Potential first Aston musings
Discussion
Hi All
First of all, I have 'the guide' on order which I'll read during the week whilst recovering from wisdom teeth surgery
So, I currently have a gen 2 (987.2) Cayman S. I've had it for 18 months and have very much enjoyed it. I was looking to swap for a 981 Boxster S as I do like convertible motoring. Unfortunately my other half hates convertibles and is convinced I'll constantly whinge about the missed opportunities when the roof could have been down, she's probably right. I also have a TVR Chimaera, that she also hates, but it's been sat in the garage for a couple of years unused. I'm potentially looking at selling the Cayman and the TVR to fund an Aston, well with a bit of a cash injection too.
After getting approval that a V8 Vantage would be acceptable I've started to investigate the market. I have a budget of up to £50k but I must stress, being a Yorkshireman, that I'm more than happy to spend less. I'm trying to get a feel for the market and what represents good value, be that at £35k or £50k.
I'm currently looking at the 4.7 because as far as I can tell, at legal speeds anyway, the performance will be very similar to my Cayman. The little boost in mpg would be nice too.
A few questions if I may:
1) The car will be my daily driver, I assume this isn't really an issue?
2) I'll be covering 9-10k miles a year, any thought on how to limit depreciation? Buy the lowest mile one I can find in budget, or buy at high miles where the depreciation may have already taken place?
3) Is there an over rev report that can be done as per Porsche? I.e. Evidence of missed placed down changes.
4) Is there any way to tell how worn the clutch is?
5) Can an Aston Martin be applied to a car bought outside of the network, like you can with Porsche?
6) I would prefer a non sport pack model but they seem to be rare on the 4.7. Anyone coke from a Cayman/911 with PASM who would care to share their experiences?
7) I've seen a Cat D one for sale at circa 26% less than market value. Worth considering if I get a full inspection, or run a mile?
I think that's it for now.
Any responses welcome whilst I'm waiting for the guide
James.
First of all, I have 'the guide' on order which I'll read during the week whilst recovering from wisdom teeth surgery
So, I currently have a gen 2 (987.2) Cayman S. I've had it for 18 months and have very much enjoyed it. I was looking to swap for a 981 Boxster S as I do like convertible motoring. Unfortunately my other half hates convertibles and is convinced I'll constantly whinge about the missed opportunities when the roof could have been down, she's probably right. I also have a TVR Chimaera, that she also hates, but it's been sat in the garage for a couple of years unused. I'm potentially looking at selling the Cayman and the TVR to fund an Aston, well with a bit of a cash injection too.
After getting approval that a V8 Vantage would be acceptable I've started to investigate the market. I have a budget of up to £50k but I must stress, being a Yorkshireman, that I'm more than happy to spend less. I'm trying to get a feel for the market and what represents good value, be that at £35k or £50k.
I'm currently looking at the 4.7 because as far as I can tell, at legal speeds anyway, the performance will be very similar to my Cayman. The little boost in mpg would be nice too.
A few questions if I may:
1) The car will be my daily driver, I assume this isn't really an issue?
2) I'll be covering 9-10k miles a year, any thought on how to limit depreciation? Buy the lowest mile one I can find in budget, or buy at high miles where the depreciation may have already taken place?
3) Is there an over rev report that can be done as per Porsche? I.e. Evidence of missed placed down changes.
4) Is there any way to tell how worn the clutch is?
5) Can an Aston Martin be applied to a car bought outside of the network, like you can with Porsche?
6) I would prefer a non sport pack model but they seem to be rare on the 4.7. Anyone coke from a Cayman/911 with PASM who would care to share their experiences?
7) I've seen a Cat D one for sale at circa 26% less than market value. Worth considering if I get a full inspection, or run a mile?
I think that's it for now.
Any responses welcome whilst I'm waiting for the guide
James.
1) The car will be my daily driver, I assume this isn't really an issue?
Nope - they are better with use. Starship mileage probably isn't a great idea but the engine and mechanicals are pretty solid things. Faults are normally in the electrical bits.
2) I'll be covering 9-10k miles a year, any thought on how to limit depreciation? Buy the lowest mile one I can find in budget, or buy at high miles where the depreciation may have already taken place?
