Thinking of getting an Aston......

[M3RMS]

Had the C2S for 2 years and absolutely love it.

However, the car itself is now 5 years old and I'm ready for a change (this is the longest I've ever kept a car). Swapping for a newer C2S seems a bit pointless. I could get into an early 997 Turbo or GT3 (which I am almost gagging for!) but I just don't want to spending £60k+ at the moment (although I could be convinced.....). To be honest, I'd rather keep a bit more cash in my pocket right now.

So I'm thinking at mid-40's a main-dealer Aston might be a nice shout. I know dynamically it's not up there with the C2S..... but it can't be 'bad' can it.

Pro's & Con's please folks. Or other ideas!? (A friend has an R8 V10 Spyder - and as much as I love this, the standard v8 doesn't quite do it for me, so that's out)

Cheers
RS

[M3RMS]

ps. Does anybody know when the AMV8 is getting replaced?

[SFO]

drive one first and see what you think ..

Just make sure it's not the 4.3 V8 as that's a bit gutless

[Slippydiff]

I'd speak to 996GT2 on here before going this route . . . .

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=0...

[[AJ]]

I have always loved Astons from a very young age and I do hope to own one at some point in my life. Before I changed my C2 for a C2S I had a bit of a flirt with a V8 Vantage. They are, in my opinion, one of the best looking cars on the road. But driving one, where I live, wouldn't yield the same amount of pleasure. If I could get away with just 2 seats, which I may be able to do next time, it would be a GT3 without a second thought at the moment. I'll save the Aston for when I'm older and fancy a little more style over performance.

[Captain James T]

I tried an AMV8 and an early DB9 before deciding on a new 911 GTS but found them a blunt knife in comparison to the 911. They look and sound good but too tiresome and heavy to drive (AMV8)and even though they look good value now long term values and potential reliability issues are scary. I know the Gen II 911 doesn't look that different from my existing 911 but having driven the GTS over 24 hours it is a world away from my 2005 C2S in dynamics and performance and the new PDK gearbox is a revelation.

[Frimley111R]

Captain James T said:

and even though they look good value now long term values and potential reliability issues are scary.

So a lot like a Porsche then?

[gra001]

Frimley111R said:

Captain James T said:

and even though they look good value now long term values and potential reliability issues are scary.

So a lot like a Porsche then?

Not 993`s but that`s another story.

[Moosh]

gra001 said:

Frimley111R said:

Captain James T said:

and even though they look good value now long term values and potential reliability issues are scary.

So a lot like a Porsche then?

Not 993`s but that`s another story.

TROLL!!!!!

[996GT2]

M3RMS said:

Had the C2S for 2 years and absolutely love it.

However, the car itself is now 5 years old and I'm ready for a change (this is the longest I've ever kept a car). Swapping for a newer C2S seems a bit pointless. I could get into an early 997 Turbo or GT3 (which I am almost gagging for!) but I just don't want to spending £60k+ at the moment (although I could be convinced.....). To be honest, I'd rather keep a bit more cash in my pocket right now.

So I'm thinking at mid-40's a main-dealer Aston might be a nice shout. I know dynamically it's not up there with the C2S..... but it can't be 'bad' can it.

Pro's & Con's please folks. Or other ideas!? (A friend has an R8 V10 Spyder - and as much as I love this, the standard v8 doesn't quite do it for me, so that's out)

Cheers
RS

After owning one for 6 weeks (the 4.3) I'd say don't do it. Mine was an expensive mistake but I decided to cut my losses and get back into something I wanted rather than do the sensible thing and keep it for a while. In a nutshell it's a lovely looking car, sounds great and makes you feel a million dollars but ultimately it's a heavy old lump with lifeless steering feel and an underwhelming engine. People talk about the 4.7 being better but I'd be surprised if it makes that much difference.

Getting back into a 911 (997 4S) made me realise just how bad the Vantage is. I'd say get one on an extended test drive and see what you think.


As for the R8 don't rule it out, I'm loving mine and it's only the cheapo V8. It's in a different league to the Aston and dare I say it better than the 997 4S I had


I do miss my GT2 though still, 997 GT2 is next

[threesixty]

996GT2 said:

M3RMS said:

Had the C2S for 2 years and absolutely love it.

However, the car itself is now 5 years old and I'm ready for a change (this is the longest I've ever kept a car). Swapping for a newer C2S seems a bit pointless. I could get into an early 997 Turbo or GT3 (which I am almost gagging for!) but I just don't want to spending £60k+ at the moment (although I could be convinced.....). To be honest, I'd rather keep a bit more cash in my pocket right now.

So I'm thinking at mid-40's a main-dealer Aston might be a nice shout. I know dynamically it's not up there with the C2S..... but it can't be 'bad' can it.

