Going down the two car route.

[Thin White Duke]

I currently drive a Jaguar XJ8 (X308 2000). I don't commute to work and only do about 2000 miles per year in it.

I bought it because,

A: I liked it and always wanted one.
B: It fitted the bill of being practical, powerful and has great road presence.

It is however terrible in the snow/ice. That isn't critical as I have access to a 4X4 in winter.

I have an itch to scratch however and really want a classic car. I like my large saloons, so a mid 80's Bentley or Roller would be nice, even an older Jaguar. Another idea would be a nice American muscle car or Jaguar XJS.

I have shot myself in the foot somewhat by purchasing a personal plate (dated so it can't go on a vehicle registered before 2000).
If that wasn't the case I'd possibly go out and get the classic and stick the plate on that. I don't want to put it on retention or sell it.

Then again I don't fancy driving to the shops on a busy Saturday afternoon and park a classic car up where it's more likely to get damaged.

I can't decide whether to

A: Buy a cheap classic car and buy a more expensive runaround (which I can put the plate on).
B: Buy a more expensive classic and buy a cheap modern runaround to put the plate on.

I also can only garage one of the cars most of the time. (Occasionally both could be garaged).
Logic dictates that the classic be garaged. I would however try to use the classic more than the runaround (just to impress people around town)

I suppose I've answered my own question somewhat. I'd just be interested to hear what other people have to say? I'm sure there'll be plenty of people on here who have found themselves in a similar situation.

[TAHodgson]

Get an MX5 and be done with it (tongue firmly in cheek)

Definitely do it! A classic car is a must

[busta]

Is there not an option to sell the plate and buy another that fits in with whatever age car you choose?

[tonys]

Correct me if I've misread this, but are you saying that you are more concerned about getting the 'plate' on the road rather than getting the type of car you want??

[Dalto123]

If I was in your situation I would sell the Jaaaaag, and get a cheaper everyday car with 4wd, and spend the rest on a classic. Do you mind me asking what sort of budget? I like searching the classifieds

[Thin White Duke]

tonys said:

Correct me if I've misread this, but are you saying that you are more concerned about getting the 'plate' on the road rather than getting the type of car you want??

I may have become too occupied with thinking about that to be honest. At the end of the day though taking away the plate issue I'd still be looking for the two car option so that I have a vehicle for all occasions.

[Thin White Duke]

Dalto123 said:

If I was in your situation I would sell the Jaaaaag, and get a cheaper everyday car with 4wd, and spend the rest on a classic. Do you mind me asking what sort of budget? I like searching the classifieds

I'm not sure what the Jaaaag is worth at the moment. I paid £5000 for it in 2009. I guess it can't have gone down much since then. Only put about 4000 miles on it (if that), serviced by main dealer and in tip top condition.

I've been looking at Bentley's around £8000 - £10000 mark, same with Rollers (though saw a nice one at the weekend for sale for under 5k, good condition). Regarding an XJS plenty about for the 5k mark as with muscle cars.

I'm not sure when I'll get around to it all though - I may save up some more and strike next spring.