2018 Jaguar F-Type SVR Review - BEST Engine In Any Car Under $70K?

[@danielqiu3779]

Man sees F-type SVR, man clicks, man hears the exhaust sound, man happy

[@G0ddEityawesome]

Man drives the SVR for a mile, man finds SVR broken already, man disappointed and sad

[@dlj1285]

@@G0ddEityawesomeMan on the Internet perpetuating nonsense. These cars are fine. There are no huge problems with them.

[@truthseeker0077]

@@G0ddEityawesome Nonsense. I own two Jaguar V8s, one of which is 13 years old as the first owner. They are both peachy mechanically and electrically with regular maintenance. While I also like my Porsche 992 911, it is not "better built" based on my inspection of the car. If anything, the random rattles from the 992 is rather interesting for such a new car. Rennlist is full of stories about 992 build quality issues, btw. The F-Type Forum, on the other hand, rarely has anything related to its build quality. Food for thought.

[@LagunaLeonhart]

That's why I'm here. I feel a bit down sometimes and I search these

[@dlj1285]

@@truthseeker0077 Make no mistake about, Jaguar has done a lot in their past that contributes to the reputation they have, so it’s not like they don’t deserve some of these comments. But companies move and and make improvements. For whatever the reason their problems of the past seem to never leave them, despite modern Jags being quite reliable. The other problem is that Land Rover still does have a lot of problems, and I think Jags get lumped in with that a bit. All this said, these Internet bandwagon Jag bashers are everywhere. The reality of things doesn’t seem to matter. It’s taken on a life of its own now and can’t be stopped it seems. I have friends and family who own, or have owned, Jag and I own one myself. These people who spout this crap more often than not heard from their friend Bill’s brother’s friend Sally’s second cousin’s great Grandpa that they are crap…All driven by old expired information….Uninformed nonsense. The F-Type, especially the latest variants, are considered by many to be the most reliable in their range.

[@Staycationnn]

The F type R was RWD for only the first year I'm pretty sure. Those ones are future classics for sure.

[@FLTlvl]

Type R owner here... any V8 from the F-Type, and you are in for a treat! Going to change my front bumper to a SVR/Project 7 combination, already have bunch of goodies from the SVR to include the fixed wing, and carbon side/front panels. I went down to 19s from 20s for the wheels in order to put it on the Michelin CrossClimate 2s. QuickSilver Exhaust next for me (not Ti as on SVR), Stage 3, and Transmission tune from VelocitAP ... it is going to be bonkers! I got mine used for $50k (R, not SVR)

[@philrice3375]

Do you have any pictures?:)

[@geovannyfranco3152]

Bro your reviews are top notch

[@edventures9884]

Even the base f types are amazing. I drove a previous gen base in Malibu and oh boy I had a blast driving it and it sounds amazing too, can’t even imagine a SVR.

[@GT3Marine]

I’ve said for a long time that my former F-Type was the best car I’ve ever had. It had no problems at all for 3 years. I tracked it at COTA and a few smaller tracks. They are awesome cars.

[@truthseeker0077]

As a Porsche 992 T and F-Type P450 RWD owner, I agree. The F-Type P450, despite being over $55K cheaper than the Porsche 992 T when brand new, is comparable to the overall performance of the 992 T for normal road & street driving. The 992 T is 500lbs lighter than the F-Type P450, so on track that makes a big difference in 9/10 or 10/10 track driving situations.

[@GT3Marine]

@@truthseeker0077 Yeah, you can feel the weight of the F-Type for sure, but they’re just so easy to drive on track. I think they manage their weight well, and I quite liked the ZF8. And then when you want to chill, turn off Dynamic mode, and it’s a touring car. It was a great dual personality car.

[@moddude101]

I bought my MX5 nd2 used at a BMW dealership about a year and a half ago. Right next to it. They had an F-Type that was not the svr. The MX5 cost 26k and I think the F-Type was 32k. It was so tempting to not get the Miata, but if something broke on the F-Type I wouldn't be able to afford it although I've heard these cars are pretty reliable. I did take one out on a short autocross promotional track from Jaguar and it was pretty awesome. You step on it and it goes . Motor feels amazing. I like Jaguars.

