Thursday 15th September 2016

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster: Spotted

Dare we play the game of new versus used with the TT RS?

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Now while new versus used is never the sensible method for comparing prospective purchases the idea of seeing what you could get in the classifieds for the same money as a new model is an irresistible temptation. Let's face it, who doesn't occasionally love shouting "but you could have a <insert used car of choice> for that!"?

With the Audi TT RS now a £53,550 car in Roadster form, the pull from the classifieds to see what was available for the same price point was too great to resist. Must be the hot weather. But if you have c. £55K to spend on a fast drop-top, the options are numerous, varied and very desirable. The F-Type has already dropped to that money, the original R8 isn't far off and there will always be some kind of 911 cabrio in budget.

Don't misunderstand - if you're after a new car, buy a new car. We wouldn't want to be held responsible for any mishaps, after all. But if there is scope to be a little more, shall we say, imaginative, there really is all sorts to choose from.

This V8 Vantage Roadster, for example. For a little more than £1,000 - call it a sports exhaust, most likely - over a TT RS, this Aston seems to represent extremely good value. The spec is spot on, for a start. It's the later 4.7-litre car, paired with the rare (but desirable to us) manual gearbox and with less than 40,000 miles too. Some may prefer a more exciting colour combination, but at least the black is livened up with red stitching and calipers.

Now while the V8 Vantage is very far from a spring chicken, there is plenty to recommend it at this vintage and price. It's often forgotten how good the baby Aston is to drive, with a fantastic rear-wheel drive balance and lovely steering. With the bigger engine, the performance should just about match the thunderous soundtrack too. And well there ever be a time where it doesn't look absolutely stunning?

There are drawbacks though, of course. The PH Buying Guide will highlight those, with a few additional contributions from PHers! You'll need to be wary of the electrics, as well as corroding wing mirror mounts and an overly high reverse gear, which is known to wear the clutch out. On Roadsters, check the roof liner for wear; poorly covered support bars can cause this. Let's not forget either that a TT RS will be decidedly quicker than this Aston, while using less fuel as well. Should interiors be mentioned at all? No, this isn't new versus used...

So while it will continue to depreciate and the running costs will surely be high, this V8 still appears an extremely satisfying way to spend £55K. Plus, if you do find the performance lacking, this F-Type V8 looks great too. Spoilt for choice!

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ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE ROADSTER
Engine: 4,735cc, V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 426@7,300rpm
Torque (lb ft): 346@5,000rpm
MPG: 20.5
CO2: 321g/km
First registered: 2009
Recorded mileage: 39,000
Price new: starting from £84,995
Yours for: £54,850

See the original advert here

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Surely being a Convertible, 4.7 and Manual this hasn't got far to depreciate? dont the 4.7's hold their money as people want them over the early 4.3's?

No contest, this all day long