F Type Convertible- Tips & Advice Needed..
Discussion
Hi Everyone,
My first post in the Jaguar forum, as I am considering getting a convertible for summer (if it ever gets here!) and the F type is pretty much at the top of my list after a lot of research and driving an V8 type R.
It will be my first Jag, and also first convertible. I do however have a couple of other fun/weekend cars which I am keeping for short term at least so the miles I do in it will be limited to 1500-200 per year, and it will be more or less just summer use so because of that have a bit of a dilemma on which car to go for.
I am open to V6/V8/ and even possibly SVR, but don't want to spend a lot more I don't need to (if that makes sense).
The only one I have driven so far was a V8 R which was great- the sound as we all know by now is immense and has got to be one of the best sounding super charged cars ever, certainly for the money it really does put a smile on your face.
V6 pre 2018a and pre GPF, to my ears at least sounds almost if not as good though.
I'm ideally like to hear from owners on their experiences, anyone owned a V6 & V8 either after or before?
Anyone done a lot of miles in booth and can share their experiences?
The SVR premium to a good V8R seems to be 10k looking at 2016/17 cars of both years- worth it? The bhp is very similar, there is a sports exhaust upgrade but not sure from the clips I have heard if this actually makes any material difference? The carbon fibre spoiler I can certainly live without..
Lastly, as I am open to a V6 as well, and keen to try one- what is the V6 dynamic R? The different V6 variants do confuse me. I know there is V6 & V6S which is clear but in 2017 there was also a 'dynamic R' version and this has a P340 and P380 variant apparently. When I look at different cars from the same year though (2017 for e.g.) 80% come up as 375 bhp and just 2-3 are 335 bhp, is that autotrader error and how do I know which car has what power in reality and which version it is as the badge on all just says dynamic R?
Thanks in advance for any help..
My first post in the Jaguar forum, as I am considering getting a convertible for summer (if it ever gets here!) and the F type is pretty much at the top of my list after a lot of research and driving an V8 type R.
It will be my first Jag, and also first convertible. I do however have a couple of other fun/weekend cars which I am keeping for short term at least so the miles I do in it will be limited to 1500-200 per year, and it will be more or less just summer use so because of that have a bit of a dilemma on which car to go for.
I am open to V6/V8/ and even possibly SVR, but don't want to spend a lot more I don't need to (if that makes sense).
The only one I have driven so far was a V8 R which was great- the sound as we all know by now is immense and has got to be one of the best sounding super charged cars ever, certainly for the money it really does put a smile on your face.
V6 pre 2018a and pre GPF, to my ears at least sounds almost if not as good though.
I'm ideally like to hear from owners on their experiences, anyone owned a V6 & V8 either after or before?
Anyone done a lot of miles in booth and can share their experiences?
The SVR premium to a good V8R seems to be 10k looking at 2016/17 cars of both years- worth it? The bhp is very similar, there is a sports exhaust upgrade but not sure from the clips I have heard if this actually makes any material difference? The carbon fibre spoiler I can certainly live without..
Lastly, as I am open to a V6 as well, and keen to try one- what is the V6 dynamic R? The different V6 variants do confuse me. I know there is V6 & V6S which is clear but in 2017 there was also a 'dynamic R' version and this has a P340 and P380 variant apparently. When I look at different cars from the same year though (2017 for e.g.) 80% come up as 375 bhp and just 2-3 are 335 bhp, is that autotrader error and how do I know which car has what power in reality and which version it is as the badge on all just says dynamic R?
Thanks in advance for any help..
Sorry you haven't had any replies. Maybe try https://www.jaguarforum.com/forums/f-type-x152-201... ?
Jaguar came out with a few smaller engined versions 4cylinder I think, so that will be why you see smaller bhp numbers.
They came out after a face lift or two of the V6 and V8 but are all in the same sized shell. Some say the smaller engined version drive more nicely but I think that misses the point a bit, for me the F-Type is great to look at, great to listen to and great to sit in, but it is also bloody huge and something of that size is not really going to be a flickable item on anything but a wide track, yes the backside slides out and is far more catchable than most but the size makes you feel a bit like there is less space on the tarmac.
The traction control on the early versions may as well have been a postcard you receive in the post pointing out how slippery it was back there.
