Taking the plunge… advice?
Discussion
alscar said:
Personally I’d be buying from a MD and trying to get a 2 year warranty included as part of any negotiations.
I’d also be looking at the quality of tyres or otherwise and again build that in to any negotiations if applicable.
Don’t be scared off negotiation just because it’s a MD ie if you don’t ask you don’t get you but be realistic.
Terribly easy to get budget creep but these cars weren’t that limited so try and hold out for the colour / spec / condition you ideally want.
Some items can be added if missing and again depending on your negotiation ability may be able to get added.
Whether you can get money off will also depend on how long the MD has had in stock and whether a bought car or held on SOR.
Best of luck - a lot of the fun is the looking.
Good tips, thanks. On things getting added however I mentioned to one dealer about switching the bonnet and boot badging from bright to black... they came back and said they'd get a cost which turned out to be £1.8k I’d also be looking at the quality of tyres or otherwise and again build that in to any negotiations if applicable.
Don’t be scared off negotiation just because it’s a MD ie if you don’t ask you don’t get you but be realistic.
Terribly easy to get budget creep but these cars weren’t that limited so try and hold out for the colour / spec / condition you ideally want.
Some items can be added if missing and again depending on your negotiation ability may be able to get added.
Whether you can get money off will also depend on how long the MD has had in stock and whether a bought car or held on SOR.
Best of luck - a lot of the fun is the looking.
alscar said:
Sorry meant to add if a fun / occasional car then a battery conditioner is definitely required - CTEK MXS5 is a decent one and Amazon is usually your friend here and also has all the accessories / adapters you many need.
On any of my cars that don’t get used for a couple of weeks then I put them on although the occasional drivers stay on them continually until driven.
Cheers will take a look!On any of my cars that don’t get used for a couple of weeks then I put them on although the occasional drivers stay on them continually until driven.
raceboy said:
Caslad said:
I don’t imagine prices will drop significantly until the new model starts to appear on the used market.
I would definitely buy from a main dealer, they generally only sell the better examples and the warranty is a valuable safety net. Even the independent Aston specialists don’t tend to have much to do with the later cars because of issues with obtaining the necessary diagnostic kit so buying a car for a general trader is a bit of a risk.
I've just started looking to change to an early Gen 2 Vantage and a conversation with my MD earlier this week surprised me, I mentioned a car that was at a random 'back street' dealer and the MD mentioned it was possible for them to buy it from that dealer and then sell it on as a Timeless car, obviously there would be a premium for this, and who knows what that would be. I would definitely buy from a main dealer, they generally only sell the better examples and the warranty is a valuable safety net. Even the independent Aston specialists don’t tend to have much to do with the later cars because of issues with obtaining the necessary diagnostic kit so buying a car for a general trader is a bit of a risk.
turboman786 said:
Ive got a 2019 Vantage....superb car and hugely enjoyable
AM warranty is a MUST for me....Ive had 4 lights changed (no quibble whatsoever) under warranty and 1 service FOC as the last of the service pack
The warranty work is probably 7k plus ....water was in all the lights and that would have bugged the hell out of me outside warranty
I think the warranty is worth its wait in gold and allows for a totally worry free experience. All this "self insuring" is all well and good but I bought my car to enjoy not to fix, and if it breaks I just give it back, get an A35 AMG as a courtesy car and its their issue not mine. Thats how AM ownership should be IMO !
Yeah I think I'm sold on the Timeless Warranty extension, if that's the cost for lights I dread to think what a turbo or something would be!AM warranty is a MUST for me....Ive had 4 lights changed (no quibble whatsoever) under warranty and 1 service FOC as the last of the service pack
The warranty work is probably 7k plus ....water was in all the lights and that would have bugged the hell out of me outside warranty
I think the warranty is worth its wait in gold and allows for a totally worry free experience. All this "self insuring" is all well and good but I bought my car to enjoy not to fix, and if it breaks I just give it back, get an A35 AMG as a courtesy car and its their issue not mine. Thats how AM ownership should be IMO !
I'll ask this next time I'm at a garage... but has anyone happened to measure the width of their Vantage, and do the mirrors fold? I've got a pretty narrow garage - the opening is 2110mm - and struggling to find reliable dimensions.
The AM website helpfully says 2124mm with door mirrors (uh oh) but 1980mm without door mirrors - do we think that means folded mirrors (I'm assuming they do fold?) or if you literally removed them?!
The AM website helpfully says 2124mm with door mirrors (uh oh) but 1980mm without door mirrors - do we think that means folded mirrors (I'm assuming they do fold?) or if you literally removed them?!
raceboy said:
Dealer brought their demo car to try in my garage, it was tight but it went in, this opening is 2100mm wide, my problem is locking hooks near the floor which reduce the opening another 80mm at tyre level.
As can be seen the mirrors fold in tighter than the width of the body.
Lifesaver, thanks! As can be seen the mirrors fold in tighter than the width of the body.
