Starting to look - advice welcome :)

[bradw]

Hi all,

First post

I've been admiring the Ftype from afar for ages and I'm looking for one last petrolhead purchase before the world goes electric. I have a Tesla as a company car so I can appreciate the benefits, but there is something fundamentally wrong with pressing the 'go' pedal and not having a decent soundtrack to accompany it...

This would be by far the most expensive car I've owned (and I've owned a few )

Anyhow, I'm narrowing down on :

• Post 2020 Facelift, low milage : I want all the upgraded gadgets, I think the older look is slightly better but the new one more 'modern' so happy with that too.

• V8 : If I'm doing then then I'm doing it right

• AWD: I've had some nasty experiences in the wet with previous MX5's and those have a fraction of the power of one of these

• P450 or R : R if the price is right

• Extras : Not aware of anything else that'd be deal breaking, though I'm still learning (Recommendations welcome)

That only leaves roof type... Coupe or Convertible

I've owned both types in different cars, and my wife definitely has a preference for convertibles, so might need to keep her happy

Questions:

I have no garage, so the car will be living outside.
Are the any concerns / known issues with the convertible versions?
Rubber seals failing / roof discolouration etc?
Known roof mechanism issues?
Other than some extra road noise (I'm guessing), any other downsides to living with the convertible?
Anything else to look out for? (other than a good service history...).

Going to go look at a few this weekend (not got the finances in place quite yet, but soon...) so its all starting to get exciting

 

[2ndlife]

Welcome to the forum from myself, another 1st time F-type searcher and new forum user.

What your describing is like me, in that we’re looking for V8s and the most expensive car that we’ll have owned, but as you also mentioned, keeping the car outside. I failed to mention that fact in my first post when I introduced myself.

From searching the forum the question of keeping a convertible outside has been asked before in 2022, and from then it appears some owners mentioned that they didn’t have covers over their cars but another mentioned that they used a half cover.
Personally, when I get my own F-type I was thinking of something along the lines of the Carcoon. Some Forum members from back in 2019 have said they were good. But it would be good to see current owners’ comments on what they do when keeping their cars out in the elements all year round.

Good luck with your hunt.

 

[TH51]

Have fun when you commence your search in earnest.

My only comment on your first post is with regard to the R. It's a monster of a car and I can fully understand the attraction BUT I wouldn't rule out the lower bhp V8 as it may limit the cars that you view.
I'd certainly recommend that you drive both. I always thought that the only F-type I'd buy would be the 5 litre car but after driving the V6 I quickly realised that it's not all about maximum bhp- it's more to do with how thewhole package drives and suits individuals needs.

 

[bradw]

Thanks for the input guys

So this car will take the slot of the MX5 RF I've owned from new, i.e. not exactly the family car It gets 'occasional' use depending if we need extra seats / need for more luggage space. Its the 2nd 'fun' car.

We used to own a SMART Roadster Brabus which had a roof that leaked like a sieve, so it had to have a cover on it to stop the car getting waterlogged. Fun car (drove like a go cart) but all that covering / uncovering puts you off driving it (too much faffing). So, yeah was glad to see that the Jag roof seems to hold up well

Definitely open minded around V8 power. My price range is more P450 than R, though I might stretch if I can find a good example. I'm not sure if I'd always have that itch for the R if I 'settled' for the P450, then again on UK roads would I even notice the difference that often. Good advice, will try and test drive both.

I'm confused around specs though. The engine spec is very straight forward, but everything else is confusing...

From what I can gather there seems to be 3 'chassis' specs?
Base (untitled)
R-Dynamic
R

Then there seems to be a 1001 'option extras' that can be added onto it to customise it.

Is that correct?
I don't suppose theres a resource anywhere that breaks down the 'chassis' specs for the post 2020 facelift? I've not managed to find a good resource for this...

Adverts are not great as they tend emphasise standard stuff and not mention options...

 

[scm]

My Jags have lived outside since 2007, the F-Type since 2018, and all have survived without problems. I do have the coupe, being better looking all the time (not just when the hood is down!), and as I have no hair, I don't need any wind in it.

Yeah, lots of options for first time buyers to spec so don't be impatient while looking for the one that you really want. And enjoy those test drives!

