Ladies and Gentlemen I need help (or a nudge). Let me start by saying, I am infatuated with the F-Type. I have a modest $60k cash budget to buy the car of my choice, but I am failing to see the value of an F-Type for that price point. As it relates to performance the AWD transmission cannot handle the power we would need it to compete. For example, I could buy a 392 Daytona for around $40k and with the extra $20k would make it a 9 second car. Granted, not many people have the F Type, but I am wondering, is that by exclusivity or for a reason? Sure i can roll to show and have people ogle my F Type, but is that what's it's about? Once I put this on the streets, an everyday BMW with $2k worth of tunes will have me seeing them from behind all day long...why should I get an F Type besides the incredible sounds and looks? Help!

 

If you need to ask this question, this might not be the car for you. There will always be faster cars. Yeah you can be in the fastest Dodge Charger in the world but I promise you nobody cares. People aren’t going to ogle at you. Maybe you don’t care and you just want to be fast. Go for the modded car then.

Reminds me of some guy with a BMW 328i who recently bragged to me his stage 3 turbo sedan can outrun Lambos and he was looking forward to “hurting some feelings” on the road. Lol cool bro, I’d still take the Lambo. If I wanted to be fastest car out there I’d buy a Model S Plaid.

 

If the incredible sounds and looks aren't enough you definitely need that help you're asking for!

 

Buy what you want and for the reasons you want. Based on what you've said, the F Type is not what you want. It seems you're more about how fast (quick) your car is, and based on recent events in Jacksonville, I can understand your need for speed. But that scene is not this car. I knew when I saw (and heard) the F Type, it was what I wanted. When I finally drove it, and subsequently every time thereafter, it only reaffirms what I already knew. I know a 9 second Civic costs a helluva lot less and much cheaper to maintain and repair, but there's no way I'd drive one of those things.

 

Continue to do your research to get facts about the cars, and buy what suits your goals. Great cars, but if you are looking strictly for speed...They are a bit heavy. The best pocket rocket (I also have one) is the 911 Turbo...Nothing under $1 million is going to beat them in a sprint (if slightly modified).

I found this statement the most interesting "As it relates to performance the AWD transmission cannot handle the power we would need it to compete. For example, I could buy a 392 Daytona for around $40k and with the extra $20k would make it a 9 second car."

If that is your primary concern, then get an F-Type. They have the same transmission (ZF 8HP 70 HIS). Good for 700 NM Torque...Or do not get the Dodge...again, because they have the same transmission, and even more of a pig @~4400 lb. curb weight.

DC

 

Since you mostly seem to want speed, get a Kawasaki Ninja H2R. It fits your budget and is truly fast.

Skip the Lambo. A $40K Daytona has about a 50/50 chance of being outrun by a Yugo - depending on which one gets out of the shop first.
On the Lambo, you'd have to save up to cover the maintenance, and on the Yugo, you'd be waiting for parts.

 

I am always puzzled when someone buys an F Type with the intent of using it to compete in 1/4 mile drag racing events. Yes, pretty respectable times can be achieved with one, but that was not the purpose of the design.
If you want a drag racer you will be better off buying a less expensive car and making the mods you desire.

 

If your sole goal is to street race, you can purchase a Mustang or Camaro cheaper and make them much faster for less money.

 

So, what was/is it about the F that has you infatuated? Everyone here has her/his own reason or reasons. For me, my 2017 F is the 'spiritual successor' to my 69 E-type. It is a spectacular car to sit in as well as drive. I sometimes miss an exit or a turn because I am enjoying the drive so much. Although it's 'just' the 340hp 6 cylinder & supercharger, it provides sufficient, and when pushed, more than I could possibly want from a car on the roads I drive. It sounds like you may want to have two cars... the F to satisfy your infatuation, and something more 'run of the mill' to thrash on a race course. Like so many others on this thread, I have not yet overcome that "OMG, that is my car" feeling. Make a list, put down the pros and cons for the F and for the 'other car' you are considering. Sometimes seeing that on paper helps one to decide.

 

I didn't buy my car for other people to ogle, I bought it for me to ogle.

I first saw and F-Type R at a stoplight on my way home from work. It was black and just so damn good looking. I took a picture of it as I sat at the stop light. The car was completely off my radar and suddenly was at the forefront of my mind.

When I buy a big ticket item, I research the heck out of it. Ultimately, buying the F-Type was a decision of passion, not a decision of numbers. To this day, every time I get out of the car and walk away, I turn back to look at it. The passion for the design has not diminished at all. It will never be the fastest car, the best handling or the quickest. I'm not playing that game anymore. There is always a faster car.

The car does exactly what I want. It is fast. It handles well. It looks so damn good. If I wanted to run 9s, I would get something else. There are lots of good options. If I wanted to turn the fastest laps at the track, I would also get something else. I give zero ***** if the guy with the tuned BMW is faster. Around the corner (either literally or figuratively) is someone faster than him. This is the first car I've ever bought that I said "I'm keeping this car forever."

 

Sell me your 3000 GT

 

IDK what it is about the F-Type that I love so much, it's everything. After reading all these posts, I will have to agree there will always be someone faster. I should go for what I want and enjoy it. My only pain point is the price when compared to other cars. For a little more I can get a brand new M3 or a decent used one and newer MY than the F-Type. I think your advice is spot on. Get the F-Type and another to thrash it on the 1/4 mile/ street.

 

And blend in with the thousands of others? Don't be a sheep!

 

I'm aso in Jacksonville. You should take me out for a spin sometime. I think I just need to actually ride in one.

 

+1 - I bought mine because I think it looks great and it’s a blast to drive and listen to. There aren’t a whole of cars that can outrun one - although many people try - that said, weirdly I get close to the same amount of comments on the f-type as I do from my R32, but my challenger gets more attention than both combined. I don’t have to outrun everyone but it is nice to know that I can.

 

R32 is definitely on my list also.

 

I rode motorcycles for 45 years and people would ask inquire on why I rode, and my answer was and is, if you have to ask, you just don’t get it. Same goes for the f type, it’s all about passion, pure and simple. Owners of
f type get it!
Frank

 

The best suggestion is not to buy any car right now. Prices are messed up, especially on used cars, so many of the comparisons you are making are only valid this second. In 3 years, when the market has likely returned to normal, it will be more about how much extra you paid now vs what its really worth then. Some people are going to feel a lot of pain.

 

Take it to a track. Street racing is irresponsible, and less fun.

 

You really buy it for the fantastic looks and sound that you mentioned, also the nice interior, and live with everything else. They ride nicely and handle fine (really well on forged rims), but some other cars do it better. The auto transmission is nice but a little laggy. They are quick, but there are plenty of quicker cars. The infotainment is dated and annoying, the sat nav virtually useless. It is reasonable as a daily in coupe form, but there are the occasional challenges. The steering is fantastic IMO, especially the EPAS from about 2016. It never fails to get attention, especially after a wash. For me, it is an ideal car (well it would be more ideal if it had a decent manual, though the auto is very good).

Personally if I was going to be second guessing the decision if I was spanked at lights, I wouldnt buy it, I'd go for something like a giulia (sp?) instead.