[@SicSemperBeats]

Well technically, the project 8 is the most hardcore F-type but thats a wild car. EDIT: Why hasn't anyone corrected me yet? Its project 7

[@philrice3375]

Project 8 is the XE:) also awesome car

[@TornadoOfSouls777]

You look like you were having a blast driving that Jag!

[@user-wq7ct4yu7k]

AMG GTS first gen pre-facelift (2016 - 2017) are also cheap now. Would be interesting to do a three car comparo. 991, AMG GTS, and This.

[@xxxEnglishAndyxxx]

These were the exact 3 cars I looked at for over a year. I opted for the SVR as I couldn’t get the grin off my face looking at it, driving it… and listening to it!

[@e46m54nissansr20937]

The Jaguar XKR XFR and F-Type SVR will always hold a special place in my heart. I would like to own one someday. Also the 5.0 AJ V8 is related to Ford’s Coyote and the Australian “Miami” V8 which is a supercharged early Coyote. Also Jaguar supercharged V6 in the XE35T is literally the AJ V8 with 2 less cylinders known to be quite a heavy V6.

[@TML34]

"Is this car reliable? Probably not." 😅 Got to love the honesty.

[@tedgeldberg6498]

Although I don't have an F type, I do have an XKR with the same engine, pulleyed and tuned to about 600hp. I passed 216,000 miles on her last week and it's been the most reliable, most enjoyable car I've ever owned, and I've owned cars for 56 years. I have tracked my car dozens of times and it's very solid and reliable. Don't jump to conclusions about the F types reliability.

[@odinikita4821]

Got a Jaguar F-Type V6s it has been an extremely reliable car

[@dlj1285]

Yeah, he shouldn’t have said that. Typical KZbin “reviewer”. Probably not says he has no idea basically. He probably should try to if he wants to be credible in any way. These cars are solid if maintained.

[@truthseeker0077]

The AJ133 is a very reliable engine. The ZF8 is a very reliable transmission. The F-Type V8 has been the most reliable car within the Jaguar product range in the last ten years, despite the fact that it is driven the hardest by its owners. Perhaps Jaguar is meant to be sports cars and driven hard.

[@danielallocca7770]

I’ve owned an F-Type R for over five years and it hasn’t had issues. The AJ architecture of this engine dates back decades and is pretty well sorted. Obviously the transmission is ubiquitous and well known to be reliable. Issues on these tend to be with things like o2 sensors going out more often than they should. This is a documented issue that is a result of the exhausts back pressure - can’t make this kind of sound with burble w/o breaking something. For a car of its price point / vehicle class, it’s probably of average reliability.

[@Greekphysique22]

Honestly been heavily considering one of these. Only thing I’m concerned is long term use case gremlins. Typically stick to JDM for that exact reason

[@sdlausen1]

I haven't driven an F Type at all BUT, on paper to me the first generation F Type S V8 rear wheel drive is the one to have. It's way louder with pops and crackles from exhaust, rear wheel drive only, V8 powahhh.

[@philrice3375]

Why you prefer rear wheel than all wheel?

[@DaCc71]

@@philrice3375because is more engaging more fun

[@davidthomson692]

@@philrice3375RWD weighs 300 pounds less Less power loss through transmission RARE

[@DevonWilliams-c6r]

Nope svr all the way sorry not sorry

[@sdlausen1]

@@DevonWilliams-c6r Can't go wrong with any of them! All GREAT! I just prefer the first gen with RWD.

[@CubanDre]

How was this compared to the RCF you drove?

[@e46m54nissansr20937]

Thats an early ZF8 has the characteristics of the older ZF6 just with 2 extra gears.

[@andrewsproson1410]

Just bought one of the last V8 AWD Convertibles. Absolutely amazing driving experience.OK would have quite liked a Boxter GTS 4.0 but for the same money it would be 4 years old with 20,000 miles compared to new Jag and 5 miles , 3 year warranty too.What would you choose ?

[@ricsu3462]

great awesome daily for around 35-40k, if not the be best ever. The challenge is finding a clean early v8, due to the quality issues most of them are worn as shit.

