Hey everyone,

I'm new here and I'm sure this has been answered a million times, but I'm having a hard time deciding on an F-Type so I thought I would ask the experts here. I really want to get the v8 r coupe, but there are none locally so I would have to have one shipped. Or, I could buy the 400 sport down the street from me for a really good price. Any v6/v8 regrets? Should I just say screw it and get the 400 sport, or wait and find an r? Thanks!

 

If you want the R, than wait. Patience.

 

It depends on what you want. If you like acceleration, there's no substitute for the two additional cylinders. If you enjoy twisty roads, the extra power likely can't be used and the reduced weight of the 6 is beneficial. I had a 400 Sport as a loaner and thought it was a hoot. I've got a V6S 6MT so the 8AT as a bit of a novelty, but it checked all the fun boxes. There's an abundance of good driving roads where I am, some tight enough that power is not helpful. I like those.

That said, if your sights are set on something, go for it. If you're lusting after an R, you should probably get one.

 

I think if the 400 is a real great deal go for it.

 

I would think there are fewer 400s than Rs. If the power is what you want and Rs are unavailable, go for a V6S (380) and add a tune to turn it into a 450. I suggest an S rather than base V6 to get the LSD.

 

Definitely wait for an R you're interested in. They usually seem to be in FL, TX and CA. There may be a few coming off leases this summer. I'd do a nationwide search on any car site, and use Jaguar's CPO inventory checker. Unless you're in a major city in FL TX CA it's a rare event to find one fairly locally. Shipping can be complicated but a good reputable dealer can provide a number of choices and do the legwork

If you're asking this question now, it strikes me your heart is in it for the R. I believe your F type purchase should be your top choice (or close to it, whatever it is). Not necessarily what is a really good deal. Because after a while you forget what kind of a good deal you got or didn't, and you're living with the car you got. If you went for the 400, you'd always have in the back of your mind what would the other car be like? The goal in my view is to buy the "other car" in the first place!

 

As said it really depends on what you really want. I think bluejaag summarises it very well by buying the "other car". I hope you had the chance to test drive the V8 and V6 because they are quite different beasts with their own pros and cons.

Personally I was never interested in having a V8 in an F-Type, tried very hard but just couldn't like the P300 enough, wouldn't get all the toys I want with a base V6 and didn't want a 400 due to its interior so it had to be the V6S even if it took some time to find.

Anyways it sounds like your heart is set on the R though and then the only right thing is to wait and get an R.

 

Before I bought my '15 V8S, someone told me "if you test drive the V8 first, you won't want the V6". I drove both and I think I made the right choice - the V8 registers a 10 on the stiffy meter!

 

When you're at a point where you're buying cars you want instead of cars you need, get the one you want. Just make sure it's what you want. Don't be too afraid to buy out of state and have it shipped. Many on here have done the same thing, or in some cases, flew in and drove home. I bought out of North Carolina and had shipped to Florida for both our Jags. One was shipped enclosed for $300 and the other free to my driveway. Do your due diligence and make sure you know what you're buying which may be to have an independant shop inspect it, especially if out of warranty. Good luck.

 

To most people straight line acceleration is what matters, and there is no substitution for V8 in that scenario. V6 is more balanced, without being under-powered, but if all you do is hammer it from stoplights you won't notice that advantage.