I am hopefully about to get my licence back after a 3-year medical layoff. I could get a new car on the Motability Scheme which would cost approx £7,500 all in over a 3 year period for a relatively small base model Any upgrade requires an additional upfront premium. Or, I could buy an older car of a model I have always wanted. I figure that £3,000-£4,000 will get me a 10-12 year old Jaguar XJ8 or good Volvo estate, or a 15 year old Range Rover. Allowing say £1,000pa for insurance and servicing, this would leave sufficient surplus to cover most unexpected costs, plus there would be some residual value. I am unlikely to cover more than 2,500 – 3,000 miles per year and my requirements are auto transmission, ease of driving, comfort and the ability to carry a folded wheelchair or mobility scooter. Reliability is a factor but new cars break down too don't they? This is likely to be my last car so I am tempted to indulge.