All that said I am just looking for an excuse to get one again, wish I had not sold mine
They came out after a face lift or two of the V6 and V8 but are all in the same sized shell. Some say the smaller engined version drive more nicely but I think that misses the point a bit, for me the F-Type is great to look at, great to listen to and great to sit in, but it is also bloody huge and something of that size is not really going to be a flickable item on anything but a wide track, yes the backside slides out and is far more catchable than most but the size makes you feel a bit like there is less space on the tarmac.
The traction control on the early versions may as well have been a postcard you receive in the post pointing out how slippery it was back there.
All that said I am just looking for an excuse to get one again, wish I had not sold mine
Thank you, I agree the F Type for me is all about fun and noise, its not about precision, and that's just how I like it as I never track my cars and am no driving god 
Its quite confusing to figure out which model to focus on and ultimately go for as there are just so many variants and such a wide price spread between a standard early non S V6 and a V8 SVR there is up to a 40K gap.
I think the consensus from what I have read seems (just about) seems to be that the V8 R is the one to go for.
Its massively more powerful than a V6S, but I'm not sure all that extra bhp has made such a massive difference, granted the V8 R will feel faster but, does it feel radically faster, is there a lot on it? In terms of exhaust note I think both are as good/loud as each other more or less on the non GPF cars, at least from my limited experience. The V8 is deeper, the V6 a bit more shrill/high pitch, if anything I lean slightly more towards the later, but again I don't have much experience going of clips, I have driven only the V8R.
The running costs seem very similar, price gap of around 9k-10k looking at cars with comparable age and miles.
Was really hoping to hear from owners of V6S/V8R on their experiences and opinions..
I'm not aware of any video reviews directly comparing both back to back? If any exist please feel free to share them..
Its quite confusing to figure out which model to focus on and ultimately go for as there are just so many variants and such a wide price spread between a standard early non S V6 and a V8 SVR there is up to a 40K gap.
I think the consensus from what I have read seems (just about) seems to be that the V8 R is the one to go for.
Its massively more powerful than a V6S, but I'm not sure all that extra bhp has made such a massive difference, granted the V8 R will feel faster but, does it feel radically faster, is there a lot on it? In terms of exhaust note I think both are as good/loud as each other more or less on the non GPF cars, at least from my limited experience. The V8 is deeper, the V6 a bit more shrill/high pitch, if anything I lean slightly more towards the later, but again I don't have much experience going of clips, I have driven only the V8R.
The running costs seem very similar, price gap of around 9k-10k looking at cars with comparable age and miles.
Was really hoping to hear from owners of V6S/V8R on their experiences and opinions..
I'm not aware of any video reviews directly comparing both back to back? If any exist please feel free to share them..
To be honest, having driven quite a few now, and taking into account the horrible design on the V8-with-short-heads-to-make-a-V6, I think that a V6S is the sweet spot of the range.
Sounds great, much cheaper, just as enjoyable and you can wring it out more often than the V8 which gets to illegal speeds almost too quickly to be fun.
You can also get a manual if that’s your thing.
Remember, on road cars it’s not how fast it goes but how it goes fast.
Sounds great, much cheaper, just as enjoyable and you can wring it out more often than the V8 which gets to illegal speeds almost too quickly to be fun.
You can also get a manual if that’s your thing.
Remember, on road cars it’s not how fast it goes but how it goes fast.
I’ve owned two V8S’s, they are rear wheel drive convertibles. I also owned TVR Cebera’s and the V8S was the closest to the TVR in terms of fun and auditable experience. Except the V8S was far more modern, comfortable, reliable, and cost peanuts in comparison to service.
I don’t know how the noise it makes was legal at the time. Make sure you buy one with the ‘exhaust button’ so you can switch between noisy and quieter as required.
I think the V8S is the peach of the F-Types if you’re wanting rear wheel fun and a sound track that never fails to make you smile.
I don’t know how the noise it makes was legal at the time. Make sure you buy one with the ‘exhaust button’ so you can switch between noisy and quieter as required.
I think the V8S is the peach of the F-Types if you’re wanting rear wheel fun and a sound track that never fails to make you smile.
Watch out for spec levels/options, Jaguar went from "everything but the kitchen sink" spec in the late PAG era to a more German "oh you need to tick the option for glass in your windows" approach and a lot of the cars come in really miserable spec with part manual seats, plastic "leather" and audio by Alba.
Supercharged V8 is the only one to go for - its like a completely different car to the others, and is such a wonderful drivetrain that they're making no longer.
I have a coop' but you really don't get tired of it, and mine has been super-cheap to run and look after (its my daily so does get used).
