Taking the plunge… advice?
Discussion
I’ve loved the 2018+ Vantage since hammering one around Silverstone on a red letter day about 5yrs ago, and for the first time I now find myself in the fortunate position of having the budget to grab a pre-owned one ~£80k as my second/fun car.
From everything I’ve read here it sounds like an incredible car and generally no horrific issues with reliability. I’ll be setting aside funds for the inevitable service and maintenance costs. I’m planning to buy outright and keep for at least a few years.
My head says pay the extra it inevitably costs to buy from AM main dealer, and extend the 12mths standard timeless warranty to 24mths. I’ve been to see a few cars at AM garages so far, but the cars I’ve been watching online have recently sold so currently nothing quite in my budget/desired colour and spec config. or mileage higher than I’m comfortable with.
It’s quite a step for me having never owned a car of this type or prestige, but I’m going to do it, so I just want to make sure I do it right and don’t hit any pitfalls… so I’m looking for any advice, mostly:
1. It seems this model has held it’s value pretty well - realistically I’m looking at ~2019 models with 15-20k for £80k which for 4-5yrs old is way above the typical 50% depreciated value after 3yrs from new. Does that feel right or should I hold out until the facelift Vantage launches hoping the 2018+ will drop in value further?
2. What (if anything) can I expect to get out of the deal buying timeless from AM? Is it reasonable to haggle on price or for something like extending the warranty to 24mths? Would they deliver since I’m expecting when the right car shows up it’ll be in the furthest garage from home?
3. Is there a sweet spot in model year that I should target? I understand certain things became standard in the 2020 cars like quad exhaust, blind spot… 21” wheels became available from 2021 etc. Likewise anything I should avoid?
4. Is buying outside of main dealer really the risk they say it is?
Many thanks in advance. I’ll document my journey here, hopefully with some pics of my resulting purchase soon.
From everything I’ve read here it sounds like an incredible car and generally no horrific issues with reliability. I’ll be setting aside funds for the inevitable service and maintenance costs. I’m planning to buy outright and keep for at least a few years.
My head says pay the extra it inevitably costs to buy from AM main dealer, and extend the 12mths standard timeless warranty to 24mths. I’ve been to see a few cars at AM garages so far, but the cars I’ve been watching online have recently sold so currently nothing quite in my budget/desired colour and spec config. or mileage higher than I’m comfortable with.
It’s quite a step for me having never owned a car of this type or prestige, but I’m going to do it, so I just want to make sure I do it right and don’t hit any pitfalls… so I’m looking for any advice, mostly:
1. It seems this model has held it’s value pretty well - realistically I’m looking at ~2019 models with 15-20k for £80k which for 4-5yrs old is way above the typical 50% depreciated value after 3yrs from new. Does that feel right or should I hold out until the facelift Vantage launches hoping the 2018+ will drop in value further?
2. What (if anything) can I expect to get out of the deal buying timeless from AM? Is it reasonable to haggle on price or for something like extending the warranty to 24mths? Would they deliver since I’m expecting when the right car shows up it’ll be in the furthest garage from home?
3. Is there a sweet spot in model year that I should target? I understand certain things became standard in the 2020 cars like quad exhaust, blind spot… 21” wheels became available from 2021 etc. Likewise anything I should avoid?
4. Is buying outside of main dealer really the risk they say it is?
Many thanks in advance. I’ll document my journey here, hopefully with some pics of my resulting purchase soon.
MMarkM said:
Regardless of main dealer or indy, I'd advise get it checked over by a specialist like Trinity within the first week or so, they will find some items that need attention regardless of where the car comes from, then get the supplier to put these items right. The longer you leave it the trickier it gets to get things put right.
I've always taken this approach except when buying new
Thanks - can you share the full company name for Trinity or a link? Struggling to find them but sounds like a great idea. CheersI've always taken this approach except when buying new
PHFS said:
on 2. I got a V12VS last year and got 2 years timeless warranty. Peace of mind is amazing.
But it all depends if they need to sell the car that month to do the deal.
So use AT price tracker to see which cars have been been dropping in price and have longer than others, and push for the deal. Always have a plan b and tell the dealer about it to create a bit of competion.
