Would you buy a red Aston?
Discussion
I'm in the market for an Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster.....there are a few about but they are mainly different shades of silver...or black.
I've been drawn to one that is in Grange Aston Martin Birmingham, however, it's red, or rather a metallic ruby colour which I quite like....( I've tried to upload a photo of it but I can't seem to get it to work)...but with one eye on depreciation and saleability when I'm planing to sell it in a couple of years time will being red hinder it? So,
Is red a Ferrari colour and not desirable on any other car?
Would you prefer a more sedate silver or grey if buying an Aston?
Is red too flash for an Aston maybe?
Cheers.....would help if someone is clever enough to upload an image? This one isn't it but I believe it's the same colour
I've been drawn to one that is in Grange Aston Martin Birmingham, however, it's red, or rather a metallic ruby colour which I quite like....( I've tried to upload a photo of it but I can't seem to get it to work)...but with one eye on depreciation and saleability when I'm planing to sell it in a couple of years time will being red hinder it? So,
Is red a Ferrari colour and not desirable on any other car?
Would you prefer a more sedate silver or grey if buying an Aston?
Is red too flash for an Aston maybe?
Cheers.....would help if someone is clever enough to upload an image? This one isn't it but I believe it's the same colour
UPDATE.....
Phoned and spoke to the dealer and expressed my concerns about the colour and resale opportunities, it is TORRO red. He said that although a wider pool of people would potentially prefer the grey, silver and black colours, the minority that like red would be more likely to buy it because it was red and therefore a sale would be more likely amongst that pool......I'm still trying to fathom that out and work out if it is true or not...I was put off a bit after that but since reading your comments I'm having seconds thoughts and perhaps should go for it.....but there is one other thing that is bugging me.....the sportshift gearbox.
I've test driven a 4.7 with the updated box and found it fine.....but I've not driven the 4.3 with the older box as the dealer I went to didn't have one in stock. The Grange dealer said that I should find a local 4.3 and try it as it's an aquired taste and is quite different to the sportshift 2 with the creep mode, a bit snatchy when cold and the need for clutch learns......so one more thing guys....what's it like in reality? Am I worrying over nothing? I will drive a 4.3 very soon but I will be interested in your comments...
Cheers again.
Phoned and spoke to the dealer and expressed my concerns about the colour and resale opportunities, it is TORRO red. He said that although a wider pool of people would potentially prefer the grey, silver and black colours, the minority that like red would be more likely to buy it because it was red and therefore a sale would be more likely amongst that pool......I'm still trying to fathom that out and work out if it is true or not...I was put off a bit after that but since reading your comments I'm having seconds thoughts and perhaps should go for it.....but there is one other thing that is bugging me.....the sportshift gearbox.
I've test driven a 4.7 with the updated box and found it fine.....but I've not driven the 4.3 with the older box as the dealer I went to didn't have one in stock. The Grange dealer said that I should find a local 4.3 and try it as it's an aquired taste and is quite different to the sportshift 2 with the creep mode, a bit snatchy when cold and the need for clutch learns......so one more thing guys....what's it like in reality? Am I worrying over nothing? I will drive a 4.3 very soon but I will be interested in your comments...
Cheers again.
Oh dear....quick update..... I went a drove a local 4.3 with the sportshift box to see how much different it was to the 4.7 sportshift II that I had test driven before. I found it ok and as I don't drive around like a 17 yr old anymore it behaved ok and I could definitely live it.
So, I emailed the dealer today and expressed my interest and asked if we could continue our chat about it. Unfortunately he came back to me and said it had been sold over the weekend.....and to cap it all another one I had half an eye on appears to also have been sold....he who hesitates I guess.....the search continues.
So, I emailed the dealer today and expressed my interest and asked if we could continue our chat about it. Unfortunately he came back to me and said it had been sold over the weekend.....and to cap it all another one I had half an eye on appears to also have been sold....he who hesitates I guess.....the search continues.
JaseB said:
That was for sale when I bought mine (assuming it's the same car obvs, only 9 or 10 in that colour though) from a car dealer of mixed reputation in the north, now back in the dealer network clearly.
Oh really? The dubious car dealer wasn't a franchised Aston dealer was it? I'm aiming to just use Aston "timeless" cars for the piece of mind in case something untoward happens to it.And yes I guess it wasn't to be but I can't help kicking myself....I've been lurking for a while and seriously looking to pull the trigger for the last 3 months and I thought I had it. Never mind, when you're spending this kind of money then it has to tick all the boxes.
Why oh Why didn't I buy that red one when I had the chance.....
RobDown said:
Yes, someone else putting a deposit on it!
