My first Aston Martin purchase - Any feedback very welcome!
Discussion
Hi All
After several 911 Turbos and a foray with a Maserati Granturismo (which was lovely) I went for a Bentley Continental GT a couple of years ago. Again lovely, but a bit boring.
I have now decided that the right thing to do is to to buy an Aston Martin! I've also decided it must be a DBS simply because I love the look of it!
I have found a 2010 in Casino Royale with Alcantara seat and door inserts and steering wheel and 18K on the clock for £97k from Aston Martin Tyne & Wear.
Originally I was looking for one in Quantum or Meteorite, but looking at some photos here the Casino Royale colour does really seem to suit the DBS.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this car/colour combo? It has a meticulous service history but has already had 3 owners - should I be concerned at this?
Is there anything else I need to watch out for? Also, they seem to be rising in price - anyone got a good crystal ball as to future price movements?
I am seeing the car tomorrow and know I am already buying with my heart (otherwise I could save the money and stick with the Bentley) so feedback would be really welcome.
Thanks!
After several 911 Turbos and a foray with a Maserati Granturismo (which was lovely) I went for a Bentley Continental GT a couple of years ago. Again lovely, but a bit boring.
I have now decided that the right thing to do is to to buy an Aston Martin! I've also decided it must be a DBS simply because I love the look of it!
I have found a 2010 in Casino Royale with Alcantara seat and door inserts and steering wheel and 18K on the clock for £97k from Aston Martin Tyne & Wear.
Originally I was looking for one in Quantum or Meteorite, but looking at some photos here the Casino Royale colour does really seem to suit the DBS.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this car/colour combo? It has a meticulous service history but has already had 3 owners - should I be concerned at this?
Is there anything else I need to watch out for? Also, they seem to be rising in price - anyone got a good crystal ball as to future price movements?
I am seeing the car tomorrow and know I am already buying with my heart (otherwise I could save the money and stick with the Bentley) so feedback would be really welcome.
Thanks!
chriswhit said:
Julian,
Welcome!
Im assuming it's this car https://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~... which looks fantastic in that colour.
First thing I would say is get grants book, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Definitive-Guide-Gaydon-As... which tells you everything you need to know. 3 owners for that age wouldn't bother me, Gaydon era Astons are pretty well built and the age should mean its free of any early issues. I can't comment on any common problems with the DBS since I only have a V8 (not at all jealous) but I can say you shouldn't expect much of a deal from Stratsone as they are notoriously difficult to negotiate with.
Be warned as soon as you've driven it you will likely be signing a cheque, but as you say you buy with your heart. You wont regret it!
That's the one! I've already ordered the book, but I will have probably bought the car before it arrives!Welcome!
Im assuming it's this car https://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~... which looks fantastic in that colour.
First thing I would say is get grants book, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Definitive-Guide-Gaydon-As... which tells you everything you need to know. 3 owners for that age wouldn't bother me, Gaydon era Astons are pretty well built and the age should mean its free of any early issues. I can't comment on any common problems with the DBS since I only have a V8 (not at all jealous) but I can say you shouldn't expect much of a deal from Stratsone as they are notoriously difficult to negotiate with.
Be warned as soon as you've driven it you will likely be signing a cheque, but as you say you buy with your heart. You wont regret it!
You are bang on about their negotiating stance - in fact I am thinking of offering them extra as they are clearly making so little on this sale
In fairness though, they are 3 hours away from me and I just don't have the time to write off a day going to see it, so they are bringing it down to me tomorrow morning.
Here is a pic of it outside of the showroom lights, I think the colour looks even better:
hashluck said:
Sounds like your mind is made up 
Congrats on what seems like an imminent purchase of a gorgeous car.
With your car history I think you will like it a lot, it is different not always better but always lovable. Maserati GT was closest in character I could find.
Yes, I suppose it really is made up, but I just wanted to hear what experienced Aston owners had to say before committing to nearly 100 grand on a motor!Congrats on what seems like an imminent purchase of a gorgeous car.
With your car history I think you will like it a lot, it is different not always better but always lovable. Maserati GT was closest in character I could find.
Interesting what you say about the Maserati GT, I really liked that car (though bought it from new and took a £30k loss 12 months later
).Thanks
divetheworld said:
Push for a polish and paint protection film, Glass buttons and either a second year warranty or first service half price.
Then you can pay sticker price.
It's about what I get out of them.
Polish and paint protection film is an excellent idea - any idea what the cost of them would be?Then you can pay sticker price.
It's about what I get out of them.
I have already asked about replacing the plastic seat operators with the new metal ones (they are checking if this can be done!
