I find the sound system to be "good enough." It's a weird, small space with a lot of in-betweeny things dividing it, so I do fiddle with settings depending on whether I have the windows up or down, mostly fader. With the road/engine/exhaust noise (and NO symposer) it's never going to be a concert hall, but I'm cool with that.

 

Not to be a downer, but that is a massive change, for me it would be too much too fast. I'll tell an anecdote. I quite liked driving the XJR on the Jag track days, it is a fantastically different car from the F Type and an astronomically different car from the F Type vert. I have to say I didnt enjoy the vert very much at all on the day I had one as a tester because it was too hot with the roof down and I didnt like the wind hitting my forehead when I gave it the beans, I hated the glare on the dash and centre stack, didnt like the smell of exhaust fumes, and didnt like that I couldnt pick my nose without being seen. But bear in mind I drove it on a sunny day, probably 30 celsius or over, and also it was a base model. But I got out of it and got back into my XKR and I was happy to be back in the XKR, notwithstanding that the transmission and steering werent as good, and ended up trying a coupe a few years later which I did really like, and bought.

That said I have had the F Type coupe for 8 years now and I wont be changing any time soon, it is a fantastic and comfortable car. I think I would have suggested an F Type coupe or an XKR vert if you want the open top, but the XKR would be a step back for you in tech and transmission unfortunately and if either of those are important to you it wouldnt stick. The F Type can have a beautiful ride if you have the right seats and wheels/tyres, also it can be pretty rough on the wrong setup so you need to do your homework.

 

Me too, trying to get great sound at such a small cabin is a challenge in itself and I think meridian did a good job.

 

Good points from everyone, thank you. I know it will be a huge change coming from the XJ, and that's what's worrying me. I guess the only thing to do is to actually go test drive an F-Type and see what it's like.

 

I wouldn't worry too much as you could be here in LA with your house reduced to a pile of ashes. Whichever way you go, it's all good!

 

I know, I feel a little guilty even considering buying a new car right now. I lived in LA for 20+ years but only had to evacuate my house due to wildfire once in 2019. Thank God it came all the way up to my backyard fence and just stopped. I know some people at my old church who have lost their homes over the past few days. And a lot of my favourite old haunts around Topanga Canyon and Malibu are gone now.

 

Enjoy the things in life you can, while you can. I just bought a 2016 Ftype convertible as a "happy distraction" from being the sole cargiver to my wife who's had dementia starting about 5 years ago. Getting out to the garage for small projects on the Jag provides me some short respite time. Taking her out this Spring with the top down when the weather permits will be fun for her, hopefully.

 

I'm very sorry to hear about your wife. I pray that you and her will enjoy the F-Type.

 

Fortunately my wife and I moved further east about four years ago as our former house in a canyon just above Sierra Madre might not be there anymore. It's absolutely insane what has/is happening. Just the same, life goes on, so no need to feel guilty. After all, somebody has to take the responsibility of driving these amazing cars.

 

I have 3 jags (plus 3 other vehicles) and I'd say this statement is true no matter what year or model of Jaguar you want/have!

 

​​​​​​This. These are all just things. The only real consideration imo is financially. If you can afford it, go for it, don't over think it. Could be great, could be terrible, could be mediocre. However, life is a out experiences and you won't have any of them if you flounder over decisions. I say it's not impulsivity, it's adventure!

 

I attended a Jaguar day at Millbrook in the UK back in 2014 full of F-Types and some guys from Meridian were on site asking what everyone thought about the sound system. I'm not sure anyone even turned it on! As you say, the F-Type cabin is no concert hall.

 

I got mine last year when I was 73. I haven't tracked mine as there isn't any place close. Although this coming summer I am going to do the Tail of the Dragon.

 

Just remember a very different type of car, not an SL alternative.

 

My dad has a XJ, so I've driven both. They are very very different cars. I think the main thing is, what is important to you? Excitement or luxury and comfort?

 

Just got back from my first test drive of a 2015 V8S convertible. I really liked it. The suspension was firm and sporty but not harsh. It felt very planted like my wife’s G37. The steering felt great too. Very different from the XJ which can sometimes be a big floaty boat, even in dynamic mode. Driving with the top down in sunny 50 degree weather was very nice. The car has some cosmetic issues but I think the price makes up for that.

No active exhaust button unfortunately but I can always pull that fuse. It was weird how quiet it was until I got to a certain rpm, then suddenly the exhaust seemed to come to life. If the car has the active exhaust, but not the button, can you replace the center console control panel with one that does? Or maybe it’s easier to just keep that fuse out full-time.

I’ll have to do some serious soul-searching this week. Thank you all for your input. I’ve always said Jaguar Forums is not just the best automotive forum on the net, but the best overall, and that continues to be true.

 

Don't do it! I kept my XJ and made it my daily driver to work, and purchased my F-Type still. Try to figure out a way to have your cake and eat it too bro.

 

Do you really need more issues in your life?

 

In normal mode the valves (as you've found) open up around 3.5/4k rpm. If you want them open earlier, then select dynamic mode - that should give you all the "life" you need. I've never really found the switch to be much of a benefit - if I want full loud I select dynamic, otherwise it's a quiet purr until the revs rise. Some use dynamic mode and use the switch to close the valves (dynamic automatically activates the switch).

 

That was my only gripe driving the XJR on the track on the Jag track days, it was way too quiet inside even at higher revs and the engine note was too cultured, like a voom sound. Watching them from trackside the sound seemed to sizzle and hiss a bit and it was pretty intimidating, but IMO it could have used an angrier note