The older Jaguar XJR is indeed a great car, but can be expensive to run, especially if anything should go wrong – which isn’t unheard of. The Nikasil bore liner sulphur erosion problem you mentioned is indeed only a problem on cars up to 2000 and was sorted out in mid-2000, but you’ll definitely be safe with any car from September 2000 onwards. There have been reports of tensioner problems leading to timing chain failures. Front wishbone bushes can go after only about 20,000 miles causing steering problems, uneven tyre wear and, if left unattended, possible suspension damage. The cost to replace can be £700. There’s also no means of checking the five-speed ZF autobox oil level or refilling it. Jaguar says it’s 'sealed for life', but no oil changes could mean a 'life' of just 10 years.

Beware of rattles from the timing chain as the tensioner could be about to let go. Plastic tensioners were later replaced by steel tensioners which can be fitted to earlier cars. Rear dampers are prone to failure, particularly with CATS adjustable suspension. In terms of other high performance saloons like the Jaguar, if you’re not keen on the Audi S8 or BMW 7-Series, there is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. For around the same £7500 you could get a similar age S500 with below average miles. Or if you wanted to stick with a Japanese make, perhaps a Lexus GS430?