F-Type ( X152 ) 2014 - Onwards
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View Poll Results: Buy a F-Type S as a Daily Driver?
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F-Type as Daily Driver

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  #1  
Old 05-11-2017, 10:58 PM
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Default F-Type as Daily Driver

Hello all! I am wondering how you all feel about your F-Type as your daily driver.

I currently drive a '15 Hyundai Veloster non-turbo as my daily driver. A sizable investment I made paid off big, so I'm looking to upgrade to a two door convertible. I also own a GMC Hennessey Sierra, but I am no looking to get rid of it.

My budget would allow me to buy a used F-Type S AWD. I drive about 500 miles a week on windy 55/60 mph two-lane highways with no stoplights in the Ozarks. I'm about 6' 4" and weigh over 3 bills.

Would you recommend a F-Type S to me?
 
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Old 05-11-2017, 11:10 PM
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I don't think height is an issue, but if you're "big", it is going to feel cramped. Compared to most two door verts out there, it's pretty roomy, so if you're gonna be OK with a boxter, definitely get this one.
If you need space though, maybe consider something from Mercedes.
I know some guys here drive it daily on a commute, but personally I would get something softer if I'm driving a hundred miles a day.
I'm going with no, but if you're OK with the above, then go ahead and get it. it's a fun car.
 
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Old 05-11-2017, 11:24 PM
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I've also been looking at a S5 or a 435xi/440xi. Maybe those are most comfy?
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 12:17 AM
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I just picked up a S5 Sportback as a daily it is fantastic all around and very practical with the liftback trunk.

I drove my F Type R daily for about 7.5k miles around Los Angeles and it definitely got a bit tiring for me to drive having to avoid potholes, scraping on driveways, and just general stop'n'go traffic with its stiff suspension.
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 12:20 AM
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It sounds like your biggest concern is comfort. You'll need to drive it to decide. I can't speak to the "3 bills" but I'm 6'0" and slightly short for my weight (the years have left a mark) but think that if I were taller I'd not find the car comfortable.

Daily driving from any other perspective is fine, unless you need to carry anything longer than 3 feet or so on a regular basis. Then, you're hurting. Just remembered you said convertible; in that case, it's probably less that 3 feet.
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 12:33 AM
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I am 6'4", 240 lbs. and feel I am just comfortably fitting in. I think with your build it will be a tad too tight for daily driving as you won't have much room for interior maneuverability (feeling too confined). At over 500 miles a week, that might get old. Add a passenger and/or gear and it may take away the feasibleness of being a daily driver and detract from your enjoyment of the car.
 

Last edited by Desert Dawg; 05-12-2017 at 12:47 AM.
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Old 05-12-2017, 12:42 AM
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I had a mate who is 6'4" and around 2.5 bills sit in the passenger seat, and even with it all the way back his knees were squashed up against the dash and he was very uncomfortable. I offered him a quick drive but he declined, saying there was no chance he would fit behind the steering wheel.
 

Last edited by OzXFR; 05-12-2017 at 01:19 AM.
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Old 05-12-2017, 01:18 AM
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Here is a thread on that subject:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...f-type-178403/
Sounds like you would have a fun drive but if you are looking for comfort, this ain't it (IMO.) I don't daily drive mine but do yearn for it daily, lol... It's mostly that I don't want to put the miles on it.
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 06:02 AM
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I daily drive mine, and it is great when I am in the mood for a sporty and fun ride. With that said, some days, I feel as if I have had a very long day, and I would want nothing more than a silent and cushy ride home. The F-type just can't and won't ever do that.
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 07:03 AM
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I think we determined a while ago that the effective height of a driver in the F-Type was = actual height + "seat pad" thickness + cosine of seat angle X "back pad" thickness. Of course, it's just easier to sit in the car and see for yourself.
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 08:05 AM
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I am 6' 3" 220lbs and fit into my F-type. However most of my mass in my upper body. It is likely you will fit in as well. However, getting in and out requires some agility. Not quite Lotus-like contortions, but if you have hip or knee issues it might become a problem on bad days.

