911 fan buying an F-Type

T

TH51

New member
This is my first post but I have been viewing this excellent forum for a couple of weeks since I finally decided to scratch the F-Type itch I've had for 10 years.

I drove an 'R' when they first came out and decided that it would be too much of a beast for me to live with and bought a 911 Turbo instead.

My 911 has now reached an age and mileage where I'll feel more comfortable using it a bit less so I'm looking for a car to take over long distance touring duties. The F-Type V6 is the car I've decided upon.

My physical search starts today and I've got a couple of viewings already lined up. These will help me establish the model, spec and colour combo I actually want to go for.

At present my thinking is that an Italian Racing Red or a Dark Blue 'S' would fit the bill but the most important criteria will be condition, history and sensible mileage. It seems that my budget of around £25k will limit me to a private purchase or a '340' from a dealer so I anticipate picking the brains of those on here several times over the next few days/weeks.
 
Welcome to the forum and the delight of not being gesticulated at or asked if you want a cup of coffee by other motorists!😉

My budget started around £20k then escalated to somewhere north of that figure, but as you look at the cars and learn what was on each model year you'll soon be deep in man maths calculations. It's worth searching out one with the specifications you require, and depending if it'll be a keeper or something to move on after a few years

Personally I'd avoid the 340bhp and instead aim for the 'S' which has a bit more power and other enhancements. Both the 340 and 385 can be taken to a factory tune of 400bhp by a couple of companies who also do other activations such as dual zone climate, traffic sign recognition, auto high beam assist etc., and infotainment upgrades

Where in the country are you? There are a few IRR owners on here and the colour does look particularly lovely
 
Thanks for the welcome. I'm based in Kent and have read that there's a fairly active F-Type community down this way.

I'm a luddite and rarely use ICE so my 'must have' list is quite short. Nice wheels, comfortable (preferably heated) seats and cruise control. I'm not a fan of pan'/sun roofs so that's not a consideration.

I'd prefer an 'S' and plan for it to be a long-term partnership so want to get it right first time.
 
Between a loved 340 and a higher mileage 380 (S), I would choose the 340 again to be my daily. It's great value for money, sounds amazing and as Kev mentioned, can be easily tuned to 400hp+ if you want more power. It won't be a matter of "needing" more as 340 is perfectly fine for road use and safer to be pushed to the limit in Dynamic mode.

Aim for a 2018 model year, the last built without particle filter which nas a negative impact on sound. For the ultimate driving experience, choose a manual transmission (unbiased opinion 😜).
 
I took a 2017 car (2018 model) 340 DynamicR out for a test drive yesterday and was very impressed. It's a fair way over the money I was looking to spend but the improved sat nav and general 'newer' feel of it has got me re-thinking my buying strategy.

My turbo has 473 bhp but it's rare that I exercise more than 3/4 of them so I don't think 'only' having 340 will be an issue. My chasing VMax days are over and on recent Eurotrips I've rarely ventured over 140.

Sadly, the newer car was never available in my dream Italian Racing Red. Caldera is very nice but almost exactly the same as my Porsche.
 
IRR became Firenze red on newer models not sure what MY tho
 

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Billymcmred said:
IRR became Firenze red on newer models not sure what MY tho
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Probably around 2017 (MY18) - that's when my Glacier White became Yulong White (which doesn't sound nearly as cool!).
 
Well that was a short process.

After a few weeks Autotrader research and 3 very intensive days of viewing and test driving I've put a deposit down on a 2016 Italian Red 340.

Can't wait until I pick her up on the 30th July.
 
TH51 said:
I'm struggling to find an angle from which she doesn't look glorious.
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You'll never find that angle - there isn't a non-glorious angle on the whole car! Ian Callum knows his stuff!
 
It's clear to see that you love the visual elements of the F Type, but how are you finding the driving experience compared to the 911?
 
cj10jeeper said:
It's clear to see that you love the visual elements of the F Type, but how are you finding the driving experience compared to the 911?
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I'm only 100 miles in to ownership but have had chance to try her out on my local Sunday morning fun roads - just not on a Sunday morning yet. :D

First impressions are, unsurprisingly, that it sure isn't a Porsche. It goes like a Carrera but doesn't stop or corner like one. There's no comparison to be made with my Turbo. The ride is more compliant (softer) making it a very pleasant cruiser. If it wasn't for the intoxicating noise I'd be thinking of it more as a GT rather than a sports car. For sheer value-for-money it's an absolute hoot, cheaper and far better to look at than anything Porsche shaped. I'm a really happy chappy and realise how lucky I am.
 
TH51 said:
cj10jeeper said:
It's clear to see that you love the visual elements of the F Type, but how are you finding the driving experience compared to the 911?
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I'm only 100 miles in to ownership but have had chance to try her out on my local Sunday morning fun roads - just not on a Sunday morning yet. :D

First impressions are, unsurprisingly, that it sure isn't a Porsche. It goes like a Carrera but doesn't stop or corner like one. There's no comparison to be made with my Turbo. The ride is more compliant (softer) making it a very pleasant cruiser. If it wasn't for the intoxicating noise I'd be thinking of it more as a GT rather than a sports car. For sheer value-for-money it's an absolute hoot, cheaper and far better to look at than anything Porsche shaped. I'm a really happy chappy and realise how lucky I am.
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That’s an interesting review, albeit after only 100 miles.
I’ve never done the 911, but driven many Porsche on track and they are very precise compared to the F Type. Agree re the more compliant ride compared to more sport focussed cars, but it does make it more enjoyable. Fund per £, they are unbeatable these days..
Hope you get out on a Sunday morning to stretch its legs..
 
cj10jeeper said:
Hope you get out on a Sunday morning to stretch its legs..
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Today was that day and a thoroughly enjoyable 2 hours / 94 miles it was too. :D

I've posted a full report on the main forum but in summary I see the F-type as somewhere between a sports car and a GT - which suits my needs perfectly.

At 1" longer than my 911 it's small enough to hustle along on UK B roads. The extra 2.5" width might be an issue on single tracks with passing places so I'll do my best to avoid those. The suspension is way softer than in any Porsche and the brakes are heavily assisted but I was pleasantly surprised at just how capable it is.

I would have forgiven it not being quite as good to drive as the drop-dead-gorgeous looks remain. The fact I don't have to forgive anything is a massive bonus.
 
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