How many are still nice and what are my chances.... ?

[Zeb]

When I was looking for a V8 ZT 18 months or so ago I saw some lovely ones....but they were all owned by people intent on not selling...the ones I saw in dealers were all what I would class as well used but averagely looked after.

That said, the one I ended up with hasn't even ever been in a car wash as previous owners have valued her paintwork. Two blemishes on her, one I will sort when I get the right 'zipper' for the rear seat, the other even I didn't notice for three months. She now needs a new air con compressor after 37k miles but 'they all do that sir'. Short of that, she is kept in a garage, used for high days and holidays - yes, including in the rain! But she is what I would consider a very nice example...and I am picky! But then, my 'picky' and yours might not match?!

Ultimately, being in a car club for a particular car, or even being an 'enthusiast' does not mean that your car is necessarily going to be immaculate....yes, it might be...but equally, you may just love driving your car hard, have no mechanical eptitude and no interest in cleaning out your Apex wheels with a toothbrush...it takes all sorts.

There ARE nice examples out there...it just depends how much you want one and how hard you are prepared to look....and a nice version of one of these will be harder to find than a nice Jag for example.

[robert.jamieson]

I've been reading the string of posts with interest.

Personally I've been interested in the 260 ever since it came out, but was only recently in a position to buy one following job progression and the sale of my Audi Quattro in Jan 2010. It then took me until June 2010 to find the right one for me, which I can describe as show room condition, v. near concourse, and I know what concourse means! However, at only 4 K on the clock, you'd expect it to be in that condition. That said, I had to pay a premium for it - £10,350.

I think six months to find the right car isn't too bad, especially given the rarity of these cars. It's a case of how long you're willing to wait, how much you're willing to compromise and what you're willing to pay! I know of others who have waited much longer and been to look at many more than I did!

In my opinion there are all sorts of 'enthusiasts' including those that like to drive their cars hard, and those that like to drive on a Sunday, clean, polish and then put away ready for the next sunny day. Many are in between. I fit into the later, and that's why I was willing to wait for a near concourse car, and to pay that bit extra for it.

As for the Jag, a great car I'm sure, but where's the character and the rarity! I also like the BMW M5 but I wouldn't buy one as their pretty ubiquitous and cold! Each to their own.

Cheers

Rob

[Oddcat]

Blimey - everyone seems to be selling (Peter, Spunagain, my mate Phil and now some bloke in Scotland selling an 06 etc) !

2005 and 2006 registered models don't have some sort of self destruct programming set to 5 years do they that no-one had told me about....?

Just kidding. I guess people like a change and that is good news for those of us looking to own to have the chance of buying nice, looked after, and sorted ones 5 years down the line. And those selling should hopefully be able to get an equally good deal on whatever they are buying (except for the bloke on Scotland who's getting a V8 company car lucky so and so !). So everyone is happy.

Would be nice for all these cherished cars to remain in hands of people who will continue to love them and enjoy them.

OC

[philthetorque]

OC, hi and welcolme to club - have you seen any of these yet?

[Oddcat]

Thanks Phil

Yes - I have seen these ones now on a combi of Pistonheads and Autotrader. Except for the silver 46k miler. Went to see the grey one (but I'll get told off if I mention my experience with that again). Useful link to have them all in the same place though - thanks for that.

At least there are a few becoming available. Would still rather buy from an enthusiast on here though.........

OC

[colintf]

guess if you buy from someone on here you can trace its past history and any problems (by the owners posts that he / she has made!)