In 2021 I bought this modern classic – a 1998 Jaguar XJ8 – as a fair-weather commuting car between Shropshire and Surrey.
The old Jag has just come back from its annual service and MOT, so after five years and 60,000 miles, here are the numbers.
Purchase price: £8,000
Initial repairs & preventative maintenance: £6,000
Servicing, repairs (wheel bearings.. twice, A/C condenser, power steering hose, radiator repair, right hand catalyst) and MOTs: ~£3,500
Insurance: ~£1,500
Road tax: ~£1,600
Six tyres: ~£1,500
Petrol: ~£14,650
Sundries: ~£200
Total: ~£36,950
That’s averages about £7,400 each year.. or 61p per mile.
Wise motoring… or ruinous folly?
You decide.. (but I’m keeping it.)
Andrew Greenhalgh 