Re: General Jaguar question (archive)

I'm considering the X-Type and one of the first things I noticed is the very exceptional paint job on the car. I'm in the car care industry (a German company), was a professional detailer for some years, and I can tell you that it's definitely one of the best paint jobs of any car company out there. I could see no "orange peel". Orange peel is the bumpy appearance you see on a car's paintwork (looks like the surface of an orange--hence the name). Shows you the quality of work put into it. For an extreme opposite quality, look at the paintwork on any SUV--especially black. You won't be able to see your own reflection.

Anyway, to really get to your question: paint doesn't fade, it only oxidizes. This usually occurs to severe neglect by the owner. However, paint colors that have a red base oxidize faster. The more red pigment, the faster it will oxidize. So obviously, red will oxidize very fast and will require more maintenance--but nothing extreme. I would use a very mild paint cleaner every 3 months.... one that doesn't have much abrasives. Then follow up with a high quality wax that will filter out UV rays that cause oxidation, smog, acid rain, etc. Also, no need to wash your car more then once a week.

So, here's my recommendation: by any of the colors except for the red, wash your car once a week, polish with a very mild cleaner/polish about 3-4 months following up with a coat of high quality wax. If you buy red, I'd be cleaning the paint about every 3 months followed up with a coat of wax.

Do this and your Jag will look fantastic year round.

BTW, this is a general recommendation. Not sure what the climate is like where you live... I'm assuming it's a rather mild climate like here in Southern California.

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