Should You Buy a JAGUAR F-TYPE? (Test Drive & Review 2014 3.0 V6 S) 

I love the no nonsense no patronising ethos of this channel.

Personally I think it’s stunning from every angle. As for jaguar reliability my old xk8 is 22 years old and has been extremely dependable.

I’ve got the coupe V6 S and daily drive it - takes some getting used to but once you do it’s completely liveable. Boot space in the coupe is not too bad either, perfect for weekend getaways etc. great vid!

Traded in my 2014 Cayman for a 2018 F Type S coupe last year and straightforwardly prefer the F Type. It's more expensive to run than a Cayman and doesn't feel like it will age as well, but is more comfortable to commute in and is fun to drive at any speed whereas the Porsche was only fun if you drove it like you stole it.

I’ve had an E pace since last summer, it may be seen as a more ‘entry level’ car into the JLR family. But I love it, the build quality is not as refined as a German equivalent, but the personality of the car and interior is a fair trade off in my opinion. I’m hooked on the product now, and my next car will also be within the JLR family. Great video, as usual

Matt, it’s a stunning car, one of Ian Callum’s finest, probably better looking as the coupe. Even the 300PS 2L I drove was ‘quick enough’ and sounded good enough to make the non S V6 redundant! Incidentally, it’s coming to the end of it’s life and it will hold the accolade of being the last petrol Jaguar sports car ever. I suggest it could well be a future classic when we’re all driving electric white goods.

should you buy one? if you like it, and you can afford to run it and maintain it yes. if you can't no. if anyone tells you that they are unreliable, they will have never owned one, and in all likely hood never been in one. these people are the majority in all walks of life. how many football experts are there out there? all pontificating on how the manager of their team should have done xyz. all these budding managers serving burgers for min wage, rather than being the manger of the football club on a a few million.

The design of the F type has aged so well! It still looks so fresh,absolutely gorgeous 😍

I think its absolutely beautiful as a convertible, especially with the roof down and in that black colour. It’s slightly brash and mean looking, but also very subtle and elegant. The interior looks very nice too …. BUT LOOK AT THAT BONNET!!! My goodness I’d buy it for how the bonnet opens alone!! All of a sudden I’m 6 again 😂 greta video on a great car 😁👍🏼

I'm pretty sure I should be buying a Jaguar F-Type. If only I could afford it. Great content mate, keep it up 👍

Stunning car and one of the best on the road , my mate had one here in the states and he had the underneath of the pop up spoiler wrapped with a Union Jack lol , the car with 380 brake went like a stabbed rat and I’d driven it a few times and the the pull was intoxicating along with the sound . As for reliability it’s like all cars , if it’s got tits or tyres it’s going to be a problem .

I think the F-Type is dependant on colour and spec. The early bright orange colour was amazing. My family have quite a few jags and my brother picked me up in a 5.0 R version of the F-Type on the day of my il fated wedding (since divorced) the 5 litre is an absolute animal of a car, we went down a well known bypass near where I live and I felt the car step out coming off a roundabout on full chat. It took him long into the evening of the wedding to admit he was flustered by it😂. You can drive it round all day and do lift off gunfire if that’s your thing or just cruise. Anyway at the wedding we had my XKR, my mums XK the F-Type, my mates XKR and my uncles XF. Good times, bad marriage 😂

Gorgeous car. I was working down in Castle Bromwich when they were developing this car and the sound of them driving around my job site during testing was awesome, especially the supercharged V8.

Hi Matt, great video and choice of car. I’ve a V6S in Germany MY16 in same colour you drove with the winter pack (heated seats, wheel and front screen). Very reliable and reasonable running costs as well (Harry Metcalfe is right). In terms of reliability, as long as they’re maintained well and not tampered with, as reliable as any Porsche, Audi if not better.

I had a V6 base model convertible and loved it. It was a second car but when I retired went down to just the Jag. I hung on to it for a while but had to go to get something more practical. As for the size it is deceptively wide. I measured it at the widest point and then compared it to my mates Transit van and they were pretty much the same.

Great review Matt. I love your honesty and enthusiasm and the F-Type deserves all the positive comments. I have recently purchased a P450 V8 coupe RWD to replace my 981 Boxster S (which was a superb car). Not disappointed at all. It looks amazing, goes as quickly as you need it to, sounds amazing and the suspension and drivetrain are the best I have experienced in nearly 50 years of driving! Buy one.

