V8V - initial impressions
Discussion
2 days in, I thought I'd put down some initial impressions that might be of value to others looking at similar cars.
Quick recap; sold the best car I'd owned to date (996 Turbo) as I received an offer I couldn't refuse (what I paid for it 4 years earlier having doubled the mileage), which was an excuse to try something else (with a better soundtrack).
I'd narrowed that something else down to a Ferrari 360, Maserati Granturismo or an Aston Martin DB9. Quickly discounted the Ferrari due to wanting occasional use of 4 seats and the desire to use it and park it in most places without worrying. After a short diversion thinking I'd fancy a 911 soft top, was back refocussing on the Maser and AM. Realising I couldn't live with the Maser's Ford Mondeo rear lights, it was off to McGurks to buy a DB9.
I looked at a couple and was surprisingly underwhelmed by the overall package and shape, plus the rear seats weren't seats but spaces for soft luggage. Of course they're very nice cars, but something didn't quite gel with me enough to pull the trigger.
Having resigned myself to then try and forgive the Maser's rear light 'cluster', I spotted something as I was walking out of McGurk's hangar, a thing of exquisite beauty, the V8 Vantage. I'd not even looked at them previously due to only being a 2-seater but was bowled over by their proportions, shape and sound. So I bought one.
Collected a week later and what a joy! So what's it like? A thing of beauty! Have I said how good looking it is!? Very race caresque mechanical sounds inside when going slow or warming up. Still getting used to the clutch's biting point, but very precise and well weighted gear change. Lovely engine sound when warm and stretching it. Visibility is excellent. Still not found the perfect seat position or steering wheel reach or rake, but getting close (there's so much adjustment). Loads of luggage space in the hatchback and behind the seats. Cruise control is good when just wanting to take it easy (was showing 29mpg at 69mph). Sat nav is good (full postcode installed). Bluetooth is excellent. Weighting and accuracy of steering in corners is sublime. Fast enough (of course not as rapid as the 996 Turbo), but do feel a little more 'grown up' in this. Find the starter button a bit of a gimmick as you have to put a key in and turn it first; I'd rather just turn the key one more click to start it or have no key and just the starter button (aligned to an electronic key). One touch windows going down but not up (assume this can be programmed?). Already had some unsolicited positive comments from people in the very short time I've owned it. A previous owner had placed protective film everywhere so no stone chips but some inevitable dulling of the film in places. And finally, have I told you it's a thing of beauty!? So that's my first impressions and I love it! It has certainly triggered some positive emotion in me so it's a car I'm really going to enjoy owning for some time to come.
If you're looking at one; just do it!
Quick recap; sold the best car I'd owned to date (996 Turbo) as I received an offer I couldn't refuse (what I paid for it 4 years earlier having doubled the mileage), which was an excuse to try something else (with a better soundtrack).
I'd narrowed that something else down to a Ferrari 360, Maserati Granturismo or an Aston Martin DB9. Quickly discounted the Ferrari due to wanting occasional use of 4 seats and the desire to use it and park it in most places without worrying. After a short diversion thinking I'd fancy a 911 soft top, was back refocussing on the Maser and AM. Realising I couldn't live with the Maser's Ford Mondeo rear lights, it was off to McGurks to buy a DB9.
I looked at a couple and was surprisingly underwhelmed by the overall package and shape, plus the rear seats weren't seats but spaces for soft luggage. Of course they're very nice cars, but something didn't quite gel with me enough to pull the trigger.
Having resigned myself to then try and forgive the Maser's rear light 'cluster', I spotted something as I was walking out of McGurk's hangar, a thing of exquisite beauty, the V8 Vantage. I'd not even looked at them previously due to only being a 2-seater but was bowled over by their proportions, shape and sound. So I bought one.
Collected a week later and what a joy! So what's it like? A thing of beauty! Have I said how good looking it is!? Very race caresque mechanical sounds inside when going slow or warming up. Still getting used to the clutch's biting point, but very precise and well weighted gear change. Lovely engine sound when warm and stretching it. Visibility is excellent. Still not found the perfect seat position or steering wheel reach or rake, but getting close (there's so much adjustment). Loads of luggage space in the hatchback and behind the seats. Cruise control is good when just wanting to take it easy (was showing 29mpg at 69mph). Sat nav is good (full postcode installed). Bluetooth is excellent. Weighting and accuracy of steering in corners is sublime. Fast enough (of course not as rapid as the 996 Turbo), but do feel a little more 'grown up' in this. Find the starter button a bit of a gimmick as you have to put a key in and turn it first; I'd rather just turn the key one more click to start it or have no key and just the starter button (aligned to an electronic key). One touch windows going down but not up (assume this can be programmed?). Already had some unsolicited positive comments from people in the very short time I've owned it. A previous owner had placed protective film everywhere so no stone chips but some inevitable dulling of the film in places. And finally, have I told you it's a thing of beauty!? So that's my first impressions and I love it! It has certainly triggered some positive emotion in me so it's a car I'm really going to enjoy owning for some time to come.