 

[ChrisGB]

Having recently purchased a P450 in RWD form and driven it mostly in wet weather, I'd say that it's a pretty benign chassis. It'll move about a bit, but that's a good thing IMO. As for things to look for in the specifications, the Pixel headlights are outstanding. Lumbar adjustment in the seat is useful.

Is the P450 fast enough? Well I'm not fully run in yet, but it's as fast as you can usefully deploy on the road. Personally, I like the traction limited nature of the RWD setup, it makes for an involving drive when in the mood for entertainment.

 

[bradw]

Thanks

First chance today to get close and personal with a convertible and a coupe. Had the wife along for as well and surprisingly she was in agreement with me (must be a first ).

Coupe wins. Convertible would be nice, especially in summer but for looks and practicality the coupe has it.
As a compromise a pano roof is now a must.

Didn't get a chance at a test drive, dealers not keen on people taking them out, but can save that for another day.

Thanks Tim, you're a bit far for me to pop in (based in Bedford) but will bare the offer in mind (BTW you've sold some gorgeous looking cars!!)

ChrisGB, you're a braver man than me with RWD, but will see what the options are (depends on how patient I can be ) I think you're right about the P450 though.

Time to start looking in earnest!!

 

[ChrisGB]

ChrisGB, you're a braver man than me with RWD, but will see what the options are (depends on how patient I can be ) I think you're right about the P450 though.

I had a chance to cover an hour of damp B roads today. Running in is getting to the stage where I can use up to 5000rpm and at this engine speed, I do notice the restricted nature of the P450. I think a sweet spot, tune wise would be to hold the limited torque all the way to the red line instead of rolling it off from around 4500rpm. Having said that, it's still plenty quick enough for B roads shenanigans. There were definitely plenty of times when I was putting concentration into managing traction, but that's entertainment The electronics are there if the rear gets very overwhelmed (unless you switch the TC off), but it definitely needs caution, I wouldn't feel comfortable relying on the TC and prefer to intervene before the nanny takes control.

I wouldn't say I'm brave going RWD, but I've had plenty of practice in higher power to weight machinery, mid engined, with no electronic nanny to look after me and on semi slick tyres, which are "interesting" in the cold and wet. The key is to treat it with respect (and maybe get driver training). I'm not sure that AWD would make it foolproof, but possibly it would be a little less intimidating. Personally, I preferred the steering feel of the RWD car. Definitely try both!

 

[honeybadger]

I haven't had mine for very long, but I hope this is helpful. I have a RWD P450. Full disclosure - I wanted an AWD but couldnt find one in BRG / tan, so sucked it up. I'm not unhappy with my decision. I've found that It can be a handful if you're not used to it. The back can step out easily in the wet if you lack finesse on the go pedal. I'm no expert at pushing any car's performance, that's for sure, but treated with respect I find it very rewarding to drive, it behaves predictably and doesnt feel like it wants to kill you unless you get very silly. That said, my rear tyres are P zeros worn down to about 3mm, so winter ditch-finders then.

I think the P450 is almost as quick off the line as my old BMW M340i X drive was, (with rwd getting the power down can be a problem, especially in the wet) but certainly pulls harder once it's going. It is more than adequate for UK roads. Even when the roads are quiet, unless you are particularly talented, it will be the driver that limits perfomance, not the machine.

I've not driven the R, but I do not feel in any way short changed in the P450, and it sounds incredible with fuse 15 pulled.

In terms of tech, I would suggest trying one with the Pixel LED headlights, as mine has the standard LEDs. I've found these to be less than confidence inspiring on very dark roads, as the beam is not thrown very far in front of the car meaning that you simply cant see far in front. Maybe an adjustment is needed on mine.

The heated / cooled seats are very nice, and the glass roof I'd say is a must. It feels a little oppressive in the cabin with the cover pulled across.

I have the 380W Meridian stereo and it is a joke. It is by far the single worst feature of the car. Muddy doesn't begin to describe the sound. No bass, farting speakers and the most tinny tweeters on the planet. How that was put into such an expensive GT car I do not know. I've heard that the surround version isnt a lot better, but maybe try it if you can. I didnt think to test it because I was more interested in the engine noise, but it matters when you're on a road trip!

