Choose wisely And you could win

It is surprising how many models have limited run variations. Not intentionally sometimes.

THE OLD DAYS OF A typical 'Arfur Daly' car yard and shonky used cars are just about a thing of the past. In the last twenty-five years or so Jaguars have been built to their highest standard ever. Poor paint, trim and unreliable parts of any sort were replaced with quality. As an example, the paint finish on any Jaguar built since that time can look as good as when it was new - if the car has been looked after well. That makes used Jaguars a fabulous buy for everyday use, or tucking away for special occasions.

Go to any Jaguar display day and there is a predominance of newer models, and even the most die-hard classic Jaguar owner probably has a newer model too because they are just so nice to own and drive. Prices are surprisingly affordable, and even better - it is often a shock to know just how rare some models are. That's more good news, because if you have one and continue to maintain it, the chances are it is not going to drop in value. There is every chance it could increase. Original early V12 XJ-S prices have begun to go through the roof, as too have XJ-C's - the only two-door Coupé saloon Jaguar has ever put into production.

Let's go to newer Jaguars though, and put our focus on those twenty-five years old or less. The panel fit is sublime, and the choices rose with the advent of the X300 in 1994. It was the first new Jaguar totally built under Ford ownership, and the legend of the fearsome Bill Hayden, brought out of retirement to sort Jaguar, is all true and was highly effective. Ford taught Jaguar how to build cars to the highest standards. With the X300 came the first supercharged model (X306) Jaguar had ever put into production. It has been said it is the car which made Jaguar 'cool' again in the marketplace.