'16 F-Type S Manual Review

by "whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
Published 10/03/2017 at 17:15

Tags: F-Type ; jaguar ; Jaguar F-Type ; save the manuals ; Manual ; Orange ; Oppositelock ; Oppo Sticker General ; Stickers ; Mazda ; mazda cx-5 ; cx-5 ; RWD
STARS: 19

Four or five months ago my friends were announcing pregnancies and family members were making solid life choices. I boldly proclaimed to my apathetic dog how I single handedly fixed my neighborhood. After months of hard labor I, and I alone have restored my neighborhood’s good name. On an unassuming Saturday afternoon, as pickers picked over garage sales, families reaped the crops at farmers’ markets, and dogs frolicked amongst the wild flowers, a delivery truck pulled up to the house. A Russian truck driver named Igor rang the doorbell and delivered a new-to-me 2016 Jaguar F type S. My wife was alarmed at the color and she overheard our nervous neighbors calling police to notify them of the new arrival.

The initial shock wore off. Homeowners saw their property values begin to increase. The reception amongst the common folk consisted of, “What an unnecessary color.” “I bet that guy is single.” “I wonder what drives people to make poor life choices.” “Did he seriously put a sticker on that car!” I could tell this car was having the desired effect on the local townspeople.

Alright, alright I’ll cut the hyperbole and get to what I think about the car. This particular model hails from mighty Rhode Island and arrived with just over 5,000 miles on the odometer. The dealer stated the car was ordered as a gift for an older gentleman’s wife who loved orange, less than 8 months of owning the car she no longer wanted a manual. I was also told they would not negotiate the asking price. A few thousand dollars less, an agreement was reached and I realized the latter was not true, so who knows about the former. What I do know is I ended up with a firesand 2016 F- Type S in a manual with every option checked except for the body colored side sills. The car is a CPO, which includes the original 5 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty along with the CPO 7 year 100,000 mile warranty. I haven’t had to use any of it yet, but I am excited to try it all out. So what do I think of all this, and why do you care?

Quick background on my vehicle history. 2001 Chevy Astro -> 2005 Honda S2000 + 2005 Wrangler LJ -> 2009 Lotus Elise SC -> 2006 Dodge Viper -> 2015 Golf R -> 2016 Jaguar F-Type

Now that we got that out of the way, I can say I have a few years behind the wheel of cars with world class transmissions, sharp handling, monumental power, and all of these attributes belong to the Chevy Astro. Now for the review.

Yes, the car is beautiful. I love the looks, my wife loves the looks, most journalists love looks. Let’s look past that. I am going to mention a few of exterior defects. First, the shiny black trim included in the black pack is a coating. I was surprised to see the coating peels off on the chin spoiler after 5,000 miles. The cat needs a nose job. I will replace the front grill beam because of dealer installed rivets for the front plate holder. I registered the car in a good state, a state without front plates, FL. The side vents above the wheel wells are difficult to take care of, soap dries in the openings and leaving white residue. After a few months with the car those were the only note-worthy problems. Admittedly, I’m nit-picky. I immediately forgot them when I stand more than 5 feet away. Two things I absolutely love and have to mention are the taillights and the exhaust pipes. Now enjoy some pictures.

Let us venture inside. The black leather interior with firesand stitching is a favorite of all my cars interiors, and I had full the mighty blue S2000 interior. The performance seats are stiff and supportive, if not adjusted correctly they can be on the wrong side of comfortable. Both seats have 3 memory positions and 14 adjustments to find the sweet spot though. The bolstering shows wear after 5,000 miles. I’m writing to my local dealer about that as well. I’m 6’1 with work boots on and there is plenty of legroom. If you look up, the panoramic roof opens the cabin up. The black leather throughout the interior does not feel as tight as the Viper because of the glass top. I make this point because the Viper’s interior are dark mysterious places, and if claustrophobia bothers you, driving in a Viper will tick a particular box you may not like. On more than one occasion a passenger noted how it feels like a coffin. I would respond, please make my coffin look like this. The F Type’s glass roof is fantastic for daytime canyon carving. I cover the glass at night though because it reflects a lot of the interior lights, and distracts my eyes. The mood lighting is a problem. In dynamic mode everything turns red except for the door handle lights they stay blue. This bothers me.

The steering wheel has more buttons than I want on a wheel, which is none, but they are intuitive and I did not need to read a stinking manual. The dash layout and optional buttons are clearly marked and I don’t fumble over myself to access anything I need, like the louder and faster buttons. The soft touch materials covering the interior are pleasant and the leather roof liner lends itself to a cleaner look than suede or alcantra. If you ever drove in an NSX or watched Mr. Regular’s car videos he will talk about his favorite interior design feature which is an uninterrupted curve joining the windshield to the dash. The F-Type has a similar finishing edge in fact anywhere you look you’ll be pleased to see a finished design from seams to knobs to door handles.