Not really my market. They are low mileage beasts normally (often second, third or fourth cars). My guess is that a high mileage one would become increasingly difficult to sell. Personally, I'd buy a lower mileage one and bring it back to average. But that is very much a guess.
3) Is there an over rev report that can be done as per Porsche? I.e. Evidence of missed placed down changes.
No idea. Are you looking at a Sportshift or a normal manual?
4) Is there any way to tell how worn the clutch is?
I think the sportshifts can tell you this but it might need to be plugged into a dealer's computer to get the data
5) Can an Aston Martin be applied to a car bought outside of the network, like you can with Porsche?
I assume you mean warranty?
Yes, I believe so. You would need to pay for a vehicle inspection at a main dealer on top of the cost of the warranty though.
6) I would prefer a non sport pack model but they seem to be rare on the 4.7. Anyone coke from a Cayman/911 with PASM who would care to share their experiences?
Nope
7) I've seen a Cat D one for sale at circa 26% less than market value. Worth considering if I get a full inspection, or run a mile?
Personally, I'd run a mile. Fine if you never wanted to sell it again. Maybe.
Nope - they are better with use. Starship mileage probably isn't a great idea but the engine and mechanicals are pretty solid things. Faults are normally in the electrical bits.
2) I'll be covering 9-10k miles a year, any thought on how to limit depreciation? Buy the lowest mile one I can find in budget, or buy at high miles where the depreciation may have already taken place?
Not really my market. They are low mileage beasts normally (often second, third or fourth cars). My guess is that a high mileage one would become increasingly difficult to sell. Personally, I'd buy a lower mileage one and bring it back to average. But that is very much a guess.
3) Is there an over rev report that can be done as per Porsche? I.e. Evidence of missed placed down changes.
No idea. Are you looking at a Sportshift or a normal manual?
4) Is there any way to tell how worn the clutch is?
I think the sportshifts can tell you this but it might need to be plugged into a dealer's computer to get the data
5) Can an Aston Martin be applied to a car bought outside of the network, like you can with Porsche?
I assume you mean warranty?
Yes, I believe so. You would need to pay for a vehicle inspection at a main dealer on top of the cost of the warranty though.
6) I would prefer a non sport pack model but they seem to be rare on the 4.7. Anyone coke from a Cayman/911 with PASM who would care to share their experiences?
Nope
7) I've seen a Cat D one for sale at circa 26% less than market value. Worth considering if I get a full inspection, or run a mile?
Personally, I'd run a mile. Fine if you never wanted to sell it again. Maybe.
Thanks for the responses folks, very much appreciated. It is a manual that I'll be looking at if I do take the plunge. Not sure if I'm breaking the posting rules, please delete if I am mods, but this is the cat D one I spotted:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
With a bit of internet stalking I managed to find some low res photos of the damage. On a visual only it looked very minor, almost looked like a small animal, or big bird(!), had hit the offside front. The headlight unit had gone, a bit of scuffing on the bumper and the bonnet out of alignment. No airbags deployed. Similar mileage/age versions seem to be circa £45k and this one is £33.5k. I spotted a company that does a top to toe inspection and can reclassify, subject to a successful inspection, cat d to 'Condition Inspected. See here https://www.autolign.co.uk. I wouldn't normally even take a passing glance at a cat d as often the savings aren't great enough, seem to be circa 10% for a lot of cars, over 25 % though catches my attention a little more. £11.5k difference...hmmm.
Still lots more research to do before I decide anything
Thanks again.
James.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
With a bit of internet stalking I managed to find some low res photos of the damage. On a visual only it looked very minor, almost looked like a small animal, or big bird(!), had hit the offside front. The headlight unit had gone, a bit of scuffing on the bumper and the bonnet out of alignment. No airbags deployed. Similar mileage/age versions seem to be circa £45k and this one is £33.5k. I spotted a company that does a top to toe inspection and can reclassify, subject to a successful inspection, cat d to 'Condition Inspected. See here https://www.autolign.co.uk. I wouldn't normally even take a passing glance at a cat d as often the savings aren't great enough, seem to be circa 10% for a lot of cars, over 25 % though catches my attention a little more. £11.5k difference...hmmm.
Still lots more research to do before I decide anything
Thanks again.
