Scratching that itch

[JohnLinford]

I'd suggest not limiting your search by mileage so you at least know what is available then can later decide how far you are willing to go for the right one

My inclination is to try to deal close to home if possible. Almost everywhere is a long way away for me (even the most local dealer is a 45 minute jaunt up the M6) making the logistics of sorting out any problems post-sale rather daunting. I've built a good relationship with my local dealership and will see what they can come up with at least to start with. If it doesn't work out then I'll look further afield.

 

[scm]

The benefit with not buying locally is you have a reason to go for a nice long drive when you pick it up! :lol:

 

[WhoKnows]

Can you believe my garage offered to deliver mine? Why on earth would I want to be deprived of that first long drive!

Luckily their warranty also covers repairs locally so not a long drive back for issues

 

[YorkshireSam]

My concerns about boot space were largely assuaged - it's better than it looks in the pictures. I think it could be fine as a daily driver for me.

So I'm officially on the lookout for a one to three year old P450 AWD. Might even be a Christmas present to myself...

Welcome John,
My P450 is my daily driver so boot space was a consideration for me too.

I'm happy to report it's never been an issue - it comfortably accomodates the weekly shop or a few small suitcases/holdalls for weekends away. It's actually quite a long boot when you start loading it.

The other thing I wanted for regular, year-round use was AWD. I've been glad of that. The AWD does inspire confidence in all weathers and make it a very usable sports car.

Fuel economy is also surprisingly good during typical daily driving. I can get high 20s on normal journeys and have got mid 30s on some motorway runs. For a 450bhp 5ltr V8 I reckon that's pretty commendable.

 

[JohnLinford]

My P450 is my daily driver so boot space was a consideration for me too.

The surprise for me was how much the boot extends into the wings on each side. The boot lid is rather narrow and photographs give the impression that there is not much room at all. A few times a year I need to take a load of A/V kit to conferences and the acid test will be whether I can get it all in. I could, of course, take the opportunity to rethink how much stuff I really need to take!

I think you're right regarding AWD. The purists will no doubt argue that RWD is more fun on the track but at my age I won't be doing that. My last Merc, which was AWD, was significantly more sure-footed in the wet than the previous RWD version with fewer horses.

I guess anyone that runs a five litre V8 is not too particular about MPG but mid 30s seems pretty good to me. The V8 Dodge that I used to run in the US only managed about 19MPG (smaller gallons of course).

Thanks for your thoughts Sam.

 

[scm]

The surprise for me was how much the boot extends into the wings on each side. The boot lid is rather narrow and photographs give the impression that there is not much room at all. A few times a year I need to take a load of A/V kit to conferences and the acid test will be whether I can get it all in. I could, of course, take the opportunity to rethink how much stuff I really need to take!

Yeah, the coupe boot is surprisingly roomy. One thing I learnt when I tried to bring a boxed computer home is that the cargo cover can be a limiting factor - I had to take it off to get the box in. And then I had the problem of how to bring the cover home! I managed to wedge it down the side of the passenger seat (no passenger, fortunately!).

 

[Jaguandy]

You can get a lot more in the boot in soft bags, or at least softs around a suitcase.

 

[JohnLinford]

Well things move on and I am in the initial skirmishes of a deal on a 73 plate P450 AWD. Hoping to test drive before Christmas!

 

[JAGBOB]

Well things move on and I am in the initial skirmishes of a deal on a 73 plate P450 AWD. Hoping to test drive before Christmas!

Good choice and you wont regret it.

 

[JohnLinford]

Well, it's been a while. In the end my situation changed and I was unable to proceed with the F-type last December. I'm happy to say that the issues are resolved and I am again on the hunt for a late model F-type P450.

I'd appreciate opinions on RWD vs. AWD. I have tended to assume that with the P450's power AWD would be more or less de rigueur but I'm also aware that AWD brings with it more complexity, hence more weight and more to go wrong. I know we discussed this before (above) but my thinking now is that the F-type will not really be my daily driver and will likely not be out and about in all weathers. Ultimate roadholding in soggy conditions is therefore less of an issue, provided that the RWD model can plant the power OK in good road conditions. My inclination is becoming that RWD would suffice and may even be rather more fun to drive.

What does the team think? RWD or AWD?

 

[scz4]

provided that the RWD model can plant the power OK in good road conditions.