Anyone else notice the police car at 2:10 ? During the bypass speed test in dynamic mode ahaha

Excellent video, well produced & edited. With your articulate delivery, you could easily replace one or two of those clowns on Top Gear. You must be aiming for a video a day with your enthusiastic output rate.

Harry Metcalf commented recently on the absurd value the F type offered, future classic, you probably right, great vid

I was about to say the bigest problem of the F-Type is that the XK is half the price and double the car but both are stunning!

You should definitely get the V8 F type, as Harry Metcalfe said - I can't understand why people are overlooking the F type when it's such a good deal.

Yes style is subjective, I like its small size not trying to be a grand touring car like the XK. The coupe definitely looks better than the rag top but that is true of most cars. Comparing it to a Boxster my reaction is that the Boxster looks the same coming or going and will not get the attention the rarer F-Type will.

Great Review, I daily a P400 2018 and its unbelievable, comfortable and once you put your foot down it really goes!

Great video as always Matt. A friend had one of these, loved it, it serves him well and he eventually chopped it in against a V8 M3, which he later regretted as the M3 just lacked the ‘special’ quality of the Jag. Happy new year to you and looking forward to all your great content in 2023!

The ltd edition model is Project 7 not 8. That's the saloon. I had the exact same version as the one you are driving, and yes, looks are subjective, but the general consensus was that this was a stunningly beautiful car back in the day. I guess with time and more models coming onto the market that the F-TYPE started to become a tad more ordinary, especially when Jaguar started to use this as their styling direction for other in the range. That is quite lowly spec V6 S to be honest, and many on the used market are much better spec'd. I had a 2014 981 Boxster before this and yes, better built, but just didn't have the overall wow factor as the F-type, so the Jag is a better proposition on the used market, and I think represents fantastic value in....my humble opinion.

When car-makers put those ridiculous rear seats into such cars, that's done for one reason. Not sure how it is in your neck of the woods, Matt. But in America it is significantly cheaper to insure cars with rear seats than straight-up 2-seater models. Doesn't matter if the rear seats are functional. Just the fact that they are there, lowers the premiums that an owner has to pay when putting insurance on his ride.

Huge fan of the F-Type stunning car, loved the video!

Great vid again. I had a V6S coupe for a couple of years and it was great, it always made me smile. Decent boot with the coupe, great exhaust note, all the power you need plus you always looked over your shoulder at it. Zero faults in my ownership. Negatives: infotainment system was dated and standard sound system was pants but apart from that it was the dogs doda's. Definitely recommend one just make sure it has full, proper service history.

I already know where this analysis is going. Start off with the complaining and then, "but that's not what it's about, this car is for driving, not the looks." And then he finds himself loving the car for the performance. Tell me if I'm right 😅

Having driven the V6 and the V6 Black , I would say the V6 is incredible, the exhaust note is incredible, the driving experience is exceptional

I have been waiting for this! I might’ve even suggested it a couple of times. Could you do a video on the Kia Stinger one day? Love the vids Matt. It wouldn’t be wildly over exaggerating to say you’ve reinstated my love for cars, which died off when Clarkson and co stopped doing the normal style Top Gear/Grand Tour.

The soft top is ugly, the hardtop just looks perfect and the rear end very EType. It's a mini Ferrari 599 in all but name and a few cylinders, but the one I'd have.

I think he F type will age better than the Porsche, In fact it's started looking better already. Cheers Mat

Hi would you buy a VW Passat all track estate 2013 4x4? Can you please advise me as I have here nice example, not perfect but for the age and money seems to be a good shot with new tyres and engine and gearbox oils changed recently etc...

Great to watch your review. However a V8 R coupe is in a different league. Forget the V6 ‘sweet spot’ nonsense. The V8 has no real downsides over the V6. Weight is virtually the same (as the V6 has the same block with a cylinder lopped off) and real world, the fuel economy is better in the V8. It’s ridiculous on a motorway cruise, just sipping fuel at nearly 40mpg and never having to work as hard as the V6. Then, when you want it, you’ve got access to the mighty pull of 550bhp. An early RWD is an epic drive and (in the dry) turn the traction control to tracDSC for a truly amazing experience. Get in an R coupe soon !

