First Time Buyer, Advice Needed - AMV8
Discussion
I am considering taking the leap into the world of Aston Martin with the purchase of a used AMV8. Usage will be as a 3rd car mainly for weekends and the occasional venture into Europe with probably less than 5k miles per annum. I would like to solicit the advice of the PH collective on a number of areas, so here goes:
1) Current thinking is to go to a main dealer, Stratstone Amersham and Lancaster Reading are the nearest to me as I am located near Farnham in Surrey. Any comments, opinions on either of these in terms of Sales and After Sales service? Do they negotiate (cash purchase, no trade-in) or are prices rigid ?
2) I am looking at late 2006, early 2007 4.3 models as the 4.7's are beyond the budget. What additional spec items are essential and are there "forbidden" colour combinations?
I am leaning towards Tungsten or Metiorite at the moment and any red or blue interiors are out. I have seen pics with both dark (black/grey) or light grey interiors in them that look pretty good.
Here's an example of one that at first glance hits all the right buttons. http://www.stratstone.com/vehiclesearch/used/Vehic...
3) Running costs and depreciation. What are these like on an AMV8? Is there extended warranty with good coverage and at what sort of cost ?
4) Reliability. I have had a couple of 911's and these have been excellent, how do the AMV8's compare ? With the dealers not exactly being local I don't want it back with the technicians on a regular basis.
5) What are the service schedules and rough ideas of cost (excluding parts)? Are there any regular/known fault items like the RMS and radiators on a 996 Porsche?
6)Manual or Sportshift. I am assuming the Sportshift will be similar to the BMW M3 setup with paddles or full auto mode, is that correct ? If so I would be inclined to go for that as you get the best of both worlds to suit all driving condition, are there any pitfalls in this choice ?
7) I could possibly consider a DB9 but the looks and compact size of the AMV8 have a lot of appeal, are there reasons I should give more consideration to the former ?
Apologies for the extensive list but I have been reading the forum for a while now so it could have been a lot longer
Any feedback much appreciated and I promise faithfully to post pics if I go ahead and find the "right" one.
1) Current thinking is to go to a main dealer, Stratstone Amersham and Lancaster Reading are the nearest to me as I am located near Farnham in Surrey. Any comments, opinions on either of these in terms of Sales and After Sales service? Do they negotiate (cash purchase, no trade-in) or are prices rigid ?
2) I am looking at late 2006, early 2007 4.3 models as the 4.7's are beyond the budget. What additional spec items are essential and are there "forbidden" colour combinations?
I am leaning towards Tungsten or Metiorite at the moment and any red or blue interiors are out. I have seen pics with both dark (black/grey) or light grey interiors in them that look pretty good.
Here's an example of one that at first glance hits all the right buttons. http://www.stratstone.com/vehiclesearch/used/Vehic...
3) Running costs and depreciation. What are these like on an AMV8? Is there extended warranty with good coverage and at what sort of cost ?
4) Reliability. I have had a couple of 911's and these have been excellent, how do the AMV8's compare ? With the dealers not exactly being local I don't want it back with the technicians on a regular basis.
5) What are the service schedules and rough ideas of cost (excluding parts)? Are there any regular/known fault items like the RMS and radiators on a 996 Porsche?
6)Manual or Sportshift. I am assuming the Sportshift will be similar to the BMW M3 setup with paddles or full auto mode, is that correct ? If so I would be inclined to go for that as you get the best of both worlds to suit all driving condition, are there any pitfalls in this choice ?
7) I could possibly consider a DB9 but the looks and compact size of the AMV8 have a lot of appeal, are there reasons I should give more consideration to the former ?
Apologies for the extensive list but I have been reading the forum for a while now so it could have been a lot longer
Any feedback much appreciated and I promise faithfully to post pics if I go ahead and find the "right" one.
1) Current thinking is to go to a main dealer, Stratstone Amersham and Lancaster Reading
I bought mine from Stratstone Amersham. A pleasurable experience. At the time they were in short supply (back in late 06) so no discount, but I got a good trade on my old car and some freebies; tinted glass, anthracite wheels, tracker, free performance driving day etc
2) I am looking at late 2006, early 2007 4.3 models as the 4.7's are beyond the budget. What additional spec items are essential and are there "forbidden" colour combinations?
Looks fine, most are well specced to be honest, as long as its got 19's, navigation, some kind of phone then its mostly trim options. Premium stereo is nice. There are not many silly coloured ones around so you cant go far wrong on colours
3) Running costs and depreciation. What are these like on an AMV8? Is there extended warranty with good coverage and at what sort of cost ?