44HammerTime said:
I'll ask this next time I'm at a garage... but has anyone happened to measure the width of their Vantage, and do the mirrors fold? I've got a pretty narrow garage - the opening is 2110mm - and struggling to find reliable dimensions.
The AM website helpfully says 2124mm with door mirrors (uh oh) but 1980mm without door mirrors - do we think that means folded mirrors (I'm assuming they do fold?) or if you literally removed them?!
Those dimensions you’ve quoted from the AML website are actually for the latest recently revealed new new Vantage. Take a look on here at the New Vantage thread as there has been a fair bit of chat recently about the width of the car. The previous version, which I think is the one you’re after, is 1942mm wide, 2153mm with the mirrors open. I think the latest car has mirrors similar to DB12 hence why it’s now slightly narrower with them open, despite being almost 40mm wider in the body. But the only way to know for sure is to ask your MD for a demo car and do a “garage” test. The mirrors do fold so you should be ok, and raceboys post looks like confirmation of that too.The AM website helpfully says 2124mm with door mirrors (uh oh) but 1980mm without door mirrors - do we think that means folded mirrors (I'm assuming they do fold?) or if you literally removed them?!
BRM.
44HammerTime said:
MMarkM said:
Regardless of main dealer or indy, I'd advise get it checked over by a specialist like Trinity within the first week or so, they will find some items that need attention regardless of where the car comes from, then get the supplier to put these items right. The longer you leave it the trickier it gets to get things put right.
I've always taken this approach except when buying new
Thanks - can you share the full company name for Trinity or a link? Struggling to find them but sounds like a great idea. CheersI've always taken this approach except when buying new
Plenty of other specialists around depending on location. I've bought low mileage 2 year old AMs from a dealer and taken them to Trinity and come back with a list of work needed, no issues with the dealer then putting things right
44HammerTime said:
Good tips, thanks. On things getting added however I mentioned to one dealer about switching the bonnet and boot badging from bright to black... they came back and said they'd get a cost which turned out to be £1.8k
Welcome to the world of AM " tax ".Vaughtons in the Birmingham jewellery quarter used to be the supplier of their badges iirc and the black versions are usually reserved for the V12's and special or limited additions etc.
I seem to recall getting a quote a few years ago for a badge which was about £500 then.
But don't be afraid to negotiate.
alscar said:
Welcome to the world of AM " tax ".Vaughtons in the Birmingham jewellery quarter used to be the supplier of their badges iirc and the black versions are usually reserved for the V12's and special or limited additions etc.
I seem to recall getting a quote a few years ago for a badge which was about £500 then.
But don't be afraid to negotiate.
LTP said:
Assuming I'm thinking of the same ones, I think the black badges are actually carbon fibre. Hence the cost (the manufacturing fall-out rate in the early days was horrendous). I don't recall ever seeing the usual metal badges simply enamelled in black
If you mean the complete badge then you are the correct one -my bad.I was obviously just thinking of the black versus green wording on the white enamel badge.
Personally I think those carbon badges look like a child has been playing with play doh.
I love the carbon badges but it's needs to sit on the right colour paintwork or they can just 'get lost'.
The black on white is I believe used on what the factory believe to be halo cars. That's to say 'at this moment in time this is the very best product we can make given current manufacturing techniques and materials' or some guff like that.
The red ones being held for one offs or very special limited cars such as zagato etc
Green being for the mainstream ( if you can ever say that about an Aston) ranges.
This is how a DP explained it to me but may be wrong.
The black on white is I believe used on what the factory believe to be halo cars. That's to say 'at this moment in time this is the very best product we can make given current manufacturing techniques and materials' or some guff like that.
The red ones being held for one offs or very special limited cars such as zagato etc
Green being for the mainstream ( if you can ever say that about an Aston) ranges.
This is how a DP explained it to me but may be wrong.
Longy00000 said:
I love the carbon badges but it's needs to sit on the right colour paintwork or they can just 'get lost'.
The black on white is I believe used on what the factory believe to be halo cars. That's to say 'at this moment in time this is the very best product we can make given current manufacturing techniques and materials' or some guff like that.
The red ones being held for one offs or very special limited cars such as zagato etc
Green being for the mainstream ( if you can ever say that about an Aston) ranges.
This is how a DP explained it to me but may be wrong.
I think that description is spot on Longy. Never been a huge fan of the Carbon badges myself but as you say it does depend on the colour of the car. They look much better against a white or silver paintwork. I am still very happy with my black on white ones. Most of the current range comes with green ones I think. Even though the design has changed a little bit with the latest revamp. BRM. The black on white is I believe used on what the factory believe to be halo cars. That's to say 'at this moment in time this is the very best product we can make given current manufacturing techniques and materials' or some guff like that.
The red ones being held for one offs or very special limited cars such as zagato etc
Green being for the mainstream ( if you can ever say that about an Aston) ranges.
This is how a DP explained it to me but may be wrong.
