What costs less than a new Miata, makes double the horsepower, and fits this 6-foot-4 guy comfortably? The Jaguar F-type.
It surprised me, too.
I’ve been looking for my next car but questioned if maybe I was just being too fussy.
Browsing for stuff just isn’t my thing. Thrift stores. Flea markets. Swap meets. I just can’t find the joy in it. If I want something, I simply seek it and buy it. But finding a car, new or used, isn’t so simple.
Bait-and-switch listings from dealers. Shady offerings from Facebook sellers. Carfax reports more colorful than some of my stories.
What were some of my targets? These might surprise you, too. Toyota Supra. Alfa Romeo Giulia. Even the Abarth 500. Yeah, what can I say, my taste is eclectic.
[Which new sports cars fit tall drivers? Here are 10 to consider.]
After one disappointment and another, I became increasingly jaded. But this Jaguar F-type kept appearing in my Facebook Marketplace feed, nudging me to take a look. I knew where the photos were shot–it was very close to where I live. So I sent the seller a message and warned him that the F-type was totally off my radar–I didn’t even know if I’d fit. “Only one way to find out,” he said.
While waiting for him in the parking lot of a thrift store (yes, I know, the irony), I could hear the car before it arrived. It sounded melodious. Then I saw it. Clad in British Racing Green over a tan interior, it was beautiful. I reminded myself not to get my hopes up. Who knows if I would fit?
The seller exited the car, and I gave it a try. Oh man, this is comfortable. It fits like a glove.
We took it for a spin. Smile-inducing horses from a supercharged V6. A snappy-shifting ZF 8HP transmission. Crisp handling from the X152 chassis. A sporty but comfortable ride from the adaptive dampers. Strong yet not overpowering braking, too. Wow, I’m smitten, but I know love can be blind.
I asked the seller to bring it to a friend’s shop, Boatman Automotive, for a second opinion. Fortunately, the folks there specialize in Jaguars. We put the F-type on a lift and went to scrutinizing it. We found no major red flags. The shop’s namesake, Kenny Boatman, said I ought to buy it.
My wife, Jess, an anglophile who studied British literature in college, said I should buy it, too. Jess loved it. I asked her, “Am I crazy for buying this?” Jess reminded me that I don’t make rash decisions. That actually made me feel a bit more self-conscious.
Then, I thought about my mom. I credit her for instilling my love of cars as a kid. Her 1974 Cadillac Eldorado brought me great joy when we brought it back to life when I was young.
She told me, though, that it wasn’t her first choice. My mom wanted an MG instead, but my grandmother persuaded her to buy something “more practical.” Yep, a Cadillac Eldorado was more practical. My grandmother’s logic? The Caddy had more than two seats.
I asked myself, “What would Mom do?”
The answer was clear: Buy it.
So, I did. It checked off a lot of boxes.
Does it stand out in a crowd? Yes.
Can it do fun stuff? More than capable.
Does it leave me with a smile? Absolutely.
And I think Mom would be proud, too. Bonus.
The Jaguar F-type adventure begins.
Comments
Indeed, not the car I was expecting you to pick, but I think that makes me like it even more.
(And it’s certainly not helping that itch I keep having for an XF Sportbrake)
After all the conversations we had over your search I am glad you found something you enjoy. It is a Killer color and how can you argue with a supercharged V6.
Sooooo sexy. And that supercharger whine. Wife and I tested one a few years back. She still loves it. Looking forward to hearing more about your ownership.
I still think I would like to try a V6/manual/convertible F-type if I were to win the lottery. And these earlier cars are so pretty.
The V6 still makes me laugh, they used a V8 block and just blanked off cylinders. Regardless, all versions look amazing and sound amazing. When I was in Germany once, I went to space #50 to get my rental car and a red F-Type R was there. I was pretty excited, until I realized they told me the wrong spot. THe 5-Series diesel was OK I guess.
We had an F-Type R for a few years. I loved and hated it at the same time. But man did it sound ridiculously good!
I’d love to find one of these in manual. For a Jag, they’ve actually held value reasonably well considering the nose dive sedans and X150 XK8/XKR typically take. The 1st gen front end is also clearly superior to the facelift.
Do you have any interior photos? I have always really liked these cars. They seem like a lot of car for the $$$. What I am looking for with interior photos is how the interior touch surfaces have worn. This is always a thing for me. I have been disappointed with several BMWs in this regard. My love for all things Merc is fueled by their interiors’ ability to show little to no wear even after 150K. My cls is closing in on 200K, and it is now starting to show some wear on the base of the B-pillar from getting in and out of the car.
That’s a beautiful car.. I’ve causally wanted one for a long time, so I’m going to live vicariously through you!
I would want one with a NA V8. Looks like all the V8 ones are supercharged.
Displaying 1-10 of 12 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You’ll need to log in to post.