The first generation manual transmissions have some issues and you can find the VIN numbers affected on the Jaguar forums. The warranty covers the replacement if you need it. You can rest easy knowing if your transmission grenades itself like it did in my godforsaken LJ, you’ll get a loaner to drive around and a new clutch & flywheel assembly for free. I would rate the transmission solidly between the Lotus and the Viper. The S2000 cannot compared to other cars I’ve driven.It has remained the gold standard to me, but I did appreciate the Elise SC’s quick response for gear change.

The F-Type has more horsepower and torque to deal with than the S and the Elise, I think it does the job well-enough. I get some wheel chirp and spin in 2nd gear if I’m pushing it, but overall it puts the power down. I also think if I put Super Sports on the wheels I would be even more impressed. If it explodes and I get a new one I’ll write about that experience later on. The only major complaint I have is the lockout gear for Reverse is subpar. The layout is up and to the left, so it is only an issue if you are in a hurry to get into first, but I still don’t accept that as an excuse. Side note, I was able to teach my neighbor’s teenagers to drive stick. They never had any interest in driving until the Jag was next door. Now, they can drive a manual around town with no issues.

The big ‘ol twin supercharged V6 is heavy, what else can I say. If you search articles you’ll find out the engine is derived from ford … words words words same casting as V8 ( similar but not exactly the same) words words words. The engine is heavy, the car is heavy. I don’t think the car is underpowered by any stretch of the imagination, and I’ve driven the R I just wanted a manual more than I wanted cylinders. The car feels heavier than any other car I’ve driven, and although it doesn’t respond like the Viper my passengers giggle at the punch the cat packs.

The exhaust note reminds me of a 350z on steroids, it growls screams and pops. The sound isn’t synthetic, it is manufactured. I’m okay with this. To me, it is the equivalent of Ronnie Coleman yelling “ain’t nothing but a peanut” as he lifts a small village. He doesn’t have to yell it, he chooses too, however there is no auto tune mutilating his voice, just his god-given vocal cords. If the F Type has the ability to growl at you, let it growl, it just wants to say “HI!” If exhaust is what you’re after though, go buy a GT350, it sounds better than the R in my humble opinion.

This is a fun British roadster turned coupe. I can drive on the track or on retirement community round-a-bout. There are better cars for those scenarios but nothing is as pretty doing the tasks. After owning this car would I buy a better equipped 911? No. Would I get myself an LC500 for the ultimate GT? No. I would buy the same exact car, because I enjoy driving it. There are owners on the forums that are pushing 450hp out of the V6, but I’ve had it, I don’t need it. I just want to have fun, and when I drive the car I do exactly that.

Replies (35)

"Nibby" (nibby68)
10/03/2017 at 17:20, STARS: 1

the worst part about the F-type? the infotainment system. complete clusterfuck, poorly designed, oh and is it powered by a 386 SX? cause it’s fucking SLOW

but yeah otherwise it is sex on wheels

"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/03/2017 at 17:31, STARS: 0

Thank you for sharing, now the want is even worse...

But honestly, great write up.

"TomServo (Resides on the Satellite of Love)" (mk7silkblue)
10/03/2017 at 17:34, STARS: 1

It appears the orange f types have taken over.

"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
10/03/2017 at 17:37, STARS: 0

How many orange F-Types can Oppo handle

"Bytemite" (bytemite)
10/03/2017 at 17:37, STARS: 0

Wow...that storied vehicle history. Now I see what comes after an Elise.

S2000 -> Elise -> Viper.

My question is why would you go from Viper to Golf...

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 17:40, STARS: 0

I agree, but none of my other vehicles besides the golf had an infotainment system. I only use it to play music through bluetooth and randomly turn the rear camera on when driving forwards to confuse myself. For those two very selective purposes it fits the bill. You can turn off the screen so the center is just the leaper, and thats what mine usually looks like.

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 17:41, STARS: 1

I’m glad you got me around to writing it. I’ve done it for all my other vehicles so it was due time.

"wafflesnfalafel" (wafflesnfalafel1)
10/03/2017 at 17:42, STARS: 0

Beautiful - that looks looks spectacular with the dark wheels. Some F-types look over done to me but that is simple and gorgeous. That new Mazda is super nice too.

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 17:42, STARS: 0

I’m just following suit

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 17:43, STARS: 0

It’s pumpkin season!

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 17:44, STARS: 1

I’m going to answer your question with one of those link clicks. I wrote two articles on why I did it.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/wings-of-gold-whidbey-island-viper-gone-1713109926

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 17:45, STARS: 1

So I think I need to add an update. The new MX-5 manual is just as sharp as my old S2k. I would need to drive them back to back, but that car was an awesome test drive.

"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/03/2017 at 17:45, STARS: 1

I am glad you did too. I enjoy your write ups. It is funny how long the Jag looks next to the Mazda in the last picture. I think it is the rear end point.

Are they really punching that kind of power out of the V6? I would think the 380hp would be enough.... for a while anyway.

"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/03/2017 at 17:45, STARS: 0

That’s a fine automobile. Suits your screen name.