Minglar said:
Those dimensions you’ve quoted from the AML website are actually for the latest recently revealed new new Vantage. Take a look on here at the New Vantage thread as there has been a fair bit of chat recently about the width of the car. The previous version, which I think is the one you’re after, is 1942mm wide, 2153mm with the mirrors open. I think the latest car has mirrors similar to DB12 hence why it’s now slightly narrower with them open, despite being almost 40mm wider in the body. But the only way to know for sure is to ask your MD for a demo car and do a “garage” test. The mirrors do fold so you should be ok, and raceboys post looks like confirmation of that too.
BRM.
Ah good spot, cheers. Viewing a few cars today so will talk to the AM folks about it.BRM.
MMarkM said:
Plenty of other specialists around depending on location. I've bought low mileage 2 year old AMs from a dealer and taken them to Trinity and come back with a list of work needed, no issues with the dealer then putting things right
Great, thanks! I'll try and find a local equivalent. Sounds like the best way to make the most of the timeless warranty and prevent as many hiccups as possible. alscar said:
If you mean the complete badge then you are the correct one -my bad.
I was obviously just thinking of the black versus green wording on the white enamel badge.
Personally I think those carbon badges look like a child has been playing with play doh.
Thanks both, will check today. Haha I must admit I didn't pay close enough attention to notice a playdoh effect, just remember it looking a bit different and great on the cars with black wheels, upper and lower gloss black packs fitted.I was obviously just thinking of the black versus green wording on the white enamel badge.
Personally I think those carbon badges look like a child has been playing with play doh.
Minglar said:
I think that description is spot on Longy. Never been a huge fan of the Carbon badges myself but as you say it does depend on the colour of the car. They look much better against a white or silver paintwork. I am still very happy with my black on white ones. Most of the current range comes with green ones I think. Even though the design has changed a little bit with the latest revamp. BRM.
Thanks Longy & Minglar. I agree, combination with the car colour is what makes the difference. My preferred colours at the minute are lightning silver and hyper red - and with a lot of black from the wheels and upper & lower packs - the black badges look awesome IMO. I'm sure their "cost" price is way under the quoted lunacy so will use it as a negotiating point. I know they take special care to do jobs like change the badges, but all you need is a hairdryer right? 
A question on quality standards to expect from buying timeless...
Some individual garage websites state "brought to showroom standard..." (which I read as "as new" but nothing on the AM website regarding what level of paintwork repair etc they will go to. At Nottingham I noticed a few bonnet chips on a car which had already been through prep, and the guy said they take a practical approach because they'd have to respray the entire bonnet, and then match the surrounding panels in that example.
When I bought my 3 year old approved used Jag F-Pace it was literally faultless so that's what I've come to expect, but maybe I was just lucky? It feels crazy that a few stone chips wouldn't be corrected if I'm spending £80k on a car, even though it is used, or is that just unreasonable? What's your experience or expectations? Should I ask for anything I spot to be corrected as part of the deal before handover?
Some individual garage websites state "brought to showroom standard..." (which I read as "as new" but nothing on the AM website regarding what level of paintwork repair etc they will go to. At Nottingham I noticed a few bonnet chips on a car which had already been through prep, and the guy said they take a practical approach because they'd have to respray the entire bonnet, and then match the surrounding panels in that example.
When I bought my 3 year old approved used Jag F-Pace it was literally faultless so that's what I've come to expect, but maybe I was just lucky? It feels crazy that a few stone chips wouldn't be corrected if I'm spending £80k on a car, even though it is used, or is that just unreasonable? What's your experience or expectations? Should I ask for anything I spot to be corrected as part of the deal before handover?
44HammerTime said:
A question on quality standards to expect from buying timeless...
Some individual garage websites state "brought to showroom standard..." (which I read as "as new" but nothing on the AM website regarding what level of paintwork repair etc they will go to. At Nottingham I noticed a few bonnet chips on a car which had already been through prep, and the guy said they take a practical approach because they'd have to respray the entire bonnet, and then match the surrounding panels in that example.
When I bought my 3 year old approved used Jag F-Pace it was literally faultless so that's what I've come to expect, but maybe I was just lucky? It feels crazy that a few stone chips wouldn't be corrected if I'm spending £80k on a car, even though it is used, or is that just unreasonable? What's your experience or expectations? Should I ask for anything I spot to be corrected as part of the deal before handover?
Covered to a degree hereSome individual garage websites state "brought to showroom standard..." (which I read as "as new" but nothing on the AM website regarding what level of paintwork repair etc they will go to. At Nottingham I noticed a few bonnet chips on a car which had already been through prep, and the guy said they take a practical approach because they'd have to respray the entire bonnet, and then match the surrounding panels in that example.
When I bought my 3 year old approved used Jag F-Pace it was literally faultless so that's what I've come to expect, but maybe I was just lucky? It feels crazy that a few stone chips wouldn't be corrected if I'm spending £80k on a car, even though it is used, or is that just unreasonable? What's your experience or expectations? Should I ask for anything I spot to be corrected as part of the deal before handover?
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff