I drove a 1982 Jaguar XjJ 6 for a year. I DIY'd it - it had been resprayed and well looked after.

I averaged 20mpg on long runs but towing a big caravan it averaged 17mpg..

Insurance cost a fortune. And repairs were NOT cheap despite DIY - the engine iirc took 7 liters of oil...

I could afford it at the time and only did 5,000 miles. BUT irt was so big it was a pia to park anywhere. It took up a lot of room in the garage. And it was heavy.. like nearly 2 tonnes. Cheap jacks and axle stands don't last long.

If you cannot DIY and are not mechanically and electrically competent - you need help to buy a good one.

And if you have to get someone else to repair and service it, you will expect bills of £1,500 for servicing and brakes and tyres and exhausts - every year. That is Before any repairs.

Most third hand owners have never had to pay for a car like that and even a bad one is better sounding than a good small car - so buying a dud is easy..

I sold mine - working perfectly with a struggle and vowed never again..

If you must buy a big used car, A Lexus with FSH can be yours for £2500.. Avoid Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW and Mercedes.. they are money pits. As is a bad Lexus.

Personally I'd buy a Citroen C6 - far more exclusive and interesting.. and a diesle will do 27mpg.

The running costs on any large car? Budget £2,000 ** a year excluding fuel. and hope for no big bills.. **That is usually what they cost to buy....

Edited by madf on 04/03/2014 at 19:17

The Citroen will relieve you of over £400 a year VED.

I assumed that Corax, then spotted one for sale recently on a 10 plate with the 2.2 Diesel, full auto all the toys @ £280 or so VED, so if you want to live dangerously you could..;)

I was tempted for about 10 seconds, till i remembered not only has it got an electric parking brake (not as long as i live), but shedloads of other gubbins too, someone was trying to sell one recently showing 150 odd fault codes, i'd love one as a company car but wouldn't dare buy one.

Toucing wood, my 2008 2.7 C5 has been no trouble, and the electronic and automatic handbrake's a breeze.