RE: PH Carpool: Aston Martin Vanquish
Discussion
tomoleeds said:
Yes i know cars are expensive in Oz,and we have a good selection of cheap used motors in the uk. after checking out the cost of repairs to the aston, a B7 RS4 or M5 (2005-2006) could be bought for the same price
In the case of this owener, there's only a limited selection of modern cars that can be imported into Australia. We have very strict laws to protect our local industry. Although there are a few exceptions (Vanquish is one), for the most part it needs to be a car that wasn't originally sold here or you have to have owned and driven the car over seas for at least 12 months before bringing it back with you.Brilliant story telling!
If you do ever decide you want to sell it please consider dropping me a line
If you do ever decide you want to sell it please consider dropping me a line
JohnG1 said:
Excellent story!
The Vanquish is very popular in Australia, over the last few months I have seen as many Vanquish as I have V8 Vantage...
Although I have only seen three V12 Vantages.
To the OP, Charlie, could you please let me know who you used to import the car to Australia? I've been researching options to import my V12 Vantage (I've owned it for two years in the UK) and there are very mixed reviews for every firm in that market place.
Cheers!
Since you have owned the car oversea for more than twelve months you won't need to go through the same process as Charlie did. This link is the official one for personal imports - http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/...The Vanquish is very popular in Australia, over the last few months I have seen as many Vanquish as I have V8 Vantage...
Although I have only seen three V12 Vantages.
To the OP, Charlie, could you please let me know who you used to import the car to Australia? I've been researching options to import my V12 Vantage (I've owned it for two years in the UK) and there are very mixed reviews for every firm in that market place.
Cheers!
Aston's are well liked by the fairer sex.
My missus couldn't give a toss about cars and she thinks the current Porsche is a pain in the arse as she finds it 'annoying' to get in & out. However, when I starting thinking about replacing it, I mentioned that an AM might be nice and she went, 'Oohh, yeah - that would be lovely!'.
My missus couldn't give a toss about cars and she thinks the current Porsche is a pain in the arse as she finds it 'annoying' to get in & out. However, when I starting thinking about replacing it, I mentioned that an AM might be nice and she went, 'Oohh, yeah - that would be lovely!'.
Excellent story mate and all of the points are spot on. The bit about the Chopper reflectors had me in stitches....so true.
Do you know you can get an Aston Extended Warranty for up to 12 years? I have a 2004 and its around 2,000 GBP..but worth every penny. I have had loads of work done to the car..including the AC Unit, belts and shedloads of little niggles all under warranty.
It is all the car you ever need and after having one no one wants for anything else. (Which is rare for petrolheads!)
Do you know you can get an Aston Extended Warranty for up to 12 years? I have a 2004 and its around 2,000 GBP..but worth every penny. I have had loads of work done to the car..including the AC Unit, belts and shedloads of little niggles all under warranty.
It is all the car you ever need and after having one no one wants for anything else. (Which is rare for petrolheads!)
I was going to mention the warranty, but imagine you could have issues considering it wasn't sold in Australia originally. Surely the extended warranties aren't actually provided by Aston?
Either way, my dad has made the most of it on his S! His falls under the category of the underused. He's in that vicious circle of breaking something when he takes it out (got a free gearbox, though), and so tends not to use it because he's worried he'll be on the back of a flat bed. As such, it's role is more a 'feel good' ornamental piece!
As someone has mentioned, i adore the supercar start up procedure; almost justifies the price alone. For such a big car, it shrinks around you and is easy to drive. With a long first, you can get the car out of shop easily at low speeds, where it is easy to manage.
Also agreed that it is king of modern Astons in the looks stakes. It looks a little under-wheeled and over-tyred these days, but other than that, faultless in my humble opinion. Inside isn't so great; the facelifted version a lot better. My dad looked at AMW retrofitting the newer dash; even they said the price would be so ridiculous, it wasn't worth quoting! Wish he'd bite the bullet on the manual conversion though.
Surprised you had a pop at reliability . I'll be honest, when i think "Aston", i don't immediately link it with "engineering prowess" and "reliability". Anyone who thinks a handbuilt, limited run car will be as reliable as a modern mass-produced car has unrealistic expectations, in my opinion.
Either way, my dad has made the most of it on his S! His falls under the category of the underused. He's in that vicious circle of breaking something when he takes it out (got a free gearbox, though), and so tends not to use it because he's worried he'll be on the back of a flat bed. As such, it's role is more a 'feel good' ornamental piece!
As someone has mentioned, i adore the supercar start up procedure; almost justifies the price alone. For such a big car, it shrinks around you and is easy to drive. With a long first, you can get the car out of shop easily at low speeds, where it is easy to manage.