Check for the paintwork bubbling. Around the handles and wing mirrors seem most prone
There is a deposit on it......mine. Check for the paintwork bubbling. Around the handles and wing mirrors seem most prone
.....refundable if I don't like it, arranged to see it next week its at AM Walton on Thames.....my only issue is that I like the clear lenses as opposed to the red ones and they're expensive to retro fit. We'll see, they may grow on me. Rappa said:
Hi take a look when you get there as the red lenses go really well with the red car and blend in quite nicely.
Enjoy and try everything, especially electrical stuff.
Sean
Yes I will do, red lenses are growing on me....a bit. I'll check everything out but as it's from an Aston dealer I'd be disappointed if there was something that didn't work. I'm struggling to find 2 pics of toro red that look the same....the dealer pic looks a bit flat but the one above looks fantastic which is encouraging. There are a couple of you tube vids of toro red Vantages which look great too so I'm hopeful that this could be the one. Enjoy and try everything, especially electrical stuff.
Sean
Ok so a quick update....I went to see it in the flesh today. It is very nice and in excellent condition. As luck would have it, Dave, a professional test driver employed by Aston was there as they frequent the dealers was a month to take customers out. My wife went out first and then I went with him where he explained the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the SS1 gearbox. It hasn't had its 140 point check yet which will throw up 2 front tyres and couple of other things. Then it was over to the negotiation, they were firm on the price but as a goodwill offer they threw in some Formula 1 paint and upholstery protection (any good?), 6 months tax, full tank of fuel, trade price service in February and 2 tickets fo a tour around the factory.....so what do you guys think? Good deal? A couple of pics I managed to take........
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/jDynvlgi.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/ylUOzQIC" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/ylUOzQIC.jpg)
Thanks for the comments guys and please keep them coming.....but perhaps I'd better put a bit of history and clarity to this and where I am now just to make it clear as to why and I am considering this....
Been looking for about 10 months..ish and considered most of the variants here is why we haven't gone for the others.
4.7 Coupe....probably the next one after this to be honest but love convertibles and wanted another before going for a coupe.
4.7 Roadster....although we can afford it I wasn't comfortable spending 50k plus with perhaps a bit more slippage on the depreciation to come. I drove a 4.7 with SS2 and it was great but the AM dealer in Chichester said that I should try the 4.3 with SS1 to make sure in my mind of the difference...so I did.
4.3 Roadster SS1..... I was actually pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as bad as I was expecting because if it had have been I prob would have gone for the SS2.
Driving style and the Mrs.......Controversially I expect but I do not drive like a boy racer anymore and speed and handling, although important, are not the priority. I drive Fire Engines on Blue lights for a living so I don't need that buzz from a car anymore so I just want the prestige and luxury that an Aston can bring. Flying through the gears with a manual may bring a driving experience but it's not for me. Also, the Mrs doesn't like manual much and as she'll be driving to work in it on occasion I was happy with the SS.
I've also been to see a few of these now and believe me this is by far the best one and I am pretty picky. Others that I've looked at have been poorly presented and have had a few issues including stonechips, scratched leather, kerbed alloys and higher mileage and with pointless warranty. The prices haven't been that much different either.
I've not had an Aston before and never ever bought from a dealer so this experience is new to me. I also thought it best to have the backing of the Aston warranty and dealer should anything go wrong....although it does go against the grain for me. I appreciate all your comments as this is how i learn so please keep them coming...
Been looking for about 10 months..ish and considered most of the variants here is why we haven't gone for the others.
4.7 Coupe....probably the next one after this to be honest but love convertibles and wanted another before going for a coupe.
4.7 Roadster....although we can afford it I wasn't comfortable spending 50k plus with perhaps a bit more slippage on the depreciation to come. I drove a 4.7 with SS2 and it was great but the AM dealer in Chichester said that I should try the 4.3 with SS1 to make sure in my mind of the difference...so I did.
4.3 Roadster SS1..... I was actually pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as bad as I was expecting because if it had have been I prob would have gone for the SS2.
Driving style and the Mrs.......Controversially I expect but I do not drive like a boy racer anymore and speed and handling, although important, are not the priority. I drive Fire Engines on Blue lights for a living so I don't need that buzz from a car anymore so I just want the prestige and luxury that an Aston can bring. Flying through the gears with a manual may bring a driving experience but it's not for me. Also, the Mrs doesn't like manual much and as she'll be driving to work in it on occasion I was happy with the SS.
I've also been to see a few of these now and believe me this is by far the best one and I am pretty picky. Others that I've looked at have been poorly presented and have had a few issues including stonechips, scratched leather, kerbed alloys and higher mileage and with pointless warranty. The prices haven't been that much different either.
I've not had an Aston before and never ever bought from a dealer so this experience is new to me. I also thought it best to have the backing of the Aston warranty and dealer should anything go wrong....although it does go against the grain for me. I appreciate all your comments as this is how i learn so please keep them coming...