James.
There will be a reason why it's a CAT D though, have you seen any report from the insurance company?
The cars have a crash structure at the front that crumples in three stages and sends the transmission under the passenger compartment in a serious accident.
So I'd want an inspection to make sure that was all ok, I can imagine that any deformation in that would have an effect on handling (and future safety)
The cars have a crash structure at the front that crumples in three stages and sends the transmission under the passenger compartment in a serious accident.
So I'd want an inspection to make sure that was all ok, I can imagine that any deformation in that would have an effect on handling (and future safety)
RobDown said:
There will be a reason why it's a CAT D though, have you seen any report from the insurance company?
The cars have a crash structure at the front that crumples in three stages and sends the transmission under the passenger compartment in a serious accident.
So I'd want an inspection to make sure that was all ok, I can imagine that any deformation in that would have an effect on handling (and future safety)
Thanks for the info. I've only just started getting a feel for the market and doing my research at the moment. I'd get the autolign inspection plus an Aston Martin specialist to look over it if I do go down that route. The cars have a crash structure at the front that crumples in three stages and sends the transmission under the passenger compartment in a serious accident.
So I'd want an inspection to make sure that was all ok, I can imagine that any deformation in that would have an effect on handling (and future safety)
martindesu said:
Very interesting!
That's < 50 miles from me. I'll be honest, I decided to go 4.3 for a variety of reasons, though I do like the 4.7 a lot and the engine definitely has more poke.
I'll let others chip in as they may have more insightful comments than mine, but I wasn't aware that cars could be reclassified. TBH if it drives well and has top work done, then I don't think that I personally would have an issue with previous Cat D etc.
I spotted a thread with your hunt. Looks a great example. I wouldn't necessarily be adverse to a 4.3 I suppose if the right spec/colour came along. I don't actually like the newer non sport 20 spoke alloys, I much prefer the ones you have.That's < 50 miles from me. I'll be honest, I decided to go 4.3 for a variety of reasons, though I do like the 4.7 a lot and the engine definitely has more poke.
I'll let others chip in as they may have more insightful comments than mine, but I wasn't aware that cars could be reclassified. TBH if it drives well and has top work done, then I don't think that I personally would have an issue with previous Cat D etc.
I look forward to following your blog
finestjammy said:
2) I'll be covering 9-10k miles a year, any thought on how to limit depreciation? Buy the lowest mile one I can find in budget, or buy at high miles where the depreciation may have already taken place?
6) I would prefer a non sport pack model, but they seem to be rare on the 4.7.
An early 4.7, model year 2009 at a main dealer with say 20,000 miles, would probably retail for about £50,000 now. 6) I would prefer a non sport pack model, but they seem to be rare on the 4.7.
For a low mileage MY2009 car with good options, the depreciation would have been as follows (main dealer prices);
New about £100,000
3 years old £60,000
Since then they have been down to about £45,000, but seem to have crept up a little recently.
It is clear that values are affected quite a lot by higher mileages. The cars can take the miles, but I suppose most buyers do go for low mileage, and there are quite a few lightly used examples to be found. With a combination of high mileage and outside the dealer network, you could get a non Sport Pack for £38,000. Might be less than that, because they have had this car for about three months.
http://www.rgcarsalesltd.co.uk/used-cars/search/?m...
The seller does not seem to know the correct engine bhp, and might be unaware that the colour would have been a several thousand pounds option originally.
I have a non-Sportpack 4.7, and the ride is just right for me. Certainly not too soft.
Enjoy your search. They are wonderful cars, and as you will know, might become quite sought after in the future, because probably the last naturally aspirated V8 Aston.
Edited by Dewi 1 on Sunday 26th March 19:30
1) The car will be my daily driver, I assume this isn't really an issue?
Mine is not used daily but others will confirm that daily use is ok.
2) I'll be covering 9-10k miles a year, any thought on how to limit depreciation? Buy the lowest mile one I can find in budget, or buy at high miles where the depreciation may have already taken place?
My first. Vantage was a 4.3 with 19k miles and I only put 2k miles on it before I traded it in for my 4.7. I got a great trade in price for the 4.3 which I am sure was helped by the low mileage, my 4.7 was a one owner with only 4.5k miles on it and I think with the low miles I do it will retain most of its value.
