Martian999
New member
Hi Everybody,
Well after a relatively sleepless Wednesday night, (debating the pros and cons of purchasing an F Type and trying to justify the expense), I finally drifted off to sleep confident in my final decision to retain some 'sense of reason' by not proceeding any further with this particular dream.
I awoke the following morning, (Thursday), well before my 8am alarm - having only managed to sleep for about 4 hours in total and prepared myself for the 4 hour, (180 mile), drive over to Liverpool.
I had made the viewing appointment one week earlier and, (even if I was going to 'listen to the voice of reason'), I had made an appointment, (and paid a small - but fully refundable 'retainer' on the car), and I had, therefore, decided to go and view the car if only to see what all the fuss is about with the 'F Type'!
And I had no other plans for Thursday!
The journey took just over 4 hours, (from my cottage - located on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds), in my trusty Range Rover Sport TDV8 Autobiography, (I had already agreed a 'part ex' price if I was to purchase the F Type - but again there was no obligation), to the waters edge of the River Mersey and I made reasonable progress despite the M62 being very busy around the Manchester area and I planned to stop somewhere, (close to the dealership), to grab a sandwich and a bottle of water.
Unfortunately there were no suitable shops/cafes close to my final destination and so I decided to continue to the dealership.
Upon my arrival I spent a few minutes perusing the car parks in the belief that I would find the vehicle that I had expressed an interest in but there was no sign of the car anywhere outside and the salesman, Craig, had spotted me and he had come out to greet me!
He took me inside and lead me to his desk and, after enquiring about my journey, he promptly produced a cup of tea and a chocolate bar!
He dealt with a few formalities, (whatever they were), and then came out with the under statement of the week - 'I suspect that you would like to see the car'?
I remained totally calm, cool and completely unemotional at this stage and nonchalantly followed Craig over to the centre of the showroom floor but I still couldn't see the 'Italian Racing Red' F Type anywhere - I was half expecting Paul Daniels and Debbie to appear before me!
Then I noticed that, (in the centre of the showroom), there was what appeared to be a vehicle 'cloaked' in a dark cover and this is where I was lead to.
Craig then took me for a complete 360 degree walkaround the 'shrouded mystery' but I was no longer hearing what he was saying as I had been caught up in the drama of this, obvious, piece of theatrical drama that had been specially prepared just for me!
We stood there, for what seemed to be an eternity, before Craig finally lifted the cover and I was confronted by the most wonderful car that I had ever seen in a very long while - the dramatic performance was worth every penny of my retainer - first impressions really do count!!
The exterior was in excellent condition and all of the pictures, (as well as two videos), had not done the car any real justice at all but I still managed to remain cool, calm and relatively emotionally neutral and I then took a look inside and that was a bit of a revelation as it certainly did not bely an interior of an 8 year old car as it was spotless, unmarked and 'as new'.
Craig then intimated that it was time for me to take it out for a test drive and I simply nodded my head, (whilst saying nothing), as I had, already, made up my mind!
I climbed 'down' into the driving seat and acclimatised myself accordingly, (in true homage to my previous advanced and emergency driving courses), and Craig stated that he would take me out on a 50p tour of the area.
Most of the roads were restricted to 30mph and 40mph and were very reminiscent of the roads close to my cottage, (in poor condition, rutted and complete with the occasional pot hole), but the car took it all in its stride and, although the suspension is quite tort, the ride was not overly uncomfortable and far better than what I was expecting.
We then headed out towards the Motorway but, (because we were now on a dual carriageway with a national speed limit), ironically passing the JLR factory I was able to stretch the cars legs just a little and decided not to incur any further lengthy delay to what was, already, a done deal and I was also mindful that rain clouds were gathering and I had a four hour drive home to look forward to!
As I drove back we returned to the built up area once again and as I stopped at a red light a couple of ladies shouted to us - 'That's a lovely car'!
All credit to Craig if that was staged!!!!
We soon arrived back at the dealership and I parked the vehicle, got out and followed Craig back to his desk.