If you're looking at one; just do it!
Very well written and interesting write up, from a rocket 996TT to a what people say a sluggish 4.3 V8V. Some people who are mad about 0-60 times must be scratching their heads at you? I thoroughly enjoyed driving my last 911 (996 non-turbo), but the V8V has something other cars don't - enjoy the experience.
You've made the same transition as me - I also went from 996 turbo to Vantage about a month ago, and I remember your ID from the turbo forum.
They are indeed very gorgeous cars, but beware of looking at some of the pics owners post on this forum. I think that DB4, DB5, DB6 owners should be banned from adding pictures because whenever I see one, I start considering selling my Vantage, house and a couple of essential body parts to buy one!
I've been very happy with mine so far. But once you'd decided to settle for 2 seats, you really should have tried a 360.
They are indeed very gorgeous cars, but beware of looking at some of the pics owners post on this forum. I think that DB4, DB5, DB6 owners should be banned from adding pictures because whenever I see one, I start considering selling my Vantage, house and a couple of essential body parts to buy one!
I've been very happy with mine so far. But once you'd decided to settle for 2 seats, you really should have tried a 360.
Great write up Rog007. Like yourself I love the lines and styling of the Vantage, think its one of the best designs AM have had to date. I have lusted after Astons for many years and am at last able to start looking around for a decent V8V. I am also a TVR owner and love my '92 Griffith 4.3, had it for many years, the rawness and soundtrack are just captivating. So the V8V will be a stablemate for the Griffith. Do keep posting about you experiences with your 'new' Aston.
A question for you experienced V8V guys on here - are they easy to maintain away from main dealers etc? I am a very competent engineer and have a good workshop facility , so would like to tackle the basic maintenance and servicing!
Regards, Pete
A question for you experienced V8V guys on here - are they easy to maintain away from main dealers etc? I am a very competent engineer and have a good workshop facility , so would like to tackle the basic maintenance and servicing!
Regards, Pete
Well; it's all good news! What a car for all occasions; cruising; pressing on; shopping et al.
Supplying dealer took it back in for a morning to address some cosmetic trim issues. Battery went flat one day for no reason. Never missed a beat since, even after a week standing. Turn in is sublime. Noise is perfect. Fuel; it likes it! Hi go is very good. Only query I have is after rain and I open the doors, rain runs out of drain holes. If I hadn't opened the doors what would have happened to that water; just sat in the bottom of the doors? Haven't looked too close but all seemed in order.
Supplying dealer took it back in for a morning to address some cosmetic trim issues. Battery went flat one day for no reason. Never missed a beat since, even after a week standing. Turn in is sublime. Noise is perfect. Fuel; it likes it! Hi go is very good. Only query I have is after rain and I open the doors, rain runs out of drain holes. If I hadn't opened the doors what would have happened to that water; just sat in the bottom of the doors? Haven't looked too close but all seemed in order.
rog007 said:
Well; it's all good news! What a car for all occasions; cruising; pressing on; shopping et al.
Supplying dealer took it back in for a morning to address some cosmetic trim issues. Battery went flat one day for no reason. Never missed a beat since, even after a week standing. Turn in is sublime. Noise is perfect. Fuel; it likes it! Hi go is very good. Only query I have is after rain and I open the doors, rain runs out of drain holes. If I hadn't opened the doors what would have happened to that water; just sat in the bottom of the doors? Haven't looked too close but all seemed in order.
Sounds as though you've got yourself a great car there Rog007 Supplying dealer took it back in for a morning to address some cosmetic trim issues. Battery went flat one day for no reason. Never missed a beat since, even after a week standing. Turn in is sublime. Noise is perfect. Fuel; it likes it! Hi go is very good. Only query I have is after rain and I open the doors, rain runs out of drain holes. If I hadn't opened the doors what would have happened to that water; just sat in the bottom of the doors? Haven't looked too close but all seemed in order.
Never heard of drain hole question before but I'm sure that someone on here will have PeteGriff said:
A question for you experienced V8V guys on here - are they easy to maintain away from main dealers etc? I am a very competent engineer and have a good workshop facility , so would like to tackle the basic maintenance and servicing!
I am at present working on a 1960s car. All very simple and easily understood. Is the Griffith similar in that respect?
With the latest cars, I get the impression that you either need a doctorate in electronics, or can plug in a computer, which then tells you which parts (probably ones not even needed on a 1960s car) to replace at vast cost.
So, I think the answer to your question is, good luck. -
To be serious, there are some contributors on here, who do a remarkable amount of work themselves.
We lesser mortals are sometimes amazed.
Edited by Jon39 on Sunday 2nd August 17:30
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