Finally!

[dutchiev8v]

First post, first Aston Martin; it is great! After quite a few years of deliberating, it was time for me to take the plunge! Funny to see how some things can be so irrational (I have got two lovely young kids – who buys a 2-seater sports car???), yet so irresistible.

After having owned a beautiful Porsche 993 2S quite a few years back, I have fallen in love with the more special Aston. Last Saturday was finally the day to pick it up. Although far from ideal weather conditions to pick such a car up I will never forget the day. See pictures:

-4.7 Sportshift II
-black leather interior with silver stitching
-B&O system

Absolute eye candy and a fantastic drive – loving it!

[Wobbly]

Congratulations on your early Christmas prezzie, it looks stunning.

[Retman]

Hi Nick and welcome. That looks great, really like the wheels.

[Jockman]

Yo Nick - bonza car !!!

You will find, mon ami, that many people buy a Vantage BECAUSE they have 2 kids

Sometimes you just need to be a wee bit selfish

[Ice27]

Beautiful car Nick.
Welcome.

[paddy328]

Well done that man.

[djmac56]

Stunning! Love the wheels on the car - I'm not sure I've seen those before.

[Arjxh56]

Stunning car, but then i would say that....Its the same colour, same wheels, same interor, etc.. as mine

and i also have 2 kids ....

[v8woollie]

Gorgeous. You are going to have a GREAT Christmas

[ds2000]

Congratulations, seems a few of us picked up our first Astons last weekend

[CPBRI]

Congrats on the new car! Looks like weather is holding up nicely.

[dutchiev8v]

Thanks guys for all the posts.

Quick question: does anyone have any experience with performance car courses? I am aware of the Aston course, but Im not sure whether 1200 quid for a day of fun at their grounds is particularly good value?

[IanV12VR]

dutchiev8v said:

Thanks guys for all the posts.

Quick question: does anyone have any experience with performance car courses? I am aware of the Aston course, but Im not sure whether 1200 quid for a day of fun at their grounds is particularly good value?

I think it's value depends on your driving background. When I got my first Aston it was the most powerful car I had experienced and to have the chance to experience it in a controlled environment with people who knew the car inside out was invaluable. It gave me real confidence in the abilities of the car and I felt was decent value for money. Will I do it again with the new one? I think I probably will as it is quite a different beast again.

Also remember you are doing it in their car so not using up your own tyres, brakes etc.

Great car by the way - and congratulations! Enjoy it and gave fun

[bogie]

the PDC is great, I have done similar courses before, but all in my own car at the time, and not at such a great location

so the £1200 is well worth it, because you use an Aston Martin of your choice (usually the one you drive yourself) and the venue is excellent

congrats on the new car

[mikey k]

dutchiev8v said:

Thanks guys for all the posts.

Quick question: does anyone have any experience with performance car courses? I am aware of the Aston course, but Im not sure whether 1200 quid for a day of fun at their grounds is particularly good value?

Many on here and a load of the Lotus & S2000 guys swear by Andy Walsh @ carlimits.co.uk
It is you in your car with one to one tuition in a safe environment.
I've been 3 times and learnt something new each time.

[Arjxh56]

mikey k said:

Many on here and a load of the Lotus & S2000 guys swear by Andy Walsh @ carlimits.co.uk
It is you in your car with one to one tuition in a safe environment.
I've been 3 times and learnt something new each time.

What kind of wear does this type of training put on your vehicle? Do you need to write off a set of tyres, pads, 1/4 life of clutch etc..?? I am just thinking whether its worth 'hammering' AMs own aston rather than your own in the long run?

[mikey k]

Arjxh56 said:

What kind of wear does this type of training put on your vehicle? Do you need to write off a set of tyres, pads, 1/4 life of clutch etc..?? I am just thinking whether its worth 'hammering' AMs own aston rather than your own in the long run?

I did it in a 420 BHP S2000, and used about 1/4 of the rear tyres, brakes faded a bit later in the day. It is less harsh than a track day and A LOT cheaper than a PDC. I prefer to know what me and my car can do but that's my preference.