James Ruppert: Should you stick or twist on your worn all-rounder?

A reader wants rid of his Jaguar XKR, but our second hand car expert says he should keep it

It was good to hear from Damon. Damon owns a 2008 Jaguar XKR 4.2, which he is “very reluctant” to let go of. “It does everything I need,” he says. “The only reason I’m looking to change is peer pressure and the fact it’s a 2008 model with 60,000 miles.”

In the spirit of Bangernomics, I would be inclined to stick with the old Jag and just invest a few bob in it. Job done. But we have more space to fill here, so Damon’s next car needs to be quick, it needs to be comfortable and it basically needs to be a good all-rounder. But it can’t be German.

Sticking with Jaguar is a sound idea because Damon has a very good specialist and, he told me, is full of confidence for the marque. It is possible to upgrade to a relatively recent 2014 Jaguar F-Type 5.0 V8 R with the Quickshift option, which has just 27,800 miles and retails for £36,990. It has a panoramic roof, too, and this one is finished in a rather fetching Italian red paintwork. It’s a tidy two-owner car on sale at a specialist, so will come with all the proper checks and balances, including a warranty.

Ford Mustang. That never actually came up in the conversation, but here’s a growling, snarling slice of Americana. These are right-hand drive and around in enough numbers to be bought easily and safely, and they come with a great big V8. I randomly plumped for a 5.0 GT from 2017 on a 67-plate. The asking price is a reasonable £29,925 and it comes with all mod cons, like smartphone integration, reversing camera and Bluetooth things. The 41k mileage is marginally above average but at least proves that it has been exercised properly over the past few years. It’s a dealer car, so there’s plenty of comeback if there is an issue.

I rather like this American diversion, and my only worry is that it could all get a bit too muscle car. Never mind, because for just £23,900 a 5.7-litre Chevrolet Camaro from 2012 could be on the drive. It’s an import and privately sold, but it is a one-owner, 60,000-mile example. Looked great to me, but I’m not the one buying it.

Damon mentioned a Bentley Continental, which I would call German. As for Aston Martin, DB9s can be reliably if expensively maintained, but what about an Aussie Vauxhall Monaro?

Avoid the modified ones and find an unmolested, low-owner and low-mileage example at a dealer and revel in its 6.0 litres of Antipodean rortiness. I came across a 2005 VXR for £9999 in just such a condition, having covered only 13,500 miles. One money-saving nugget is that as it is pre-2006, the road tax is just £290, which is a minor victory.

*Tales from Ruppert's garage*

*Innocenti Mini, mileage - 7704: *Nothing exciting to report, just another trickle charge photo to add to the collection. I haven’t used the adorable Italian Job much this year. I dole out the journeys around the fleet, subject to what needs to be stuffed on board. All I can do is check the tyre pressures and monitor any bubbly bits of metal, which have so far remained solid since the welding. There are some cosmetic things to do, plus the question of whether or not to fit a period radio to replace the one the seller’s dad nicked when the car was collected from Bologna.

*Reader's ride*

*Renault 19: *Reader John has sent in a rather wonderful story.

“Here is my Renault 19 RSi saloon, which I’ve recently restored,” he says. “I’ve always wanted one. My father bought a Renault 19 1.9D Chamade GTS in 1990 when I was six, and I remember going to pick it up. I couldn’t find a Phase 1 19 but came across this one five minutes from my house. It was rust-free but took time to sort. It drives well and is very comfortable. It’s currently in winter storage, but I’m always on the lookout for more saloons or other unloved cars.”

*Readers' questions*

*Question:* I’m planning lots of ‘staycations’, so lots of camping, but can only park one vehicle at home. Can I buy a car-cum-campervan for £6000? Jo Bashford, Yorkshire

*Answer: *Let’s say our key requirements are space, some off-road ability and reliability. A third-gen Land Rover Discovery has the first two in spades, and a leggy 2006 car for £4000 is a great way to get you and the family to the lakes. You can’t go far wrong with a pick-up, either. Grab a high-mileage Mitsubishi L200 for £3000 and spend the rest of your budget on a cover for the bed (which will be a perfect, er, bed), an inflatable mattress and a decent barbecue. FP

*Question:* I’ve been waiting for the new VW Golf GTI, but a 17-plate Mk7.5 has caught my eye at just £22,495. Will I feel short-changed with the older car? Damien Porter, Epsom

*Answer: *That’s an £11k saving over an entry-level Mk8 GTI, so no wonder you’re considering it. Mechanical tweaks for the new car are subtle and would escape the notice of the average keen driver. The Mk7.5’s cabin is looking its age but is still tech-heavy, and the car in question has nearly every option and low miles. Take the older one, keep it clean and swap into a Mk8 after depreciation has done its job. FP

*READ MORE*

*James Ruppert: Reliable tourers at an affordable price *

*James Ruppert: The best old bangers for young parents *

*James Ruppert: Don't chicken out on a second-hand coupe*