Lots of threads on here - mine is working out to be the cheapest car Ive owned in the last 10 years - £265 for recent service at an independant. Intervals are 10k miles, dont expect much change from £1K if you use main dealers. Extended warranty is £1300 ish, buy from a dealer and it will come with one. Personally I havnt bothered and my car will be into its 5th year next...just had a few niggles, MIL coming on, coolant sensor (£22) and thermostat (£180)
4) Reliability. I have had a couple of 911's and these have been excellent, how do the AMV8's compare ? With the dealers not exactly being local I don't want it back with the technicians on a regular basis.
No probs here, certainly comparable with Porsche in my experience, just the odd minor niggles, nothing major
5) What are the service schedules and rough ideas of cost (excluding parts)? Are there any regular/known fault items like the RMS and radiators on a 996 Porsche?
As above - 10K intervals, no big faults known yet or showing in cars with >50K miles on them
6)Manual or Sportshift. I am assuming the Sportshift will be similar to the BMW M3 setup with paddles or full auto mode, is that correct ? If so I would be inclined to go for that as you get the best of both worlds to suit all driving condition, are there any pitfalls in this choice ?
I prefer manual, its a personal thing, yes sportshift is like that
7) I could possibly consider a DB9 but the looks and compact size of the AMV8 have a lot of appeal, are there reasons I should give more consideration to the former ?
If you simply must have a v12, then go DB9, running costs will be more, and its more GT than 2 seater sportscar ...depends what you have planned for useage I guess...I wouldnt want to do many trackdays in a DB9, but my Vantage coped really well for a road car...and if you have kids then a DB9 has got to be a good option, to justify it to the missus
I bought mine from Stratstone Amersham. A pleasurable experience. At the time they were in short supply (back in late 06) so no discount, but I got a good trade on my old car and some freebies; tinted glass, anthracite wheels, tracker, free performance driving day etc
2) I am looking at late 2006, early 2007 4.3 models as the 4.7's are beyond the budget. What additional spec items are essential and are there "forbidden" colour combinations?
Looks fine, most are well specced to be honest, as long as its got 19's, navigation, some kind of phone then its mostly trim options. Premium stereo is nice. There are not many silly coloured ones around so you cant go far wrong on colours
3) Running costs and depreciation. What are these like on an AMV8? Is there extended warranty with good coverage and at what sort of cost ?
Lots of threads on here - mine is working out to be the cheapest car Ive owned in the last 10 years - £265 for recent service at an independant. Intervals are 10k miles, dont expect much change from £1K if you use main dealers. Extended warranty is £1300 ish, buy from a dealer and it will come with one. Personally I havnt bothered and my car will be into its 5th year next...just had a few niggles, MIL coming on, coolant sensor (£22) and thermostat (£180)
4) Reliability. I have had a couple of 911's and these have been excellent, how do the AMV8's compare ? With the dealers not exactly being local I don't want it back with the technicians on a regular basis.
No probs here, certainly comparable with Porsche in my experience, just the odd minor niggles, nothing major
5) What are the service schedules and rough ideas of cost (excluding parts)? Are there any regular/known fault items like the RMS and radiators on a 996 Porsche?
As above - 10K intervals, no big faults known yet or showing in cars with >50K miles on them
6)Manual or Sportshift. I am assuming the Sportshift will be similar to the BMW M3 setup with paddles or full auto mode, is that correct ? If so I would be inclined to go for that as you get the best of both worlds to suit all driving condition, are there any pitfalls in this choice ?
I prefer manual, its a personal thing, yes sportshift is like that
7) I could possibly consider a DB9 but the looks and compact size of the AMV8 have a lot of appeal, are there reasons I should give more consideration to the former ?
If you simply must have a v12, then go DB9, running costs will be more, and its more GT than 2 seater sportscar ...depends what you have planned for useage I guess...I wouldnt want to do many trackdays in a DB9, but my Vantage coped really well for a road car...and if you have kids then a DB9 has got to be a good option, to justify it to the missus
obviously main dealers might give you peace of mind - at a price. The car you have outlined atnearly 58K for an early 07 is very ambitious!
Not sure why you dont like blue or other interiors- as to me just to have black is a bit of a loss in a true bespoke vehicle.
I bought mine some months ago and you simply have to have the sportspack if you are a serious driver- it transforms the car. If i were looking again it would be the only main option I would want.