It will once you replace the horrible Pirelli tyres it came with. I switched to PS4S on my P450 RWD and it was instantly so much better in colder\wetter conditions. Very difficult to break traction in the dry now but still a little feisty in the wet which is what you want. Traction control is very effective though, it won't let anything stupid happen, quick wiggle and it'll put the car straight again. Great fun, feels alive.

 

[MajorTom]

Since ultimate traction in soggy weather isn't a top priority, RWD all day long. As said, with some good tyres like the PS4S traction won't be an issue and the DSC is rather fool proof.

My last Jag had the AWD system and the one before it had RWD. Although the AWD system is rear wheel biased I missed some of the RWD playfulness when I had the AWD. Even if you turn off the DSC the front wheels kick in when needed, unless you remove a fuse that disables the front drive altogether.

Road holding and traction are two different stories. I had a few brown pants moments with the AWD because the AWD traction was so confidence inspiring that I missed that it actually was slipperier than I thought and noticed it only when it was time to turn or brake.

 

[JohnLinford]

Useful comments gentlemen, thank you. Yes all the cars I have looked at have P-Zero Pirelli tyres, so a good tip to change those out. Curiously I had P-Zeros on a couple of my Mercs and they seemed to work well enough. I'm mellowing to the idea of RWD...

 

[JAGBOB]

Hi John, My offer re our messages last year regarding a tyre kick with my car is still available when your ready.

 

[msdmjb44]

I have a 2013 V8S, now with MP4S.
You have to be looking for it (or driving like an eejit) to lose traction on dry roads. Sure going around a roundabout/tight turn you can provoke it but it is actually pretty progressive as the delivery is so linear. The traction control is very effective.
I bought the RWD as it is the last of a breed imo i.e. front engined, rear drive, supercharger, V8 .... aint ever going to be one of those again for the mass market.

I also have a more powerful AWD German sports car, devastatingly effective in all conditions but sometimes I do get out of it and consider whether it was fun or not.
Even unleashing 640bhp odd in the wet on launch control and it doesn't spin its tyres, effective and technically brilliant but doesn't make me chuckle.

 

[JohnLinford]

Big shout out to JAGBOB for showing me around his beautiful F-type and taking me for a spin in her today. Fantastic experience and gave me plenty to think about as I get ready to do battle with the dealers. Thanks Bob

 

[JohnLinford]

You have to be looking for it (or driving like an eejit) to lose traction on dry roads.

Thanks for your comments and yes, I think you're probably right that one would need to be a bit of a hooligan eejit to unstick the RWD car. This whole AWD/RWD debate is clearly quite nuanced and polarising. I'm going to explore what's on the market with an open mind on the matter... for now at least.

 

[false]

Hi, I picked up a V8 S a couple of weeks ago. Reading up on all the reviews etc I was a little intimidated as they all seemed to indicate it was a bit of a savage and hard to control, I’ve come from a few quick cars already but went into it eyes open. Mine has Bridgestone Potenza’s on it which I’ve not used before but honestly they seem pretty decent. After about 500 miles - it will break traction if you really lean on it, but you have to want it in the dry. It’s very communicative about when it’s going to go, gives you a little wiggle, and then provided you aren’t being a real maniac pulls you back in line. Exactly what you want from a fun rwd. It feels less edgy than even my old 370Z Nismo.

Good luck with your hunt.

 

[JohnLinford]

...Bridgestone Potenza’s...

Back in the day Mercedes clad their faster E-class motors with Potenzas and they seemed to work pretty well. Perhaps a viable alternative to the PS4S.

Good luck with your hunt.

Thank you. I spent a few hours at a specialist dealer yesterday ogling about a dozen F-types, two of which would fit the bill for me. One is RWD, t'other AWD. The RWD car is better equipped, the AWD a little older and marginally less expensive. So it really comes down to the nuanced and much debated RWD vs. AWD. It's a finely balanced decision for me and that makes it difficult!

 

[NickN]

I have had a 2020 model V6 AWD 380 Chequered Flag coupe for 5 months now. Absolutely love it. Boot space is fine, as others have said, and personally I find the V6 powerful enough. I am a rarity on here in that i have found the Pirelli P Zeros absolutely fine, even in wet and colder conditions - perhaps combined with AWD they are not that bad. Paid the higher rate of car tax for the first year but it reverts to £190 next. Cheapish to insure. Good luck!