Lovely car. Though I completely agree with you that the XK is the successor to the E type. I have a convertible 5.0L n.a. XK, and for me I much prefer the GT size. The unusable for humans back seats are great... if you see them as very handy accessible boot storage. As for elegant looks, Jaguar is hard to beat. The other factor is rarity and the cool factor. Here in New York City seems like everyone has some BMW M or some Mercedes AMG....I see Maseratis on an almost daily basis...my XK is always being looked at and complimented. I love driving my XK.... puts a smile on my face for sure!

This has been on my radar for a while now. May be my next car but newer than this, say 2020 onwards. I like the fact that it is smaller. That's what a proper sports cars is about - a compact two seat roadster. Any bigger and you're in DBS or Ferrari bloated Grand Tourer territory. I agree about the grab handle in the cockpit. I don't like it either. It just looks odd and old-fashioned and generally the cockpit itself is already looking dated. I think the headlights date the car too, but from the rear and side angles it's a stunner. You can get a decent 3-4 year-old example for £25k plus, which is good value.

I fell in love with the Looks of the F-Type from the minute I saw one when they came out. I'd get the Supercharged V6 S too - makes such a hilariously dirty noise lol.

Well worth the wait for this one. Cheers Matt. If you get a chance to drive the V8 it is different to the V6. You might not think there is much difference but there is……..I’ve had both and the V8 is the winner. I agree on the XKR….lovely car 👍🏻

Good honest review, surprised at the sound of the V6. How can JLR not put heated seats in a car like this, especially the convertible. I think these will become classics in the future as electrification draws nearer. Would love an SVR version in BRG with tan leather 😍

Did I see a police car on the other side of the road just as you floored it? Hope you didn't get a ticket! Great video

I had a new 3.0S Roadster on a 64 plate, the option sport seats were worth the cost, the heating was brutal and very welcomed with the roof down and below 5c. I then went onto an SVR Roadster...another world of performance! I know what you mean about the back end on the roadster, not quite right, however, on the SVR comes with the a carbon fibre wing as standard and this balances it off nicely. The sound pre Sept 18 is what the CX16 (F Type) was sold on, after a month i took it back as it was always loud... they found a vacuum pipe disconnected which meant it was in loud mode all of the time. I then bought another SVR roadster 2019. Yes I love them. Sounds so timid in comparison, no over-run popping and the crackle has all but disappeared, however, it still sounds like a Spitfire when on full chat down a country lane. Sadly, the SVR isn't produced anymore although, the 575 has the same performance it isn't an SVR. She's 3 1/2yrs old and, just like my XFR (my mum's favourite car), I can't get rid, I still get that big smile when I drive her so why should I? if you fancy doing a report on the SVR you're welcome. PS. JLR do an ice driving course in Sweden on a lake. Most of the track stuff was done in 3.0 rear wheel and SVRs with four wheel drive. Even with spiked tyres they are a handful, you spend all week in oversteer. Well worth the effort if you can.

Hey Matt, did you try sport mode? The gear lever clicks to the left and everything kicks off! In conjunction with dynamic mode, it is a hoot. I run a 2017 V6 S AWD coupe (in Firesand) as my daily. Bought it at 4 years old with just 6500 miles on it. Two years on it has now done 23000 and I’ve had no issues. Both services I’ve had were about £450. Swapping out the awful Pirelli P-Zeros for Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tyres was my best decision. Car transformed.

Excellent and fair review. I have possibly the last V6 off the line, for the UK market. A 2020 Black roadster, practically the same as the one you tested, but with many extras. And I just love it. I can confirm that this car makes you feel very special, even if like me, you are a craggy old Yorkshireman. No I am not JC, however I am from the same area. Buy one before they become unobtanium.

Had the xk8 and I think jag drop a clanger with not replacing it

my mums car got stolen and she might be getting this car but maybe a different model

Matt, once again you’ve come up trumps. I’ve commented before that you’re now a proper journalist. Your style would be just as good written down as it is as a commentary, and that’s quite rare. Your genuine enthusiasm and criticism leaks out naturally; your language keeps it real and engaging. Your Maserati review was exceptional and this is up there. You improve with every “ Should you buy…?” feature. Proper journalism, no gimmicks, no false personality; proper journalism where the car’s the star. This is a great channel.