). What is the deal with the glass buttons? I have read about them but can't find any pics showing the difference between glass ones and whatever is already there?Thanks for your feedback
UcockAroach said:
Hi Julian
After a long, and still ongoing love affair with 911s I had the schoolboy like desire to own one of the most beautiful cars of recent times...a DBS. After nearly a year of searching for the right car (2010 DBS 2+2 manual in Quantum) I closed my eyes and handed over the cash. Do the same...you wont be disappointed. My crystal ball hasn't been working for a long time now but I would suggest that given how the first Vanquish has performed and the fact that a DBS is Aston's last V12 Manual, then I think prices should hold up pretty well. Good luck
Hi UcockAroachAfter a long, and still ongoing love affair with 911s I had the schoolboy like desire to own one of the most beautiful cars of recent times...a DBS. After nearly a year of searching for the right car (2010 DBS 2+2 manual in Quantum) I closed my eyes and handed over the cash. Do the same...you wont be disappointed. My crystal ball hasn't been working for a long time now but I would suggest that given how the first Vanquish has performed and the fact that a DBS is Aston's last V12 Manual, then I think prices should hold up pretty well. Good luck
Mine (though I've not even bought it yet!) is not a manual, but I still think it will fair quite well in terms of future price just because it was a great flagship model and there are only so many about. I am not thinking that it would be an investment though, well maybe an investment in my happiness!
Cheers
UcockAroach said:
HWM offered me Williams F1 Ceramic coat which cost £500 which I took. Interested to hear if they can change the seat switches to metal ones...the plastic ones are definitely low rent. Have you bought it yet?
HWM sound really good. I spoke to Guy and Stuart there as I was originally considering a Vanquish S they have.If Tyne & Wear can't stretch to £500 to give me the same it is a pretty poor show.
They are bringing it to me tomorrow to view and test drive. I've put a holding deposit down subject to seeing it and agreed a trade in price for my Bentley with them. If they are sensible (and I am not unreasonable) I think I will have bought it by lunchtime!
Edited by JulianPH on Friday 31st October 16:26
V8 Animal said:
KarlFranz said:
Aston cannot change a car from plastic seat controls to metal ones because they use a different interface. The plastic ones are simple switches and they just close the contacts that actuate the motors. The metal ones encode the signals from the switches through a common set of wires and a seat ECU decodes it to determine what movement is required.
The only difference between the standard switches and the glass ones is their appearance. The glass ones look similar to the start button where the function icon is located about 10mm below a glass-like surface whereas the standard ones are made of opaque plastic that has been painted black and has the icon laser etched on the surface. The remaining black on the plastic switches can wear out or scratch with fingernails which will ruin the appearance of the icon as it allows more of the light to show through the translucent portion beneath. The glass switches are more resilient and look much classier.
Karl,The only difference between the standard switches and the glass ones is their appearance. The glass ones look similar to the start button where the function icon is located about 10mm below a glass-like surface whereas the standard ones are made of opaque plastic that has been painted black and has the icon laser etched on the surface. The remaining black on the plastic switches can wear out or scratch with fingernails which will ruin the appearance of the icon as it allows more of the light to show through the translucent portion beneath. The glass switches are more resilient and look much classier.
Edited by KarlFranz on Friday 31st October 17:22
I think the OP is referring to these which are on my MY12
Full glass button replacements about £1k
Ceramic coating and detailing about £750 but not worth it IMO
Stone protection front third about £2k a must IMO
HTH
None of these things will change my mind on a DBS, but could change my mind on which one I go for (I love the interior on the one I am seeing tomorrow - but £10k more for a 2012 model with upgrades sounds well worth the difference - even though it means waiting for the right one).
In an ideal world I could buy the car I want now and then add the upgrades.
How long does the stone protection last (I know this must sound stupid for the experienced) and why do you consider the ceramic coating not to be worth the money? Only asking as I don't know.
Many thanks for your comments!
V8 Animal said:
cayman-black said:
Picture and all the info came from Paul( V8Animal)
Yep was me do a search on my posts ive recently bought a 2012 DBS and traded in a 2008 there is some differences in the models price being the important one 2nd car for the stone protection it will stay on the car for as long as I keep it.
Ceramic coating I had on my first car and I found it difficult to maintain however they are improving this protection all the time.
It was sold to me on the basis it would keep swirls down as its a tough coating it didn't.
You may be best talking to paddy about this.
Any more help just yell
I really appreciate your feedback.
Julian
Hi All
Well, the car came at midday and was absolutely stunning. Just as I had signed the retention form for my numberplate and the log book of my Bentley we hit a couple of problems.
First one is a warning light on my Bentley. This comes on every now and then when it has not been driven and goes off after you give it a good run (just as Bentley advised me when it first appeared). It was also on when - at Stratstone Tyne & Wear's request - I took the Bentley to Stratstone Derby for them to inspect it.
