Aston V8 Vantage Vs DB9 Vs GTR??
Discussion
I'm hoping to be in a similar situation this winter also where 30k will be the budget, I love the GTR but an AM is more special IMO, the noise,power delivery and looks are more important to me rather than outright pace
Its very difficult to seperate the Vantage and DB9, and used prices are very similar. The added torque, practicality and beauty of the DB9 would swing it for me (will probably never get another chance to own a V12 either the way new performance cars are going!) but the V8 does sound glorious
Its very difficult to seperate the Vantage and DB9, and used prices are very similar. The added torque, practicality and beauty of the DB9 would swing it for me (will probably never get another chance to own a V12 either the way new performance cars are going!) but the V8 does sound glorious
Don't think you can lose with any of those 3 cars. My choice would be the Vantage, purely because I like compact taut cars. If I was spending 30k it would either be the Aston Vantage V8 or a mint 993 Carrera S/4S (4wd maybe for winter in my village!). I am currently saving for a 993, though think I will be going for a standard early car for around £15-£20k
Nice dilemma to have anyway.
Nice dilemma to have anyway.
Completely different cars, all fantastic in their own way.
The V8V is a cracking sports car (yes I am biased!) not the fastest car in the world but very usable. The DB9 is a classic V12 GT - back seats are only for small children and shopping. I've not driven a GTR, but plenty of folk on here have - in a nutshell, amazing car, stupidly fast and as much of a techno-fest as you could ever want.
Sounds to me like you've got a great excuse to drive some fantastic cars.
£30k is perhaps a little ambitious for a well maintained / good condition example of any of these cars - however some haggling may get you a very early or leggy V8V / DB9, but the GTR's seem that bit more pricey.
Enjoy shopping!
The V8V is a cracking sports car (yes I am biased!) not the fastest car in the world but very usable. The DB9 is a classic V12 GT - back seats are only for small children and shopping. I've not driven a GTR, but plenty of folk on here have - in a nutshell, amazing car, stupidly fast and as much of a techno-fest as you could ever want.
Sounds to me like you've got a great excuse to drive some fantastic cars.
£30k is perhaps a little ambitious for a well maintained / good condition example of any of these cars - however some haggling may get you a very early or leggy V8V / DB9, but the GTR's seem that bit more pricey.
Enjoy shopping!
Yeh I can't say it's the worst predicament I've ever been in.
Would probably pick the V8V over the DB9 - sporty appeals to me.
The GTR would probably be a better car but I suppose it's just not an aston.
The other option could be a Bentley continental if there's a bargain to be had.
Like the 993 but can't justify that sort of money on one really.
Over the winter hope to get a good deal on something - that may well be the deciding factor in what to get.
Happy to hear more suggestions - as much of a c0ck I'm sure it makes me sound, I like "showy" cars that get noticed!
Would probably pick the V8V over the DB9 - sporty appeals to me.
The GTR would probably be a better car but I suppose it's just not an aston.
The other option could be a Bentley continental if there's a bargain to be had.
Like the 993 but can't justify that sort of money on one really.
Over the winter hope to get a good deal on something - that may well be the deciding factor in what to get.
Happy to hear more suggestions - as much of a c0ck I'm sure it makes me sound, I like "showy" cars that get noticed!
You will struggle to get a GTR for £30k anytime soon.Prices of early models have stabilised if not crept back up a touch to to the hefty price of the newer models.Not sure on aston prices and cant comment on them as I have never driven them but everyone i know who has driven a V8 vantage has been very dissapointed.Beautiful car and lovely noise though.
I was in a similar situation earlier this year albeit with a slightly bigger budget and went for a GTR.You will soon forget that its a nissan.They have as much presence and turn more heads than most things on the road and the performance will simply blow your mind.
Best way is to make sure you try each one and decide from there.
I was in a similar situation earlier this year albeit with a slightly bigger budget and went for a GTR.You will soon forget that its a nissan.They have as much presence and turn more heads than most things on the road and the performance will simply blow your mind.
Best way is to make sure you try each one and decide from there.
Speed doesn't really bother me a great deal if I'm honest.
Like the 997 with the aero kit on, will have to look into them.
The budget is a guide really, can be stretched.
Just seen Ferrari 355s are around that mark! Not sure they really do it for me though and wouldn't make the best daily!
Like the 997 with the aero kit on, will have to look into them.
The budget is a guide really, can be stretched.
Just seen Ferrari 355s are around that mark! Not sure they really do it for me though and wouldn't make the best daily!
Don't go anywhere near a F355 if a "30.000 budget can be stretched". A 550 Maranello is a much better option but then again, the parts prices are Ferrari parts prices.
Still think 997 is a good, valid option. Maybe someone can chime in on whether they got the same engine issues as the Caymans or the early 996 Carreras?