I've never seen a gt86 on the hard shoulder. I've seen many LR. I remember the days when police used to run them. Then they broke down so in came the x5 and mitsubishi

Car, video and presentation simply summed in one word: class 👏Would like to drive an F-TYPE for sure one day. Walk by a Coupé version in my neighbourhood finished in dark green metallic with a black leather interior. Even if the car is (currently) not mine, I always give that car 'a second look'. For a daily, I'd look at an XE or XF. Dreams! Many thanks : )

Always cover the questions I have, another great video mate!

This is a really nice looking car. Was also stunned by it when it was released. I would go for the coupe instead but that is all down to personal preferences.

I think the 2019 facelift looks particularly stunning! Lovely car nonetheless even pre-facelift

You are a bad influence on me, stop feeding my fantasies! Keep up the good work 😃

Just wanted to add that the v6 ones can have awd too check auto trader

I bought a V6S convertible 6 months ago and love it. I drive it every day, even if I have nowhere to go.

My baby Jag...it's been a privilege to own the 2016 V6 S drop-top for just over a year in Jozi with all the trimmings (flat bottom sport wheel, 20 inchers, power/heated seats, upgrade Meridian sound etc.) ...it's a joy to drive, look at and take care of. Nothing like it and probably the best value proper sports car bar none. The optional exhaust butterfly valve switch is absolutely winner...the sound is intoxicating. Love my Jag F Type...doubt I will ever sell it!

I got to drive both V6s and V8. The V6S is a playful tiny dancer. The V8 is a heavy brut. Those grab handles for the passenger are for a reason. While the luxury interior and the supple ride may imply it is a comfortable cruiser/gt, underneath it all belies a track weapon that will easily jostle whoever hasn't caught the grab handles. It's a car I hope to buy someday as a collector. It is amazing.

I'm so glad you called out the Brit bashers, who never have anything positive to say about anything we make in this country. That's why the roads are full of tedious, yawn inducing SUV's. That is one handsome looking car, and the V6 sounds awesome.

Well now that confirms it to me ''like a shopping trolley on a cobbled street'' TOPGEAR need to snap you up asap. cheers m8.

Just turned 33 & I'm on my 4th. A 2020 P450 AWD. All coupes, never been a fan of the convertible.

Excellent review I've been waiting for you to review thw F-Type for some time too. Its such a desirable car I would love one if only funds permitted! I think it looks gorgeous although the Coupe is probably slightly nicer. I was suprised how small they are when I saw one parked back to back with an XK at a "Jaguars at Gaydon" show. Don't think they do the 3.O V6 version anymore its either the 2.0 Ingenium or the V8 and sadly their days are numbered which is a travesty!

About 5 years ago I hired a V6S for a long weekend driving around Bologna and touring Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani. I hired it pragmatically... it was the best price for an interesting drop top in the area (I couldn't stomach spending a few thousand quid renting a modern Ferrari for a couple of days). I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. It totally won me over. I had a TVR Tuscan on the driveway at home at the time and this really felt like a spiritual successor to it. Engine and exhaust note with the top down are joyful... Once the kids are a bit older and I can justify a 2 seater again I'll be having one.

I had a 2014 V6S convertible too from 2016 to 2020. Absolutely loved it and so much more fun than all the Boxsters I've driven. I was unlucky as I had no less than 15 different things go wrong with it. It had to go as I got fed up with the faults/poor build quality. Replaced it with a new 992 C2S convertible and have to say it was less fun to drive than the F-Type. The 992 was too clinical with a rock hard ride, whereas the F-Type was raw, loud, basic and made you smile. Still miss it but not the problems I had with it and I don't like the facelift version.

You have a real talent for reviewing cars - just the right balance of dry humour and technical detail. Only car channel I watch on RU-vid now!

My mate had the choice but like alot of us we take the c class over the e or the 3 over the 6 because it looks less like we’ve borrowed daddys car

If only funds would allow I would trade my old xf in for 1 today. What a machine 😍 gr8 video Mat 👍

I think the F-Type looks leagues ahead of the XKR.