However, they now want me to take it to a specialist before proceeding with the agreed part exchange price. Had they said this before giving me a p/x price and bringing the DBS down to me I would have completely understood, but they did not and are now obviously trying to reduce the p/x price from the one stated in their own Order Form saying they were not aware of this.
The other thing is that the order form gives the asking price of the DBS and then adds to this a £145 "Used Car Administration Fee"!!!!! They are saying they won't budge on this (even though I am paying full asking price and they offered £1,500 less on my Bentley than JCT600 - who have serviced it for the last 7 years - offered me in p/x).
Other points, the headlamps were misted over on the inside (apparently because the lights had been on) and the breaks squealed horribly (the guy who drove it 150 miles to me said they were fine until just before he arrived, but his boss said this was because they were ceramic brakes, but he would have this fixed???).
So, any thoughts anyone?
Have taken pics and will post shortly (camera battery died). Car itself was incredible other than the above.
Well, the car came at midday and was absolutely stunning. Just as I had signed the retention form for my numberplate and the log book of my Bentley we hit a couple of problems.
First one is a warning light on my Bentley. This comes on every now and then when it has not been driven and goes off after you give it a good run (just as Bentley advised me when it first appeared). It was also on when - at Stratstone Tyne & Wear's request - I took the Bentley to Stratstone Derby for them to inspect it.
However, they now want me to take it to a specialist before proceeding with the agreed part exchange price. Had they said this before giving me a p/x price and bringing the DBS down to me I would have completely understood, but they did not and are now obviously trying to reduce the p/x price from the one stated in their own Order Form saying they were not aware of this.
The other thing is that the order form gives the asking price of the DBS and then adds to this a £145 "Used Car Administration Fee"!!!!! They are saying they won't budge on this (even though I am paying full asking price and they offered £1,500 less on my Bentley than JCT600 - who have serviced it for the last 7 years - offered me in p/x).
Other points, the headlamps were misted over on the inside (apparently because the lights had been on) and the breaks squealed horribly (the guy who drove it 150 miles to me said they were fine until just before he arrived, but his boss said this was because they were ceramic brakes, but he would have this fixed???).
So, any thoughts anyone?
Have taken pics and will post shortly (camera battery died). Car itself was incredible other than the above.
Thanks for the feedback everyone.
It was a completely dry sunny day for the whole 150 mile journey yesterday and the chap said the screeching brakes only started as he got close to me. It's a March 2010 model so I have serious concerns about this - and about them doing a proper job in rectifying the issue.
Misted headlamps not a problem.
£145 Used Car Administration Fee just sounds ridiculous to me. I am paying them asking price and now they want me to pay them this on top (and of course there is £500 for road tax)- are they in anyway connected to Ryanair?
The p/x price is really annoying me though. They knew it was soon due a service and had only done 1,000 miles since the last one (I was out of the UK a lot) and had already fully inspected it at their Derby branch with the warning light on and offered me a p/x price based on this. Now they are saying they didn't know about this - but only after I had signed everything but the Order Form (with this p/x price on it).
I'm just going to take the Bentley in early for a service (as I would have done if they had asked initially) and might even hang onto it over winter.
Right, moan over!
One thing I forgot to ask - is it right that the drivers seat has only an inch or so of height movement (even though the passenger seat has MUCH greater range of height travel)?
Thanks again!
It was a completely dry sunny day for the whole 150 mile journey yesterday and the chap said the screeching brakes only started as he got close to me. It's a March 2010 model so I have serious concerns about this - and about them doing a proper job in rectifying the issue.
Misted headlamps not a problem.
£145 Used Car Administration Fee just sounds ridiculous to me. I am paying them asking price and now they want me to pay them this on top (and of course there is £500 for road tax)- are they in anyway connected to Ryanair?
The p/x price is really annoying me though. They knew it was soon due a service and had only done 1,000 miles since the last one (I was out of the UK a lot) and had already fully inspected it at their Derby branch with the warning light on and offered me a p/x price based on this. Now they are saying they didn't know about this - but only after I had signed everything but the Order Form (with this p/x price on it).
I'm just going to take the Bentley in early for a service (as I would have done if they had asked initially) and might even hang onto it over winter.
Right, moan over!
One thing I forgot to ask - is it right that the drivers seat has only an inch or so of height movement (even though the passenger seat has MUCH greater range of height travel)?
Thanks again!