The coupe has a surprisingly useful boot. My fiancee and I took it away to the lakes for a few nights, we loaded up a 70 litre holdall each, her huge photography rucksack, a couple of pairs of walking boots, a camera tripod and a very large camera lens. It was a squeeze for sure, but it went in - soft bags for the win! The boot extends into the wheel arches so is a lot bigger than it may first appear. You can also remove the parcel shelf in a pinch.

I think the coupe has better lines, but that is subjective. For all this, I'd personally recommend the coupe over the convertible. especially when you see how little storage is in the cabin.

Whichever one you go for, get some good aftermarket security fitted to keep it where you leave it!


I hope that helps

 

[Anonymous]

Good luck with your search.

Although I'm not a fan of the face lift model, everyone has a different opinion and I don't think there is a bad choice on any model. Just a matter of finding the right one/fit for you.

Do test drive as many different variants as you can, engines and RWD/AWD and seats and sound systems and options.

 

[bradw]

Thanks, yes it does help

I'm used to very little space (current car is an MX5 RF which is tiny) but was planning on taking this on a road trip or 2 with the wife, so more boot space is a must. I agree with the looks as well, 90% of the time for me the roof would be up on a convertible so a coupe is the way to go on all counts. Pan roof is my compromise to add a bit more feeling of airiness to the cabin.

Can always fix the sound, though not having to do that will save money At least the Surround option is reasonably common.
PIxel Headlights seems a lot harder to find. Standard issue on the R but not on any other common spec by the looks of it. No way to tell visually either?

There definitely seems to be a prevalence of silver / grey / black cars other colours are pretty rare. Also surprised with the lack of variance in the interior colour, not that the black is bad, just more common than I'd have thought.

I'm going to have to suck it up and get a black one I think, current car is grey so want a change. That gives me more choice.

I'm looking for 2022 plates as the first couple of years of big depreciation is dealt with but more chance of getting a good car. Kind of interested in an R I've seen an advert for, though for a 22 plate its done 20K miles. Not sure if thats a really bad thing or not? Dealer says its got full service history, reg is LF22 BD0 if there is a way to check....

My sensible head says get a P450... Totally agree with you that its enough. I do have my eye on a P450 as well, of course both cars are miles away from me (in opposite directions)...

 

[Anonymous]

Kind of interested in an R I've seen an advert for, though for a 22 plate its done 20K miles. Not sure if thats a really bad thing or not? Dealer says its got full service history, reg is LF22 BD0 if there is a way to check....

Previously reg F6NPG.

Service history....

 

[bradw]

Wow thanks!!!

So my read of this is that this was a demo car for the 8 months (or it had 352 miles of test drives...). First keeper change was in Jan '23 so its only had one real owner.
First service was a a bit long milage wise (12K), anything to be concerned about? (I know the advice is around 8 ideally).

Car now has 20K on it, so did that in the last 7-8 months. Will need to check with the independent garage about that final recent service...

 

[Anonymous]

Servicing is every 1yr or 16,000 miles. Whichever occurs first.

 

[bradw]

Thanks simpleR So not going to cross that one off my list.

Another I was looking at KR22 UDG, P450 R-Dynamic Black. From what I've seen of the service history its a C Walton PDI'd car but had a service back at the factory. Not sure if thats a red flag or not...

 

[WhoKnows]

C Walton often comes up on here as doing the PDI. Here is what SimpleR said when I was first looking:

This was ran by C Walton so would of been used for something Jaguar or fleet related, serviced by fleet provide and then they go to closed BCA private JLR auction with a description which includes any repairs and one of three categories.

1) Ex Corporate Repurchase
A Jaguar/Land Rover vehicle previously owned by a vehicle rental company or allocated to a fleet available to JLR partners.
Possible multiple users.

2) Ex Jaguar Internal Fleet
A Jaguar/Land Rover vehicle previously allocated to a fleet available to JLR customers and partners.
Possible multiple users.

3) Ex Jaguar Management
A Jaguar/Land Rover vehicle previously allocated to an individual employee.aaa

 

[WhoKnows]

Also, if you look at more cars, when you get the VIN (often can be seen on autotrader photos), you can put it in the following website to both see what was done at service (as above) but also what was meant to be done:

https://osh.jaguar.com/