New to AM: Buying a Vantage Roadster - what to check

[jazzybee]

I'm new to AM - but been looking around for a car for a few months... Just found one and am holding it with a deposit while I go through the details with the Main Dealer. I have asked about wear on clutch, brakes - service history etc. Anything particular to a Manual Vantage I should investigate ?

Thanks

[good grief]

I bought mine from Wilmslow about six weeks ago, delighted with it. I would say if it's the spec you want just make sure you have a got a good warranty. My main concern was the clutch,I got a second year cover BUT not on the clutch. My daughter works for Aston at the factory, so could check the history, re what warranty claims had been made, having done loads of research I personally think manual is the way to go. Mind you it still doesn't like reversing uphill, and it has to do that every time it comes out of the garage, horrid smell!!!

[mikey k]

jazzybee said:

I'm new to AM - but been looking around for a car for a few months... Just found one and am holding it with a deposit while I go through the details with the Main Dealer. I have asked about wear on clutch, brakes - service history etc. Anything particular to a Manual Vantage I should investigate ?

Thanks

Read the FAQ and check the bit on roof wear

[Jon39]

Three things - Condition, Condition, Condition.

If everything looks as new, you may well be buying a good one.
Don't be put off by low mileages (many are only used occasionally), or by several owners (some of whom like to change every year).

When a new car has been sold and serviced by the same main dealer, you might be given a printout of the full service history. That will give you a picture of previous problems, if any.

The thrill of owning an Aston Martin just goes on and on.

Enjoy.

[mikey k]

good grief said:

Having done loads of research I personally think manual is the way to go. Mind you it still doesn't like reversing uphill, and it has to do that every time it comes out of the garage, horrid smell!!!

ASM1 and manuals do this because of the reverse gear ratio
ASM2 doesn't as reverse is more like 1st than 2nd

Did we see pics?

[jazzybee]

mikey k said:

Read the FAQ and check the bit on roof wear

Thanks for the reminder - I remember reading about that a few months ago when I started looking.

[jazzybee]

good grief said:

I bought mine from Wilmslow about six weeks ago, delighted with it. I would say if it's the spec you want just make sure you have a got a good warranty. My main concern was the clutch,I got a second year cover BUT not on the clutch. My daughter works for Aston at the factory, so could check the history, re what warranty claims had been made, having done loads of research I personally think manual is the way to go. Mind you it still doesn't like reversing uphill, and it has to do that every time it comes out of the garage, horrid smell!!!

Thanks Paul, when I have the details - I may PM reg/VIN, if that is ok? I will definitely be getting the extended warranty, and understand wear and tear items like clutch and brakes wont be included

[jazzybee]

mikey k said:

Did we see pics?

Car not yet been marketed - just came in this weekend, and not yet prepped. Stupidly I did not take a photo as I had seen the car when the dealer sold it last time.

[mikey k]

More aimed at good grief

[Grant3]

The Roadster is a great choice and if you are buying from a main dealer then you should be pretty safe on the major defects front... But not all dealers prepare a car the levels that an enthusiast can expect, so my advice is.....

Very carefully check the exterior for marks/ chips/ imperfections/ bubbling, the same with he interior ( including back of seats etc) and each alloy. That way any marks you may be unhappy with are spotted before you drive away, so there is no argument when you spot something the first time you clean the car at home.

Next I would ask for clarification on wear and tear items like tyres tread depth, disc/pad wear, their opinion on the clutch, in writing. When is he next service due? Official used car's need to meet a standard, but it is still good to know that you have brand new tyres.. or not ....etc!

Before doing all that what's the spec, optional extras can make a difference to your ownership experience and the resale value of the car, so when you know pop a post up here as there is always great advice from the guys......hope this helps
G

[Jon39]

good grief said:

My daughter works for Aston at the factory, so could check the history, re what warranty claims had been made,

Really. ~

[taylor172]

Another shout for wilmslow here, fantastic experience!

[v8woollie]

good grief said:

My daughter works for Aston at the factory, so could check the history, re what warranty claims had been made

But of course won't be able to tell anyone under Data Protection laws

[Jon39]

v8woollie said:

good grief said:

My daughter works for Aston at the factory, so could check the history, re what warranty claims had been made

But of course won't be able to tell anyone under Data Protection laws

and in the 'so called' new, post Starbucks jargon ~ business morals.

[jazzybee]

Grant3 said:

The Roadster is a great choice and if you are buying from a main dealer then you should be pretty safe on the major defects front... But not all dealers prepare a car the levels that an enthusiast can expect, so my advice is.....

Very carefully check the exterior for marks/ chips/ imperfections/ bubbling, the same with he interior ( including back of seats etc) and each alloy. That way any marks you may be unhappy with are spotted before you drive away, so there is no argument when you spot something the first time you clean the car at home.

Next I would ask for clarification on wear and tear items like tyres tread depth, disc/pad wear, their opinion on the clutch, in writing. When is he next service due? Official used car's need to meet a standard, but it is still good to know that you have brand new tyres.. or not ....etc!

Before doing all that what's the spec, optional extras can make a difference to your ownership experience and the resale value of the car, so when you know pop a post up here as there is always great advice from the guys......hope this helps
G

Cheers Grant,

I am satisfied with the answers on the wear and tear items except the Clutch - they say wear is not known and cannot be measured without disassembly. If clutch was stiff or biting point was high the sales team would have been informed - which they have not.

Spec is very high - has all the optional extras I would think available; Premium Audio, SatNav, Heated Memory Seats, Bluetooth, Cruise, Wind Deflector, 19" Wheels, HID wash and level lights, folding mirrors etc. All looks good on that front. Its an '08 MY car, would that have Aux-in connection, would anyone know?

[Beoon]

MY08 V8VR's have the iPod cable & USB socket in the compartment underneath the arm rest

[jazzybee]

Thanks to all. Picked up the car this evening.

Few niggles cropped up on the way home, which I did not notice on the test drive.

When pulling away at low revs (Manual car) in 1st mainly, there is a rattle from what appears to be behind me. Does not happen at higher revs. Is this normal?

Also, when turning at low speed, there is loud squealing (on and off).... Will check this one out with the dealer.

[drmw]

The squealing when at low speed & turning is one/both side of the handbrake which has separate calipers and as the car turns the rear subframe flexes and the handbrake cable routing is such that the flex actually pulls the handbrake on, albeit slightly, causing the squeal.

The cable can be rerouted & adjusted to make this go away or at least improve - one of several "features" of the V8V!

[good grief]

Looks fab.......,,, just got to sort ur number plate position now

[yeti]

good grief said:

Looks fab.......,,, just got to sort ur number plate position now

Yep - get rid of the plinth, you'll be amazed at the difference it makes to the sleekness of the car.

Very nice and well done by the way