Long car ownership
Discussion
My father has a Jaguar XJ-S that he's had since 1979. Like the best piss-ups, it was never meant to be a keeper, it was just that, as a 5 year old high mileage example, the value compared to a new one made changing it for the near - identical then current model un appealing so he kept running it. It was a daily driver until 1996 and used pretty regularly up until 2001-2. It was vey seldom used for 10 years until 2012 when the old man retired but now, in his dotage, he's rather rediscovered it and is banging 5-6k miles a year on it.
It's done about 350k miles in total & is on the original engine, gearbox and back axle and I am pretty sure it's never had the heads off. I think the biggest job it's ever needed was a new Torque converter at about 200k
It's done about 350k miles in total & is on the original engine, gearbox and back axle and I am pretty sure it's never had the heads off. I think the biggest job it's ever needed was a new Torque converter at about 200k
ClaphamGT3 said:
My father has a Jaguar XJ-S that he's had since 1979. Like the best piss-ups, it was never meant to be a keeper, it was just that, as a 5 year old high mileage example, the value compared to a new one made changing it for the near - identical then current model un appealing so he kept running it. It was a daily driver until 1996 and used pretty regularly up until 2001-2. It was vey seldom used for 10 years until 2012 when the old man retired but now, in his dotage, he's rather rediscovered it and is banging 5-6k miles a year on it.
It's done about 350k miles in total & is on the original engine, gearbox and back axle and I am pretty sure it's never had the heads off. I think the biggest job it's ever needed was a new Torque converter at about 200k
Considering the rep of 70s Jags that's impressive It's done about 350k miles in total & is on the original engine, gearbox and back axle and I am pretty sure it's never had the heads off. I think the biggest job it's ever needed was a new Torque converter at about 200k
i have always thought about the idea of having a car that will accompany you through your life, having plenty of adventures with it and owning it whilst going through all the trials and tribulations you encounter. It also needs to be a car that will be something you can rely on mechanically whilst being good to look at now and in the future.
This video just about sums it up for me http://www.petrolicious.com/the-unassumingly-power...
I just wonder what the perfect car for this long term relationship would be?
This video just about sums it up for me http://www.petrolicious.com/the-unassumingly-power...
I just wonder what the perfect car for this long term relationship would be?
donkamio said:
i have always thought about the idea of having a car that will accompany you through your life, having plenty of adventures with it and owning it whilst going through all the trials and tribulations you encounter. It also needs to be a car that will be something you can rely on mechanically whilst being good to look at now and in the future.
This video just about sums it up for me http://www.petrolicious.com/the-unassumingly-power...
I just wonder what the perfect car for this long term relationship would be?
That's a great video, and story.This video just about sums it up for me http://www.petrolicious.com/the-unassumingly-power...
I just wonder what the perfect car for this long term relationship would be?
I reckon an M5, or any 5 series, could be a good bet for long term ownership. Alternatively a Range Rover, Audi Quattro, or perhaps a higher spec Golf?
It needs to be something with a bit of practicality so that it adapts to changes in your own circumstances, and probably demands those wilderness years when it's worth nothing, to test your determination.
Cars that maintain their value and are cherished throughout their life because of that, will always be more tempting, and easier, to sell.
I've had my Sapphire Cosworth for 15 years and have no intention to willingly let it go. It still puts a smile on my face every time I get in it and the kids love it, SWMBO on the other hand.....
I only planned on having it or a year or so but somewhere along the line it became a keeper.
I've also have my daily driver for nearly 8 years, I'm lucky enough to have never had to buy a car simply as transport, so I only get things that I like. I suppose that reduces the chances of getting bored with them.
I only planned on having it or a year or so but somewhere along the line it became a keeper.
I've also have my daily driver for nearly 8 years, I'm lucky enough to have never had to buy a car simply as transport, so I only get things that I like. I suppose that reduces the chances of getting bored with them.
I can put my car ownershop down to a reluctance to sell something I enjoy.
I've had my Jubilee MGB GT for 33 years. I've had my 1953 Sunbeam talbot for 35 years. I've had one of my Interceptors for nearly 30 years. After that, longest is my BMW 850 at 12 years.
The amazing thing is, I'm still only a boy!
I've had my Jubilee MGB GT for 33 years. I've had my 1953 Sunbeam talbot for 35 years. I've had one of my Interceptors for nearly 30 years. After that, longest is my BMW 850 at 12 years.
The amazing thing is, I'm still only a boy!
ClaphamGT3 said:
My father has a Jaguar XJ-S that he's had since 1979. Like the best piss-ups, it was never meant to be a keeper, it was just that, as a 5 year old high mileage example, the value compared to a new one made changing it for the near - identical then current model un appealing so he kept running it. It was a daily driver until 1996 and used pretty regularly up until 2001-2. It was vey seldom used for 10 years until 2012 when the old man retired but now, in his dotage, he's rather rediscovered it and is banging 5-6k miles a year on it.
It's done about 350k miles in total & is on the original engine, gearbox and back axle and I am pretty sure it's never had the heads off. I think the biggest job it's ever needed was a new Torque converter at about 200k
Now that is impressive! It's done about 350k miles in total & is on the original engine, gearbox and back axle and I am pretty sure it's never had the heads off. I think the biggest job it's ever needed was a new Torque converter at about 200k
I'd definitely end up doing this if I found a car reliable enough......my mum has had her '03 astra for 11 years, most its ever needed is a gearbox and diff at 4 years old :P
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