Buying a 2006 Vantage Coupe

[David67]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 28 January 2013 at 13:24

[Arjxh56]

I am no expert, but if you are serious about it, I would take it for an inspection at a dealer or a indie specialist like Bamford Rose.
I also think its value will be hit hard by the lack of service history, narrowing its potential buyers for future sale, make sure you take this into account and get it cheap!

Where is it located? The guys on here will no doubt recommend other options depending on the area.

[Neil1300R]

First, buy this book:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Get it checked by an AM dealer or one of the respected Aston indy's. Why has it been sat around?

[bomberh]

Neil1300R said:

First, buy this book:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Get it checked by an AM dealer or one of the respected Aston indy's. Why has it been sat around?

+1 and

[ds2000]

There's a 4.7 just come up on autotrader for not much more, done 30,000. I know where my money would be going

Unless of course you prefer the earlier dash and engine.... horses for courses

Edited by ds2000 on Monday 28th January 12:09

[Arjxh56]

David67 said:

Its listed at £43000. I am concerned about the lack of a full service history but the almost new appearance is very tempting.....

I think this is quite high considering its history... If you do a bit of searching and haggling, an Aston Main dealer car of the same year, full service history, warranty, etc ... Can be had for considerably less, i would say for around £36-38k .. Maybe even less? I have seen private sale examples, with FSH & AM warranty, go for around £30k
Whatever you go for, you could spend £500(ish) on a well respected detailer and have the concours treatment which would make most well looked after cars look better than new! :-)

If it was my money.. and feel free to ignore and ridicule me... Providing all was in good condition after the inspection, I would be looking at spending early 30s on a car with that history, or moving on to another vehicle..

[yeti]

David67 said:

Its listed at £43000. I am concerned about the lack of a full service history but the almost new appearance is very tempting.

Seems like they're charging a premium for it die to lack of miles. With 6 service stamps, I'm sure that would be fair, but without them, on balance i would say the car is worth less than one with a FSH and 4k/yr.

There are lots of cars about that have been looked after and dealer prep should have decent paintwork and re-connolised leather.

[Neil1300R]

David67 said:

Its listed at £43000.

Sorry, but its worth low 30's. Mileage is irrelevant without a service history. These cars like to be used, so better with some miles on it.
Its not a low mileage DB5 type find, its a 2006 V8Vantage with lack of service history.

[Gareth135R]

I "know" of a 2006 V8V, 3 owners, 23k miles, Full AM service history, 6m tax, new tyres and a fresh service for prob £10k less than this one....

I wouldn't touch a car like a Vantage that didn't have full service history.

[AMDBSNick]

A client of mine has a very similar car although his is a roadster and 2008. Had a service at "works" last year (only its 2nd ever service) which cost him a fortume. He knows he is pretty much stuck with it for life unless he gives it away.

[taylor172]

the lack of services would worry me, mine has done only 8k but had a service at the main dealer every year regardless of miles covered inbetween, sometimes as little as 200 miles! but all done.

[gibbon]

The lack of service history would put me off, but also, to be honest the lack of gentle but constant use would put me off. Seals dry, things seize, cars are better used than not, admittedly light and easy use is no bad thing, but no use at all? I would not add a premium to that, quite the opposite.

[mikey k]

David67 said:

Hi
I am thinking of buying a Vantage. I am looking at one that has done less than 4000 miles since new. Apparently it has been off the road for 4 of its 6 years, only serviced twice. Car looks virtually brand new. Bit concerned about the 4 years of non use.
Anybody got some advice about what to look out for??
thanks

You MUST get it inspected
Cars don't like being sat for long periods
Bruce at BR showed me some pictures of a "collectors" ASton engine he stripped.
The valve train was rust and there was corrosion on the cylinder bores because it had not been run to lubricate it and drive the moisture out of the engine
There can be other issues like brake calipers seizing, diffs & clutches locking and electronics going AWOL (Astons are prone to this one!)

[Neilc123]

I agree with all the above. With my limited knowledge of Aston if there is ever a car where full service history (carried out by AM dealer or a very good indy) is important an Aston is that car. I am also in agreement that it is a car that needs to be driven, not masses but the car is like a good woman, likes to be used (note I said used not abused!). Also by having one with around 25-30k miles it means that a lot of the initial services and the initial correcting (which sadly comes with handmade) are done so it is less for you to worry about. I find it funny that dealers as a premium for these garage queens after all a 2005 DB9 is still 2005 even if it only has 12000 miles on it and the pleasures of aston is that they do listen to customer feedback and make improvements, gradual, but they do get there.
My advice - get the latest Aston your money can buy and don't worry too much about the mileage (unless we are taking over 60k and it was used by an experience company) and a good service history is a must. I have tended to find people do look after astons quite well, however there can be the odd exception and sadly those need to be avoided otherwise an expensive trip if you don't have a warranty.
However I am sure you will enjoy whatever car you get