Any V8V 4.3 owners?

Any V8V 4.3 owners?

Author
Discussion

djmac56

206 posts

175 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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I've owned my 2007 4.3 vantage for 5 years and I like it. It does not feel as lively as a 4.7, but looks and sounds just as good and I actually prefer the look of the early interior.

I just couldn't justify the extra 20k needed for a good 4.7 at the time when the car I found had everything I wanted. I was just chuffed to be in an Aston Martin.

Does it feel very quick? No.
Does it feel nimble? No
Does it sound as good as a 4.7? Yes - possibly better IMHO
Would I use the extra few horses regularly? No
Has anyone seen it and cared if it is a 4.3 or 4.7 or 6.0? No

If I could swap for a 4.7 for free of course I would - there were significant technical advances year on year beyond the engine - everything is just a little better - but I am happy with what I have.



12pack

1,533 posts

167 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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The 4.3 was my first Aston. From what I remember - as long as you kept revs above 4K there was subjectively no issue with the power delivery - and especially not with the sound smile.

HBradley

1,037 posts

180 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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I ran a 2006 4.3 Vantage for a few years & absolutely loved it!
Everything is subjective & whilst the 4.7 is a move upwards in terms of performance, honestly you are very unlikely to notice it during everyday driving.
If you really need a little more performance or want to improve driveability, there are a number of things that can be done by very knowledgeable experts in the independent field (Exhaust & cat changes, twin-plate clutch & lightened flywheel etc). In the end both cars are a pleasure to own & run; I'm quite jealous that you have the opportunity to drive it that often; it'll be a real treat.

ChilliWhizz

11,990 posts

160 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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I've had my 4.3 Vantage for just over three months now, went away in it over Christmas. It's not the fastest car I own, but it's performance is very much more than adequate for driving in the UK, and if I had a sudden urge to drive to the South of France in it I'm pretty sure I'd get out at the other end feeling as fresh as I did when I started the journey. Just driving it makes you feel a bit 'special'. I don't do traffic lights GP's or 'play' with others when I'm driving the Aston, I feel it's way above that kind of tomfoolery....

The TVR on the other hand.... biggrin

(Actually these days I save up my must go faster feelings for the track smile )

Chilli

matrignano

4,350 posts

209 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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martindesu said:
Thanks, that's nice to hear. I had an SL55 with 500 BHP (or so) which was immense, and now I am in an E92 M3, with about 420 BHP. To my recollection, my M3 does feel similar in power and delivery to the 4.7L NA of the Aston.
I've had a 4.3 for 5 years now, and my brother has an E90 M3 which I've driven many times.

The M3 feels and probably is faster, although lacks torque lower down, and is also more lively and chuckable probably owing to the smaller tyres.

The Vantage has a bit more low down grunt but doesn't pull as hard higher up (7,300 rpm redline plays ~8,500rpm). It's slower on turn in and not as lively at the back, however it feels more planted and stable and makes for a relaxed GT drive. Sometimes the M3 makes me feel a bit nervous, it shimmies a bit even when pulling hard in 4th/5th on the motorway, but maybe it's because I'm not so well accustomed to it.

However, the Aston is miles better looking, has a superb interior covered in leather and alcantara head to toe, and just gives you that sense of occasion every time you drive it, that an M3 can never match. The driving position only adds to that.

Mine has been utterly reliable, it needed a new clutch at 20k miles but that was due to me doing too many standing starts when I got it (got a bit carried away...), and also due to the fact it's mainly driven in London stop/start traffic. Otherwise just regular servicing at £1k a pop annually.

northernmedia

1,988 posts

137 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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Had my 4.3 for nearly 3 years, 20k miles, traded it for a V12 and got almost what I paid 3 years previous.
I think it's all been pretty much covered above.
Buy an early car and I reckon you'll be into some lovely depreciation free motoring.
Wonderful cars, flawed in many ways but it will get under your skin like nothing else, I can guarantee that.
Go buy one and post up some pics!

blade runner

1,029 posts

211 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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I'm on my second 4.3 and no complaints. The 4.7 is a better package driving-wise, but I actually prefer the styling, analogue feel and 'weightiness' of the earlier 4.3 cars. The 4.3 is plenty fast enough for UK roads these days and has more than enough power for my (limited) driving skills. Personally I don't find the original clutch especially heavy, but when it does need replacing, the lighter twin plate version is no more expensive to fit as replacement. Plenty of good 4.3's around to choose from, both privately and from independent dealers. Buy sensibly and I doubt you'll loose anything on depreciation.

TKP

127 posts

90 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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djmac56 said:
and I actually prefer the look of the early interior.
blade runner said:
but I actually prefer the styling
Maybe a stupid question but what are you specifically referring to? I mean there is the change to the silly ECU from the much worse Ford Fiesta key but otherwise, what's the difference?

On the outside I fail to see any styling difference at all... (I have a MY2009 4.7, so also the side skirts and the diffusor are as with the 4.3).

Veg

497 posts

282 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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Funny thing is that when the E-Type series 1.5 and 2 came out they were so much better than the Series 1 but which model do people want.....just saying.....

Bincenzo

2,606 posts

178 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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First Aston was a 4.3 V8V. Fantastic car. No problems, enjoyed every minute of it. Probably the best balanced Aston on the market. For sure the 4.7 and later versions are better, they bloody well ought to be, but I never found myself lusting after one (granted I had mine upgraded which made the car more complete). Try one. They're incredibly reliable cars and an early one will (or should) have had most niggles dealt with. Good luck.

telum01

987 posts

114 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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I have an '07 V8V and absolutely love it. My first Aston as well, and I'll never get rid of it (looking to add a second, won't get rid of the first!). I've driven others since buying mine, including a V8VS (sportshift), DB9 (manual), DBS (manual), and a few other 4.3L V8V manuals (haven't driven an ASMI 4.3L). There's a very large difference between each.

