I keep a file on every vehicle I own just because and I keep a service record book in each including motorcycles. I have yet to add up all things I bought or did because it would scare me. However, I can say that I've enjoyed almost every one of them very much.
I have an '03 Acura TL as my daily driver (love it) since '07 but I've done more work than most others have needed. Sub frame, transmission, gas tank and more. It's not about if it's worth it for an old car vs buying another but how much use I can get out of it. Fortunately I can do most of it myself, with a little help. I also refuse to pay a shop that much for most things.
But to the main subject, I paid 10% of original MSRP for my '03 XK8 drop top almost a year ago. I have big box of parts (front end) that didn't make it to the winter project list but I haven't spent much on the car in 3000 miles. I could drive it every if I wish. The biggest difference in our spending is were you are starting from after buying that used car. Just my .02 (haha) TM

Edit: MY wife's '09 Maxima has a higher insurance rate than the Jag, so her cost might be more.

 

You never did put up the address of your famous "Story"

 

It's so famous, he doesn't need to. Of course, it could be because it's on a different forum.

Graham

 

frankc,

I have found every automotive forum I have ever utilized to be helpful. I believe that if you take the time to provide enough background information to indicate that you have done your research and you then phrase your questions properly, you will eventually get helpful responses. Granted, some forums are more geared to provide help if they appeal to an enthusiast-type crowd. Our Jaguar forum is by far the most helpful one that I have encountered. And it is also the friendliest....

 

I do keep a detailed record of maintenance on all my vehicles in a file called "cars" on my computer (the motorcycle too). I have never done an extensive analysis as some guys
have posted on here - I applaud them for that. But, I can say that I haven't spent much on my Jag, but I have put some of my time into it. It has never seen the inside of a shop,
except for periodic safety inspections. So far, I have done all the maintenance and some repair, with the help of this forum, of course ! If I had taken it to a shop to fix the
headlight stalk soldering, or the low-pressure mod for the top, the fuel filter, dash bulbs, brake switch, water pump, radiator hoses, thermostat tower, rear shocks and stabilizer
links, brake pads, oil changes and minor niggles - I would still be paying off the debt. I think all the parts would probably add up to match the cost of owning an econo-box, but
I fell very lucky not to have to drive one ! Oh yeah, I still have those Welsh shock mounts and Bilstein shocks waiting.

Dang, I guess I better quit hitting that enter/return key, just habit !

 

I bought my 97 coupe last year around july for $2,250.

Since I have bought the car I have replaced lots of things to try and make it driveable to a point that it could pass SMOG in California.

$2250 - car
$145 - paid for san diego jag shop to tell me to tow the car to the junkyard, their professional diagnosis
$475 - towing during breakdowns.
$385 - timing chain tensioner kit, came with all new gaskets and seals for most of upper end of engine
$1900 - transmission rebuild
$200 - mesh grille
$62 - headlamp nozzle jet cover
$15 - windshield wiper arm cap
$300 - touch up respray to fading trim pieces around windshield
$150 - 3 Driver door modules and wiring harnesses, didn't get them all initially, just kept buying more and tearing them apart to fix them because they all were damaged
$30 - flywheel
$145 - alternator
$60 - upper and lower radiator hoses
$120 - crankshaft pulley removal and install kit
$21 - spark plugs
$3 - turn signal speaker
$150 - upper shock mounts
$24 - engine oil pan gakset
$8 - wheel speed sensor pigtail connector
$37 - transgo pressure regulator valve
$15 - hood lift support strut
$60 - passenger tail light
$29 - cd changer magazine
$49 - antenna replacement
$72 - rear main seal
$117 - cup holder repair kit
$112 - abs module repair
$37 - water pump
$30 - valley coolant hose
$42 - valley coolant hose
$21 - serpentine belt
$130 - octopus hose
$165 - battery
__________________________

$7,359

 

So far my ‘02 XKR coupe (initial cost $7,900) has been a very low cost car. Over the past 30 months / and 40,000 miles of ownership my non-consumable expenditures have amounted to about $500, most of that was for oil-cooler line preventative replacement.

Other repair costs:
#1. the CPU fan was squeaking during very cold
weather, so I replaced it at a cost of $96. That has been my only expenditure of any consequence.

#2. The stereo amp died after a recent few months of intermittent performance. That was a whopping $33 for a used eBay replacement.

I did the solder repair of the abs module at zero cost, if you don’t count the black tape I used to re-seal the unit.


Z.

PS. thanks to this forum, I was knowledgeable enough when XKR shopping to seek out a car that had already had the known defects addressed and repaired. Previous owner(s) has already dealt with the cam chain tensioners, water pump, new (adaptive) shocks and new bushings, etc etc

 

Got to love experts!

Graham

 

Seems we're all on the same journey, as some of my experiences as very similar to Mad Hatter.

As for his experience on his driver door modules, I had similar experiences with the ash tray unit in the centre console. Had 3 broken units to make 1 working unit. Then that broke 1 year later and had to get a used one from eBay from a XJ.

As for the cup holder, I too repaired that before I realized it was useless. I should have just binned it and modified the centre console for a more comfortable arm rest.

You live and learn.

 

I posted just to say how much each Jaguar forum has members who are helpful and supportive. Not one forum in particular. Must be the type of people who own Jaguars. I deliberately did not post a link as it was not my intention to promote my other forum postings. But it seems you cannot keep everyone happy no matter what you do. So if you wish to read "Franks Story" then please Click Here

Good topic so far. Found it most interesting to hear everyone's point of view, especially recognising these cars are expensive but worth it!

 

I think it's readily apparent that the reedy cup holder and ash tray mechanisms are consumables, like oil and coolant. Only marginally more expensive, like toilet paper.

 

Of course I'm sure we all get questions and comments from the unwashed. Yesterday I sold my A/C gauges on Craigslist and the guy that came over saw my Jag and the first thing he says is "how do you deal with the reliability ?", so when my reply disappoints, I get, "wasn't that when Ford owned Jaguar". Of course he was driving a "reliable" clone car.

 

I tend to say I've only had it 10 (or whatever) years, and I keep up servicing & maintenance, so I wouldn't know yet but be sure to ask me in another 5 or 10 years

 

I've got to agree with STLHMSTA the difference is that we hobbyists pay the money after purchase. If you buy a new car you are paying all the money upfront. After a period of ownership you sell the that car and settle out your losses due to depreciation. Depreciation is the biggest loss in a new car. I know that I'm too much of a cheapskate but realistically if you want a beautiful, sporty, luxurious GT car how much would you expect to pay? The low price of early XK8s makes them look very tempting to the bargain hunter. Realistically any XK8, should be thought of as a 10,000 dollar car. It's going to cost you that much eventually.

 

I have bought new cars in the past. I would simply not buy a new one again. Its great for say 3 months then the novelty and new car smell wear off. A year later and its last years car and you have lost a chunk of value. After 3-5 years things start falling off. Not working as they should etc.

Now take my little XKR. I bought it cheap. Spent a lot of enjoyable time doing it up. Restoring it. Now after 5 years of ownership I like to think its about as close to new again as I can get it. The value of my car has risen by 504% minimum, I have a valuation certificate.
Basically the two ways of looking at it evens out between them. The difference is I have a machine I am proud of and enjoy driving. I just love opening my front door and seeing this on my drive. Took this just mins ago especially for this post. Not washed or polished yet.