L0TT0 said:
michael gould said:
If there is one thing I have learnt about buying cars is.......ther're is always a better deal to be had , maybe tomorrow, next week , next months.....but always a better deal......they were taking the piss, I would have told them to put their nice shinny car back in the showroom
True 
OP...... When I decided to change my V12V Carbon Black for a CB DBS I was convinced I had found the right car(2010 model) but felt the numbers were just TOO one sided and made the decision to walk away. Strangely enough it was October/November last year. After a sulk of a few months I found the PERFECT ( for me) car, that was a late September 2012 model and did the deal in March. More money, yes, but worked for me at the time and on reflection, isn't hindsight a wonderful thing, was definitely the right car and am so glad I walked away from the original deal, difficult as it was.
Stick with it matey
the right car for you is out there How about the height position on the drivers seat? I would have expected it to have the same range as the passenger seat but it only moves up a tiny amount in this car and I felt very low sat in it. The guy said this was normal (about an inch of height travel) but then was surprised when the passenger seat rose up about 5 inches.
Is that just the way it is, or is their perhaps a fault on the drivers seat?
Thanks again!
cayman-black said:
Thanks for thinking of me, unfortunately I have seen it and spoke to them about it. It doesn't have the Alcantara inserts and steering wheel that I really want. If it had the inserts I would snap it up and pay for the steering wheel.I know it is a matter of taste but they really appeal to me and make the car stand out.
Here is a pic of the interior on 'mine
'
Hi All
Well, after things getting worse (they actually told me my retention deposit does not hold the car for me as I haven't signed the order form???!!!) they have agreed to replace the disk pads, they have fixed the height adjustment on the drivers seat and they have waived the £145 admin fee (I told them this was a deal breaker) and so it now looks like everything is in order and I am going to buy!
How any company can make it such a painful experience to buy a £100k motor I have no idea!
I took the Bentley to the specialist they selected and the diagnostics said there were no faults. So I think I will keep it and sell it privately after winter.
Thanks for all your feedback - anything else I should know before I sign the order form....?
Pics on my drive should be available this weekend if all goes well!
Cheers
Well, after things getting worse (they actually told me my retention deposit does not hold the car for me as I haven't signed the order form???!!!) they have agreed to replace the disk pads, they have fixed the height adjustment on the drivers seat and they have waived the £145 admin fee (I told them this was a deal breaker) and so it now looks like everything is in order and I am going to buy!
How any company can make it such a painful experience to buy a £100k motor I have no idea!
I took the Bentley to the specialist they selected and the diagnostics said there were no faults. So I think I will keep it and sell it privately after winter.
Thanks for all your feedback - anything else I should know before I sign the order form....?
Pics on my drive should be available this weekend if all goes well!
Cheers
holes?.
CAR WARS... The saga continues
There is still a DBS missing from my drive!
New problem is that due to new rules I have to sign the finance agreement at Oracle's office (because it is over £62k apparently). I couldn't get to them on Friday and so I could not take delivery on Saturday. No problem, I can do it tomorrow on Monday.
However, the salesman is now on holiday for a week I can't get the DBS until he is back. After everything so far having to wait another week is annoying in itself, but the final nail in the coffin is that the franchise manager has said that if someone else wants the car they will sell it to them - even though I have put down a holding deposit...???!!!
I can't really see this going any further now.
Any thoughts on this one?
http://www.jardinemotors.co.uk/aston-martin/used-c...
High mileage but nearly £15 cheaper for the same MY. Doesn't satisfy my alcantara fetish but I can always get this done afterwards.
Cheers
There is still a DBS missing from my drive!
New problem is that due to new rules I have to sign the finance agreement at Oracle's office (because it is over £62k apparently). I couldn't get to them on Friday and so I could not take delivery on Saturday. No problem, I can do it tomorrow on Monday.
However, the salesman is now on holiday for a week I can't get the DBS until he is back. After everything so far having to wait another week is annoying in itself, but the final nail in the coffin is that the franchise manager has said that if someone else wants the car they will sell it to them - even though I have put down a holding deposit...???!!!
I can't really see this going any further now.
Any thoughts on this one?
http://www.jardinemotors.co.uk/aston-martin/used-c...
High mileage but nearly £15 cheaper for the same MY. Doesn't satisfy my alcantara fetish but I can always get this done afterwards.
Cheers
Hi All
Thanks once again for your comments. I have taken your advice and walked away.
I have to say I felt a massive wave of relief after doing so.
They have said they will refund my deposit and that they were sorry for the way things were handled.
Thanks once again for all your feedback, comments and support - without which I may have lost faith in Aston Martin altogether.
Thanks once again for your comments. I have taken your advice and walked away.
I have to say I felt a massive wave of relief after doing so.
They have said they will refund my deposit and that they were sorry for the way things were handled.
Thanks once again for all your feedback, comments and support - without which I may have lost faith in Aston Martin altogether.
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