The 4.3L V8V isn't fast or nimble from the factory. It needs more power, and it's heavy given its size. It looks and sounds far, far better than it performs (but for many, that's enough).
The 4.7L V8V has the extra power the 4.3L needed, mostly noticeable because of the extra torque. It's worth paying extra for the 4.7L if it's within your budget.

Like I said, I love my 4.3L V8V, but it's heavily modified and a completely different animal compared to a standard one. I've already shed 130 lbs (59 kg) from it and will drop a total of at least 100 kg by the time I'm done. Plus I've added about 50 hp to it over the original 380 hp. I drive other people's Astons fairly regularly, and the standard 4.3L does feel really slow to me since I'm so used to my own. The standard 4.3L isn't actually that slow, but it depends on your expectations from the car. Given the looks and sounds, people tend to subconsciously expect it to be faster. The myriad reviews saying it's slow doesn't help, either.

It costs a lot of money to modify these cars, but if you're looking at a cost-effective way to get into an Aston, the 4.3L V8V isn't a bad way to go and does have potential to be an incredible sports car with some extra investment. Of course, the same modifications can be done to a 4.7L V8V so that's still a better car to start with, but again it's a higher cost for entry.

Just my opinion, of course.

telum01

987 posts

114 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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TKP said:
Maybe a stupid question but what are you specifically referring to? I mean there is the change to the silly ECU from the much worse Ford Fiesta key but otherwise, what's the difference?

On the outside I fail to see any styling difference at all... (I have a MY2009 4.7, so also the side skirts and the diffusor are as with the 4.3).
The two main things that were changed over the life of the V8V are the front fascia and rear end (outside) and the main console (inside).

Early V8V front:


Newer V8V front:


Early V8V rear:


Newer V8V rear:


Early V8V console:


Newer V8V console:


Newest V8V console:






TKP

127 posts

90 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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telum01 said:
TKP said:
Maybe a stupid question but what are you specifically referring to? I mean there is the change to the silly ECU from the much worse Ford Fiesta key but otherwise, what's the difference?

On the outside I fail to see any styling difference at all... (I have a MY2009 4.7, so also the side skirts and the diffusor are as with the 4.3).
The two main things that were changed over the life of the V8V are the front fascia and rear end (outside) and the main console (inside).
Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation - I believe the rear-end is still the same on my MY2009 compared to the 4.3 and on the front end it's wuite minor and I don't see it that much as mine is black ;-)

So I'm still not sure what the other people like better in the 4.3 styling....

telum01

987 posts

114 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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The center console (and armrest) changed in MY08, and some people think the updated version is a bit too blingy, finicky, etc, preferring the more simple look of the early console. The updated armrest also puts the cup holders further forward, making it very difficult to shift if anything is in them. It's still annoying to shift with the older cup holders, but far easier since the items are placed behind your elbow rather than at your wrist.

V8Andrew

387 posts

161 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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I've had a 4.3 for a couple of years and love it. Mine has a few upgrades which make the performance closer to the 4.7, and it's certainly louder than one. Personally I love the way the original cars are styled. The lines are uncluttered by additional aero, vents and side skirts. Don't get me wrong I'd love a v12, but prefer the styling on an early 4.3.

john ryan

481 posts

131 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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I've had a 2007 V8V coupe for 4 years. I like the original stying, and it is fast enough for me. Great for foriegn touring in Italy and France, but not much used here. Luggage space limited, so madam has to be economical with clothes. No trouble apart from a failed back up alarm battery. I have the facilities to self service, so my annual spend is not much, say £200 for service parts to the book, but I will need tyres next year - no intention of changing any time soon. I think they are fairly bomb proof, but I do keep a code reader in the car to clear the annual error code - in my case typically after a fuel fill in very hot ambient conditions.

NickXX

1,546 posts

217 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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Had my 2007 4.3 nearly bang on 1 year. Still love it- feels quick (my other car is an e46 M3), sounds and looks fantastic, but most importantly feels like a real event to drive.

It's a weekend/holiday car for me, and I'm already looking forward to taking it on my annual trip to France. cloud9

TKP

127 posts

90 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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telum01 said:
The updated armrest also puts the cup holders further forward, making it very difficult to shift if anything is in them. It's still annoying to shift with the older cup holders, but far easier since the items are placed behind your elbow rather than at your wrist.
Point taken, my MY09 is manual and the cupholders are completely pointless. So I put them into the armrest and place my mobile in the spot; the only issue is that it fits so perfectly the iPhone 7 with a bumper that it is difficult to get the phone out again...

V8Andrew said:
Personally I love the way the original cars are styled. The lines are uncluttered by additional aero, vents and side skirts.
I fully agree with you, but the early 4.7 look 99% the same as the 4.3. No big diffusors, no side skirts. I looked at a 2009 and a 2011 or 2012 4.7 and the looks of the 2009 did suit me better.

AstonExige

661 posts

106 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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I loved my 4.3. Other big plus point is chances are they're pretty depreciation proof. Just buy it, not a lot you can lose but loads to his . Of you don't get on just sell it

blade runner

1,029 posts

211 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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TKP said:
Maybe a stupid question but what are you specifically referring to? I mean there is the change to the silly ECU from the much worse Ford Fiesta key but otherwise, what's the difference?

On the outside I fail to see any styling difference at all... (I have a MY2009 4.7, so also the side skirts and the diffusor are as with the 4.3).
Sorry, my fault for not explaining better... I was referring to the later style sill covers, front & rear bumpers abd wheels, which IMHO detract from the, near perfect, original design. Of course the early 4.7's are pretty much identical to the 4.3's which I guess is why they are so sought after.