3) Is there an over rev report that can be done as per Porsche? I.e. Evidence of missed placed down changes.
No idea. All I can say is that after driving several Sportshifts I went for a manual. This is a purely personal choice.
4) Is there any way to tell how worn the clutch is?
I think any reputable Aston main dealer or Indie can tell you by carrying out some kind of check.
5) Can an Aston Martin be applied to a car bought outside of the network, like you can with Porsche?
I assume you mean warranty?
I bought my 4.7 from a really good indie and it had a full inspection report and a 12 month comprehensive warranty.
6) I would prefer a non sport pack model but they seem to be rare on the 4.7. Anyone coke from a Cayman/911 with PASM who would care to share their experiences?
Mine does not have the sports pack but i understand the sports pack gives a firmer ride.
7) I've seen a Cat D one for sale at circa 26% less than market value. Worth considering if I get a full inspection, or run a mile?
I would never buy a car like an Aston as a Cat D. The car you linked to is priced accordingly and you would IMHO lose even more money if you wanted to sell.
I much prefer my 4.7 over the 4.3 in many ways so if you can stretch to it go for the 4.7
Mine is not used daily but others will confirm that daily use is ok.
2) I'll be covering 9-10k miles a year, any thought on how to limit depreciation? Buy the lowest mile one I can find in budget, or buy at high miles where the depreciation may have already taken place?
My first. Vantage was a 4.3 with 19k miles and I only put 2k miles on it before I traded it in for my 4.7. I got a great trade in price for the 4.3 which I am sure was helped by the low mileage, my 4.7 was a one owner with only 4.5k miles on it and I think with the low miles I do it will retain most of its value.
3) Is there an over rev report that can be done as per Porsche? I.e. Evidence of missed placed down changes.
No idea. All I can say is that after driving several Sportshifts I went for a manual. This is a purely personal choice.
4) Is there any way to tell how worn the clutch is?
I think any reputable Aston main dealer or Indie can tell you by carrying out some kind of check.
5) Can an Aston Martin be applied to a car bought outside of the network, like you can with Porsche?
I assume you mean warranty?
I bought my 4.7 from a really good indie and it had a full inspection report and a 12 month comprehensive warranty.
6) I would prefer a non sport pack model but they seem to be rare on the 4.7. Anyone coke from a Cayman/911 with PASM who would care to share their experiences?
Mine does not have the sports pack but i understand the sports pack gives a firmer ride.
7) I've seen a Cat D one for sale at circa 26% less than market value. Worth considering if I get a full inspection, or run a mile?
I would never buy a car like an Aston as a Cat D. The car you linked to is priced accordingly and you would IMHO lose even more money if you wanted to sell.
I much prefer my 4.7 over the 4.3 in many ways so if you can stretch to it go for the 4.7
RobDown said:
The cars have a crash structure at the front that crumples in three stages and sends the transmission under the passenger compartment in a serious accident.
I am puzzled Rob.
When you say, 'sends the transmission under', are you referring to the long torque tube alloy casting, because the actual gearbox will already be behind the occupants, as their car crashes into a forward object?
biggsjo said:
4) Is there any way to tell how worn the clutch is?
I think any reputable Aston main dealer or Indie can tell you by carrying out some kind of check.
I think any reputable Aston main dealer or Indie can tell you by carrying out some kind of check.
My understanding is that this only applies to the Sportshift gearbox.
Jon39 said:
RobDown said:
The cars have a crash structure at the front that crumples in three stages and sends the transmission under the passenger compartment in a serious accident.
I am puzzled Rob.
When you say, 'sends the transmission under', are you referring to the long torque tube alloy casting, because the actual gearbox will already be behind the occupants, as their car crashes into a forward object?
The crash structure is designed to send the engine etc downwards rather than into the driver. The reason I was thinking transmission while typing is that some 20 years I owned a bmw m3, had a low speed front end shunt and it cracked the transmission (but was only picked up weeks later). Peronally I wouldn't risk a Cat D Aston Martin, it feels like a false economy as what you save up front you will likely lose come resale. But if I were to think about a CAT D it's distortions to that frontal crash structure that I would want reassurance on
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