Jaguar is looking to turn a page and move in a radical new direction. While its rebranding gained polarizing reactions, the new EV concept is intriguing. The last time Jaguar had this much buzz was when it launched the F-type coupe and convertible and, if you are in the market for an old-school sports car, these vehicles are still some solid values.
The comparison to the Miata might seem strange at first, but less so if you remember the original Miata was meant to emulate the classic British roadsters but offer the package with higher build quality. OK, so, maybe it’s a bit of a stretch since the F-type is more of a Porsche 911 fighter, but you can score some nice examples for Miata money.
A brand-new MX-5 Miata starts at around $29,000 and maxes out close to $40,000 for a fully loaded hard-top. A nationwide scan from Cars.com reveals around 174 Jaguar F-types under $40,000. The bulk of those are the six-cylinder models, which many would argue is the sweet spot for this car, but both the turbo-4 and V8 models are worth a look.
Here are some standout examples.
If your priority is lower miles and the most recent body style, for just under $39,000 you can nab this 16,000 mile, California car.
If drop-tops are more your thing, and you want to buy the Jag in the correct color of British Racing Green. This 2018 model with only 23,000 is a very nice spec.
Prefer that V8 soundtrack? Here is another convertible with a grey over red combo for the equivalent price of a base model Miata. It’s got some miles on it, but the usage isn’t extreme for a car that’s ten-years-old.
If you are concerned about Jaguar reliability, CarMax has a solid selection at market-competitive prices. While MaxCare warranties aren’t the bargain they used to be thanks to a certain somewhat famous automotive personality, the extra coverage may still be worth the cost.
It will be interesting to see where Jaguar goes from here, and even though the brand has had some missteps over the years, they did seem to get it right with the F-type. There aren’t many cars that offer the same balance of style, sound, and substance for the money.
Tom McParland is a contributing writer for Jalopnik and runs AutomatchConsulting.com. He takes the hassle out of buying or leasing a car. Got a car buying question? Send it to Tom@AutomatchConsulting.com