New F-type or lightly used Aston?

[white_goodman]

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?

Edited by white_goodman on Friday 7th November 19:57

[white_goodman]

so called said:

I was looking at DB9's 12 months ago and have started thinking about them again.
I called in at the Jag dealer today and checked out the F type convertible and coupe's.
Lovely cars and a bit bigger than I was expecting. Very nice driving position.
However, for me the boots space is far too small.
I couldn't fit a samsonite hard case in either which for me is a must.
My Tuscan boot easily takes a large Samsonite and my brief case when heading to the airport.
OK, when heading down to Spain for summer holidays we have soft bags but even then the Jag space is way too small for me.

Nice problem to have though

Interesting. I knew the boot on the convertible was small but does the coupe have the same problem as well (might be a factor)?

Thanks everyone for all the responses. More love for the Aston than I envisaged. Not many cars you could say just buy the Aston because it's an Aston. If someone had said that about a BMW/Audi, they would get flamed on here!

I thought people would say the Vantage is too old a design now, the F-Type is a much better, modern car and that Astons are overrated. I have passengered in a V8V and I have to say the interior was slightly disappointing (but most "premium" interiors are) but the styling, noise and performance were everything that I had hoped. I know the power the V8s put out is nothing special but how much power do you really need? I'm leaning more towards a V8V, as you seem to be able to get a 3/4 year old one for 60k rather than a 6/7 year old DB9. I think I prefer the Vantage but a V12 does have a certain draw. If I could stretch to a V12 Vantage (or DBS), that would swing it in favour of the Aston for sure but they're more like 80k and 10k for new Cermamic brakes? No thanks!

I should go and check out the F-Type though, as it is truly a beautiful car and not since the E-Type have Jaguar had something that is genuinely as desirable as an Aston. Some lovely F-Types posted on this thread but I wouldn't want pillarbox red or white and although list prices are 50-60k, it seems that 70k seems like the starting point for a desirable spec, even a used one. I think I would be perfectly happy with a Jaguar though and a Jaguar has always been my fall back option if I couldn't stretch to an Aston.

The dream is still a few years hard work away though at the moment, so still plenty of time to think but perhaps I shouldn't dismiss an Aston yet. Sorry though, a GTR as a daily would complement the Jag/Aston nicely but I just don't want one of them or a 991 or an R8 as much as a Vantage or an F-Type.

[white_goodman]

Jasandjules said:

It isn't about impressing anyone else, for me no car I ever own is for anyone else but me. A childhood dream of the OP is to have an Aston (mine too for that matter). So he should get one, live the dream. If he doesn't like it, well, sell it on, but he still owned an Aston.

Exactly. It isn't about the badge. Some people would feel the same about a Ferrari. Can't say I feel the same about a Skoda but in the context of buying the best car for the money to do the job, that wouldn't put me off buying one. Haven't had a drive in a Vantage or F-Type yet. I'm a bit too busy and no Jag/AM dealerships nearby but I am keeping an eye on prices!

Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 11th November 00:03

[white_goodman]

justin220 said:

Which year of Vantage did you sit in that you were disappointed with the interior?

Try and get one with the updated interior if possible, not sure which date this came in though

Confession time. I don't know but it was an early one I think in Tungsten grey with black interior. I tend to prefer lighter interiors anyway. Mitigating circumstances though! My wife's cousin had borrowed it from a friend to come to our wedding in. I slipped out of the reception when I should have probably been schmoozing with my guests and/or dancing with my wife for a quick passenger ride. I'm sure that he would have let me drive it if it was his but understandably, he didn't as it wasn't!

[white_goodman]

dme123 said:

To be fair by the time you've married her it's all old hat, far more fun to try out a new car

F-Type, yes probably, although it was 2010, so he would have had to travel back in time! How often do you get to have a ride in an F-Type or Aston?

With regards to coupe or convertible, for the F-Type, coupe definitely. It's much like the E-Type. The convertible is nice but the coupe is lovely. The Vantage is more difficult. Probably the Volante actually but you get more coupe for your money, so that's probably the one I would buy!