You mentioned Werthers Originals which are German +++ Not English. This is Pure British and not Phallic nor not Square Germanic DROSS ++++++

Hi Matt, I got rid of my 3.0s last September, when it worked it was amazing, I had it for 6years and every spring it cost me over a £1000 to put it back on the the road, always electrics from door lock to electric hood switches. I loved it, but in the end I lost all trust that if I took it anywhere, I couldn't guarantee it would get me home. The engine was amazing but the electrics just let were such a let down. It was a 2014, but it only had done 25k in total, but like all JLR product of this era, electrics were an issue. It was my dream car, I had massive smile every time I drove it, but I know you disagree, but my experience proves that reliability let it down nearly every time I took it out in the end, despite only ever being maintained at a main dealer. For pure fun though, its the best car I've ever had.

Both this and the XKR are very colour sensitive but then that's also very subjective. My friend thinks both look good in white. I think it makes them look like a fridge.

I thought the same about the Xjs when it came out and craped myself when I got in and how long the bonnet was

I agree that it's a beautiful looking car, no doubt about it, but for me it's the little things like the plastic on the centre console around the cup holders that just looked really cheap and nasty. Also, I wonder why they didn't fully cover the hood when it's fully retracted, rather than only the small parts on each side? Maybe the newer models have something that does. Also agree about the XK being the true spiritual successor to the E-type, I've always lusted after one of those!

YES! I was hoping you would do a video on the F-Type for ages

I agree Matt. The convertible looks a bit frumpy and dowdy. Get the coupe

They double it up as a grab handle. It's really a 'keep your hands off my shit' divider for people getting a lift who dont understand boundaries 😄

Yeah when it was released I was shocked by the Audi TT ness of it. It didn’t have the presence of the XKR, which I still would rather have over the F type.😎

I always enjoy this channel , what you really need to hear when you want to buy. Brilliant stuff every time

Matt you need to be aggressively gunning for 1 million subscribers - put a good marketing campaign together go at it all guns blazing and you'll get it!!

I have a soft spot for Jaguars (I have own 2 of them)- but they are the 5th worst reliable manufacturer according to reports. The main issue is their poor diesel Euro 6 engines. They are awful- oil dilution is a major issue- which causes the crankshaft to break. Then there is the issue of the later cars being easily able to be stolen - and this drove up insurance costs. Also with the F Type V6 RWD- the injectors can rust- due to the placement of the air vents in the bonnets. The AWD ones do not have this issue as the vents are further away. I won't be buying another one, just too much grief.

But the passenger seat you showed has electronic adjustment?? Like it though.

I liked the v6 until someone told me it's just the v8 engine block with two cylinders blanked off 😂 Also on reliability, Harry Metcalfe says they're really reliable, and his project 7 has cost him practically nothing to maintain.

i love the look,interior and the pop up air vents and especially the bronze accents! Theyre brilliant and the new one is even more stunning. Great video as always Matt :D

Back in 2015 fell in love with the F type V6 coupe, bought it and waited almost 3 months for delivery. Picked it up and drove home after about 5 miles everything went dead, total electrical failure. The dealership came out and took it back to the workshop and called a taxi to take me home. Got the car back after 4 days. 2days later back in shop same problem. This problem repeated itself 10 times in the 1st 3 months and I demanded my money back as the car was defective and not fit for purpose and they offered me 10% less 😂than I paid for it. In the end with the help of the consumer protection agency I sued and won against Jaguar USA and got my money back in full. Would never think of buying another British car.

I like your no nonsense approach to testing and driving cars and you obviously have nothing to lose by telling us exactly through your experience what you think.

Had an urge to buy a Coupe F type lately, and look who turns up in, well nearly.

I'll just whack my foot down as a police car comes into shot across the road. 🤣

Hi Matt, I don`t know if you noticed but @ 2:10 when you were doing your speed test there was a very interesting car passing on the opposite carriageway 😊😊

Would you prefer this or a slk from the same era

Sadly the ney sayer know-it-all’s seem happy to bash all aspects of Britain. Ref cars. Of yes, the IMS failures on numerous Porsche 911 products / highly flammable wheel arch liners on Ferrari and the wholescale diesel fraud by VW/Audi on millions of cars all seem to be overlooked 🤨. I had a recent recall on both my Ferrari California T and my Toyota GR Yaris…. but of course “nothing to see here” 🤷🏻‍♂️. Similarly, my McLaren 570 spider has been all good and now into its 4 year and my LR Disco 5 ( also 4 years old) has had zero issues…..

