Hi Forum,
I currently have a '10 XKR and '05 STR. I've driven my XKR cross country twice and to the pacific northwest. I've really, really enjoyed it and truly love that car!!! However my son and I are planning another cross country trip this summer before he either goes into the military or off to college. As much as I love my XKR, I'm not confident it'll make the trip without any issues. It's almost 9 years old and has 120k miles on it. So, I'm considering either a '16 or '17 CPO F-Type R. Do you guys recommend any specific trim? Are there any "gotchas" I should be aware of? I'd appreciate all the info you guys can provide. Thank you.

 

In all honesty, I don’t think two people in a F cross country would be very enjoyable. The firm ride, the ambient sound, the small cabin, the luggage issue, etc. Do you have another alternative?

 

yeah, I can keep my XKR or use my STR or Tahoe. Even if I don't go X-country with the F-Type, I'm still thinking about buying one.

 

I was able to comfortably ride for about 8 hours taking a couple of 10-15 minute fuel breaks when I drove it back from Florida new but I don't think I would have wanted to have done that for a week or so crossing the country. Sure, it would be better than trying the same thing in a 1967 Corvette as that would be REALLY hard core. The F-Type is a GREAT car for what it is. That being said, I have and DO take mine on weekend romps either to the beach or the mountains. Both of those can be 4 hours to get to and then riding around after that so it IS possible but your passenger might grow to despise the car after a x-country jaunt. LOL

 

Well, 2 things in response.
1. When I shopped for my F, I read all the brochures cover-to-cover truly admiring all the technologies. I decided on the V8, AT, drophead, Active Exhaust, and CPO warranty as personal must-haves in my shopping. Pondering the 550 HP, for an older fellow, I decided the AWD would protect me from some of the driving I knew I would do. (It has) The final decision was personal choices of color and seating. I found the car, had it shipped and am very pleased with this, my 11th Jaguar.
2. As to cross-country travel, last week a pal and I drove to/from the JCNA / IJF in Santa Barbara, about 6.5 hours each way. And we Rallied 50 miles of the return trip. Both males, we packed our travel clothes / needs in 2 soft-sided duffels, along with a small kit of car-cleaning supplies. We did fine on this 4 -day trip. And the chance to do a similar trip with my son would be a delight, so I say, "choose your ride, get it, and go with the boy!"
Let us know...

 

The issue of cross-country suitability is a personal one. I, for one, love the F-Type for long trips, one or two people. It's comfortable, can be exciting, and (in the coupe) has plenty of baggage space for two. I 've taken the car on a number of 3000 mile trips over long weekends and a 5000 mile trip over 7 days. Never got fatigued. (and I'm no Spring chicken)

 

5,000 miles? Can I ask about this journey?

 

I would have no issue taking mine cross country. In fact, I'm toying with the idea of it. I took a 928S4 across the country 20 years ago and it was a great experience. I think the F-Type would be even better.

As for options, I bought mine based on color. The R comes pretty well loaded. I am happy it came with the vision package (blind spot detection, parking sensors, etc).

 

I took my Convertible V8S to Colorado and Wyoming/Montana from Ontario. Drove close to 7000km. I did not mind it. I did cover 1500km in 1 day over 12 hours. It's doable. Mine was a convertible and hence more noisy with less space. I had a blast - specially on Beartooth Pass.

 

 

another piece of anecdotal data to consider - at 6'7" my f-type is great for around town and 1-2 hour trips. I would never consider it for a longer journey, it's just too tight. Smaller individuals will have a different experience.

 

Call me crazy, but I love buying 2 year old cars private party. Pre purchase inspections are not expensive, and with today's database's of carfax and the like and a balance of a 4-5 year factory warranty, I don't see much risk buying private party. I do see the benefit of meeting the prior owner and where he kept the car (I'm a huge fan of keeping cars garaged), and usually you can tell right away if the owner is a car enthusiast and took proper car of the car.

It's not that I hate dealers and the huge markups they charge... oh, wait, I do!