5 Year Jaguar F Type Ownership Experiences

Summary

In this five-year review of the Jaguar F-Type, the owner discusses the joys and challenges of owning the luxury sports car. While the F-Type has proven reliable with typical maintenance costs, it does come with expensive parts, like the $2,400 windshield, and some tech frustrations, such as the subscription-based Jaguar app. Despite these issues, the car's performance, sound, and driving experience make it a standout, and the owner remains satisfied. They would consider buying another F-Type, though they recommend ensuring the financial capacity for its upkeep. Overall, the F-Type proves to be a fun, engaging, and reliable choice for sports car enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Jaguar F-Type is a fun, reliable car to own, especially for those who enjoy driving for the experience rather than for practical or commuting purposes.
• 😀 After five years of ownership, the F-Type has proven to be fairly reliable with minor issues, including high maintenance costs, but no major breakdowns.
• 😀 The windshield is a known vulnerability in the F-Type, with the glass being prone to cracking due to road debris, and replacement costs being very high (around $2400).
• 😀 Despite some expensive parts (like the windshield), regular maintenance on the F-Type is relatively affordable, with annual service costs typically ranging from $1000 to $1500.
• 😀 The F-Type’s app functionality is disappointing, as it requires a subscription to enable remote start and lacks the ability to work with the key fob for that feature.
• 😀 The car is equipped with a supercharged engine, which is more complex than turbocharged engines, but with proper maintenance, it can be very reliable.
• 😀 The F-Type has a distinctive and enjoyable driving experience, with an emphasis on performance, sound (especially with the dynamic exhaust), and style.
• 😀 In comparison to German brands like BMW, the F-Type has fewer problematic parts, particularly in areas like hoses and clamps, which are designed for better durability.
• 😀 The F-Type has had fewer issues than many other vehicles, including BMWs, and has generally been a more hassle-free ownership experience over five years.
• 😀 Although the F-Type has its quirks, it remains a top choice for people who value performance, aesthetics, and driving enjoyment over practicality or low-cost maintenance.
• 😀 The F-Type is considered by its owner to be a car worth purchasing again, despite the occasional high repair costs and small issues that arise, highlighting its overall value and satisfaction.

Q & A

What is the owner's overall experience with the Jaguar F-Type after owning it for five years?

The owner has had a generally positive experience with the F-Type. Despite some minor issues and maintenance costs, they find the car reliable, enjoyable to drive, and overall worth the investment. They would buy it again.

What maintenance costs should owners expect for the Jaguar F-Type after five years?

Owners can expect to spend between $1,000 and $1,500 annually on maintenance, which typically includes oil changes, tire replacements, and regular servicing. While occasional repairs may be more expensive, routine maintenance is manageable.

What problems has the owner faced with the Jaguar F-Type over the five-year ownership period?

The main issues include the expensive windshield replacement (around $2,400 due to advanced technology), fragile glass prone to cracking, and occasional flaws in the Jaguar app (requiring a subscription for basic functions like remote start).

How does the owner compare the Jaguar F-Type’s reliability to other luxury car brands?

The owner compares the F-Type favorably to BMW, stating that it has been more reliable. While they acknowledge some quirks, they find the F-Type generally more robust than many German cars, such as BMW and Mercedes.

What are the owner's thoughts on electric cars like Tesla compared to the Jaguar F-Type?

The owner acknowledges that electric cars, including Teslas, can have lower maintenance costs annually, but highlights the high cost of replacing electric vehicle batteries after several years (around $15,000 to $25,000). In contrast, the F-Type’s gas-powered maintenance is more predictable.

Why is the Jaguar F-Type’s windshield considered a weak point by the owner?

The owner points out that the windshield is prone to cracking from road debris, and because of its advanced technology (like heating elements and sensors), replacing it is expensive, with costs reaching around $2,400.

What specific issue does the owner have with Jaguar's app system?

The owner dislikes Jaguar's subscription-based app system, which is required for basic functions like remote start. They find it frustrating that the app requires a subscription to work, as other cars (like Toyota) allow remote start through the key fob without such restrictions.

How does the owner feel about the driving experience in the Jaguar F-Type?

The owner enjoys the driving experience immensely, appreciating the sound of the exhaust system, the car's style, and the power delivery. They primarily use the F-Type for enjoyment rather than as a practical vehicle, relishing the sensation of driving it.

What advice does the owner offer to those considering a C8 Corvette over the Jaguar F-Type?

The owner suggests that buyers should avoid the base C8 Stingray, as it may not justify the price. Instead, they recommend waiting for a Z06 model with more power and performance upgrades. The F-Type is still considered their top choice over the C8.

What are the owner’s thoughts on owning the F-Type outside of warranty?

The owner feels that while owning the F-Type outside of warranty could be expensive, it is not unusually unreliable compared to other cars. As long as you can afford maintenance and repairs, owning the car beyond warranty is still a viable option.