"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/03/2017 at 17:47, STARS: 2

I think I’m going to end up with an ND Miata one day.

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 17:49, STARS: 0

The screen name came from me constantly asking my wife what is that sound when we drive in cars. The radio will be blasting, and I’ll turn it dead quiet after hearing a rattle and ask it. I don’t have OCD but strange sounds freak me out.

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 17:51, STARS: 1

Oh yeah, the jaguar forums have been really helpful with with an upgraded pulley, a new tune and a few other bits here and there, the dino sheets on the V6 manual sit at 420 to the wheels.

"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/03/2017 at 17:53, STARS: 0

Haha - I know this feel.

- 2008 E90 M3 owner (dash had to be ripped out soon after I purchased in ‘12 to replace AC evaporator, under factory warranty, thankfully - 105k miles now, still very fun to drive, but has her share of “sounds”)

"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/03/2017 at 17:54, STARS: 0

Well that is the right amount of power to the wheels. Sounds like a decent place, but oh god I hate forums lol.

"Bytemite" (bytemite)
10/03/2017 at 17:59, STARS: 1

Went back and read all your previous posts. Wow.

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 17:59, STARS: 0

I’ve found s2k, jeep and Elise forums to be very helpful, the jaguar forum almost as much it’s just newer so a lot of cars are still under warranty. The viper forums are horrendous. No one does any of their own work.

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 18:00, STARS: 0

Thanks I’m glad I can entertain!

"B_dol" (bdolan40)
10/03/2017 at 18:02, STARS: 0

Great writeup! You’re doing nothing to help me stave off the 2-year car itch... must resist the temptation to shake the garage up.

"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/03/2017 at 18:02, STARS: 0

Yeah the GTO forum is nice, I just don’t like how forums work or usually the people etc etc. They just are not a place I enjoy trying to find any info for some reason.

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 18:06, STARS: 1

"TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
10/03/2017 at 19:23, STARS: 0

I’m that way with strange smells. If I can’t immediately identify a new smell I sit there aggressively sniffing until I either figure out what it is or it goes away. I have had several people notice this including one now ex girlfriend who gave me a really concerned look from the passenger seat.

"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
10/03/2017 at 21:27, STARS: 0

I chose to put my vinyl stickers on the rear quarter window, too. Best spot.

"I just want to reply from my phone." (phone-burner-ftw)
10/03/2017 at 21:31, STARS: 1

So you’re the reason I can’t find a manual F Type in RI... jerk

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 21:59, STARS: 1

I always put them where it doesn’t obstruct, and it seems to be the sweet spot.

"Tapas" (tapas)
10/03/2017 at 23:08, STARS: 1

I’ve always wanted the F Type, but I have wondered - how much more power does the R have over the S that you can actually feel when you put your foot down?

Is the R too overwhelming to drive (in the normal sense. Please discount your experience with the Viper for this answer lol)

"whatisthatsound" (whatisthatsound)
10/03/2017 at 23:18, STARS: 1

The R is noticeably faster, and louder. The AWD in the ‘16s and on isn’t for snow it’s for keeping the car under control. If you want speed the R is where you want to look.

"Tapas" (tapas)
10/03/2017 at 23:49, STARS: 0

Well I want faster and louder, but I don’t want to kill myself almost days after getting the car.

I was thinking about getting the ‘15 R because its RWD lol

"Nick Has an Exocet" (nickallain)
10/04/2017 at 01:53, STARS: 1

I’ll probably own one at some point. I’ve written before about how fast these are falling in value and that’s A-OK by me. They’re a smiles per mile kind of car and I love that. Every single version has that. I could argue that most modern Jaguars have that to some degree. Even the diesel XF that I rented in the UK had that when it you gave it a good tickle.

The sound isn’t synthetic, it is manufactured.

I couldn’t agree more with that statement. It has that “some guy in factory thought you’d get a kick out of this” feel. I recently drove an M240i and it had that (in a German accent) “aaaaahnd now, vee vill use ze computor to make three, not four, crackles”. The F-Type on the other hand, especially the V8S convertible and the R, goats you into “hey man, see how long you can keep that crackle going!” and it’s wonderful. For me, the V8S convertible was the golden car. It’s not as sharp as the R or the V6S Coupe but it’s a GT that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Maybe that just matches my personality.

I’ve come to realize that I’m a multiple car kind of guy. It’s a bit dangerous. At some point, I will own a 911. I’m pretty certain of that. I have moods that suit that car very well but the F-Type is kind of a first love. It’s the first high power car that I really fell in love with driving. Hell, as I’m typing this, I just realized my wallpaper on my PC is a photo that I took around 1AM in the UK.

"TractorPillow" (tractorpillow)
10/08/2017 at 21:57, STARS: 0

Oh wow! Just reading this! Congrats. Was reading your list of cars and we went Elise, Viper, German (I had a Cayman), back to British!

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
01/22/2018 at 00:29, STARS: 1

Mmmmm. God that’s a pretty car