How are the rear seats in a GT-R? The DB9 seats are not for adults, not even for short drives.
Still think 997 is a good, valid option. Maybe someone can chime in on whether they got the same engine issues as the Caymans or the early 996 Carreras?
How are the rear seats in a GT-R? The DB9 seats are not for adults, not even for short drives.
I was in a similar situation a while ago mate budget was £30k of savings (so the wife thought!!) but with man math up to £37k
Have a sensible family car for the kids so seats not and issues and my short list was a v8v, 997 c2s, c4s and GTR. Ended up with an evora.
GTR was biblically fast but high running costs and the fact it some how just didn't make me smile ruled it out after a drive. I like speed but not the be all and end all.
V8V have huge repair costs if things go wrong. At the lower end of price scale you will get an earlier car more issue prone. I was told by an AM tech that 07 cars are best. A mate got badly stung with ECU and engine issues on an 05 car, bill ended up being £7k (ouch an was enough to put me off). Awesome sound and a great drive, gear box crappy when cold on all I drove.
Nearly brought a c4s but after a Peter Morgan inspection of one I found it had some bore scoring issues (one to be wary of). Ended up thanking my lucky stars as ....
While looking around for another C4S drove past a Lotus garage and took an Evora for a drive. Got a 2011 with 10k on clock and all options for just under man math budget. What a chassis, not the fastest (in straight line slowest of list), not the best finished inside but made me smile and want to go for a pointless country blat. Sounds a bit limp but a 3rd cat deletion and Larini exhaust and they have a soundtrack to match the looks. Not too many on the roads.
Hold their money well if the early cars are anything to go by (were £32k when I was looking 6 months ago and still about that), cheap to run and Lotus warranty is excellent (a few niggles quickly sorted). Main issue is sparse dealer network.
My 2 youngest kids love it and and get into the back in their car seats but rear only useable by small kids or midgets (with short asses in the front).
I'd take them all for a drive and see which one does it for you. Which ever one you choose you will have a great car but fear with a £30k budget you will be getting an older or higher mile of any of the above. Not sure you will even get a GTR in that range unless early jap import.
Have a sensible family car for the kids so seats not and issues and my short list was a v8v, 997 c2s, c4s and GTR. Ended up with an evora.
GTR was biblically fast but high running costs and the fact it some how just didn't make me smile ruled it out after a drive. I like speed but not the be all and end all.
V8V have huge repair costs if things go wrong. At the lower end of price scale you will get an earlier car more issue prone. I was told by an AM tech that 07 cars are best. A mate got badly stung with ECU and engine issues on an 05 car, bill ended up being £7k (ouch an was enough to put me off). Awesome sound and a great drive, gear box crappy when cold on all I drove.
Nearly brought a c4s but after a Peter Morgan inspection of one I found it had some bore scoring issues (one to be wary of). Ended up thanking my lucky stars as ....
While looking around for another C4S drove past a Lotus garage and took an Evora for a drive. Got a 2011 with 10k on clock and all options for just under man math budget. What a chassis, not the fastest (in straight line slowest of list), not the best finished inside but made me smile and want to go for a pointless country blat. Sounds a bit limp but a 3rd cat deletion and Larini exhaust and they have a soundtrack to match the looks. Not too many on the roads.
Hold their money well if the early cars are anything to go by (were £32k when I was looking 6 months ago and still about that), cheap to run and Lotus warranty is excellent (a few niggles quickly sorted). Main issue is sparse dealer network.
My 2 youngest kids love it and and get into the back in their car seats but rear only useable by small kids or midgets (with short asses in the front).
I'd take them all for a drive and see which one does it for you. Which ever one you choose you will have a great car but fear with a £30k budget you will be getting an older or higher mile of any of the above. Not sure you will even get a GTR in that range unless early jap import.
Seats aren't really an issue for me!
Not completely sold on the Evora if I'm honest, though a test drive could well be in order.
For the right car I'll stretch the budget, but I'd hope prices drop over the winter too.
Or might just get a newer range rover sport, got a TDV6 at the mo and change it for a TDV8.
Cheers
Not completely sold on the Evora if I'm honest, though a test drive could well be in order.
For the right car I'll stretch the budget, but I'd hope prices drop over the winter too.
Or might just get a newer range rover sport, got a TDV6 at the mo and change it for a TDV8.
Cheers
I had a not dissimilar shortlist last year, test drove a few cars.
Ended up surprising myself and buying an XKR and very happy with it.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Ended up surprising myself and buying an XKR and very happy with it.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I've not driven any of these cars so I'm qualified to comment ;-)
The GTR will be the fastest and probably the best to drive but I'd take the V8. The GTR isn't a looker but the V8 is one of the best looking cars around today in my opinion. That and the soundtrack and the way other motorists treat you. One of our directors has one and he's always getting waves and gets let out of junctions. He said this never happened in his 996. The DB9 doesn't really do it for me. don't know why.
