Where the F-Type's Character Lives
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.
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. The MY2018 R Coupé is the definitive sweet spot.
Every Engine, Every Year
| Variant | Engine | Years | Drive | Gearbox | Best For | Not Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 (340 hp) | 3.0 Supercharged V6 | MY2014–MY2020 | RWD only | 8-speed auto | Entry-level, daily use, lower running costs | Track use, performance buyers, V8 sound |
| V6 S (380 hp) | 3.0 Supercharged V6 | MY2014–MY2020 | RWD or AWD (MY2016+) | 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual | Balanced choice, manual buyers, daily driver | Those wanting V8 character and sound |
| V8 S (495 hp) | 5.0 Supercharged V8 | MY2014–MY2020 | RWD (MY2014–2015), AWD (MY2016+) | 8-speed auto | GT touring, exhaust note, long-distance | Track-focused buyers (R is better spec) |
| R (550 hp) | 5.0 Supercharged V8 | MY2015–MY2020 | RWD or AWD | 8-speed auto | Performance sweet spot, daily supercar | Budget-conscious buyers, high fuel costs |
| SVR (575 hp) | 5.0 Supercharged V8 | MY2017–MY2020 | AWD only | 8-speed auto | Maximum performance, track days, titanium exhaust | Buyers worried about running costs and insurance |
| P300 (300 hp) | 2.0T Ingenium 4-cylinder | MY2017–MY2020 | RWD only | 8-speed auto | Budget entry, daily driver, lower insurance | Anyone wanting F-Type character, V6/V8 sound |
Note: The V6 S manual gearbox was available from MY2014 (RWD) and MY2016 (AWD). The SVR was available from MY2017. The P300 was introduced from MY2017. Separate in-depth guides exist for the SVR, Manual, R, P300, and P380 V6 variants.
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 facelift's 12.3-inch digital cluster is impressive but divisive.
The infotainment is a different story. Pre-MY2017 InControl Touch is slow, prone to freezing, and lacks CarPlay or Android Auto. The MY2017+ InControl Touch Pro is meaningfully better. If modern connectivity matters, target MY2017 or later.
What Can Go Wrong
Severity ratings reflect the financial and safety impact of the issue. Critical and High issues are walk-away conditions if not documented as resolved.
The plastic Y-shaped coolant junction cracks with age and heat cycling. Early cars are most susceptible. Symptoms: coolant loss, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust. Inspect the Y-pipe directly during any pre-purchase inspection — a specialist can access it in 20 minutes. This is the single most important check on any first-gen F-Type.
The electric water pump is a known wear item. Failure causes rapid overheating and potential engine damage. Ask for service records showing pump replacement or budget for it proactively. Many Jaguar specialists recommend preventative replacement at 60,000 miles regardless of symptoms.
Two major recalls: October 2014 (272 cars, power steering loss risk) and November 2014 (7,079 cars, faulty wiring harness). A third recall issued April 2019 affects some MY2014–2015 cars for a separate harness issue. Verify all three are completed via NHTSA VIN check before purchase. Non-completion is a walk-away condition.
The adhesive used in the leather-wrapped steering wheel leaks through in heat, resulting in a sticky, degraded surface. Common on early cars stored in warm climates. Factor in re-wrap cost if present — it is cosmetic but unpleasant. A fresh re-wrap from a trim specialist is the correct fix.
The early InControl Touch system is prone to freezing, slow response, and module failures. Software updates help but do not fully resolve the underlying hardware limitations. Pre-MY2017 cars should be tested thoroughly — cycle through all menus, test the audio, and verify the navigation. A failed module requires replacement.
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 or hesitation. A slow roof is a warning sign — full hydraulic failure is expensive. Convertible buyers should budget for this on any car over 60,000 miles.
Early AWD cars had teething issues with the rear differential. Symptoms include vibration under acceleration, clunking on corners, and a notchy feel at low speed. MY2016 cars are most affected. Test drive on a variety of surfaces including low-speed turns and full-throttle acceleration. A specialist inspection is essential on any MY2016 AWD car.
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. The actuator is a relatively inexpensive fix but requires diagnosis. Check for warning lights and listen carefully on the test drive.
Pre-purchase inspection: Always use a Jaguar specialist, not a general mechanic. The coolant Y-pipe and water pump require specific knowledge to inspect correctly. A specialist inspection costs £150–£300 and is the most important £300 you will spend on any F-Type purchase.
Round vs Slim LEDs — and the GPF
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, but the original round headlights have a purity that many prefer.
The GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) was introduced from MY2018 in UK and EU markets to meet emissions regulations. It slightly mutes the exhaust note. US-spec MY2018 cars are generally pre-GPF. If the exhaust note matters to you, verify the specification via VIN before buying.
Current Pricing by Variant
| Variant | Condition | UK Market | US Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| V6 (340 hp) Convertible | High mileage (80k+) | £18,000–£22,000 | $20,000–$26,000 |
| V6 S (380 hp) Coupé | Average (40–70k miles) | £22,000–£32,000 | $25,000–$36,000 |
| V8 S (495 hp) Convertible | Average (40–70k miles) | £25,000–£38,000 | $28,000–$42,000 |
| R (550 hp) Coupé MY2018 | Low mileage (under 30k) | £38,000–£55,000 | $42,000–$62,000 |
| SVR (575 hp) | Average (30–60k miles) | £52,000–£72,000 | $58,000–$80,000 |
| Manual V6 S (any year) | Any condition | £28,000–£45,000 | $32,000–$52,000 |
Note: Values are indicative based on auction results (Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Iconic Auctioneers) and specialist dealer listings as of early 2025. Actual transaction prices vary by mileage, specification, service history, and market conditions. These figures are not financial advice. Manual gearbox cars command a significant premium over automatic equivalents.
Sweet Spots by Use Case
Updated infotainment with CarPlay, post-AWD teething, pre-GPF in most markets. The most balanced first-gen buy. Excellent daily driver with genuine sports car character.
Hydraulic steering, lightest V8 F-Type ever made, raw and communicative. The most analogue, most characterful F-Type. Accept the inspection risk — it is worth it.
Updated headlights, good infotainment, pre-GPF in most markets. The most consistently cited sweet spot across owner forums and specialist advice. Buy the best example you can afford.
AWD available, best gearbox feel of any F-Type, Tremec 6-speed. Fewer than 1,200 built worldwide. The rarest first-gen configuration. Prices reflect the rarity.
Most affordable, reliable Ingenium engine, good infotainment. Accept the significant character deficit vs V6/V8. A sensible entry point if budget is the primary constraint.
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