[@mtshark7]

Nice review Fenton!😊

[@jayman3575]

I'm worried about maintenance costs when parts fail. Id lease or rent but probably not own.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

Please do review if fiat 100 25 hp

[@MrRoni123456789]

The question is do you do this or a m850i for the same price 🤔

[@jonasbaine3538]

I would absolutely love to see you review a sedan or coupe HELLCAT.

[@andyleo8418]

That thing is a beauty. Like a high-maintenance supermodel 😂

[@FreshYoungDude]

Awesome car. Even the SCV6 is appealing.

[@KevGoesRiding]

Thoughts on how this compares to an LC500?

[@dlj1285]

Different buyers altogether. This will blow the doors off and out handle an LC by a long shot.

[@truthseeker0077]

LC500 is all-steel chassis, except the roof. The F-Type is all-aluminum, riveted and bonded, like an aircraft fuselage. The bill of materials is significantly higher for the F-Type, thus a better deal for the consumer. Some consumers are fooled by LC500's interior materials, but Toyota saved costs on the car platform / frames materials themselves by using cheap steel on a $120K vehicle.

[@chrilseung]

What road are you testing all the cars on?

[@ultimatist]

Mulholland

[@chrilseung]

@@ultimatist false it’s tail of the dragon

[@ultimatist]

@@chrilseung true, it's very wooded

[@katanamast279]

Can you review the regular V6 S convertible? I really have always like that model and curious to know what your thoughts are. Thanks!

[@SicSemperBeats]

Yea, my idiot dad wants one or the 4 cylinder. From what i understand the sc v6 is fast asf for the hp, especially with mods

[@katanamast279]

@@SicSemperBeats I have test driven 3 and I really love the V6 version. Im not looking for the F-Type to be a competitior to the 911. I just want something that is super fun to drive and enjoy after a long day of work on the weekends.

[@SicSemperBeats]

@@katanamast279 Yea thats basically what he's looking for. He's replacing a e350 coupe that got wrecked.

[@katanamast279]

Oh wow. Yea I definitley think thats an option. Also the new G29 BMW Z4. You can get 2020 models for 39-42k right now. Everyone wants the Supra more so the Z4 prices keep falling

[@jauwn]

I have the coupe V6. It’s great, plenty fast. I never feel like I need more power. Reliability has been not too good on mine, though. Have not had any issues effecting drivability but it’s currently in the shop for an untraceable “clunk” sound when turning Look great up on the lift though!

[@BMWWolf]

Saw one of these on the road the other day. They have aged well.

[@ronnieredneck9162]

no rear wheel since 2015.

[@travkatz]

I take a 12 -15 XKR over an FType. More room to put stuff. Stays truer to the GT schema.

[@computerhelpcc]

? How's the Lexus F 5.0 V8 NA anf it's 8 spd n 10 spd auto compare? GSF 2016 sedan only 200 Lbs heavier than F type v8 AWD and its awesome V8. Drove year 1 F type V8 RWD on familiar canyon roads and mountain pass when first sold, wow that exhaust is entertaining and yes fun car. Amazed how I see far more Italian exotics than all F Type combined. Such beauty. If you have 911 or Boxster, far lighter cars, you'll appreciate small w epic V8 SC. Sigh, can I have Lexus F 5.0 v8 na in my 911 cab manual so canyon drives goto epic level? :-)

[@Kurotsukuyomi]

Did you put the car into sport mode (gear stick thingy to the left)? I have a V6S and it's nothing but aggressive on the downshifts when on sport AND dynamic mode. I remember being in (and driving) a couple SVRs and they were, at least, as aggressive. If not, something's off with the gearbox. Here's a tip, though: Try a convertible next. See how HUGE of a difference it is. Hint: I prefer a V6 convertible to an SVR coupe. PS: Are these reliable? 11 years of a very hard life and 0 issues - you tell me :-)

[@truthseeker0077]

I think he either left the car in non-dynamic mode or did not move the shifter to the "S" position. I agree that the F-Type V8 shifts pretty fast in manual mode, when the dynamic mode (with dynamic shift mode setting enabled on screen) and the S gate are both engaged.