Also agreed that it is king of modern Astons in the looks stakes. It looks a little under-wheeled and over-tyred these days, but other than that, faultless in my humble opinion. Inside isn't so great; the facelifted version a lot better. My dad looked at AMW retrofitting the newer dash; even they said the price would be so ridiculous, it wasn't worth quoting! Wish he'd bite the bullet on the manual conversion though.
Surprised you had a pop at reliability . I'll be honest, when i think "Aston", i don't immediately link it with "engineering prowess" and "reliability". Anyone who thinks a handbuilt, limited run car will be as reliable as a modern mass-produced car has unrealistic expectations, in my opinion.
OMG you guys are a bunch of nutters too 
thanks for everyone's comments. Good to know there's other weirdos out there too; I am stragnely comforted and concerned at the same time. I wanted to answera few points as I really appreciated the feedback;
1) fair point about not expecting a handbuilt prototypy car to be reliable. BUT the ancilliaries should be a s they are indeed mass produced (I think)
2) otispunkmeyer 0 you are as tragic as I am owning a V12 in such economic times
3) ajb101 the vanquish's sweet spot is 1200 rpm in top; good rumble and you can also get some overrun niceness
4) insideimsmiliing: yup this is nearly perfect for me too
5)belleaire302: yes Australia is well over regulated; reminds me of the Vogon empire in the hitchiker's guide...
6) e600 - agree with the series 1 e-type being best one of best looking on the planet; never got one though
7) Justices - gutted, just guttted
8) John G1 - I used IMG Motorsport in Sydney - Ross Pendergast. They are a straight bunch of fellas and specialise in imports. Know all the rules, can convert, service (even rebuild Fezza engines [brave or foolish]). They even smile when relieving you of your hard earned. Yours I am guessing isn't a simple case. Ten minutes talking with Ross Pendergast (member of AM owners club with Vanquish S) and you;ll know the real story.
9) Gorbyrev - nice music
10) I WISH - to kind. Really. Am really not that cool, but thans for the sentiment!
11) tomoleeds - agreed. Woudl ideally have brought an RS6 out with me from the UK but by the time I learned the rules it was too late; trouble is it costs a PACKET to import and convert cars to Aussie rules, an d that is if you are allowed to bring them in. Most of what you mention is verboten
12) james280779 - didn;t think the DB9 was on the list for oz?
13) Aedo, I will of course bear you in mind, once I have had the frankly bizarre experience of convincing my wife to let me sell my super car so I can buy a slow one....
14) Vanquish Dubai - TOP intell about warranty. Will ask the biys on the Gold Coast
15) hondansx - sound slike to you have to do a ferris bueller on your dad! Bit risky as soemthing else might go wrong! you;ve got to work out a way to get it into the land of the living
Thanks you guys. Looking forward to reading more carpool stories
Cheers
C
thanks for everyone's comments. Good to know there's other weirdos out there too; I am stragnely comforted and concerned at the same time. I wanted to answera few points as I really appreciated the feedback;
1) fair point about not expecting a handbuilt prototypy car to be reliable. BUT the ancilliaries should be a s they are indeed mass produced (I think)
2) otispunkmeyer 0 you are as tragic as I am owning a V12 in such economic times
3) ajb101 the vanquish's sweet spot is 1200 rpm in top; good rumble and you can also get some overrun niceness
4) insideimsmiliing: yup this is nearly perfect for me too
5)belleaire302: yes Australia is well over regulated; reminds me of the Vogon empire in the hitchiker's guide...
6) e600 - agree with the series 1 e-type being best one of best looking on the planet; never got one though
7) Justices - gutted, just guttted
8) John G1 - I used IMG Motorsport in Sydney - Ross Pendergast. They are a straight bunch of fellas and specialise in imports. Know all the rules, can convert, service (even rebuild Fezza engines [brave or foolish]). They even smile when relieving you of your hard earned. Yours I am guessing isn't a simple case. Ten minutes talking with Ross Pendergast (member of AM owners club with Vanquish S) and you;ll know the real story.
9) Gorbyrev - nice music
10) I WISH - to kind. Really. Am really not that cool, but thans for the sentiment!
11) tomoleeds - agreed. Woudl ideally have brought an RS6 out with me from the UK but by the time I learned the rules it was too late; trouble is it costs a PACKET to import and convert cars to Aussie rules, an d that is if you are allowed to bring them in. Most of what you mention is verboten
12) james280779 - didn;t think the DB9 was on the list for oz?
13) Aedo, I will of course bear you in mind, once I have had the frankly bizarre experience of convincing my wife to let me sell my super car so I can buy a slow one....
14) Vanquish Dubai - TOP intell about warranty. Will ask the biys on the Gold Coast
15) hondansx - sound slike to you have to do a ferris bueller on your dad! Bit risky as soemthing else might go wrong! you;ve got to work out a way to get it into the land of the living
Thanks you guys. Looking forward to reading more carpool stories
Cheers
C
Great write up!