I have a coop' but you really don't get tired of it, and mine has been super-cheap to run and look after (its my daily so does get used).
Chad_Hugo said:
I'm ideally like to hear from owners on their experiences, anyone owned a V6 & V8 either after or before?
I somehow missed this thread. I owned a V6S for 3 years and driven 3x V8's including a 24 hour drive in a 2018 AWD from Hertz where I managed 550 miles. You wouldn't be disappointed in either. Miracle both left the factory sounding so good. I'm always the first person to upgrade an exhaust system, but absolutely no need on the F-Type, other than disconnecting the vacuum pipe so the exhaust valve is permanently open.
Generally the V6 is a lot more raspy than the V8 which tends to sound a lot deeper. The V6 produces a wider variety of different sounds depending on the throttle load or revs. It sounds more urgent in many ways, really gets the adrenalin going as you work up the revs. Watch this video to get what I mean:
The most accurate word I can use to describe the V8 is monotone. It's the same noise throughout the rev range, just increasing in volume, but what a sound it is! I'm considering a return to the facelift V8, probably a P450.
Edited by scz4 on Tuesday 7th May 17:41
I had the R AWD MY2016 convertible.
Get a V8, you'll be happy with it. I've not heard of many people being disappointed with that noise and wanting to step down to a V6.
But many do change from a V6 to a V8.
If you're still not too sure.
Find a way to test drive them both back to back, but somewhere near many tunnels.
Hood down in tunnels is an absolute blast.
I was contemplating the SVR, but apart I couldn't justify the extra £15k (at the time) for what seemed like the same car but with titanium pipes and a spoiler.
Get a V8, you'll be happy with it. I've not heard of many people being disappointed with that noise and wanting to step down to a V6.
But many do change from a V6 to a V8.
If you're still not too sure.
Find a way to test drive them both back to back, but somewhere near many tunnels.
Hood down in tunnels is an absolute blast.
I was contemplating the SVR, but apart I couldn't justify the extra £15k (at the time) for what seemed like the same car but with titanium pipes and a spoiler.
Edited by bunchofkeys on Tuesday 7th May 17:52
Phil. said:
I’ve owned two V8S’s, they are rear wheel drive convertibles. I also owned TVR Cebera’s and the V8S was the closest to the TVR in terms of fun and auditable experience. Except the V8S was far more modern, comfortable, reliable, and cost peanuts in comparison to service.
I don’t know how the noise it makes was legal at the time. Make sure you buy one with the ‘exhaust button’ so you can switch between noisy and quieter as required.
I think the V8S is the peach of the F-Types if you’re wanting rear wheel fun and a sound track that never fails to make you smile.
I’d echo that, I’ve had two f type convertibles - an early v8s and now a p450.I don’t know how the noise it makes was legal at the time. Make sure you buy one with the ‘exhaust button’ so you can switch between noisy and quieter as required.
I think the V8S is the peach of the F-Types if you’re wanting rear wheel fun and a sound track that never fails to make you smile.
Personally the early ones perhaps look best, but the latest ones drive better and have much better tech - for not much more money.
I’d buy off a main dealer with a warranty…..
I’ve had my P575 for nearly four years now (gone quick!) and it’s properly used. Regular servicing and tyres only thus far - my only comment is that they are sensitive to tyre choice and pressure.
It really is a wonderful, good natured car - a modern GT/muscle car hybrid. It loses a little to the contemporary 911 in precision when being pushed but is genuinely more characterful and enjoyable at every other time.
The drivetrain is so distinctive though - I disagree with the earlier monotone comment. I actually think the facelift cars - whilst lower in volume - have a much more natural sound that, to these ears, is much better. Less obvious pops and farts and a cleaner, harder sound that really does vary through the rev range. My 16 year old son compares the sound to the lovely GT40’s that he hears at Goodwood.
It really is a wonderful, good natured car - a modern GT/muscle car hybrid. It loses a little to the contemporary 911 in precision when being pushed but is genuinely more characterful and enjoyable at every other time.
The drivetrain is so distinctive though - I disagree with the earlier monotone comment. I actually think the facelift cars - whilst lower in volume - have a much more natural sound that, to these ears, is much better. Less obvious pops and farts and a cleaner, harder sound that really does vary through the rev range. My 16 year old son compares the sound to the lovely GT40’s that he hears at Goodwood.
scz4 said:
bennno said:
I’d buy off a main dealer with a warranty…..