Pro's & Con's please folks. Or other ideas!? (A friend has an R8 V10 Spyder - and as much as I love this, the standard v8 doesn't quite do it for me, so that's out)

Cheers
RS

After owning one for 6 weeks (the 4.3) I'd say don't do it. Mine was an expensive mistake but I decided to cut my losses and get back into something I wanted rather than do the sensible thing and keep it for a while. In a nutshell it's a lovely looking car, sounds great and makes you feel a million dollars but ultimately it's a heavy old lump with lifeless steering feel and an underwhelming engine. People talk about the 4.7 being better but I'd be surprised if it makes that much difference.

Getting back into a 911 (997 4S) made me realise just how bad the Vantage is. I'd say get one on an extended test drive and see what you think.


As for the R8 don't rule it out, I'm loving mine and it's only the cheapo V8. It's in a different league to the Aston and dare I say it better than the 997 4S I had


I do miss my GT2 though still, 997 GT2 is next

I test drove these cars when looking for my new car too and reached a very similar conclusion. Even the 4.7 aston feels gutless (I drove a 4.3 and 4.7 back to back).

I didn't fit in the R8 very well (6ft5) I only test drove the V10 and whilst it looks quick on paper theres no real sensation of speed or excitement, Its a brilliant car but it's definitely a bit dull.

If you want excitement make that stretch and get the GT3, despite what some people on here say, I think it'll cost less than the other options in the long run. Just sitting here typing this makes me want to take mine out for a blast this evening, I honestly don't think i'd be saying that if i'd bought anything else listed here.

Edited by threesixty on Thursday 20th January 14:16

[gra001]

Moosh said:

gra001 said:

Frimley111R said:

Captain James T said:

and even though they look good value now long term values and potential reliability issues are scary.

So a lot like a Porsche then?

Not 993`s but that`s another story.

TROLL!!!!!

Pay attention, read the post again....................you may even understand!!

[whoami]

996GT2 said:

People talk about the 4.7 being better but I'd be surprised if it makes that much difference.

It makes a large difference, particularly if you get one with the Sportpack (which makes more a difference than just the extra power alone).

[996GT2]

threesixty said:

I didn't fit in the R8 very well (6ft5) I only test drove the V10 and whilst it looks quick on paper theres no real sensation of speed or excitement, Its a brilliant car but it's definitely a bit dull.

I'm 6ft2 and find the R8 nice and roomy, even have room to put the seat back further. I know what you mean about it being dull and I can see why you'd think that from a test drive. I think part of the problem is that it's too well balanced and engineered and ends up feeling too safe. I've had a few attempts at upsetting it (on private roads and roundabouts) and it is lively if you push it, just needs to be driven in anger to really feel exciting.

I'm driving mine at Silverstone in Feb so hopefully will be able to explore the limits a bit more.

[Lordglenmorangie]

You can get a 997turbo for less than 60K, you will find a Aston unrewarding after you have had Pork. My neighbour bought a Aston last year lovely looking car and sounds the nuts, but that is where the joy ends, he very much regrets buying his

[threesixty]

996GT2 said:

threesixty said:

I didn't fit in the R8 very well (6ft5) I only test drove the V10 and whilst it looks quick on paper theres no real sensation of speed or excitement, Its a brilliant car but it's definitely a bit dull.

I'm 6ft2 and find the R8 nice and roomy, even have room to put the seat back further. I know what you mean about it being dull and I can see why you'd think that from a test drive. I think part of the problem is that it's too well balanced and engineered and ends up feeling too safe. I've had a few attempts at upsetting it (on private roads and roundabouts) and it is lively if you push it, just needs to be driven in anger to really feel exciting.

I'm driving mine at Silverstone in Feb so hopefully will be able to explore the limits a bit more.

I found that my left leg was jammed in between the steering wheel and the centre console, I could drive the car but it wasn't comfortable when lots of wheel work was needed. I certainly couldn't bring my knees together under the steering wheel which I find very annoying.

I'd imagine you might have different seats to the one I tried. Often non-electric sports seats sit a little lower.

[turboman786]

So if an AMv8 isn't all that, what are the alternatives to a 997?

I am wondering what I will replace the 997 with, and so far, the answer appears to be another 997, albeit a turbo or GT3

[Soovy]

DB9

[Zip106]

turboman786 said:

So if an AMv8 isn't all that, what are the alternatives to a 997?

I am wondering what I will replace the 997 with, and so far, the answer appears to be another 997, albeit a turbo or GT3

I'm thinking of an Exige S for my next one...

[Captain James T]

Frimley111R said:

Captain James T said:

and even though they look good value now long term values and potential reliability issues are scary.

So a lot like a Porsche then?

Lost 50% of the purchase price in five years and never missed a beat