The GTR will be the fastest and probably the best to drive but I'd take the V8. The GTR isn't a looker but the V8 is one of the best looking cars around today in my opinion. That and the soundtrack and the way other motorists treat you. One of our directors has one and he's always getting waves and gets let out of junctions. He said this never happened in his 996. The DB9 doesn't really do it for me. don't know why.
DeadMeat_UK said:
I had a not dissimilar shortlist last year, test drove a few cars.
Ended up surprising myself and buying an XKR and very happy with it.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Looking through it now - seems you were in a avery similar position! Want something special but at the same time very usable.Ended up surprising myself and buying an XKR and very happy with it.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Recommend the XKR then? Someone at the gym has one - it's very smart. Really don't know if it's too "old man" for me though! Without getting into the whole age thing, I'm early twenties.
I just don't know if I can look past that bloody V8 Vantage!
MikeOxlong said:
DeadMeat_UK said:
I had a not dissimilar shortlist last year, test drove a few cars.
Ended up surprising myself and buying an XKR and very happy with it.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Looking through it now - seems you were in a avery similar position! Want something special but at the same time very usable.Ended up surprising myself and buying an XKR and very happy with it.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Recommend the XKR then? Someone at the gym has one - it's very smart. Really don't know if it's too "old man" for me though! Without getting into the whole age thing, I'm early twenties.
I just don't know if I can look past that bloody V8 Vantage!
I don't regret my decision one bit - although I'm early 40s with a beard so maybe I can carry it off better
Most people have been very positive and "Wow" about the car, I've yet to have any negative comments from peers, yet alone age related ones. I feel happy being seen in it (many people mistake it for an Aston anyway).
Jag dealers, service have been excellent. Couple of minor issues but all sorted well and nothing that kept me off the road (aircon pipe blocked, MAF tube split under wheel arch). It now sits outside in all weathers and is push-button go every time. (Keyless ignition is a nice feature).
The only things I would change: Better fuel consumption (20mpg), slightly smaller (narrow country lanes), rear window wiper. But I think all your list probably suffer from the same.
My usage pattern for it has changed now - I have moved to the country and do a daily commute along fairly narrow lanes. I still love the car, however I think winter will kill it/and me so it's getting chopped in for a (I even hate myself saying it!!! - a 4x4). Absolutely nothing wrong with the car though and disappointed I'm having to do it. I've had some epic runs in it, and each drive is fun and relaxing.
It is, I warn you though, EPICally, scarily fast especially taking off from 50 when overtaking. I see you've got a nice CBR - that sort of overtake acceleration is how it feels (although I'm sure it's slower on paper).
Edited to add - I also see you've got a Fezza so you'll be used to "a bit nippy"
Edited by DeadMeat_UK on Tuesday 28th August 16:09
I found myself looking at a whole raft of stuff a few years back. I sold my (mk1 shape facelift v2) XKR. It was a simply magnificent motor, but I had an itch to scratch, and got a DB7 Vantage. Considering everyone bangs on about them being the same car I couldn't disagree more. The Jag was better in just about every way, but I still have the Aston in the garage, almost 8 years later on. Bottom line is that sometimes you just have to do it. I have driven the V8V, DB9, V12V and Vanquish in my time, and in the real world of traffic and potholes and speedbumps and rain the V8V is probably the best bet out of all the AM range. Smaller (easier to park), 10k service interval (IIRC compared to 7500 on earlier models) and beautiful styling etc.
I have never really buzzed off Porsches, and, TBH, don't really think they have much road presence. Sure, when a big 911 Turbo goes by, you know about it, but I always notice an Aston, regardless of model. My old man has one of the new XKRs, and it's glorious. Stunning to behold, extremely comfortable, B&W speakers, just lots of really nice little details done well. I find the cockpit a bit snug for me (at 6'2) but it is better than my DB7. I could be really tempted for one now, were it not for the F-Type R on the horizon in a couple of years...
Now where was my local Jag dealer again... ... ...?
I have never really buzzed off Porsches, and, TBH, don't really think they have much road presence. Sure, when a big 911 Turbo goes by, you know about it, but I always notice an Aston, regardless of model. My old man has one of the new XKRs, and it's glorious. Stunning to behold, extremely comfortable, B&W speakers, just lots of really nice little details done well. I find the cockpit a bit snug for me (at 6'2) but it is better than my DB7. I could be really tempted for one now, were it not for the F-Type R on the horizon in a couple of years...
Now where was my local Jag dealer again... ... ...?
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