As to daily driver? I frequently drive my F-type to the office, it is by far my favorite car. However, it isn't great on gas and even adjustable suspension tends to be on a hard side... that is, F-type is a true sports car and not a cruiser like Mercedes SL.

Also, on a convertible, trunk space is non-existent. So if "daily driver" also means it is also your only car - I suggest you reconsider.
 
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  #12  
Old 05-12-2017, 08:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Misujerr
Here is a thread on that subject:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...f-type-178403/
Sounds like you would have a fun drive but if you are looking for comfort, this ain't it (IMO.) I don't daily drive mine but do yearn for it daily, lol... It's mostly that I don't want to put the miles on it.
Thanks! I was looking for a thread like that but didn't find one.

My Veloster is kinda tiny, but was fun and comfy for the first 50K miles. I'm over 65K now in under 3 years and ready for a change.
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 08:22 AM
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Originally Posted by snocat17
Thanks! I was looking for a thread like that but didn't find one.

My Veloster is kinda tiny, but was fun and comfy for the first 50K miles. I'm over 65K now in under 3 years and ready for a change.
Personally, I'm just under 65k, left rear suspension joint starting to give out, circulation pump under constant inspection, right front paw broken. At least my car is in good condition.
 
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  #14  
Old 05-12-2017, 08:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Unhingd
Personally, I'm just under 65k, left rear suspension joint starting to give out, circulation pump under constant inspection, right front paw broken. At least my car is in good condition.
Perhaps VAP offers a tune for your ticker. I don't recommend lowering - that happens naturally with time. As does widening, so skip the spacers too. Metamucil helps with the active exhaust...
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 03:01 PM
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Originally Posted by SinF
I am 6' 3" 220lbs and fit into my F-type. However most of my mass in my upper body. It is likely you will fit in as well. However, getting in and out requires some agility. Not quite Lotus-like contortions, but if you have hip or knee issues it might become a problem on bad days.

As to daily driver? I frequently drive my F-type to the office, it is by far my favorite car. However, it isn't great on gas and even adjustable suspension tends to be on a hard side... that is, F-type is a true sports car and not a cruiser like Mercedes SL.

Also, on a convertible, trunk space is non-existent. So if "daily driver" also means it is also your only car - I suggest you reconsider.
Eh, my convertible is my only car, when I am hard pressed for space, I take down the wind deflector and load up the convertible top storage area. This car actually can hold a lot of stuff IF, IF, IF you plan when you are filling up storage.

That said, I completely agree the ride is harsh, and I came from a C63 AMG. I have found that cruise control, plus snow mode, really can make for a comfortable long distance cruiser (cruise control defeats the soft throttle in snow mode).
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 04:02 PM
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I've daily driven a manual S coupe since December in the midwest. No regrets.
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 04:18 PM
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If comfort is a concern I'd say it's a very bumpy ride even when the suspension is set to "normal" mode (since you'll always want to drive in Dynamic). I love driving mine, but for work and commuting (I drive a lot each day to and from meetings) I prefer my BMW or my Porsche. They are just more forgiving and also allow me to put actual things in my trunk.
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 05:11 PM
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Compared to my Pickup, LandCruiser and lowered MINI, the F-Type is smooth as silk on either suspension setting. It's my best daily driver.
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 05:12 PM
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I'm 6-1 plus, and not quite 3 bills. Added 15 lbs over winter aand no feel the snugness in my coupe. I have a long torso and shorter legs, and find the chair fine. Drove 180 miles round trip Tuesday, 110 today. I could do it everyday with no issue. I found the vert to be confining with the top up then the coupe. With top down you should be golden. Try it out. It's a good incentive to stay fit.
 
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Old 05-12-2017, 05:14 PM
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I am tall 1.85 m and 95 kg and I felt fine in the cabin of my F-Type. Roomy and very livable. Comfortable ride compared to many other sport coupes. I plan to use it at least 4-5 days a week and pass over the Range Rover Sport to my wife.

This is not a utility car but could be a great tourer and daily use car - for the lucky ones! :-)
 

Last edited by JagAlb; 05-12-2017 at 07:45 PM.


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