As a fellow Vanqer I can appreciate so many of your observations.
I have an 07 S and my mind was dead set on converting to manual as soon as I got the car. Then I drove it...
The S must have been improved considerably because I love the paddle shift. I probably make 2 - 3 times as many downshifts as i should but the crackle from the exhaust is addictive!!!
I think I may do the valve opening on the exhaust too....y'know for road safety. Can't have people failing to hear me coming.
I wish you many more enjoyable miles in the car. It would be fantastic to have nice reliable weather so i can get mine out more. Managed 4k this year. Going for 5k including a trip to the Isle of Man this year.
I'm also 100% with you on the perception of others on the car you're driving. I have a Disco 4 to avoid the Range Rover hatred. One of my 911's is a classic and seems to get some respect but my 4S definetly attracts a level of unwanted attention. I'm yet to see a well driven Aston and hear anything but praise for the car without the questioning of the parentage of the driver.
My father also has a DB6. He too gave me the warning that it'll cost me a fortune to own. I think he's at about £80k in 'maintenance' over the last 5 years. Everything seemed to need done all at once!
As a fellow Vanqer I can appreciate so many of your observations.
I have an 07 S and my mind was dead set on converting to manual as soon as I got the car. Then I drove it...
The S must have been improved considerably because I love the paddle shift. I probably make 2 - 3 times as many downshifts as i should but the crackle from the exhaust is addictive!!!
I think I may do the valve opening on the exhaust too....y'know for road safety. Can't have people failing to hear me coming.
I wish you many more enjoyable miles in the car. It would be fantastic to have nice reliable weather so i can get mine out more. Managed 4k this year. Going for 5k including a trip to the Isle of Man this year.
I'm also 100% with you on the perception of others on the car you're driving. I have a Disco 4 to avoid the Range Rover hatred. One of my 911's is a classic and seems to get some respect but my 4S definetly attracts a level of unwanted attention. I'm yet to see a well driven Aston and hear anything but praise for the car without the questioning of the parentage of the driver.
My father also has a DB6. He too gave me the warning that it'll cost me a fortune to own. I think he's at about £80k in 'maintenance' over the last 5 years. Everything seemed to need done all at once!
James B said:
Great write up!
My father also has a DB6. He too gave me the warning that it'll cost me a fortune to own. I think he's at about £80k in 'maintenance' over the last 5 years. Everything seemed to need done all at once!
Holy cow. 80k. and I thought us "youfs" had wide eyed optimism. Impressed. My father also has a DB6. He too gave me the warning that it'll cost me a fortune to own. I think he's at about £80k in 'maintenance' over the last 5 years. Everything seemed to need done all at once!
Excellent write up, great work and patience!
This version of the Vanquish was the last truly hand made Aston so does suffer for it.
It is also notorious for clutch issues and unruly traction control
I've always loved this Vanquish (still nicer than the current one) but could not go through the trauma of ownership
So I bottled and have a Vantage S instead (which hasn't been exactly reliable)
Just something about owning Astons that encourages you to put up with poor performance and reliability niggles
This version of the Vanquish was the last truly hand made Aston so does suffer for it.
It is also notorious for clutch issues and unruly traction control
I've always loved this Vanquish (still nicer than the current one) but could not go through the trauma of ownership
So I bottled and have a Vantage S instead (which hasn't been exactly reliable)
Just something about owning Astons that encourages you to put up with poor performance and reliability niggles
mikey k said:
Excellent write up, great work and patience!
Just something about owning Astons that encourages you to put up with poor performance and reliability niggles
yeah there truly is just something about them. Never appreciated it until I got one. Soem sort of Jedi mind trick going on at Newport Pagnell that converts ordinary skin flints in Monte Carlo types Just something about owning Astons that encourages you to put up with poor performance and reliability niggles
George29 said:
robsco said:
Surprised to hear about build quality issues though... To be understood with some cars, but unforgivable from an Aston.
Why? It's a hand built car. Surely you wouldn't expect everything to be absolutely perfect 10 years on?
robsco said:
I don't think the handbuilt argument stacks up as heavily when we're discussing a 160k car. Rolls-Royces are still constructing interiors by hand, how often do we hear tales of woe when discussing one of those?
It does with pre Gaydon AstonsYou only have to look at the differences in build quality and reliability vs the Gaydon cars.
I had an '05 Vanquish S for a short while and I loved it. When it worked properly. It was sharp and responsive, despite its heft (far, far better than the base Vanquish which tested back to back the same day). The engine was automotive glory, able to scare children with its volume.
Some photos of the exterior
And one of the Interior
I was Sad to see it go:
Sad, because it was just so beautiful to look at, with an inner beauty (all dressed up in red leather) to match her gleaming white exterior shell.