Good to know, and thanks for the tips. Loving the AT Price Tracker btw, never used that before but really insightful!But it all depends if they need to sell the car that month to do the deal.
So use AT price tracker to see which cars have been been dropping in price and have longer than others, and push for the deal. Always have a plan b and tell the dealer about it to create a bit of competion.
alscar said:
Personally I’d be buying from a MD and trying to get a 2 year warranty included as part of any negotiations.
I’d also be looking at the quality of tyres or otherwise and again build that in to any negotiations if applicable.
Don’t be scared off negotiation just because it’s a MD ie if you don’t ask you don’t get you but be realistic.
Terribly easy to get budget creep but these cars weren’t that limited so try and hold out for the colour / spec / condition you ideally want.
Some items can be added if missing and again depending on your negotiation ability may be able to get added.
Whether you can get money off will also depend on how long the MD has had in stock and whether a bought car or held on SOR.
Best of luck - a lot of the fun is the looking.
Good tips, thanks. On things getting added however I mentioned to one dealer about switching the bonnet and boot badging from bright to black... they came back and said they'd get a cost which turned out to be £1.8k I’d also be looking at the quality of tyres or otherwise and again build that in to any negotiations if applicable.
Don’t be scared off negotiation just because it’s a MD ie if you don’t ask you don’t get you but be realistic.
Terribly easy to get budget creep but these cars weren’t that limited so try and hold out for the colour / spec / condition you ideally want.
Some items can be added if missing and again depending on your negotiation ability may be able to get added.
Whether you can get money off will also depend on how long the MD has had in stock and whether a bought car or held on SOR.
Best of luck - a lot of the fun is the looking.
alscar said:
Sorry meant to add if a fun / occasional car then a battery conditioner is definitely required - CTEK MXS5 is a decent one and Amazon is usually your friend here and also has all the accessories / adapters you many need.
On any of my cars that don’t get used for a couple of weeks then I put them on although the occasional drivers stay on them continually until driven.
Cheers will take a look!On any of my cars that don’t get used for a couple of weeks then I put them on although the occasional drivers stay on them continually until driven.
raceboy said:
Caslad said:
I don’t imagine prices will drop significantly until the new model starts to appear on the used market.
I would definitely buy from a main dealer, they generally only sell the better examples and the warranty is a valuable safety net. Even the independent Aston specialists don’t tend to have much to do with the later cars because of issues with obtaining the necessary diagnostic kit so buying a car for a general trader is a bit of a risk.
I've just started looking to change to an early Gen 2 Vantage and a conversation with my MD earlier this week surprised me, I mentioned a car that was at a random 'back street' dealer and the MD mentioned it was possible for them to buy it from that dealer and then sell it on as a Timeless car, obviously there would be a premium for this, and who knows what that would be. I would definitely buy from a main dealer, they generally only sell the better examples and the warranty is a valuable safety net. Even the independent Aston specialists don’t tend to have much to do with the later cars because of issues with obtaining the necessary diagnostic kit so buying a car for a general trader is a bit of a risk.
turboman786 said:
Ive got a 2019 Vantage....superb car and hugely enjoyable
AM warranty is a MUST for me....Ive had 4 lights changed (no quibble whatsoever) under warranty and 1 service FOC as the last of the service pack
The warranty work is probably 7k plus ....water was in all the lights and that would have bugged the hell out of me outside warranty
I think the warranty is worth its wait in gold and allows for a totally worry free experience. All this "self insuring" is all well and good but I bought my car to enjoy not to fix, and if it breaks I just give it back, get an A35 AMG as a courtesy car and its their issue not mine. Thats how AM ownership should be IMO !
Yeah I think I'm sold on the Timeless Warranty extension, if that's the cost for lights I dread to think what a turbo or something would be!AM warranty is a MUST for me....Ive had 4 lights changed (no quibble whatsoever) under warranty and 1 service FOC as the last of the service pack
The warranty work is probably 7k plus ....water was in all the lights and that would have bugged the hell out of me outside warranty
I think the warranty is worth its wait in gold and allows for a totally worry free experience. All this "self insuring" is all well and good but I bought my car to enjoy not to fix, and if it breaks I just give it back, get an A35 AMG as a courtesy car and its their issue not mine. Thats how AM ownership should be IMO !
