One of Jaguar’s road beasts and beautiful luxury cars is the F-Type. It’s well-liked and according to owners’ reviews, it’s a fairly reliable car. It’s not entirely problem-free, but it has few issues compared to other models or brands. J.D. Power gave 2 out of 5-star ratings to the 2020 F-Type, and a 3-star reliability rating for older models.
F-Type reliability is based on consumer reviews
The Jaguar F-Type, like most other Jaguar models, has no data concerning its reliability from the NHTSA or IIHS. So it’s a bit complicated to tell if the car is reliable or not. Even J.D. Power does not have reliability data for most F-Types, except the 2020 model, which they gave a 2 out of 5-star reliability score. Other models most times get a 3 out of 5 reliability rating from JDP.
However, going by consumers’ reviews, the F-Type is very reliable. Many users say they have had little or no problems with the car. Performance-wise, the vehicle has lived up to the name synonymous with Jaguar – road demon. And you can’t forget the sleekness of the F-Type disguised as a two-door car; it is impressive.
However, there are some things many drivers don’t like about the F-Type, and owners have complained about some common problems associated with the car. These complaints include F-Types produced from 2013 to date.
Things people don’t like about the Jaguar F-Type
The Jaguar F-Type has been rated poorly, by both drivers and corporate bodies. Not necessarily because it’s unreliable, but because it doesn’t meet the standards of most of its competitors. The cost of the car itself is also an issue.
Secondly, people are displeased with the cabin and cargo space. Another thing common with the F-Type and most Jaguars is the poor interior. The interior F-Type interior is made with inferior materials and strange features. Users say the car is too cramped and uncomfortable with both useful and useless features.
Owners have also complained about the extra fees that come with the additional package. If you want the most powerful F-Type, you will have to pay extra. You need more features? The price tag gets higher.
Problem associated with the F-Type
One of the most significant F-Type issues is the decrease in handling when performance increases. Another issue is a problem with driver functionality.
To increase power and speed, Jaguar ousted the regular RWD and replaced it with an AWD. This AWD, in turn, created understeer for drivers. Following the understeer issue, taking turns at high speed became an issue as the car is prone to increase slide from the rear wheels when cornering at high speeds.
Additionally, this increase in performance causes significant wear and tear on its factory tires. The Pirelli P Zero, which came as stock tires for the F-Type, started having a lot of wear before the 25,000 miles that the tires were rated for.
Consumers and drive experts stated that Jaguars enforced power that the vehicle could not withstand. This left the car susceptible to many driver functionality problems. Since the interior was already tight, Jaguar had to cram some features into the cockpit.
There is a tight gauge cluster. The space between the brake and accelerator is also tight. Not forgetting the cramped center console layout that provides little or no benefit to the car’s performance. This is mostly why the F-Type has had many negative reviews.
Other common problems associated with the F-Type include:
- Faulty O2 sensors
- Early clutch issues
- Detective fuel filter neck
- Intake valve cap crack leading to the rebuilding of the cylinder head at the passenger side
- Radiator failure
- Faulty kick plates
- Corroded ground wire
- Poor audio system
- Differential noise issues
- Dead batteries
However, many of these problems were mostly associated with older models and have no longer been found in the latest models. For example, the clutch issue associated with manual transmission was eradicated with the 2020 F-Type since it no longer features a manual transmission, but an automatic one. No manual transmission, no clutch issues.
It is also worth noting that some of the above problems aren’t manufacturer faults. Some arise due to inefficient, insufficient, and abusive driving. Dead batteries, for example, are a typical example of a problem stemming from not driving the car for a long time, or leaving accessories on while the vehicle is parked for long.
F-Type Exterior and interior
The outside of the Jaguar F-type is made with light aluminum offering an impressive decrease in weight, contributing to the fast speed of the F-Type. It also features complete bi-xenon headlamps, a full LED board at the back, and integrated LED DRL’s. The F-Type coupe matches aerodynamics with its retractable rear wing spoiler, even at high speeds.
The four-cylinder F-Types have a single exhaust, while the V8 models feature multiple exhausts. Jaguar built the F-Type for only two passengers. The interior features leather upholstery and buttons across the dash. An infotainment system placed in the center console also comes standard with different functions.
The 2020 F-Type features leather seats with aluminum buttons on the door as standard options. The 12 speakers have improved the sound quality. It also has more impressive sunroof options, a push start button, and the interior offers more quietness.
Performance and engine
The F-Type comes with different engine options. For users who want speed together with better fuel economy, the F-Type promises 25-35 mpg, even with its powerful engine. The base model, with V6 2.0 liter engine, produces up to 296 horsepower with a top speed of 160 mph.
On the other hand, the R-model with a V6 3.0-liter engine releases 380 horsepower with a top speed of 170 mph. With the V8 5.0-liter supercharged engine, users get a powerful 575 horsepower, pulling a top speed of 180 mph. Lastly, to distinguish between the RWD and AWD, future models will use a new gearbox for eight-speed transmission.
FAQs
How much does the Jaguar F-Type cost?
Older F-Type models are usually in the market as used cars. They are sold between $36,000 and $60,000, depending on the vehicle’s condition. However, the newest F-Types have a starting price of $62,000, up to $104,000 ,depending on the trim and engine. If you opt for additional features, you can add another $3100 or more.
How many trims does the F-Type have?
The latest Jaguar F-Type has five trim levels. They include the base F-Type, R-Dynamic, R, SVR, and the latest Checkered flag. Each trim has its unique features and engine size, which means the prices differ.
Is the F-Type a fast car?
Yes, the F-Type is a fast car, which is one of the main reasons people love it. The 2020 Jaguar F-Type with a V8 engine produces up to 575hp and can do 0-60 in as quick as 3.5 seconds. Not many cars in its category can do that.
Should I buy a used or new Jaguar F-Type?
It’s entirely up to what you need. You’ll save costs if you opt for an older model. However, with new models, you can access the latest features the F-Type offers, and newer cars usually have fewer problems compared to older cars. Additionally, most manufacturer mistakes associated with older F-Types have been corrected in the latest model.