Sad, because I could never get to grips with those stupid flappy paddles. I even considered the Aston Works upgrade to Manual, but am glad now that I didn't as I injured my right knee and would not have been able to drive it without excruciating pain.
Sad, because I never really enjoyed it in the manner it should be enjoyed.
Sad, because I really got to know the workshop folks quite well, which was a boon as they were also the dealer for Bentley and have since enjoyed several of those brilliant autos.
I encountered too many annoyingly frustrating faults that included:
A rearview mirror that leaked a horrible corrosive liquid onto the centre console eating away at the plastic parts and etching ugly marks onto the metal bits. Surprisingly, it eventually cleaned off the leather.
There was the ever present check engine light that after almost 2 moths of investigation at the Aston dealer ultimately meant the car needed new coils, 12 of them, which was thankfully covered by the extended warranty. What wasn't covered was a plastic manifold part which had cracked and this meant another big chunk of cash, so I begged them to repair it, instead of replace and returned the car to the dealer who sold it to me and begged him to take it back, which he did by deducting another purse of gold (ironically, ying/yang being what it is -I didn't think it affected used car dealers- the car was still sitting on his lot many months later).
So, in about 3 months of total ownership I had the car for less than a fortnight.
Would I buy another? I would love to get one that was fully sorted with an extensive warranty. I would love to replace that stupid transmission with a proper Auto. Maybe one day I shall again.
Some photos of the exterior
And one of the Interior
I was Sad to see it go:
Sad, because it was just so beautiful to look at, with an inner beauty (all dressed up in red leather) to match her gleaming white exterior shell.
Sad, because I could never get to grips with those stupid flappy paddles. I even considered the Aston Works upgrade to Manual, but am glad now that I didn't as I injured my right knee and would not have been able to drive it without excruciating pain.
Sad, because I never really enjoyed it in the manner it should be enjoyed.
Sad, because I really got to know the workshop folks quite well, which was a boon as they were also the dealer for Bentley and have since enjoyed several of those brilliant autos.
I encountered too many annoyingly frustrating faults that included:
A rearview mirror that leaked a horrible corrosive liquid onto the centre console eating away at the plastic parts and etching ugly marks onto the metal bits. Surprisingly, it eventually cleaned off the leather.
There was the ever present check engine light that after almost 2 moths of investigation at the Aston dealer ultimately meant the car needed new coils, 12 of them, which was thankfully covered by the extended warranty. What wasn't covered was a plastic manifold part which had cracked and this meant another big chunk of cash, so I begged them to repair it, instead of replace and returned the car to the dealer who sold it to me and begged him to take it back, which he did by deducting another purse of gold (ironically, ying/yang being what it is -I didn't think it affected used car dealers- the car was still sitting on his lot many months later).
So, in about 3 months of total ownership I had the car for less than a fortnight.
Would I buy another? I would love to get one that was fully sorted with an extensive warranty. I would love to replace that stupid transmission with a proper Auto. Maybe one day I shall again.
I've just seen the link to this on the AMOC site, dont know how I missed it, a great read.
I've had my 2002 Vanquish for two years and strangely it was my wife who insisted I bought the car I'd alway's dreamed of. She never say's no to a trip out in, neither do my daughters.
My cars milage is just over 53k. I had to up my insurance milage to 7k the first year I had it, I just could not stop driving it. I'm curently rebuilding my garage so I can polish it's arse easilly and that has helped keep the milage down this year. Only problem in my ownership was having the steering rack overhauled soon after purchase, It does seem to be true that the more you use them the more reliable they are. I'm sure I will see over 100k in it, I'm never going to sell it. I actually love the paddle gearshift, it's just so raw!
Great write up, well done!
I've had my 2002 Vanquish for two years and strangely it was my wife who insisted I bought the car I'd alway's dreamed of. She never say's no to a trip out in, neither do my daughters.
My cars milage is just over 53k. I had to up my insurance milage to 7k the first year I had it, I just could not stop driving it. I'm curently rebuilding my garage so I can polish it's arse easilly and that has helped keep the milage down this year. Only problem in my ownership was having the steering rack overhauled soon after purchase, It does seem to be true that the more you use them the more reliable they are. I'm sure I will see over 100k in it, I'm never going to sell it. I actually love the paddle gearshift, it's just so raw!
Great write up, well done!
I actually met the man that pulled the trigger to start manufacturing the Vanquish. It was a two hour quite formal and well chaperoned business meeting unrelated to this car. However, since he was the man in charge I thought 'Well if I will ever get a chance to have my say on Aston production this is it.' So just before leaving I told him he had to make the Vanquish because it was such a great design, elegant, brutal and with references to the DB4 Zagatos, bringing Aston back to glory. 'Yes, so my friends tell me.' was the answer. I was delighted to see it enter production.
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