As a previous owner I'd 100% echo this!! With that said, mine was a much earlier car and had hoped most of the issues would have been ironed out in later cars. Had any issues with your P450?
Pop up vent on dash was only problem with earlier (2013) car.
bennno said:
Amber engine warning light, needs 2. X lambda sensors, sensors £204 each plus DIAG / fitting. So even that’s £650 ish.
Disappointing to hear you had the same issues as I did, especially with your car being a lot newer. Mine failed within a few months of each other when the car was 8 years old at around 45k miles. On the plus side, the part was only around £80 and a relatively easy DIY job, freeing off the old sensor was the biggest problem.
scz4 said:
Disappointing to hear you had the same issues as I did, especially with your car being a lot newer. Mine failed within a few months of each other when the car was 8 years old at around 45k miles.
On the plus side, the part was only around £80 and a relatively easy DIY job, freeing off the old sensor was the biggest problem.
My son is a qualified jlr tech, but it’s under warranty so back to dealer it goes.On the plus side, the part was only around £80 and a relatively easy DIY job, freeing off the old sensor was the biggest problem.
I owned two F Types a 2018 V8 R and a 2019 SVR . I had no trouble with either of them and would fully recommend the V8 for the proper experience . The SVR is worth the extra premium and is a real flying machine and very well appointed inside . In comparison to the V8 R it is a more responsive machine with a more taut suspension . You would need a 911 Turbo S and another £60,000 before you would be bested by a Porsche though in the curves the driving position and the P Zeros can be limiting . I think the SVR is a no brainer for the money . Spec wise as somebody has pointed out there can be a few anomalies but this tends to be the exception rather than the rule . I wouldn't personally bother with a convertible though I accept that we are all different . As far as SVRs go please go over that bodywork carefully especially the hardtops . So many were Leased , hammered around the Track then given back to JLR to absorb back into the Dealer Network , Porsche GT4 Caymans can suffer similar fates so you have to be aware .
scz4 said:
I somehow missed this thread.
I owned a V6S for 3 years and driven 3x V8's including a 24 hour drive in a 2018 AWD from Hertz where I managed 550 miles. You wouldn't be disappointed in either. Miracle both left the factory sounding so good. I'm always the first person to upgrade an exhaust system, but absolutely no need on the F-Type, other than disconnecting the vacuum pipe so the exhaust valve is permanently open.
Generally the V6 is a lot more raspy than the V8 which tends to sound a lot deeper. The V6 produces a wider variety of different sounds depending on the throttle load or revs. It sounds more urgent in many ways, really gets the adrenalin going as you work up the revs. Watch this video to get what I mean:
The most accurate word I can use to describe the V8 is monotone. It's the same noise throughout the rev range, just increasing in volume, but what a sound it is! I'm considering a return to the facelift V8, probably a P450.
I think I am responsible for a good % of the views on that clip I owned a V6S for 3 years and driven 3x V8's including a 24 hour drive in a 2018 AWD from Hertz where I managed 550 miles. You wouldn't be disappointed in either. Miracle both left the factory sounding so good. I'm always the first person to upgrade an exhaust system, but absolutely no need on the F-Type, other than disconnecting the vacuum pipe so the exhaust valve is permanently open.
Generally the V6 is a lot more raspy than the V8 which tends to sound a lot deeper. The V6 produces a wider variety of different sounds depending on the throttle load or revs. It sounds more urgent in many ways, really gets the adrenalin going as you work up the revs. Watch this video to get what I mean:
The most accurate word I can use to describe the V8 is monotone. It's the same noise throughout the rev range, just increasing in volume, but what a sound it is! I'm considering a return to the facelift V8, probably a P450.
Edited by scz4 on Tuesday 7th May 17:41
Jokes aside, I love that review as I am sure most people do weather fans or owners of an F Type, it can make anyone start to fall in love with the car..
From my own experience as limited as it is, I think you summarised the sounds of the V6S very well and more or less hit the nail on the head.
The V8 sounds a lot deeper and more baritone, the V6S has to my ears a better tone, and as you say a greater range in tone, also seems just as loud if not louder due to the higher pitch perhaps? In any case, the sound is not inferior despite the smaller engine output and as a V6S owner you would in no way feel short changed.
Thank you very much to everyone who contributed their experience and insight.
