A jalopy in Jaguar's clothing...

Dear Car Talk | Sep 01, 1990
Dear Tom and Ray:
Yvonne
TOM: I can tell what you're doing, Yvonne. You're looking for an easy way to own a Jaguar. You think that by getting one with a Chevy engine in it, you won't have to give it lots of TLC (or CPR!). But you can't cheat like that and still have a true Jaguar experience.
RAY: If you want to own an old Jaguar, you have to be willing to suffer a little. By suffering, I'm referring to the fact that some people think Jaguar has a reputation for making beautiful cars that require a lot of service. Some people even joke that you have to own two Jaguars; that way, at least one would always be out of the shop. Or is it three?
TOM: Yvonne--pay no attention to what my brother says. I happen to think that Jaguars are the most beautiful cars in the world. So you've got my support, Yvonne. I recently drove an XJS V-12 convertible, and everytime I got into that car, I smiled.
RAY: Unfortunately, I can't give you my opinion of the car, Yvonne. My brother never let me near it. He just drove around town all week with a stupid smile on his face.
TOM: My feeling is that if a car can make you feel that good, then it's worth a little suffering. What I think you should do is reconsider your son's role in all of this. Think about cutting a deal with him. Allow him to drive the Jaguar every once in a while if he agrees to come and pick you up in his jalopy whenever the Jag breaks down.
Yvonne
TOM: I can tell what you're doing, Yvonne. You're looking for an easy way to own a Jaguar. You think that by getting one with a Chevy engine in it, you won't have to give it lots of TLC (or CPR!). But you can't cheat like that and still have a true Jaguar experience.
RAY: If you want to own an old Jaguar, you have to be willing to suffer a little. By suffering, I'm referring to the fact that some people think Jaguar has a reputation for making beautiful cars that require a lot of service. Some people even joke that you have to own two Jaguars; that way, at least one would always be out of the shop. Or is it three?
TOM: Yvonne--pay no attention to what my brother says. I happen to think that Jaguars are the most beautiful cars in the world. So you've got my support, Yvonne. I recently drove an XJS V-12 convertible, and everytime I got into that car, I smiled.
RAY: Unfortunately, I can't give you my opinion of the car, Yvonne. My brother never let me near it. He just drove around town all week with a stupid smile on his face.
TOM: My feeling is that if a car can make you feel that good, then it's worth a little suffering. What I think you should do is reconsider your son's role in all of this. Think about cutting a deal with him. Allow him to drive the Jaguar every once in a while if he agrees to come and pick you up in his jalopy whenever the Jag breaks down.
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