The Highest-Volume Used Market
The first-generation F-Type ran from the 2013 launch car (sold as MY2014) through to MY2020 — seven model years, six engine variants, two body styles, and a production run of approximately 60,000 cars. These are now the F-Types hitting the £18,000–£65,000 used market in volume.
The first-gen car is where the F-Type's character lives. Hydraulic steering on the earliest cars, the raw supercharged V6 and V8 soundtrack, analogue dials, and a purity of purpose that the facelift car partially traded for refinement. The question is not whether to buy one — it is which year and which variant.
This guide covers every model year in detail, with a clear verdict on each. The short answer: avoid MY2015 unless you have documented history, be cautious with MY2016 AWD, and target MY2017–2018 for the best balance of reliability, infotainment, and value.
Every Engine, Every Year
| Variant | Years Available | Drive | Gearbox | Best For | Not Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 (340 hp) | MY2014–MY2020 | RWD only | 8-speed auto | Entry-level, daily use | Track use, performance buyers |
| V6 S (380 hp) | MY2014–MY2020 | RWD or AWD (MY2016+) | 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual | Balanced choice, manual buyers | Those wanting V8 character |
| V8 S (495 hp) | MY2014–MY2020 | RWD (MY2014–2015), AWD (MY2016+) | 8-speed auto | GT touring, exhaust note | Track-focused buyers (R is better) |
| R (550 hp) | MY2015–MY2020 | RWD or AWD | 8-speed auto | Performance sweet spot, daily supercar | Budget-conscious buyers |
| SVR (575 hp) | MY2017–MY2020 | AWD only | 8-speed auto | Maximum performance, track days | Buyers worried about running costs |
| P300 (300 hp) | MY2017–MY2020 | RWD only | 8-speed auto | Budget entry, daily driver | Anyone wanting F-Type character |
Every Model Year, Assessed
Click any year to expand the full assessment, known issues, and buying verdict.
Analogue Dials vs Modern Tech
The first-gen F-Type uses analogue instruments throughout its production run — physical needles, no digital cluster. Many buyers consider this a feature, not a limitation. The dials are clear, accurate, and age well.
The infotainment is a different story. Pre-MY2017 InControl Touch is slow, prone to freezing, and lacks CarPlay/Android Auto. The MY2017+ InControl Touch Pro is meaningfully better. If modern connectivity matters, target MY2017 or later.
What Can Go Wrong
The plastic Y-shaped coolant junction cracks with age and heat cycling. Early cars are most susceptible. Symptoms: coolant loss, overheating, white smoke. Inspect the Y-pipe directly during any pre-purchase inspection.
The electric water pump is a known wear item. Failure causes rapid overheating. Ask for service records showing pump replacement or budget for it. Often done preventatively at 60k miles.
Two major recalls: October 2014 (272 cars, power steering loss) and November 2014 (7,079 cars, faulty harness). A third recall issued April 2019 affects some MY2014–2015 cars. Verify all three are completed via VIN check.
The adhesive used in the leather-wrapped steering wheel leaks through in heat. Results in a sticky, degraded surface. Common on early cars. Factor in re-wrap cost if present.
The early InControl Touch system is prone to freezing, slow response, and module failures. Software updates help but don't fully resolve the underlying hardware limitations. Pre-MY2017 cars should be tested thoroughly.
Hydraulic seals in the roof mechanism can fail, causing slow or incomplete operation. Test the roof through multiple full cycles during inspection. Listen for unusual pump noise.
Early AWD cars had teething issues with the rear differential. Symptoms include vibration under acceleration and clunking. MY2016 cars are most affected. Test drive on a variety of surfaces.
The active exhaust valve actuator can stick open or closed, affecting exhaust note and potentially triggering warning lights. A stuck-open valve gives a constant loud note; stuck-closed loses the pop-and-crackle on overrun.
Round vs Slim LEDs
The F-Type received revised headlights for MY2018 — slim horizontal LED DRLs replaced the original round units. This is the most visible styling change across the first-gen production run, and opinion is divided.
Forum consensus leans toward the MY2018+ slim units as the better-looking car. The original round headlights have a purity to them but the updated design is sharper and more modern. Neither is objectively superior — this is a personal preference decision.
Sweet Spots by Use Case
Updated infotainment, post-AWD teething, pre-GPF in most markets. The most balanced first-gen buy.
Hydraulic steering, lightest V8 F-Type ever made, raw and communicative. Accept the inspection risk.
Updated headlights, good infotainment, pre-GPF in most markets. The most cited sweet spot in the entire range.
AWD available, best gearbox feel, Tremec 6-speed. Rarest configuration — fewer than 1,000 built.
Most affordable, reliable Ingenium engine, good infotainment. Accept the significant character deficit vs V6/V8.
Buy If...
Walk Away If...
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