When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Say what you will about the P300 but I can vouch for that it actually sounds good for a four banger. Not the engine itself, but as usual Jaguar have done wonders with the exhaust system. Just like with the bigger engines the exhaust sounds about as good as it gets stock and it seems pretty pointless to put on some pimped exhaust because it's so well sound engineered from the get go.
Not loud enough for my redneck tastes, but then I have the 22 F Pace SVR now and that is nowhere near loud enough for me either
When asking for advice about this particular car or jaguars in general, I should mention a few things, most will not sit well with people ie "If you're looking at mpg, you can't afford this car" etc. Which, I can appreciate that kind of response because that is reasonable and will be true in most situations.
a. I'm 50 years old, never had a sports car before and would love to have one for the thrill of it. I want to keep this car for 2 years or more. I have owned a 2007 lexus ls460, 4 and 6 cylinder Camry's (small flex lol) So I'm going to appreciate just about any upgrade in drivability.
If it costs more than $4k per year in maintenance, I probably can't "reasonably" afford it so I will probably part ways. Of course, there are unexpected high costs, which I'm aware of.
b. I don't make 100k per year but I still want to enjoy the benefits of a sports/luxury car.
c. Mpg is important to me as well as maintenance costs. If I can own this with an extra $5k on the side for unexpected repairs, is that enough?
d. I love the thrill of the v-6 and v-8, sound, feelings etc but would choose the more than capable 4 cylinder if it means less headaches/cost.
e. I was looking at the 2015 Lexus RCF but $40k is a little more than I'd like to spend as I'm only putting a $10k downpayment on whatever car purchase I make.
With that being said, I appreciate all of your perspectives based on your experience because it hells me make the best decision for me. I really enjoy this forum!
Last edited by Matt McFarland; Dec 4, 2025 at 03:46 PM.
Hi, unless noise is a critical factor for you (as it is for me), personally I would go for a well specced 4 cylinder car. I've been in a 4 cyl driven by a professional around the track, it goes hard and handles really well, a decent driver could get much more out of a p300 than I can out of my modded 6, and I get more out of a 6 than I can out of an 8. I have the p300 XE, the modded 6 F Type, and the 550hp F Pace SVR, I reckon the XE is probably the one that handles the best as it is so balanced, the F type is a bit more fun because you can flick out the back end, the SVR is a sledgehammer to crack a nut, I cant drive it hard without risking my licence so those 550hp are wasted.
When asking for advice about this particular car or jaguars in general, I should mention a few things, most will not sit well with people ie "If you're looking at mpg, you can't afford this car" etc. Which, I can appreciate that kind of response because that is reasonable and will be true in most situations.
a. I'm 50 years old, never had a sports car before and would love to have one for the thrill of it. I want to keep this car for 2 years or more. I have owned a 2007 lexus ls460, 4 and 6 cylinder Camry's (small flex lol) So I'm going to appreciate just about any upgrade in drivability.
If it costs more than $4k per year in maintenance, I probably can't "reasonably" afford it so I will probably part ways. Of course, there are unexpected high costs, which I'm aware of.
b. I don't make 100k per year but I still want to enjoy the benefits of a sports/luxury car.
c. Mpg is important to me as well as maintenance costs. If I can own this with an extra $5k on the side for unexpected repairs, is that enough?
d. I love the thrill of the v-6 and v-8, sound, feelings etc but would choose the more than capable 4 cylinder if it means less headaches/cost.
e. I was looking at the 2015 Lexus RCF but $40k is a little more than I'd like to spend as I'm only putting a $10k downpayment on whatever car purchase I make.
With that being said, I appreciate all of your perspectives based on your experience because it hells me make the best decision for me. I really enjoy this forum!
To me it really comes down to what your goals are. If you are looking to be somewhat practical about things, cost or otherwise, then I guess I could see purchasing the 4. If this is a dream purchase and you’ve always dreamed about a 4 cylinder sports car then get the 4 I suppose.
For me the F-type was at the top of a list of dream-fulfilling sports, or sports-oriented, cars. For my goals the idea of a 4 cylinder anything is not meeting the definition of a dream car.
Again, I think at the end of the day it comes down to what you are trying to accomplish here with the purchase.
Seems to be strong opinions either way with the 4. Those who like it seem to like it a lot, and those who don’t really don’t. I personally think a 4 cylinder does not belong in this car. Put that in a Vantage and people would freak out. I’m freaking out because of it going in the F-type ;-o. To me it brings down the car.
Good Luck with your purchase.
All are excellent points. No wrong answers from anyone really, just solid personal perspectives. Not sure why this popped into my head but this decision sounds similar to, "do I want the hot blonde who just sits there and looks good" or do I want the hot blonde who cleans the house and is a good cook?" Both cost money but one I'll appreciate more and be worth the higher maintenance. 🤣
To me it really comes down to what your goals are. If you are looking to be somewhat practical about things, cost or otherwise, then I guess I could see purchasing the 4. If this is a dream purchase and you’ve always dreamed about a 4 cylinder sports car then get the 4 I suppose.
For me the F-type was at the top of a list of dream-fulfilling sports, or sports-oriented, cars. For my goals the idea of a 4 cylinder anything is not meeting the definition of a dream car.
Again, I think at the end of the day it comes down to what you are trying to accomplish here with the purchase.
Excellent point! I heard someone say somewhere, "if you want the 4 cylinder version, don't test drive the 6 or 8. You won't know what you're missing." Haha
I bought a 2020 Checkered Flag edition. It has the 4 cyl engine and I've had no problems. I get an annual oil change. I also had a 2016 6 cyl. I enjoy my current car more because it has a lot more features then my first car. I will say, I miss the nicer sounding exhaust system. I have the switch to change the exhaust sound (sorry hard corers, I forgot what that's really called). Makes a little difference. I get a lot of comments on the car and, honestly, unless you are into F-Types, I doubt anyone can tell the difference. I am also not someone that can afford (or would want to) a lot of maintenance. I would suggest shopping around for a good independent shop to take care of routine maint and any repairs. The real problem is when you have to rely on a Jag dealer for the work. This is especially true, if like me, the dealer is a small volume dealer and it can take forever to get the car out of shop once you put it in.
