My son is looking for an F-Type R. His budget will put him in a 2016 - 2018 probably. He wants AWD so no 2015. Over the years of having my 2019 I've familiarized myself with the F-Types pretty well. That said, I want to make sure we are not overlooking any factors that should be considered. Are there any issues with the 2016 - 2018 years we should be aware of?

 

I'd say I wouldn't be so quick to rule out the RWD models. The AWD system is so heavily rear wheel biased that the traction control kicks in before the AWD system does in most cases. Much of the stigma against the RWD modles was caused by the horrible OEM tires. Knowing what I know now, I would not rule out an R.

For 2016-2017, look for the coolant pipes. If they are the old verison, budget a replacement of them and that's going to run over 2 grand.

 

A lot of the 2018s also have the seamed coolant pipes. Don't skip checking them on a 2018.

 

I just did the coolant pipes along with a new water pump, rear coolant pipe, and water pump to oil cooler connector, all of them are metal. The kit is just under $500. Not an easy job, but not too bad if your mechanically inclined. We'll defiantly do that to what ever one he gets regardless of year.

 

I'll pass that along to him. Personally I have always wanted to get a 2015 and have a pair of them.

 

Also look out for dimming of one (or both) of the DRL's - this will indicate eventual failure. It's pretty much an inevitability that at least one of them will go out so look for early signs. That's a smooth $4k to replace one of them.

I have about 3 '16-'19 F-Types in my area and all of them have one DRL that's gone out. It's bad.

 

Actually don't skip checking them on any year, the seamless pipes fail too - they are just a little younger.

 

Advantage of a 2018 is it's the mid-cycle refresh so you get the LEDs and updated infotainment system. Also, it may already have the no-seam coolant pipes if it was built later in the year.

 

Late build 2018s also have lane keeping assist.

 

Fyi, I purchased my 2016 convertible on carvana in December then filed a claim through their Silver Rock warranty service and they paid the $4,500 to cover the replacement of all the seamed pipes as well as a new supercharger coupler. Carvana can be a pretty good source to purchase an F-Type as long as you do proper due diligence and research on them car before making your purchase. The silverrock warranty is pretty good deal as long as you take action within the first 100 days of ownership.

 

Yep, I've had to do that on my '19. Fortunately it was covered under warranty.

 

Coolant pipes as everyone has said
LSD may have wear issues ping Onca engineering on that
normal mileage issues - belts hoses fluids etc
some reports of belt idlers having issues VAP has an upgrade
2018 changes to IP and Pathfinder instead of ODBII and SDD if you work on your own

 

There is an awfully pretty BRG 2022 w/tan interior on BAT right now (no connection). Don't know if you can reach that from a 2018.

I'm a little tempted, except I don't have room for another car right now and nothing I have would be sacrificed either.

I wouldn't mind one of these as a "fixer" or project car. Nothing on this car I would be afraid of.