Lovely! Much prefer the design of these to the 2nd generation too, particularly the verticle (not horizontal) headlights which give it a stronger more individual look.

Just got a '17 British Design Edition coupe in Glacier White over here in the US. Love the looks, (especiallyfrom the back)! You messed up getting the Rag top! ;) Tech is lacking compared to other '17 sport cars but still fine. Suspension is awesome, power is plenty and comfort is not far from my Range Rover.

I'm sure someone else has said this - Project 8 was an XE based car. Project 7 is the convertible-only special F-Type. Shouldn't need premium petrol - the owner's manual says 95 RON and no need for additives. Also, knock that ZF 8 speed shifter to the left and get it in sport mode, even in the rain/snow mode it's good. I think the XK was too much of a GT car, the E-Type wasn't, the F is closer but is actually (in coupe form) surprisingly nice on a long trip.

OMG Matt...Yes,Yes,Yes, would love the F-type (infact pretty much any Jag! Lol)..Please tell me you will have one in a future prize draw?...Or I have to dream of a lottery win 😒...If you'd have one that'll do for me mate....Yes!

Really good video,Matt,and made my mind up on getting v6s next year. Ps,do you want a 850 Commando and a xfs sportbrake?!

I think it's a shame that just when jaguar have made cars with engines worthy of the jaguar name. They are now stopping making engines and moving to electric. Because of this the company may fail.

YES! YOU SHOULD!

Before I watch I'll go with yes. Yes I should 🤣🤣

First of all, enjoyed the video and am following. The proportions are the big reason why i bought one (SVR). This car is easier to place than say amg gt, corvette, mustang, or the same length as a 992. Unsure about the badge comment (given how gorgeous it looks - who cares). I'm longtime bmw fanboy and i feel that jag has an opportunity to slip into that affordable "ultimate driving machine" space that bmw has since vacated long ago. The boot is whatever (every reviewer b!tches about it - I have no issues at all (who takes a jag to haul lumber? Get a "lorry" if you have to). Ian McCallum made a legend here (along w the DB9) imo. This car will age well. I love the 911, but never got on with the noise or the price (maybe someday). Newer models def have stepped up for quality. The SVR interior is really stepped up and wish this was carried to other models (i love the simplicity of the interior, personally. Gives me older bimmer vibes). I'm taking this car to grave esp w the whole ev revolution.

The F-Type is a cool car and I looked at one briefly. I ended up getting an XKR. More room and comfort over the F-Type and it really doesn't sacrifice that much in performance. Just worked better for me.

Speaking as a former owner and not some ‘naysayer’ or a smug, cynical car dealer, I have owned three Jags and a Range Rover sport, my experience is in keeping with the reputation this guy says is false. First Jag, a 2008 XKR Coupe was great but,as time moved on, getting in and out was an issue. I has the front suspension rebuilt under warranty. Next Jag, an XF 3lt diesel ran out of fuel with the gauge showing a third full. The dealers answer was to ‘ Fill up when it dropped below half’. After some calls to JLR, the dealer reluctantly fitted a new fuel tank which when it was full thudded against the rear bulkhead. Solution, stick some packing between bulkhead and tank, real high tech. It ran out of fuel again with a third showing on the gauge on the M62 in ‘Death valley’. It was sold back to the dealer. Foolishly, I bought another XF, an estate. This was fine for three months when a ghost appeared. It haunted the transmission making a wooooo sound. OK , the transmission is a ZF German job, but the ghost could not be exorcised. Traded in for a Range Rover Sport. I had the silver roof wrapped in gloss black and all was fine for a year until one night of torrential rain left puddles in the back. After a stand up row with Guy Salmon in Knutsford who said it was caused by the ‘unauthorised modification’ I.e. the wrap, I took it to a well known Independent who immediately diagnosed rear window seals had gone. JLR didn’t want to know even though the car was in warranty. So I didn’t want to know and never will want to know about a JLR product. Good luck to anyone who does.