2007 Vantage - what to ask and look for?

[limey1]

Hey guys,

I'm new here and looking for some advice. I have an appointment to see a 2007 V8 Vantage this week but do not have the buyer's guide yet (ordered!).

I read the FAQ and this has given me an idea on some of the basics in terms of what to check/ask but wondered if I am missing anything obvious?

- 8 year service - check if this been done or is due
- Clutch renewal - how can I check or know that this is due for renewal? Is it obvious on the Vantage?
- Check running temperature due to thermostat issue
- the usual - MOT, tyres, service history, warranty

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Neil1300r]

You can't check the clutch for wear. If it's got a high bite point it may be worn. The major thing to check service history, was it fully serviced or just oil change for a stamp in their book?

Check tyres for uneven wear, could be a sign of geo alignment.
Do the rear lights have water in them. Fronts will be fogged up.
Is the carpet wet in the boot?

[montecristo]

As Neil says, you can't really tell from the clutch, especially since it may have a very different feel to what you currently drive (e.g. quite stiff, difficult when cold). Re: uneven wear, it could also be due to one at a time being punctured and replaced, I've had two in a year, apparently it's builders leaving nails lying around on the streets of London, who knows.

- when was the battery changed, if not recently, it will probably need a new one.
- condition of the driver seat leather, if nothing else it's a negotiating point.
- outside front of the rear arches for chips, if it doesn't have the protector film.
- does the sat nav go up and down smoothly.

I went to the dealer with a long list of things to check, and forgot all about them as soon as I saw the car.

[dig123]

Hi I picked up and MY 06 a couple of months ago and similar to you as started looking before getting Grants Guide on the new models (which I must say is an excellent guide and good read well done to Grant).

I had the following issues/work done.

Two new rear tyres.
AC needed fixing I think it was the condenser.
Front blocking plate, in front of front wheel needed replacing.
Replacement puncture repair fluid expired
Replacement front pully noisy

Check all the electrical items and paint damage to bottom edge of doors. I had the car independently inspected.

Keep you figures crossed the book comes before you see the car.

[limey1]

Thanks guys, appreciate all the feedback!

One other question. Would you still look to have an independent inspection even if buying from a main dealer? I know it sounds like a semi-crazy question but just concerned that there could be mechanical issues under the surface.

I believe used/approved cars will come with a 12 month warranty so I guess that is piece of mind?

Also a car in it's 7th year - would you push for the 8 year service now as part of the deal? Or is that taking the proverbial?!

Cheers

Edited by limey1 on Wednesday 20th August 18:32

[V12woollie]

limey1 said:

Thanks guys, appreciate all the feedback!

One other question. Would you still look to have an independent inspection even if buying from a main dealer? I know it sounds like a semi-crazy question but just concerned that there could be mechanical issues under the surface.

I believe used/approved cars will come with a 12 month warranty so I guess that is piece of mind?

Also a car in it's 7th year - would you push for the 8 year service now as part of the deal? Or is that taking the proverbial?!

Cheers

Push for everything you can get. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Independent inspections can often be much more thorough than dealer ones, which amount to the 140 point cursory glance check

[limey1]

V12woollie said:

Push for everything you can get. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Independent inspections can often be much more thorough than dealer ones, which amount to the 140 point cursory glance check

Agreed!

It seems that even Aston dealers can be stealers and should not be trusted?! I have already had the 140 point check mentioned and the only a "couple of minor issues" were found. I guess an independent inspection would be a wise move.

[W1111AM]

My tip:

• By dealer only, the premium renewable warranty is worth gold dust. It is so comprehensive. I had new engine and gearbox under warranty!

When your getting down to the deal list everything you can find wrong, choose 80% of these things to be rectified as they have to sell only a top quality car under dealership standards. Don't expect to discount the price if they do all your wishes.
Clutch, the test I believe is to pull away in 5th gear, if the car does it the clutch is fine (high biting point is also good indicator). General rule of thumb, city owner manual 20k clutch, non city 25-35k for new clutch.
Delaminating rear screen, white cloudy marks on black edges of rear screen, change with dealer.
Make sure body panels are aligned evenly, dealership can arrange adjustment of panels (they are never 100% aligned from the factory). Uneven tyre wear...
Fewest owners, lowest miles, service history a must, you know the rest.
Test drive should give you some instinctive feelers.
They are truly great to own, you will love it!!
Look forward to seeing what you buy

[simonpa]

Where in Surrey are you Gary?
I'm in Fleet, Hants, if you want to borrow Grant's book before the weekend.

AM warranty covers most things (not paint), but is only useful if you know how to use it..

Paint can be a fiddly thing to check - what looks like a touched-up chip, can turn out to be the start of bubbling from beneath. Check door shuts at the bottom and under the edges of the bonnet and similar areas.

Where is the car you are viewing - is it local?

Good luck!

Simon

[limey1]

simonpa said:

Where in Surrey are you Gary?
I'm in Fleet, Hants, if you want to borrow Grant's book before the weekend.

AM warranty covers most things (not paint), but is only useful if you know how to use it..

Paint can be a fiddly thing to check - what looks like a touched-up chip, can turn out to be the start of bubbling from beneath. Check door shuts at the bottom and under the edges of the bonnet and similar areas.

Where is the car you are viewing - is it local?

Good luck!

Simon

Thanks Simon, appreciate the offer! I am near Guildford so not too far from you.

Still waiting on the book but went to view the car today and it is not what I am looking for (interior colour is Kestrel tan). I have also seen another car with an independent dealer but the condition is not A1 so I am going to hang on for the right car.