At no time, whatsoever, did Craig ask me 'Are you interested in the vehicle?' or 'Are you happy to proceed with the purchase?' we simply sat at the desk and began the formalities and, approximately, 30 minutes later the car was mine, (I had already got an insurance quote, the day before, and I simply set up the policy whist sitting at Craig's desk).
Craig then provided me with three different drinks, (for my journey home), and we bid one another goodbye and I headed outside to my new charge - clutching a presentation case containing the spare key and a Jaguar key ring - a bit impractical to keep in a pocket but it was worth having as a memento!
The journey home could not have been worse as it started to rain and by the time I reached the motorway the rain was lashing down and the roads were awash with water and the visibility, in places, was very poor due to the spray - a far from ideal first drive with 550 bhp under my right foot!
The rain never diminished during the entire journey home but the car never put a foot wrong and never caused me any concerns, (I had not selected the 'Wuss' mode - but perhaps, in hindsight, I should have done so), but I had absolutely no desire to select 'Dynamic' mode!
We arrived home just after 6pm and it had been a very long, but a very memorable, day indeed and it was only then that I reflected upon my previous decision to decline the car and remain totally sensible and practical - once again the heart manages to over rule the mind!!
I hope that you do not mind another lengthy essay - I just wanted to try and share my experience with all of you fellow F Type owners as I am sure that you will all have experienced something very similar to that of myself and, in my case, I do not think I will ever have a similar experience again?
Oh there was one issue, of note, that is causing me some real concern . . .
The cars computer is reporting an average of 27 miles per gallon which has really surprised me as I was expecting nothing better than a figure around 20mpg?
I did put fuel in on my way home, (I used the higher grade fuel), and I have filled her up today, (the cost per litre was far less than motorway prices), and todays mpg is now 29mpg!
Is that really correct?
Anyway may I convey my sincere thanks to you all for your warm welcome and for your 'encouragement'!!
I will, of course, remain level headed and prepare myself for the possibility of problems in the future but, in the meantime, let the honeymoon commence!
Regards,
Martin.
Well after a relatively sleepless Wednesday night, (debating the pros and cons of purchasing an F Type and trying to justify the expense), I finally drifted off to sleep confident in my final decision to retain some 'sense of reason' by not proceeding any further with this particular dream.
I awoke the following morning, (Thursday), well before my 8am alarm - having only managed to sleep for about 4 hours in total and prepared myself for the 4 hour, (180 mile), drive over to Liverpool.
I had made the viewing appointment one week earlier and, (even if I was going to 'listen to the voice of reason'), I had made an appointment, (and paid a small - but fully refundable 'retainer' on the car), and I had, therefore, decided to go and view the car if only to see what all the fuss is about with the 'F Type'!
And I had no other plans for Thursday!
The journey took just over 4 hours, (from my cottage - located on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds), in my trusty Range Rover Sport TDV8 Autobiography, (I had already agreed a 'part ex' price if I was to purchase the F Type - but again there was no obligation), to the waters edge of the River Mersey and I made reasonable progress despite the M62 being very busy around the Manchester area and I planned to stop somewhere, (close to the dealership), to grab a sandwich and a bottle of water.
Unfortunately there were no suitable shops/cafes close to my final destination and so I decided to continue to the dealership.
Upon my arrival I spent a few minutes perusing the car parks in the belief that I would find the vehicle that I had expressed an interest in but there was no sign of the car anywhere outside and the salesman, Craig, had spotted me and he had come out to greet me!
He took me inside and lead me to his desk and, after enquiring about my journey, he promptly produced a cup of tea and a chocolate bar!
He dealt with a few formalities, (whatever they were), and then came out with the under statement of the week - 'I suspect that you would like to see the car'?
I remained totally calm, cool and completely unemotional at this stage and nonchalantly followed Craig over to the centre of the showroom floor but I still couldn't see the 'Italian Racing Red' F Type anywhere - I was half expecting Paul Daniels and Debbie to appear before me!
Then I noticed that, (in the centre of the showroom), there was what appeared to be a vehicle 'cloaked' in a dark cover and this is where I was lead to.
Craig then took me for a complete 360 degree walkaround the 'shrouded mystery' but I was no longer hearing what he was saying as I had been caught up in the drama of this, obvious, piece of theatrical drama that had been specially prepared just for me!
