V8 or V8 ?.....;
Discussion
Hello all,
I'm new in the Aston Martin world even if I read a lot and spend some nights going down the several forums....
I'm willing to buy an V8 Vantage, and I have a difficult choice to be made...
Is offered to me a V8 Vantage 4.3 roadster. year 2008, 24.000Km, second owner, grey/black from a private. All bills and records are available. car is pretty clean, sportshift, no heating seats, no options. (sat nav, cruise control and that will be it)
And a AM dealer in Belgium (I'm belgian) propose me a V8 Vantage N400, year 2008...black on black (Love it) 52.000Km comes with a extended waranty, first owner, handshift, all records and history comes with it. Car looks new.
I love the N400, but a roadster is also pretty much enjoyable.
Price are similar....
That car needs to be my daily driver.
I will appreciate any advice on depreciation, use or downfalls of each of those two.
I'm new in the Aston Martin world even if I read a lot and spend some nights going down the several forums....
I'm willing to buy an V8 Vantage, and I have a difficult choice to be made...
Is offered to me a V8 Vantage 4.3 roadster. year 2008, 24.000Km, second owner, grey/black from a private. All bills and records are available. car is pretty clean, sportshift, no heating seats, no options. (sat nav, cruise control and that will be it)
And a AM dealer in Belgium (I'm belgian) propose me a V8 Vantage N400, year 2008...black on black (Love it) 52.000Km comes with a extended waranty, first owner, handshift, all records and history comes with it. Car looks new.
I love the N400, but a roadster is also pretty much enjoyable.
Price are similar....
That car needs to be my daily driver.
I will appreciate any advice on depreciation, use or downfalls of each of those two.
Thank you to all of you guys, and yes, I know about the clutch problems,and therefore, I'm planning to ask Bamford Rose to fit one of their special clutches and flywheel to the one I'm buying. I have a deal with the dealer who drop the price of the value of the replacement of the original clutch, something around 3500 euros down.
I can't strech for a 4.7, they are still out of my price range, (min 10/15.000 euros more)and even if I could, the few I can see are realy poor on options and all grey (I had a 997 4S (7th Porsche) as daily driver and it was ....grey...so...a litlle bored with that color.)
The N400 has a two year waranty, and if things turn wrong, it could be of course a life saver...you'll never know...
And it comes with winter wheels and tyres for a 2500 euros more. Absolutely needed because I go very often to Switzerland and it is required there or they don't let you enter the country.
What could be the add-ons to make the car more "modern", I see that the N400 has a special suspension, does it really change the way it drives?
Thank you once again for your feed back and sorry if I make mistake in english language, but I learned english with a Texas chick....:-D
I can't strech for a 4.7, they are still out of my price range, (min 10/15.000 euros more)and even if I could, the few I can see are realy poor on options and all grey (I had a 997 4S (7th Porsche) as daily driver and it was ....grey...so...a litlle bored with that color.)
The N400 has a two year waranty, and if things turn wrong, it could be of course a life saver...you'll never know...
And it comes with winter wheels and tyres for a 2500 euros more. Absolutely needed because I go very often to Switzerland and it is required there or they don't let you enter the country.
What could be the add-ons to make the car more "modern", I see that the N400 has a special suspension, does it really change the way it drives?
Thank you once again for your feed back and sorry if I make mistake in english language, but I learned english with a Texas chick....:-D
Edited by Stefwings on Thursday 13th November 22:20
Edited by Stefwings on Thursday 13th November 22:22
well, let's say that a coupe make more sense as it will be my kind of daily driver (I have a VW Polo DSG as well, for the city) it rains a lot in Belgium! and also in the way that the trunk (boot) is a real one, and can contain more as an umbrella and a tooth brush...
I send mail to Adrian from BR and he made me a proposal on a exhaust and cats and a double plate clutch...not bad at all.
In Belgium, it's the dealer or noting, Some mechanics will touch an AM but most will run away from it. And the dealer's rate aren't that bad. (around 80eur a hour)...
About the interior, (obsidian black of course with silver stiching)it's in pristine condition on both cars, and I like it pretty much. Don't like those big knobs on the updated center console. Too flashy for me.
But the N400 does have a blue tooth connection (very important for me), an I pod and USB inlet, a top quality stereo, and also the special wheels specific to that serie of cars...I think I made up my mind...
