Long time lurker saying hello.

Well, I succumbed and bought myself an 07 V8 Vantage from a fellow PH forum member a couple of months ago. The week leading up to the actual handover was like Christmas all over again.

After much fun driving around I took it in for its service last week. All brake discs and pads sadly turned out to be at their life's end and now need to be replaced, bringing my first "service" bill to £2.5k afer this short time.

Normally I would be clenching my jaw in horror but for some strange reason I don't begrudge a penny of it. The car has so involved me that I just want it to have its new discs and pads as soon as possible; it deserves them. Also, then I can get back in it.

I only get to drive it at weekends anyway, as living in central London I've nowhere to park it so have to park it miles from me, but this week is going slower than ever and is almost like the wait for Christmas all over again. Awesome car.

Other things: I've no idea what my mpg is. It doesn't seem relevant. Steering judder at slow speed worried me so it was a relief to hear it was normal. Same for difficult 1st/2nd gear changes. '07 seats still uncomfortable after any more than 30 mins, despite much experimentation (though it's a small sacrifice). Am getting more comfortable with its width when passing other vehicles (or is it less concerned?). I've only been driving three years (kept putting it off) but the car is surprisingly easy to drive for a relative newbie. I still wish I could see the front of the bonnet sometimes though

Welcome to the madhouse aka PH AM forum

Apologies - I've read enough threads to know better than to turn up without pics!

Here are a couple of shots:





I too am in SE1 - Albert Embankment.

The above pictures were taken when I went to a friend's BBQ in Earlsfield. I wanted a few drinks, so could have just taken the train from my place (10 mins) but instead traipsed across town to get my car, booked a B&B in Wimbledon because it had a parking space, drove to Wimbledon, gazed at the car for a bit, then got a train to Earlsfield (4 mins), drank a lot, took a cab to Wimbledon, slept at the B&B, retrieved car, drove across London to park it, then a 45 minute traipse back home. Not the best travel plans, but fun!

Welcome to the mayhem that is the AM forum lovely car.

Lovely colour! Meteorite works really well in the UK. All you need now is a set of clear rear lights.
If you live in London pop along for the fairly regular drinks we have - cars firmly left at home for those events.

Thanks all for your welcome messages! Very much looking forward to picking her up again post-service tomorrow.

No idea, I'm afraid - it belonged to another guest at the B&B-cum-parking-space.

Thank you - I was originally convinced I wanted Titanium but the Meteorite's ability to hide grime is a real benefit to me. I'm not convinced about clear rear lights on this one though - the red ones seem to go very well with its red brake calipers.

Definitely! Will keep an eye out for the next event then.

Hmm. I await insults with interest

OK, makes sense if you have red calipers to leave the rear lights red. I'm surprised that some of the great unwashed members (e.g. Yeti ) didn't go for Meterorite as like you say its good at hiding road dirt.

Lovely car Tam and lovely colour.

Clears will suit red calipers too but it is indeed a personal choice

Heh, I was set on black too, but decided Iron Ore was a braver choice. The more time I spend in it, the happier I am I chose Iron Ore over black - the cabin just feels more personal, somehow.

The factory fitted silver looks great with Meterorite!