The V8 Vantage's body is a mix of aluminium and composite panels in either a two-door coupe or Roadster shape. There are halogen projector front lights and LED tail lights, while the 300-litre boot is accessed through a good sized tailgate. When it rains, the tailgate can let water run into the boot, though there is a kit to prevent this. You should also check for blocked drain holes that let water overflow into the boot and leak water inside the cabin.
Aluminium underpinnings and composite body
Otherwise, the only points to look for on the Vantage's body are signs of accident damage and paint defects. Properly repaired accident damage should be invisible to spot and the Vantage's body can be lifted away from the running gear for larger repairs.
Paint problems are likely to show up around the bottom of the A-pillars and around the door handles in the form of small bubbles. If you see this, the cost of rectification should be factored in or sorted by the seller. On newer V8s, these problems will be covered by the warranty. At the front of the V8 Vantage, the grille can work loose and the finish become milky, though both are easy repairs.
Several V8 Vantage-owning PHers say they feel the fuel filler cap is quite heavy and could knock the bodywork if not carefully removed, so look for signs of damage around the filler car. Owners also report that fold-in door mirrors are desirable for parking in tighter spaces and rear parking sensors are a must.
As for the Roadster, the fabric roof is a very high quality item with several layers of insulation that makes it more than capable of year-round use. Other than some marks in the fabric where it has been folded, the roof should be in perfect condition and the rear glass screen unmarked.
PHer's view:
"The fuel filler, despite looking beautiful sitting up on the car's flank, is angled such that at 5ft 7in I have to stand on tip toes or twist my wrist a way it doesn't want to go. Wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't standing at the pumps so often and for so long, but this is a thirsty beast."
Matt Street