Seriously considering an early V8V; good idea?
Discussion
For a while, I've been considering something outside of the norm as my daily driver. I cover around 14k per year right now, and for years I've always had pretty standard cars. They've normally been a decent model in the range, but nothing super special.
Recently, V8V 4.3 models started to fall into my price range, and I'm considering one. I don't think I'll be able to stretch to Aston Dealer prices for used models, so I'm probably looking more at a private deal or non-Aston dealer. This is of course a shame, as the peace of mind of an Aston warranty would have been nice, but you're talking around £5-7k extra, although less if the garage will haggle I guess.
My main thoughts are, is this a heart over head moment? Is buying a Vantage in its lowest price bracket a good idea, or are there reasons for the current prices? Will they drop further or have things levelled (crystal ball anyone?)? Are they generally reliable, and do they manage regular usage without too much bother? etc etc
Clearly, I am on a budget, and this is never a good thing, but when I've stretched in the past and really researched my purchase beforehand, there's been no regrets.
I can't stretch to the 4.7 V8, so the 4.3 will "have to do". However I'm fine with that. I test drove a 4.3 recently and I really just felt at home straight away. I loved the quirks such as the key in the ignition having to be turned before you then press a button, and the stance with the original 7 spoke wheels; wow.
I could buy an RS6 or Bentley Continental for the same money with 30-40% more power and AWD, but I'm not sure that means anything to me when the looks and sound of the V8V are so stunning, and I live in Manchester where we currently have a 50mph zone for the most part of our local motorway sections. Plus I've always wanted an Aston; what kid into James Bond didn't want one?
The DB9 is another option, but I prefer the size and looks of the V8V currently, and they're a little younger as well of course.
Any thoughts and advice would be highly appreciated, and any offers of showing me around a V8V in the Greater Manchester area would be even better still.
Thanks and apologies for the huge post! :-)
Recently, V8V 4.3 models started to fall into my price range, and I'm considering one. I don't think I'll be able to stretch to Aston Dealer prices for used models, so I'm probably looking more at a private deal or non-Aston dealer. This is of course a shame, as the peace of mind of an Aston warranty would have been nice, but you're talking around £5-7k extra, although less if the garage will haggle I guess.
My main thoughts are, is this a heart over head moment? Is buying a Vantage in its lowest price bracket a good idea, or are there reasons for the current prices? Will they drop further or have things levelled (crystal ball anyone?)? Are they generally reliable, and do they manage regular usage without too much bother? etc etc
Clearly, I am on a budget, and this is never a good thing, but when I've stretched in the past and really researched my purchase beforehand, there's been no regrets.
I can't stretch to the 4.7 V8, so the 4.3 will "have to do". However I'm fine with that. I test drove a 4.3 recently and I really just felt at home straight away. I loved the quirks such as the key in the ignition having to be turned before you then press a button, and the stance with the original 7 spoke wheels; wow.
I could buy an RS6 or Bentley Continental for the same money with 30-40% more power and AWD, but I'm not sure that means anything to me when the looks and sound of the V8V are so stunning, and I live in Manchester where we currently have a 50mph zone for the most part of our local motorway sections. Plus I've always wanted an Aston; what kid into James Bond didn't want one?
The DB9 is another option, but I prefer the size and looks of the V8V currently, and they're a little younger as well of course.
Any thoughts and advice would be highly appreciated, and any offers of showing me around a V8V in the Greater Manchester area would be even better still.
Thanks and apologies for the huge post! :-)
Great reply thanks, especially number 9 :-D
I have a mechanic friend who usually does things like brakes for me, leaving anything that requires a stamp to the main dealers/specialists. I've got to hunt for better insurance quotes as they're rather silly currently, but that's never stopped me in the past.
I have a mechanic friend who usually does things like brakes for me, leaving anything that requires a stamp to the main dealers/specialists. I've got to hunt for better insurance quotes as they're rather silly currently, but that's never stopped me in the past.
This has been really helpful, thanks. I've just ordered that book (and some pop tarts from Amazon :-D) so I'll be studying it profusely when it arrives.
With people mentioning the Bluetooth, I guess the sound system is totally integrated and therefore you can't just pop a new head unit in somehow?
With people mentioning the Bluetooth, I guess the sound system is totally integrated and therefore you can't just pop a new head unit in somehow?
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