I'll ask this next time I'm at a garage... but has anyone happened to measure the width of their Vantage, and do the mirrors fold? I've got a pretty narrow garage - the opening is 2110mm - and struggling to find reliable dimensions.
The AM website helpfully says 2124mm with door mirrors (uh oh) but 1980mm without door mirrors - do we think that means folded mirrors (I'm assuming they do fold?) or if you literally removed them?!
The AM website helpfully says 2124mm with door mirrors (uh oh) but 1980mm without door mirrors - do we think that means folded mirrors (I'm assuming they do fold?) or if you literally removed them?!
raceboy said:
Dealer brought their demo car to try in my garage, it was tight but it went in, this opening is 2100mm wide, my problem is locking hooks near the floor which reduce the opening another 80mm at tyre level.
As can be seen the mirrors fold in tighter than the width of the body.
Lifesaver, thanks! As can be seen the mirrors fold in tighter than the width of the body.
Minglar said:
Those dimensions you’ve quoted from the AML website are actually for the latest recently revealed new new Vantage. Take a look on here at the New Vantage thread as there has been a fair bit of chat recently about the width of the car. The previous version, which I think is the one you’re after, is 1942mm wide, 2153mm with the mirrors open. I think the latest car has mirrors similar to DB12 hence why it’s now slightly narrower with them open, despite being almost 40mm wider in the body. But the only way to know for sure is to ask your MD for a demo car and do a “garage” test. The mirrors do fold so you should be ok, and raceboys post looks like confirmation of that too.
BRM.
Ah good spot, cheers. Viewing a few cars today so will talk to the AM folks about it.BRM.
MMarkM said:
Plenty of other specialists around depending on location. I've bought low mileage 2 year old AMs from a dealer and taken them to Trinity and come back with a list of work needed, no issues with the dealer then putting things right
Great, thanks! I'll try and find a local equivalent. Sounds like the best way to make the most of the timeless warranty and prevent as many hiccups as possible. alscar said:
If you mean the complete badge then you are the correct one -my bad.
I was obviously just thinking of the black versus green wording on the white enamel badge.
Personally I think those carbon badges look like a child has been playing with play doh.
Thanks both, will check today. Haha I must admit I didn't pay close enough attention to notice a playdoh effect, just remember it looking a bit different and great on the cars with black wheels, upper and lower gloss black packs fitted.I was obviously just thinking of the black versus green wording on the white enamel badge.
Personally I think those carbon badges look like a child has been playing with play doh.
Minglar said:
I think that description is spot on Longy. Never been a huge fan of the Carbon badges myself but as you say it does depend on the colour of the car. They look much better against a white or silver paintwork. I am still very happy with my black on white ones. Most of the current range comes with green ones I think. Even though the design has changed a little bit with the latest revamp. BRM.
Thanks Longy & Minglar. I agree, combination with the car colour is what makes the difference. My preferred colours at the minute are lightning silver and hyper red - and with a lot of black from the wheels and upper & lower packs - the black badges look awesome IMO. I'm sure their "cost" price is way under the quoted lunacy so will use it as a negotiating point. I know they take special care to do jobs like change the badges, but all you need is a hairdryer right? 
A question on quality standards to expect from buying timeless...
Some individual garage websites state "brought to showroom standard..." (which I read as "as new" but nothing on the AM website regarding what level of paintwork repair etc they will go to. At Nottingham I noticed a few bonnet chips on a car which had already been through prep, and the guy said they take a practical approach because they'd have to respray the entire bonnet, and then match the surrounding panels in that example.
When I bought my 3 year old approved used Jag F-Pace it was literally faultless so that's what I've come to expect, but maybe I was just lucky? It feels crazy that a few stone chips wouldn't be corrected if I'm spending £80k on a car, even though it is used, or is that just unreasonable? What's your experience or expectations? Should I ask for anything I spot to be corrected as part of the deal before handover?