We stood there, for what seemed to be an eternity, before Craig finally lifted the cover and I was confronted by the most wonderful car that I had ever seen in a very long while - the dramatic performance was worth every penny of my retainer - first impressions really do count!!
The exterior was in excellent condition and all of the pictures, (as well as two videos), had not done the car any real justice at all but I still managed to remain cool, calm and relatively emotionally neutral and I then took a look inside and that was a bit of a revelation as it certainly did not bely an interior of an 8 year old car as it was spotless, unmarked and 'as new'.
Craig then intimated that it was time for me to take it out for a test drive and I simply nodded my head, (whilst saying nothing), as I had, already, made up my mind!
I climbed 'down' into the driving seat and acclimatised myself accordingly, (in true homage to my previous advanced and emergency driving courses), and Craig stated that he would take me out on a 50p tour of the area.
Most of the roads were restricted to 30mph and 40mph and were very reminiscent of the roads close to my cottage, (in poor condition, rutted and complete with the occasional pot hole), but the car took it all in its stride and, although the suspension is quite tort, the ride was not overly uncomfortable and far better than what I was expecting.
We then headed out towards the Motorway but, (because we were now on a dual carriageway with a national speed limit), ironically passing the JLR factory I was able to stretch the cars legs just a little and decided not to incur any further lengthy delay to what was, already, a done deal and I was also mindful that rain clouds were gathering and I had a four hour drive home to look forward to!
As I drove back we returned to the built up area once again and as I stopped at a red light a couple of ladies shouted to us - 'That's a lovely car'!
All credit to Craig if that was staged!!!!
We soon arrived back at the dealership and I parked the vehicle, got out and followed Craig back to his desk.
At no time, whatsoever, did Craig ask me 'Are you interested in the vehicle?' or 'Are you happy to proceed with the purchase?' we simply sat at the desk and began the formalities and, approximately, 30 minutes later the car was mine, (I had already got an insurance quote, the day before, and I simply set up the policy whist sitting at Craig's desk).
Craig then provided me with three different drinks, (for my journey home), and we bid one another goodbye and I headed outside to my new charge - clutching a presentation case containing the spare key and a Jaguar key ring - a bit impractical to keep in a pocket but it was worth having as a memento!
The journey home could not have been worse as it started to rain and by the time I reached the motorway the rain was lashing down and the roads were awash with water and the visibility, in places, was very poor due to the spray - a far from ideal first drive with 550 bhp under my right foot!
The rain never diminished during the entire journey home but the car never put a foot wrong and never caused me any concerns, (I had not selected the 'Wuss' mode - but perhaps, in hindsight, I should have done so), but I had absolutely no desire to select 'Dynamic' mode!
We arrived home just after 6pm and it had been a very long, but a very memorable, day indeed and it was only then that I reflected upon my previous decision to decline the car and remain totally sensible and practical - once again the heart manages to over rule the mind!!
I hope that you do not mind another lengthy essay - I just wanted to try and share my experience with all of you fellow F Type owners as I am sure that you will all have experienced something very similar to that of myself and, in my case, I do not think I will ever have a similar experience again?
Oh there was one issue, of note, that is causing me some real concern . . .
The cars computer is reporting an average of 27 miles per gallon which has really surprised me as I was expecting nothing better than a figure around 20mpg?
I did put fuel in on my way home, (I used the higher grade fuel), and I have filled her up today, (the cost per litre was far less than motorway prices), and todays mpg is now 29mpg!
Is that really correct?
Anyway may I convey my sincere thanks to you all for your warm welcome and for your 'encouragement'!!
I will, of course, remain level headed and prepare myself for the possibility of problems in the future but, in the meantime, let the honeymoon commence!
Regards,
Martin.
. That mpg of 29 sounds more or less correct too.
I don’t agree with that. I traded in our 2018 Disco V at 18,000 miles for my F-Type giving up the space for 3 dogs and our UK holidays (4 of us) If I had used my head I wouldn’t have done it - now I am trading in my Company Mustang Mach-e for a new BMW i5 Touring as I need the extra space…..for 3 dogs and our UK holidays 
