Jaguar F-Type Convertible Review 2024

Jaguar F-Type Convertible At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Jaguar F-Type Convertible delivers an exhilarating blend of thrilling performance and exquisite looks, making it a viable alternative to some of the most exciting cars on the road.

+Stunning looks. Incredible sound. All-wheel drive versions are grippy and fun.

-Very little luggage space. Tiresome engine drone on motorway. Not as sharp to drive as a Porsche. Build quality concerns.

New prices start from £57,260
Insurance Groups are between 44–50
On average it achieves 100% of the official MPG figure

More than any other model before it, the Jaguar F-Type managed to step out of that huge shadow cast by the sensational Jaguar E-type. Vivid performance, great handling and good looks combined to make it a more than worthy rival to everything from the Ford Mustang, through the Porsche Boxster, and all the way to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. It could even give the Audi R8 Spider a bloody nose. Read on for our full Jaguar F-Type Convertible review.

Much of the talk in the build-up to the launch of the Jaguar F-Type, which came as a convertible first with the coupé following a year later, was of it being the first true successor to the now legendary Jaguar E-type.

And while it’s true that the Jaguar F-Type can trace its lineage back to the E-type, it was in fact a direct replacement for the rather less legendary (although still very good) Jaguar XK.

The first clue was in the proportions – the Jaguar F-Type is shorter, lower and wider than the Jaguar XK – while even the basic 340PS V6 version served up a hard-edged soundtrack that out-screamed virtually everything else on the road.

And of course, with the top down the whole sensation is amplified.

Yet the Jaguar F-Type Convertible still makes a convincing, largely comfortable touring car while providing much of the sheer driving brilliance of a Porsche Boxster or Porsche 911 – models that are both realistic alternatives because of the breadth of the British car’s model line-up.

The expansive Jaguar F-Type Convertible range started with a 340PS 3.0-litre supercharged V6, equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive.

It topped out with the Jaguar F-Type Convertible SVR model – a four-wheel-drive 575PS supercar lite with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8, a 195mph top speed and 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds.

Over time, Jaguar added other engines, including a 300PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit.

Offered with rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive in different models, there’s a Jaguar F-Type Convertible for almost every hue of driver.

With production ceasing in 2024, it is also a tantalising used car prospect.

Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar's Jaguar F-Type review here.

Ask Honest John

Can anyone change a Jaguar F-Type battery?

"I own a 2018 Jaguar F type 3.0 (380) with 14,000 miles on the clock. Recently, I've started to experience battery issues. The car only does 2,000 miles a year and often spends three or four weeks without starting. I'm assume the battery is discharging and then re-charging when I start the car. I've had a couple of occasions where a warning message has appeared stating: 'battery low do not switch off engine'. Should I replace the battery? Is this something I can do myself? Can I fit a trickle charger or would the car need some type of modification in order to use one?"
It reads like the battery is, as you say, discharging near to empty and then recharging each time. Really you shouldn't leave a car for more than about two or three weeks before starting it as that'll kill the battery more quickly than keeping it at a good charge level. It's likely you do need a new battery and they are relatively easy to fit yourself, however some owners report that the Battery Monitoring System (BMS) needs to be reset via official diagnostic software through an independent garage or dealer. Many owners said they didn't do this and no issues arose, however. If this is the case it's only the electric windows that may need resetting to position them. We can't find any reason why your battery can't be trickle charged, though.
Answered by Lawrence Allan

Can you recommend a reliable, good-looking, two-seater sports car?

"I have £30,000 cash to spend on a two-seater sports car. Now, hopefully, with better weather and improved prospects on the horizon, what would you advise to buy? The looks and street cred are important, preferably a classic look and I want something reliable. Performance is not a top priority. Don't want MG, Triumph or an MX-5. Any ideas? Many Thanks."
How about a Jaguar F-Type? It's a very stylish choice available as a coupe or convertible. A Porsche Boxster or Cayman could be a good alternative. None of these will be cheap to run, though. A Mazda MX-5 is unbeatable if that's what you're after.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Is my local Jaguar dealer liable for the repairs costs of my F-Type?

"I have a 2013 Jaguar F-Type, which I have owned from new. The car developed a misfire and was transported back to the main dealer by the AA. The dealer diagnosed two spark plug failures and changed all six. 20 miles later the misfire re-appeared and the garage diagnosed an injector problem on cylinder four, but they snapped the injector off in the cylinder head by using a slide hammer to remove it. They are now quoting me £6000+ to replace the cylinder head and all ancillaries. I have told them I hold them responsible for the additional problem but to go ahead and to keep me informed. They know I will seek redress at a later stage. My internet research indicates that injector failure on the F-Type is not uncommon and that using an unapproved force to remove it will likely result in a snapped injector. I have asked the dealer if Jaguar will show goodwill to a valued customer and defray some of the costs. They said they would try. Are they liable for the additional costs including the charge for an incorrect diagnosis and six plugs which did not need to be replaced? What should I do? "
If anyone is liable for this the garage is; definitely not JLR unless JLR choses to intervene with some financial help for the dealers. This FAQ answer is more about rejecting cars or getting fault cars fixed or replaced, but the law is pretty much the same: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Answered by Honest John

Buying a used sports car - 911 or F-Type?

"I am thinking of buying a used sports car. Either a 2009 Porsche Carrera S (DFI engine) Cabrio or a 2013 Jaguar F-Type S. The 911 is £45k with 26,000 miles and manual from a well respected independent Porsche specialist and the Jag is £44k from main dealer with 16,000 miles. The Jag has two year warranty and the 911 the independents in house 1 year warranty which I've read is well respected. I plan to keep the car for 18 months before selling, which would you go for? "
To be 2013 the F-Type must be a roadster and I guess the V6S, not the V8S? Assuming it's a roadster I suggest you open the boot because if you carry a space saver spare there's hardly any room for anything else: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/jaguar/jaguar-f-type-2013-road-test/ The Porsche is going to be a 997 and a 2009 will have the stronger intermediate shaft so less likelihood of the engine grenading. The dealer can download data from the ECU that shows if the engine has ever been over-revved (which can happen on a missed downshift, despite the rev-limiter). If it has been over-revved, Porsche will not warrant it. Lot more luggage space. But the two year warranty on the Jag removes any worry at all during your projected 18 month tenure. I don't think that proportionately the Jag will now lose a lot more money than the Porsche. Porsche prices have now gone nuts and have probably overheated.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Jaguar F-Type Convertible cost?