Better Beaters - Building Cars and Daily Drivers

Welcome to my world, Jaguar World that is.

I first dropped in to look for info about my XJS.

This magazine has been a treasure trove of information and enthusiasm for me. In this world the Jaguar lover can feel that he is in a "safe space." Forget all the cheap shots that are lobbied at our beloved marque by the writers of those other heathen magazines. Here is Jaguar Love twenty four seven! There is never any need to feel embarrassed or to make any apologies for our fascination with this mechanical jewel of the British isles. One of the things that I really like is that every generation, every model, is treated with respect.


There is a well balanced editorial content, vintage models like the XK120 and XK140 and Mark 2 are celebrated alongside the various classic series of the XJ6, XJS and the XK8. While the iconic E types  get a lot of attention, affordable, later model cars from the '80's, '90s and 2000's are given extensive coverage

Due to reasonable values, there are a great many models that are attainable.

This magazine offers a lot of valuable and sound advice to the budding enthusiast. Buying guides for many different models detail the particular problems that can be common to each model family. Recommendations are made for the best values in each model range, based upon price, desirability and ease of maintenance and repair.

Rust never sleeps.

Technical articles cover areas of extreme importance, such as highlighting areas that are susceptible to rust on a model to model basis. For some reason modern Jaguars are still quite susceptible to the ravages of the tin worm. I do find it kind of strange that Jaguars come from a foggy, rainy island and that the factory hasn't found a way to provide proper corrosion protection.

Every issue is chock full o' goodness.

Another favorite feature are the model to model comparisons. Prior models are compared against their successors based upon aesthetics and performance. Seeing the cars side by side can give you insights into how the newer model was developed and also an appreciation for the earlier design. For example the issue pictured above contrasts the X300 model XJ6 against the X308 XJ8.

The X300 was a resounding success. It's styling was a nod to the series three XJ6, with a more curvaceous form than the preceding XJ40. It also featured a new design for the straight six engine. A totally new and final update for the '95 -'97 model years. This car is highly regarded by Jaguar enthusiasts and it is considered one of the most reliable and easily maintained models.

The X308 XJ8 not only had a new name, it had a new engine, the same V8 motor that was used in the XK8. Because of the huge acceptance of the previous models's design, the exterior styling remains very similar, but the interior was treated to an upgrade that features a new, all wood instrument panel design. The V8 powertrain offered increased performance, but was hobbled by some mechanical problems during the first years of production. Cylinder scoring, cooling issues along with timing chain tensioner failures were not uncommon.

Presenting these facts to potential buyers gives them the information to choose the model that they prefer. Many, like myself, have chosen the X300 because it combined the ultimate incarnation of the legendary Jaguar straight six motor with the sleek classic proportions of the styling that both cars shared. Now that the problem areas are well known and can be addressed, others will choose the more powerful V8 equipped sedan.

Also included in this issue is a feature on a series 2 E type coupe and a manual transmission equipped XJS. Something for everybody!

But wait! That's not all!

The top header proclaims a story of an XKR that has amassed over three hundred, ten thousand miles. This particular car was purchased used by it's current owner with approx. 36,000 miles.  He ran up an additional 160,000 miles, than swapped in a good used engine when the original failed. (That's 196,000 miles on the original motor!) He is also on his third used transmission! This is the owner's daily driver and he uses it in touring all over Europe. I love hearing about Jaguar owners that get a lot of use out of their cars and then keep them on the road with a quick component swap.

The editorial staff understands that a large number of their readership are dedicated Jaguar enthusiasts, but they are not Jaguar affluent. They are not in the financial position  to make the purchase a brand new car, but have to wait for depreciation to allow the car to drop down to their financial level. These cars are cherished objects for their owners. Regardless of the age, desirability, or value of their chosen machine.

Which would you choose?

Jaguar has always produced a range of performance models over the years. Some were meant as pure sports cars but the majority were designed as GT cars. In this field Jaguar excelled. This issue concentrates on these sporty models. An E type buyers guide. Following the E type the introduction of the XJS was controversial. The most luxurious, pure GT model ever offered, it was decried as a misstep, a mistake, and not a true successor to the E type's legend. But those same people forget that the E by this time, was already past it's prime, and new challengers such as the Jensen Interceptor were riding the edge of the new wave. Jaguar responded with the brilliant XJS, twelve cylinders of glory. Finally, years later the XJS has received the appreciation that it was due. How does it compare to it's replacement, the curvaceous E type inspired XK8? Jaguar World reports.

Most general interest auto magazines only cover a specific model while it is in production, and then only the latest iteration. Jaguar World satisfies it's fans by focusing the spot light on past models.

The XK8 is still abargain.

Several issues each year are dedicated to a specific model range, the XK8 above, and the XJ40 below. Current models like the F Pace, F type, and the XF and XE are not ignored. The magazine keeps us fans appraised of upcoming new models.

Even the XJ40 is given the Star treatment.

They dutifully report on the mechanical downsides of Jaguar ownership. However they don't take a gleeful pleasure in doing so.

Turning wrenches is part of the Jaguar experience.

There are plenty of technical articles in the magazine. There is a dedicated segment, "Hands On; Our Jaguars"  that covers the specific vehicles that are owned by their writers and editors. These cars are followed through the year as maintenance and repair work is performed to bring the cars into good order.

Photography is also excellent.

There is plenty of coverage of vintage models, as Classic vehicles make up a large part of the Jaguar mystique.

For the dedicated Jaguar fan, or someone who wants to learn more about these fine vehicles before taking the plunge into ownership, Jaguar World offers information, advice, and encouragement. I've always felt that a magazine's main mission is to build and maintain the excitement of the automotive hobby. And to keep the enthusiasm of it's readers fired up. Jaguar World delivers on all counts.


In further praise of Petrolicious. The articles.

Typical of their beautiful photos.

I was introduced to the video site by my Son, and it has since become a source of tremendous satisfaction. Their videos are fantastic. I filled out a survey that was sent to me by the company in which I rated them highly. There was an inquiry about their articles, which until recently I had not taken the opportunity to explore. Many of the articles are the backstory to the video shoot, but most cover other subjects with excellent links to related stories in their archive. And is it an impressive archive! I have surveyed  60 pages of articles and I don't think that I've reached the end yet. All are well written and of course, beautifully photographed.

The subject matter is heavily Euro- centric and especially heavy on Porsche and Ferrari. Not that I'm complaining! There is a comment section which is used sparingly, but I don't know if Petrolicious wants to start and run a complete forum site. Either way,  I thank them for making all their wonderful content available to me and all other auto enthusiasts.  Read and Enjoy tastefully.

There is just something about a Jaguar.