[@pab3783]

I wish I could afford one.

[@sunnyvalentino]

65K is still a lot of money, but this is really a discounted Aston. Personally I'd suck up the 10k and buy a new C8 or a used LC500

[@ultimatist]

This is more exciting, but more headache, than an LC500. IMO the Corvette is nowhere near the experience, definitely faster though.

[@dlj1285]

@@ultimatistBased on what? They are quite reliable. And I’m not sure if the Corvette is really faster in real terms. This car hooks up pretty well with AWD. The LC in comparison, yeah, snore fest.

[@truthseeker0077]

A base C8 is better in terms of performance, but not in styling or "engine sound" experience. The heavy all-steel-bodied LC500 is no competitor to the all-aluminum F-Type V8 in terms of driving dynamics or overall excitement.

[@CleanSC]

​@@truthseeker0077The LC500 body is mostly carbon fiber and aluminum. "Aluminum is used for the hood, front fenders and door skins, with the inner panels of the doors and trunk made from CRFP sheet-molding compound,” Lexus wrote. “Only the rear fenders are steel.” For those that haven't, definitely drive one. It's an absolute surprise and something you'd never think would come from Lexus. The noise, transmission performance and the interior are masterpieces. And it will run trouble free for basically as long as you want.

[@jamesingrey]

Probably the most auto smiles per dollar that has ever existed. One of the greatest engines of all time paired with an insane exhaust too. Some package as a swansong.

[@DevonWilliams-c6r]

I want one so bad

[@seal4ever778]

Love the f-type….looks and sounds like $ex on wheels.

[@Poorschedriver]

It's too bad Jaguar didn't make a manual. These cars would be worth so much more if they had.

[@davidthomson692]

I very much doubt that. Porche made a manual gt3. Didn’t sell. Aston manual v 12 db9 didn’t sell

[@Poorschedriver]

@davidthomson692 manual gt3 accounts for 50% of sales. How does it not sell?

[@davidthomson692]

@@Poorschedriver mmm not sure where u got those figures 5%

[@jamesingrey]

He left it in auto and criticized the gearbox....the paddles are insane and would have changed his mind pronto.

[@dlj1285]

Exactly, huge difference.

[@truthseeker0077]

In dynamic mode with manual shifts, the ZF8 in this car shifts plenty fast. Not as fast as the dual clutch, but it makes up for the difference with buttery shifts in normal driving, which the dual clutch cannot match.

[@dlj1285]

@@jamesingrey The newest F-types have the ZF implementation from the Project 7 apparently. It’s very good and likely improved. I personally think the ZF is pretty darn fast without the same massive costs that would come with a DCT should something go wrong. Good balance of price, performance, and reliability.

[@BigRick50]

Been there, done that. Never again will I own anything made by Jaguar Land Rover. Absolute shit boxes.

[@truthseeker0077]

I bet you bought them "used and abused," thinking you got a deal while being a cheapskate. If you custom-order a Jaguar product and own it for ten years, you will typically have far less problem than an AMG or BMW, which always leaks oil within 10 years, without exception.

[@michaeljohn1160]

Lost interest once you said 3800lbs and AWD.

[@Timothy7877]

I wouldn't buy it, after that guy drove it.

[@VK6AB-]

All engine, no handling

[@dlj1285]

These cars are on rails on the stiffest suspension setting. Add the AWD. You haven’t got a clue.

[@truthseeker0077]

The F-Type's handling is excellent, actually. I have a 992 T (RWD) and F-Type V8, and in canyon driving, the F-Type is nearly as good as the 992T. However, the F-Type V8 is a 3800+ lbs FR vehicle, so it won't pivot or yaw like a mid-engine or rear-engine car.

[@VK6AB-]

@@truthseeker0077 Round a track its not good.

[@VK6AB-]

@@dlj1285 They are crap, hopeless round a track and I have 5 seasons of Carrera Cup to back that judgement up.

[@dlj1285]

@@VK6AB- Oh, I see what’s going on here. You’re a Porsche snob, got it.