Potential first Aston musings

[finestjammy]

Hi All

First of all, I have 'the guide' on order which I'll read during the week whilst recovering from wisdom teeth surgery

So, I currently have a gen 2 (987.2) Cayman S. I've had it for 18 months and have very much enjoyed it. I was looking to swap for a 981 Boxster S as I do like convertible motoring. Unfortunately my other half hates convertibles and is convinced I'll constantly whinge about the missed opportunities when the roof could have been down, she's probably right. I also have a TVR Chimaera, that she also hates, but it's been sat in the garage for a couple of years unused. I'm potentially looking at selling the Cayman and the TVR to fund an Aston, well with a bit of a cash injection too.

After getting approval that a V8 Vantage would be acceptable I've started to investigate the market. I have a budget of up to £50k but I must stress, being a Yorkshireman, that I'm more than happy to spend less. I'm trying to get a feel for the market and what represents good value, be that at £35k or £50k.

I'm currently looking at the 4.7 because as far as I can tell, at legal speeds anyway, the performance will be very similar to my Cayman. The little boost in mpg would be nice too.

A few questions if I may:

1) The car will be my daily driver, I assume this isn't really an issue?
2) I'll be covering 9-10k miles a year, any thought on how to limit depreciation? Buy the lowest mile one I can find in budget, or buy at high miles where the depreciation may have already taken place?
3) Is there an over rev report that can be done as per Porsche? I.e. Evidence of missed placed down changes.
4) Is there any way to tell how worn the clutch is?
5) Can an Aston Martin be applied to a car bought outside of the network, like you can with Porsche?
6) I would prefer a non sport pack model but they seem to be rare on the 4.7. Anyone coke from a Cayman/911 with PASM who would care to share their experiences?
7) I've seen a Cat D one for sale at circa 26% less than market value. Worth considering if I get a full inspection, or run a mile?

I think that's it for now.

Any responses welcome whilst I'm waiting for the guide

James.

[finestjammy]

Thanks for the responses folks, very much appreciated. It is a manual that I'll be looking at if I do take the plunge. Not sure if I'm breaking the posting rules, please delete if I am mods, but this is the cat D one I spotted:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

With a bit of internet stalking I managed to find some low res photos of the damage. On a visual only it looked very minor, almost looked like a small animal, or big bird(!), had hit the offside front. The headlight unit had gone, a bit of scuffing on the bumper and the bonnet out of alignment. No airbags deployed. Similar mileage/age versions seem to be circa £45k and this one is £33.5k. I spotted a company that does a top to toe inspection and can reclassify, subject to a successful inspection, cat d to 'Condition Inspected. See here https://www.autolign.co.uk. I wouldn't normally even take a passing glance at a cat d as often the savings aren't great enough, seem to be circa 10% for a lot of cars, over 25 % though catches my attention a little more. £11.5k difference...hmmm.

Still lots more research to do before I decide anything

Thanks again.

James.

[finestjammy]

RobDown said:

There will be a reason why it's a CAT D though, have you seen any report from the insurance company?

The cars have a crash structure at the front that crumples in three stages and sends the transmission under the passenger compartment in a serious accident.

So I'd want an inspection to make sure that was all ok, I can imagine that any deformation in that would have an effect on handling (and future safety)

Thanks for the info. I've only just started getting a feel for the market and doing my research at the moment. I'd get the autolign inspection plus an Aston Martin specialist to look over it if I do go down that route.

[finestjammy]

martindesu said:

Very interesting!

That's < 50 miles from me. I'll be honest, I decided to go 4.3 for a variety of reasons, though I do like the 4.7 a lot and the engine definitely has more poke.

I'll let others chip in as they may have more insightful comments than mine, but I wasn't aware that cars could be reclassified. TBH if it drives well and has top work done, then I don't think that I personally would have an issue with previous Cat D etc.

I spotted a thread with your hunt. Looks a great example. I wouldn't necessarily be adverse to a 4.3 I suppose if the right spec/colour came along. I don't actually like the newer non sport 20 spoke alloys, I much prefer the ones you have.

I look forward to following your blog

[finestjammy]

Thanks for all the comments everyone. Early night tonight to prepare for my wisdom teeth to be pulled under a general anasthetic in the morning. I best write everything down, as once the wisdom has gone...