Of course, my ultimate dream will be a V12 Vantage, but that will stay a dream. They are way out of my price range. (and insurance and taxes rates are just stupid on those cars)
Well, I will try to take some pictures tomorrow and post them. (if I find the way to!)
About Porsche clutch, on all of the 911 I owned (914, 2.4, 2.7, 3.2, 3.3 turbo, 3.6 car2, 997, all manual, clutch life was in between 80.000 (turbo) and....don't know, sold the cars before a need for a change, but over 100.000km....
I expect the AM N400 in need of a clutch change in the next 10.00 km, so why wait, I will do it, and have peace of mind. i don't want to have a problem when I will be somewhere in the swiss mountains or in southern Italy, because it will happen on a friday rainy night, like always.:-)
I send mail to Adrian from BR and he made me a proposal on a exhaust and cats and a double plate clutch...not bad at all.
In Belgium, it's the dealer or noting, Some mechanics will touch an AM but most will run away from it. And the dealer's rate aren't that bad. (around 80eur a hour)...
About the interior, (obsidian black of course with silver stiching)it's in pristine condition on both cars, and I like it pretty much. Don't like those big knobs on the updated center console. Too flashy for me.
But the N400 does have a blue tooth connection (very important for me), an I pod and USB inlet, a top quality stereo, and also the special wheels specific to that serie of cars...I think I made up my mind...
Of course, my ultimate dream will be a V12 Vantage, but that will stay a dream. They are way out of my price range. (and insurance and taxes rates are just stupid on those cars)
Well, I will try to take some pictures tomorrow and post them. (if I find the way to!)
About Porsche clutch, on all of the 911 I owned (914, 2.4, 2.7, 3.2, 3.3 turbo, 3.6 car2, 997, all manual, clutch life was in between 80.000 (turbo) and....don't know, sold the cars before a need for a change, but over 100.000km....
I expect the AM N400 in need of a clutch change in the next 10.00 km, so why wait, I will do it, and have peace of mind. i don't want to have a problem when I will be somewhere in the swiss mountains or in southern Italy, because it will happen on a friday rainy night, like always.:-)
Edited by Stefwings on Friday 14th November 00:24
good find!Yes, you're right, it's Marleen.
She is a very kind and helpfull Lady.
Even if AM Antwerp is the same quality and take time tio answer to your questions.
But Marleen found that car for me and ....i will see it for the first time in real life this afternoon....hope I will not have a heard attack!...
She is a very kind and helpfull Lady.
Even if AM Antwerp is the same quality and take time tio answer to your questions.
But Marleen found that car for me and ....i will see it for the first time in real life this afternoon....hope I will not have a heard attack!...
strange, those light inserts, isn't it?...I was expetcing them body color....
Anyway, the car is very clean, not perfect, but it came straight from the owner, who is upgrading to a DBS.
And yes, Marleen was very cool...
56.000km, first owner, was sold new by AM Brussels and serviced there, comes with all the invoices and bills, new brake pads, one year extended waranty, four new tyres, and a complete cleaning and pre sale preparation (body polish, etc)
52.000 euros....Think it is a fair price. I could find a cheaper one, but not from a dealer...
And it's black on black...i love it...
Anyway, the car is very clean, not perfect, but it came straight from the owner, who is upgrading to a DBS.
And yes, Marleen was very cool...
56.000km, first owner, was sold new by AM Brussels and serviced there, comes with all the invoices and bills, new brake pads, one year extended waranty, four new tyres, and a complete cleaning and pre sale preparation (body polish, etc)
52.000 euros....Think it is a fair price. I could find a cheaper one, but not from a dealer...
And it's black on black...i love it...
Edited by Stefwings on Friday 14th November 18:26
Thanks.
I'm not scared about the suspension being hard, I'm NOT a slippers and pipe smoker type...
She has also a very beautidul DB9, but when I get older, maybe will I think to it...
About the trunk, there is a very big difference, between the coupe and the roadster, there is a little room behind the seats, and the boot is way bigger...
And to tell you the truth, I'm a little scared of the roadster, because times are becoming a little weird and a softop is so easily damaged (there are a lot of stupid people around) because of stupid jealousy or hatred, you know what i'm talking about.
I'm not scared about the suspension being hard, I'm NOT a slippers and pipe smoker type...
She has also a very beautidul DB9, but when I get older, maybe will I think to it...
