I have limited experience, having purchased one only 5 weeks ago. Mine is a 1967 model with a fixed pitch prop. I was surprised to find that there are only 7 of these machines on the UK register.
I did check all the logs, of course, but I was fortunate in that it was already based and hangared at my home airfield at Shoreham, with the maintenance having been meticulously carried out by a resident and highly reliable company.
My purpose in buying it was to enable me to have a greater payload than the Warrior I was hiring from my club. I also wanted good short field take off performance.
So far, after some 10 flying hours, I am very pleased indeed. It is a remarkably stable aircraft, even scudding along just below some CBs the other day.
One key thing to be aware of is inertia. You must get the speed right to land safely on short strips.
Fuel consumption is obviously higher than the Warrior at about 55l/hr compared with 35l/hr, but that is cruising at 125kt, and you can reduce that if you have more time. I do some regular trips that are 2 hours + each way, so I wanted the speed as well.
As far as costs are concerned, I do have my aircraft insured for commercial purposes, and I rent it out to suitably qualified pilots. Insurance limits are min 120 hours total time and 120 hours on type, but "type" is any SEP. I charge £120 + VAT per hour wheels off to wheels on, not chock to chock. The rates you quote are roughly equivalent if you do 30 hours a year. I would sugggest that a 1/8 share may be between £5k and £6k.
I hope this helps. I think it's a great aircraft.
Cheers
Lysander