The real problem is when you have to rely on a Jag dealer for the work. This is especially true, if like me, the dealer is a small volume dealer and it can take forever to get the car out of shop once you put it in.
This is a very good point and one reason to why these cars are so exclusive and expensive to maintain/repair in most parts of the world outside of the UK where they have shedloads of independent JLR specialists all over the country. The main dealer overcharging is crazy here in continental Europe and seemingly even worse in North America.
If it costs more than $4k per year in maintenance, I probably can't "reasonably" afford it so I will probably part ways. Of course, there are unexpected high costs, which I'm aware of.
My V8 doesn't cost me that to run! My main expense is fuel and tyres, in that order. Servicing is on a par with "ordinary" cars - no supercar charging for Jaguars.
I bought a 2020 Checkered Flag edition. It has the 4 cyl engine and I've had no problems. I get an annual oil change. I also had a 2016 6 cyl. I enjoy my current car more because it has a lot more features then my first car. I will say, I miss the nicer sounding exhaust system. I have the switch to change the exhaust sound (sorry hard corers, I forgot what that's really called). Makes a little difference. I get a lot of comments on the car and, honestly, unless you are into F-Types, I doubt anyone can tell the difference. I am also not someone that can afford (or would want to) a lot of maintenance. I would suggest shopping around for a good independent shop to take care of routine maint and any repairs. The real problem is when you have to rely on a Jag dealer for the work. This is especially true, if like me, the dealer is a small volume dealer and it can take forever to get the car out of shop once you put it in.
Thank you for your input. I have a really good indy who knows European cars well. Is there any reason to be concerned about an independent mechanic working on these cars. My guy only charges $80/hr and is honest and knowledgeable.
So, to be clear, the 4 cylinder is a less headache/cheaper to maintain than the v6?
Thank you for your input. I have a really good indy who knows European cars well. Is there any reason to be concerned about an independent mechanic working on these cars. My guy only charges $80/hr and is honest and knowledgeable.
So, to be clear, the 4 cylinder is a less headache/cheaper to maintain than the v6?
I think you really over analyse the maintaince cost. All three engine options are relatively common engines put into everything in the JLR lineup, it is not like having a Ferrari bespoke engine put into one car. Therefore, parts, labor, knowledge etc. will be relatively the same.
In terms of reliability, you know for well that there is a risk with cars without a warranty, and all can go without issue or you can blow whatever engine. Really the only timebomb is the cooling pipes on V6/V8, which I did for 2.000 Eur at indie shop including parts I did not need to replace. Better than replace turbos, I suppose. Also,t here is an argument for a V6, since it is based on the V8, that it is over-build since you are handling 380 HP on a 500+ HP internals and design. I would recommend to add 2k or so to any V6/V8 car when purchasing it to the cost, and live with the "I did everything reasonable I could" attitude.
Ultimately, you need to drive the P300 and the V6 both and decide. There is no point to buy a fun car that you have no fun in it, even if it is bulletproof.
If you will be OK with the sound and characterics of P300, go and buy it, there is no shame in it. If you fell in love with V6 and can add 2k, go for it and smile
Lets drive them and then report back!
I am seeing lots of good advice here for potential buyers. What I am wondering has the OP driven an F-Type yet? If so what model was driven and what were the impressions?
I am seeing lots of good advice here for potential buyers. What I am wondering has the OP driven an F-Type yet? If so what model was driven and what were the impressions?
Yes. The best advice I've seen anywhere, honestly. I was planning to test drive the p300 a few days ago. Trying to meet up with a private seller today to finally test drive it. But haven't heard back from him. I think I'd be doing myself a disservice if I don't test drive the v-6 as well. The biggest shock I've experienced regarding this car is the how much car you get for the money and the maintenance sounds much more reasonable than say a BMW or Mercedes. I've only mentioned to 4 people (one of them a service advisor for a general car shop repair shop) my interest in the Jaguar and the responses are pretty wild. "Don't buy it! They're a headache." Or. "You'll love it until the 1st $10-$12k repair bill comes." After doing about 30-40 hours of research and listening to people who actually own the car (what a concept). I come away feeling the Jaguar F-Type is the best bargain on the road with reasonable maintenance. The biggest complaint I hear are the tires not lasting as long as people prefer.
Am I missing something? How am I 50 years old and no one I know has ever mentioned jaguar as a great sports car to own?
Hey, I'm 76 and a sports car guy and never knew about the F-type till my British son-in-law asked me to research any problems with the F since he wanted one.
After a few hours of on-line and forum search, I was very impressed. At the time I was looking for a C8 Corvette for myself (my wife drives a C7). I switched to looking for an F-type myself.
I ended up buying a 2023 R in March. Three weeks later we found a 2021 V6 for my son-in-law. So now we are a two F-type family.
Our two cars, mine is the silver.
How am I 50 years old and no one I know has ever mentioned jaguar as a great sports car to own?
To be honest, Jaguar is not what comes to mind as a sports car brand (comparing to Porsche, Corvette, etc...). Since XJ220 the F-Type is probably the closes to "sport" and even with that you get that "Its a GT", also with zero presence in any motorsport. FFS even Bentley have a racing car in GT3 class.
The reliability were a weak point too, so we are lucky that the F-type is reasonable sorted and unique, under the radar and therefore great bang for your bucks!
