bolt ons.

 

Just get a project 7 - why stop at an svr. JK.

If you can afford it and it makes you happy, why not.

Post pictures please after since you did a whole thread on it, mandatory. In the small print.