New F-type or lightly used Aston?
Discussion
Since visiting Newport Pagnell nearly 20 years ago as an impressionable teenager and watching the craftsmen hammering out aluminium panels for the old Vantage, Aston Martin ownership has been a "one day" dream for me. I know the cars are a bit more "mass-produced" these days and the styling hasn't really evolved in the last 10 years but they are still very beautiful cars, more special than a 911 or R8 yet not as vulgar as a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Their brand image is sky high too (surely only 2nd to Ferrari if that).
However, this is the first car that has made me waiver on my AM dream.
The XK8/XK was always a cheaper alternative to an Aston offering similar performance but never touched an Aston in the looks department IMHO, the F-Type however is different. The looks are a match for the Vantage and actually, the "base" model looks to be a bargain at c. 50k. I would prefer an S but an extra 10k for an extra 40bhp?
Nevertheless, for arguments sake, you can get a new S for the same price as a lightly used V8 Vantage or if you don't mind going a bit older, a lightly used V12 DB9. Arguably the Astons are still a bit more "special" and you're getting a V8 or a V12 and can have a manual gearbox (yay) but both models are getting on for 10+ years old now.
If you had the choice, would you go with a new F-Type or is there just no substitute for the style and allure of an Aston?
However, this is the first car that has made me waiver on my AM dream.
The XK8/XK was always a cheaper alternative to an Aston offering similar performance but never touched an Aston in the looks department IMHO, the F-Type however is different. The looks are a match for the Vantage and actually, the "base" model looks to be a bargain at c. 50k. I would prefer an S but an extra 10k for an extra 40bhp?
Nevertheless, for arguments sake, you can get a new S for the same price as a lightly used V8 Vantage or if you don't mind going a bit older, a lightly used V12 DB9. Arguably the Astons are still a bit more "special" and you're getting a V8 or a V12 and can have a manual gearbox (yay) but both models are getting on for 10+ years old now.
If you had the choice, would you go with a new F-Type or is there just no substitute for the style and allure of an Aston?
Edited by white_goodman on Friday 7th November 19:57
For me? I'm afraid it'd be the allure of the Aston with it's manual box and the better feel/feedback of its power steering. 10 years on a car is nothing new for me (my 205 was sixteen years old when I had it and my 200 coupe is sixteen years old this year) and it'd certainly not put me off, the Aston's looks still look spot on in my eye's, though I'll happily agree that the Jag does look stunning and wouldn't say no if offered one.
Edited by alpha channel on Friday 7th November 20:14
It sounds like you really want the Aston, its the dream car. The F Type is lovely but the roadsters boot is far too small, presume the coupe would be better. For me a car like this is all about road trips and weekends away. The Jag roadster would be a nightmare packing for two.
The Vantages are starting to hold their money better IMO where I think the Jag will continue to drop further.
I was in the same position this time last year and went down the Aston route. My girlfriend preferred the Jag as she felt the Vantage is a bit 'old man' but I couldn't resist it, I do wish I had went for a more extravagant colour though, as Tungsten Grey is a bit too understated for me.
Still tempted by the F Type though, I think they look fantastic on the road.
I'd go Aston.
EDIT - We went up to a wedding in the North of Scotland recently and by the time we booked somewhere to stay, all we could get was a small B&B. When we pulled up outside the owner came running out and introduced herself, and said how much she loves Aston Martins. She then told us to park in the bike only zone away from everyone else to save risking any door dings. Superb!
The Vantages are starting to hold their money better IMO where I think the Jag will continue to drop further.
I was in the same position this time last year and went down the Aston route. My girlfriend preferred the Jag as she felt the Vantage is a bit 'old man' but I couldn't resist it, I do wish I had went for a more extravagant colour though, as Tungsten Grey is a bit too understated for me.
Still tempted by the F Type though, I think they look fantastic on the road.
I'd go Aston.
EDIT - We went up to a wedding in the North of Scotland recently and by the time we booked somewhere to stay, all we could get was a small B&B. When we pulled up outside the owner came running out and introduced herself, and said how much she loves Aston Martins. She then told us to park in the bike only zone away from everyone else to save risking any door dings. Superb!
Edited by justin220 on Friday 7th November 20:35
I'm lucky enough to have owned a Vantage (or unlucky as it was a lemon and went back after 6 weeks) and now own a F-Type Coupe. The F-Type is a better car than the Vantage in every way, except for the badge. I wouldn't talk anyone out of buying their dream car, and if you can find a well looked after Vantage then go for it, if you don't you'll always regret it. Buy a F-Type in a few years time though and you'll realise how antiquated the Vantage is, still a very nice car though.
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