RobDown said:
If its the right car for you, its the right car. Of course we all want to get a bargain, but life is too short to worry about whether you could have got another £500 out of them only to lose the car and have to spend another 6 months looking for another that meets the requirements.
Having said that, I would ask them if they could swap the F1 paint, interior leather treatment for something a little more useful - an extra year on the warranty maybe?
Yes I agree, to be honest I poo pooed paint thing and mentioned that a mate of mine that has a Porsche said it was crap and not worth the money...the Tickets to the factory were a bit of a red herring too as the pro driver said I could contact him for some if I wanted before I went in with them. The dilemma I have is that I have seen several of them now and this car reflects the 24k it's done. I maybe paying a little over the odds but a mate of mine said earlier how much better has the next one got to be for it to be better than this.? Good point I thought as apart from a scratch on a dashboard button and a mark on the roof lining it really is faultless......I'm talking myself into this aren't I. Having said that, I would ask them if they could swap the F1 paint, interior leather treatment for something a little more useful - an extra year on the warranty maybe?
V8V Pete said:
I was thinking exactly the same. I'm sure you could find a red DB9 Volante with a proper auto box that would fit the bill perfectly. Have you considered this option Clumsy?
Yes that's not a bad shout and not really considered it due to the expected running costs of a 6.0 V12!....maybe it would suit us better and not ruled it out for the future maybe but thought that a "baby" Aston is the best way to dip our toes into the AM world? Also, (and I expect to get flamed here) but it's got a bit of a fat ar5e compared to the Vantage.....reminds me of the Mrs....Bincenzo said:
Wise words men. The Vantage is a sports car and if appreciating the balance and handling is not your thing, then a DB9 is likely to be a much better option. You'll need to get the pipe, slippers and driving gloves to accompany your purchase though. The dealer will normally throw them in with the deal, along with the red trousers. Furthermore, be very careful about abusing your wife's posterior on here, you're only a passing glimpse away from a sore nose!!
Have a look at the DB9, they are beautiful and I'm not sure about running cost comparison, but it's certainly not horrendous.
Ha ha...thanks for the wife advice....luckily I have a Mrs that doesn't take life too seriously so hopefully I'm pretty safe....just had a look at the DB9's in more detail and I sort of had the same impression as you.....pipe, slippers, red trousers (like that one)... and although I may drive like an old man I am only? 48 so not quite ready for that yet maybe......surely The V8V can still be enjoyed and appreciated at low cruising speeds rather than thrashing it about at top revs? I'd have gone for a Lotus Elise if I was going to do that. Joking aside, for me it's a great looking car that is just as good posing...there, I said it,.....and burbling along the country roads and seafront as well as on a track? Have a look at the DB9, they are beautiful and I'm not sure about running cost comparison, but it's certainly not horrendous.
Bincenzo said:
My first Aston was a V8V, which I'd wanted for years. It was everything I'd ever wanted in a car, especially after I'd had some mods done by BR to bring it to where I thought it should be performance wise. They are stunning to look at and a surprisingly accomplished and quick sports car. I still miss the balance of that chassis. I too am 48, so we're the same age. You know at the moment what you want, so go for it. All we're saying here is not to discount the DB9 before you've had a look at one. Don't think for one minute they are a slow car, and they look beautiful (I was joking about the pipe and slippers.....especially as I have a DB variant).
Have a look, unless of course you're absolutely sold on the V8V, in which case get one and enjoy it. But don't compromise, as this is a big investment and the last thing you want to be doing in 2 years time is thinking 'I should have bought xxxx instead'.
Anyway, good luck and keep asking questions, there's a huge amount of experience on here and whilst they may not tell you exactly what you want to hear, at least you'll be better informed when you pull the trigger.
Wise words and thanks......I'm not completely sold on the Vantage but it seems to be the best fit for now.....It wasn't long ago that I ruled out the Porsche 911 (997) which is a different beast again. It's daft to think that I'm already potentially planning the next one...a 4.7 Coupe but we want to have a summer or two in a roadster first. I post on hear to get honest opinions from those that know more than me and I can choose to take the advice or not but I certainly value it and don't expect people to tell me want I'd like to hear...otherwise there will be no point in posting. Still in negotiation with the dealer at the mo....Have a look, unless of course you're absolutely sold on the V8V, in which case get one and enjoy it. But don't compromise, as this is a big investment and the last thing you want to be doing in 2 years time is thinking 'I should have bought xxxx instead'.
Anyway, good luck and keep asking questions, there's a huge amount of experience on here and whilst they may not tell you exactly what you want to hear, at least you'll be better informed when you pull the trigger.
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