Some individual garage websites state "brought to showroom standard..." (which I read as "as new" but nothing on the AM website regarding what level of paintwork repair etc they will go to. At Nottingham I noticed a few bonnet chips on a car which had already been through prep, and the guy said they take a practical approach because they'd have to respray the entire bonnet, and then match the surrounding panels in that example.
When I bought my 3 year old approved used Jag F-Pace it was literally faultless so that's what I've come to expect, but maybe I was just lucky? It feels crazy that a few stone chips wouldn't be corrected if I'm spending £80k on a car, even though it is used, or is that just unreasonable? What's your experience or expectations? Should I ask for anything I spot to be corrected as part of the deal before handover?
Seeing some of those issues on a lightning silver car I’ve been looking at from AM Hatfield. Generally in pretty good shape, but after a good look having been told the bonnet had been resprayed, I found over spray down one side where it clearly hadn’t been cleaned/sanded properly the paint had bulged up around lumps or dust, and then after opening the bonnet a sharp thin lip of paint on that same side which would clearly snap off.
It turns out a third party did the job “my paint guy” said the sales exec, and only targeted three quarters of the panel which resulted in the issues I had to point out. He’s going to re-do the whole bonnet now, but it worries me about the quality overall and will I notice over time other issues!
This exec also wants me to pay for a detailer to sort lots of scratches (forgot to take a pic) on the gloss black roof at £450 (or I’m told I might as well get the whole car ceramic coated at the same time for £800), and fork out £900 to replace a badly faded black wing mirror arm. Things like this I expected to be within the “showroom standard” quoted under Aston Timeless, but apparently there’s a limit as to what is economical. To me they shouldn’t take on cars for which it wouldn’t be economical to get to that standard, I thought that was the point.
All this guy seems to want to do is get a holding deposit out of me which is totally different to other execs I’ve seen at other garages, and frankly is putting me off! The problem is it’s the car I want!
I have a good alternative at Sevenoaks in hyper red which is fully wrapped in PPF so I know the paintwork is and will stay good, just slightly lower spec (no premium audio, 8-way seats) and 3k more miles, but £2k more expensive which is bugging me given those differences.
It turns out a third party did the job “my paint guy” said the sales exec, and only targeted three quarters of the panel which resulted in the issues I had to point out. He’s going to re-do the whole bonnet now, but it worries me about the quality overall and will I notice over time other issues!
This exec also wants me to pay for a detailer to sort lots of scratches (forgot to take a pic) on the gloss black roof at £450 (or I’m told I might as well get the whole car ceramic coated at the same time for £800), and fork out £900 to replace a badly faded black wing mirror arm. Things like this I expected to be within the “showroom standard” quoted under Aston Timeless, but apparently there’s a limit as to what is economical. To me they shouldn’t take on cars for which it wouldn’t be economical to get to that standard, I thought that was the point.
All this guy seems to want to do is get a holding deposit out of me which is totally different to other execs I’ve seen at other garages, and frankly is putting me off! The problem is it’s the car I want!
I have a good alternative at Sevenoaks in hyper red which is fully wrapped in PPF so I know the paintwork is and will stay good, just slightly lower spec (no premium audio, 8-way seats) and 3k more miles, but £2k more expensive which is bugging me given those differences.
alscar said:
Sorry meant to add if a fun / occasional car then a battery conditioner is definitely required - CTEK MXS5 is a decent one and Amazon is usually your friend here and also has all the accessories / adapters you many need.
On any of my cars that don’t get used for a couple of weeks then I put them on although the occasional drivers stay on them continually until driven.
Any idea which model version of this I’ll need? On Amazon I see 56-758, 56-972 and 56-975 but struggling to see what the differences are! ThanksOn any of my cars that don’t get used for a couple of weeks then I put them on although the occasional drivers stay on them continually until driven.
alscar said:
Your new car looks very good in Lightening.
Especially the side view.
Cheers picked her up today and over the moon. I was like a kid at Christmas! Lots of fun driving home and managed to squeeze into the garage after getting out and checking clearance each side about 5 times. Literally a couple of cm each side with the mirrors folded in… closer than I thought! Especially the side view.
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