I was initially more interested in the V6S or some version of it like a 400 Sport, I do already have a V8 car which I am keeping for now at least, so in a way have the V8 base covered. Has to be convertible, as I have other hard top coupe cars to drive so and would want a convertible to offer some variety, also never owned one before (of any variety) so would like to try one.
I have discounted the SVR as the very small increase in bhp is nothing at that level, the carbon spoiler I can live without (mixed feelings on it visually) and also the different exhaust is no real bonus on such a loud car. The firmer suspension if indeed it is firmer is also not something which would attract me. Interesting comment on SVR vs Porsche 911 Turbo S. Had a 997 Turbo S years ago. I think comparing for e.g. a 2017 SVR and a 991.2 Turbo S from same year the Porsche would do a lot more than 'trouble it'. Speed wise there is only one winner there, the Turbo S has consistently produced 0-60 times of 2.8-2.9 seconds, not that it matters to me much but just saying..
I think I just need to drive a V6S now, looking forward to it.
Chad_Hugo said:
I think I am responsible for a good % of the views on that clip
Jokes aside, I love that review as I am sure most people do weather fans or owners of an F Type, it can make anyone start to fall in love with the car..
From my own experience as limited as it is, I think you summarised the sounds of the V6S very well and more or less hit the nail on the head.
The V8 sounds a lot deeper and more baritone, the V6S has to my ears a better tone, and as you say a greater range in tone, also seems just as loud if not louder due to the higher pitch perhaps? In any case, the sound is not inferior despite the smaller engine output and as a V6S owner you would in no way feel short changed.
Thank you very much to everyone who contributed their experience and insight.
I was initially more interested in the V6S or some version of it like a 400 Sport, I do already have a V8 car which I am keeping for now at least, so in a way have the V8 base covered. Has to be convertible, as I have other hard top coupe cars to drive so and would want a convertible to offer some variety, also never owned one before (of any variety) so would like to try one.
I have discounted the SVR as the very small increase in bhp is nothing at that level, the carbon spoiler I can live without (mixed feelings on it visually) and also the different exhaust is no real bonus on such a loud car. The firmer suspension if indeed it is firmer is also not something which would attract me. Interesting comment on SVR vs Porsche 911 Turbo S. Had a 997 Turbo S years ago. I think comparing for e.g. a 2017 SVR and a 991.2 Turbo S from same year the Porsche would do a lot more than 'trouble it'. Speed wise there is only one winner there, the Turbo S has consistently produced 0-60 times of 2.8-2.9 seconds, not that it matters to me much but just saying..
I think I just need to drive a V6S now, looking forward to it.
Just a few comments about the SVR , they don't all come with the Carbon spoiler and the later models due to changes made by Jaguar aren't really that loud . As regards the Porsche comparison several of which I too have owned , I don't believe I said anything about " troubling it ". What I do say is that to find a comparable performing Porsche , you would need a Turbo S and the additional £60,000 or so to buy it .Jokes aside, I love that review as I am sure most people do weather fans or owners of an F Type, it can make anyone start to fall in love with the car..
From my own experience as limited as it is, I think you summarised the sounds of the V6S very well and more or less hit the nail on the head.
The V8 sounds a lot deeper and more baritone, the V6S has to my ears a better tone, and as you say a greater range in tone, also seems just as loud if not louder due to the higher pitch perhaps? In any case, the sound is not inferior despite the smaller engine output and as a V6S owner you would in no way feel short changed.
Thank you very much to everyone who contributed their experience and insight.
I was initially more interested in the V6S or some version of it like a 400 Sport, I do already have a V8 car which I am keeping for now at least, so in a way have the V8 base covered. Has to be convertible, as I have other hard top coupe cars to drive so and would want a convertible to offer some variety, also never owned one before (of any variety) so would like to try one.
I have discounted the SVR as the very small increase in bhp is nothing at that level, the carbon spoiler I can live without (mixed feelings on it visually) and also the different exhaust is no real bonus on such a loud car. The firmer suspension if indeed it is firmer is also not something which would attract me. Interesting comment on SVR vs Porsche 911 Turbo S. Had a 997 Turbo S years ago. I think comparing for e.g. a 2017 SVR and a 991.2 Turbo S from same year the Porsche would do a lot more than 'trouble it'. Speed wise there is only one winner there, the Turbo S has consistently produced 0-60 times of 2.8-2.9 seconds, not that it matters to me much but just saying..
I think I just need to drive a V6S now, looking forward to it.
Good luck with your search for a V6S , who knows , upon driving one you may come to a different conclusion .
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