About the trunk, there is a very big difference, between the coupe and the roadster, there is a little room behind the seats, and the boot is way bigger...
And to tell you the truth, I'm a little scared of the roadster, because times are becoming a little weird and a softop is so easily damaged (there are a lot of stupid people around) because of stupid jealousy or hatred, you know what i'm talking about.
http://www.astonmartinbrussels.com/en/
Thanks to all for your appreciation and be sure I will tell Marleen about her fan club on Pistonheads....
I think I will have the light inserts painted or carbon, maybe did the owner try to match the white lights? Who knows, people are strange sometimes...
Here a picture of the interior...
It is car number 233 on 240 produced....
Thanks to all for your appreciation and be sure I will tell Marleen about her fan club on Pistonheads....
I think I will have the light inserts painted or carbon, maybe did the owner try to match the white lights? Who knows, people are strange sometimes...
Here a picture of the interior...
It is car number 233 on 240 produced....
About the picture of Marlene, she is on the AMB web site, so, just find her....
But I warn you...She is married to a top end lawyer and she has two sons
I'm scared about the soft top in conjuction with the political situation and the social unrest in Belgium
We had for almost fourty years socialists in the governement and they put us in a mess, and now, there is a coalition of far right flemish and french center right in power...And they are cutting with the big knife in all social welfare and advantages (unemployment wage, and survival money, medicare, retirment wages, etc) So, we had already two major protest marches (pretty violent, cars were set on fire, fights with the police, etc...) and we are awaiting a general strike countrywide on the 15th...
And as you know, owning an Aston Martin is a sign of welth, (even if like me, you had to work hard for long years to pay for it!) and a roadster is even more provocative in the eyes of low class idiots...This explains you why I choose a coupe. more discretion...And i'm even thinkng to move out of the city and go to the countryside.
Anyway, like you said, no problem ahead with the RCM...
But I warn you...She is married to a top end lawyer and she has two sons
I'm scared about the soft top in conjuction with the political situation and the social unrest in Belgium
We had for almost fourty years socialists in the governement and they put us in a mess, and now, there is a coalition of far right flemish and french center right in power...And they are cutting with the big knife in all social welfare and advantages (unemployment wage, and survival money, medicare, retirment wages, etc) So, we had already two major protest marches (pretty violent, cars were set on fire, fights with the police, etc...) and we are awaiting a general strike countrywide on the 15th...
And as you know, owning an Aston Martin is a sign of welth, (even if like me, you had to work hard for long years to pay for it!) and a roadster is even more provocative in the eyes of low class idiots...This explains you why I choose a coupe. more discretion...And i'm even thinkng to move out of the city and go to the countryside.
Anyway, like you said, no problem ahead with the RCM...
Edited by Stefwings on Friday 14th November 22:30
I think life is like a pendulum....it goes one way, a little too far, and then it swings back....that's what happened with the european countries..
But OK, we're not on a political bog, so, yes, let's hope I will enjou my car for LONG LONG years, because I want to make it a keeper...it's a kid dream to own one day an Aston, I was buying Porsches because of their realibility, and their relatively low cost to use, bud had always an eye on Aston...Now, dream is becoming reality, I'm delighted...And no, my name isn't Bond...Even if I like the bond girls...
I'm planning to visit Mike and Adrian at Bamfort Rose to change the clutch for a double plate one, and maybe, depending of the $$ mount a set of 200 cellcats and the "spaghetti" exhaust...
Clutch need to be done anyway.
https://www.facebook.com/marleen.vanroy
But OK, we're not on a political bog, so, yes, let's hope I will enjou my car for LONG LONG years, because I want to make it a keeper...it's a kid dream to own one day an Aston, I was buying Porsches because of their realibility, and their relatively low cost to use, bud had always an eye on Aston...Now, dream is becoming reality, I'm delighted...And no, my name isn't Bond...Even if I like the bond girls...
I'm planning to visit Mike and Adrian at Bamfort Rose to change the clutch for a double plate one, and maybe, depending of the $$ mount a set of 200 cellcats and the "spaghetti" exhaust...
Clutch need to be done anyway.
https://www.facebook.com/marleen.vanroy
Edited by Stefwings on Saturday 15th November 00:00
I think I will put some carbon inserts, and keep the grey ones in a box, so I can always go back to original.
you'll never know.
I have just seen the winter wheels, they are the original V8 7 spokes in gun metal with Soto zero tyres. All is as new.
And I have choice between Bridgestone or Michelin summer tyres, but of what I can read on the several forums, I will go for the Michelin PSS.
About the pendulum, just let us hope it doesn't go too far on the other side.....
you'll never know.
I have just seen the winter wheels, they are the original V8 7 spokes in gun metal with Soto zero tyres. All is as new.
And I have choice between Bridgestone or Michelin summer tyres, but of what I can read on the several forums, I will go for the Michelin PSS.
About the pendulum, just let us hope it doesn't go too far on the other side.....
Yes, but what difference can it make if the tyres are approved or not? it's just a commercial deal between Bridgestone and AM, nothing involving security or anything of that kind. If the tyres have the correct specifications, (speed, charge)and mesurements, there will be no problem, including with the insurance.
As a matter of fact, this kind of "obligation" is forbidden by the European Union, because it could be assimilate to a forced sale and consumers don't have freedom of choice...
As a matter of fact, this kind of "obligation" is forbidden by the European Union, because it could be assimilate to a forced sale and consumers don't have freedom of choice...
Edited by Stefwings on Saturday 15th November 13:12
I definitevely took a decision on the n400.
It seems that these models are pretty rare..400 isn't much for the entire world.
I didn't find another one (in order to compare prices) on any other web site...Even in the US.
So, I will take delivery around the twenty of december, but I'm not sure I will put it on the street immediately, snow and freezing wheater aren't really compatible with 400 BHP on two rear wheels...Even with winter tyres. In Belgium they have the habit to trow salt on the roads and this isn't a good way to treath paint and undercarriage of an expensive car.
It seems that these models are pretty rare..400 isn't much for the entire world.
I didn't find another one (in order to compare prices) on any other web site...Even in the US.
So, I will take delivery around the twenty of december, but I'm not sure I will put it on the street immediately, snow and freezing wheater aren't really compatible with 400 BHP on two rear wheels...Even with winter tyres. In Belgium they have the habit to trow salt on the roads and this isn't a good way to treath paint and undercarriage of an expensive car.
Yes, the marks and swirls are also proof that the owner drove the car, it isn't a garage queen, and all the people and specialists I talked to told me it's way better to have a car running than a car sitting in a garage. (and the previous owner had to fix all the hic ups of the car....)
But AM Brussels will detail the car before it is delivered, with of course a complete polishing of the paint. (I included this in the deal)
So, this month is going to be a very long month...
And spring is still far away.....
But AM Brussels will detail the car before it is delivered, with of course a complete polishing of the paint. (I included this in the deal)
So, this month is going to be a very long month...
And spring is still far away.....
Edited by Stefwings on Friday 21st November 23:56
Edited by Stefwings on Saturday 22 November 00:03
just saw the plate on the door sill today, the car is numbered and it is one of the last ones of that special edition...# 237/240...Seems like the previous owner bought it just in time...
it's cool to buy a car from the dealer...OK, it's a little more expensive, but...I know the day of the car's birth...the exact day it was made, the day it was shipped to Belgium and the day it was sold. Not that it matters a lot but it's funny...
More important, I have all the records, bills and history of the car...sorry, MY car now...can't still beleive it. Owning a sports car is one thing, (I had a bunch of Porsches previously) but owning an Aston Martin is something else...it is a complete different world of anything else. including the Italian red cars...They are too "bling bling" for me.
but until Ford stept in, the Astons were too expensive and well, let's say not seriously build for a daily use if you know what I mean...
I understand you, guys, more and more every time I see my Vantage...
Time is passing by very slowly....
it's cool to buy a car from the dealer...OK, it's a little more expensive, but...I know the day of the car's birth...the exact day it was made, the day it was shipped to Belgium and the day it was sold. Not that it matters a lot but it's funny...
More important, I have all the records, bills and history of the car...sorry, MY car now...can't still beleive it. Owning a sports car is one thing, (I had a bunch of Porsches previously) but owning an Aston Martin is something else...it is a complete different world of anything else. including the Italian red cars...They are too "bling bling" for me.
but until Ford stept in, the Astons were too expensive and well, let's say not seriously build for a daily use if you know what I mean...
I understand you, guys, more and more every time I see my Vantage...
Time is passing by very slowly....
Edited by Stefwings on Saturday 22 November 00:04
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