The car you have highligted is low miles- like mine- be prepared for a few issues as I think they seem more reliable with more miles. Oh and get it armourfended they get badly stonechipped just before rear wheel arch and on the front.
make sure its had the update to gearbox linkage if amanual i would not buy a ss
Not sure why you dont like blue or other interiors- as to me just to have black is a bit of a loss in a true bespoke vehicle.
I bought mine some months ago and you simply have to have the sportspack if you are a serious driver- it transforms the car. If i were looking again it would be the only main option I would want.
The car you have highligted is low miles- like mine- be prepared for a few issues as I think they seem more reliable with more miles. Oh and get it armourfended they get badly stonechipped just before rear wheel arch and on the front.
make sure its had the update to gearbox linkage if amanual i would not buy a ss
Edited by 355f on Sunday 2nd May 17:45
Edited by 355f on Sunday 2nd May 17:50
Thanks for the responses so far, very helpful.
The DB9 as a GT comment really crystallises some thinking. I had a Porsche 964 C2 followed by a 996 C4S and the difference between those was very much along the lines of sports car to GT and I know which one I miss the most - the 964. Kids aren't a consideration other than my adult ones who will want to be in the passenger or driving seat and Mrs Alxce is already convinced on looks alone - so Vantage it shall be
In terms of the interior colour I should probably be a little more open-minded, any red is definitely out but there are possibilities for the right colour blue, will have to see some in the flesh (or is it the skin?) first.
The DB9 as a GT comment really crystallises some thinking. I had a Porsche 964 C2 followed by a 996 C4S and the difference between those was very much along the lines of sports car to GT and I know which one I miss the most - the 964. Kids aren't a consideration other than my adult ones who will want to be in the passenger or driving seat and Mrs Alxce is already convinced on looks alone - so Vantage it shall be
In terms of the interior colour I should probably be a little more open-minded, any red is definitely out but there are possibilities for the right colour blue, will have to see some in the flesh (or is it the skin?) first.
From the look of what you're after, I've owned that exact specification Vantage (same colour, fully loaded, 07 etc) since late 2008 and have been super-happy with it (I think I've posted about it here in the past, and if not, certainly on the Aston Martin Owners Club forums).
I'll probably be trading it in to Lancaster Sevenoaks very soon (I bought it from them too - they're great for service - thinking about a Rapide as I just became a dad), so you could probably get it from them in a few weeks (it's been well cared for, and never, ever, broken down or had anything serious go wrong with it - a stuck filler cap springs to mind, at worst).
Paul/Locki.
I'll probably be trading it in to Lancaster Sevenoaks very soon (I bought it from them too - they're great for service - thinking about a Rapide as I just became a dad), so you could probably get it from them in a few weeks (it's been well cared for, and never, ever, broken down or had anything serious go wrong with it - a stuck filler cap springs to mind, at worst).
Paul/Locki.
This might help (my thread about my first two years with the Vantage)...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I had my first test drive yesterday at Lancaster Reading and as we went down the road chatting away to the salesman we figured out this car used belong to a guy who lives about 100yds down the road from me ! Interesting that I was now at the wheel of a Vantage that I had drooled over many times as it passed my house.
First impressions:
1) Exterior - beautiful lines and for something so small it exudes massive presence. Paintwork on this particular car looked in bad need of some detailing and the combination of black with graphite wheels was not really to my taste. In fact, having seen all the models on display I have already narrowed the choice down to Tungsten or Metiorite.
2) Interior - what a great place to be ! I am 6'1" and not as flexible as I used to be so I was a little nervous about how I would fit and enter/exit. My fears were needless as it was no problem and once in, very comfortable with a great driving position. A complete lack visibility of where the front end resides is something that needs getting used to but not really any different to my former 911's.
3) Sound system - key in, hit "start" - simply wonderful, music to my ears. This one had the valves permanently open rather than Fuse 22 removed.
4) Drive - this one was manual and I am due to try a S/shift later this week. I loved the gear change, so much easier than a manual E46 M3 I sold about 6 months ago and nowhere near as notchy as the short shift I had on a 996 C4S. Overall feel of the car was very positive when accelerating hard, cornering and braking. As a test drive it's a little difficult to push too hard but I was certainly sold on the experience and as we made our way through the traffic the word "cachet" came to mind.
In summary I think what I am trying to achieve is that feeling of every time the garage door opens its a special event and you can't wait to get in and hit the button. I think my search may be over, just need to find the "right" one now.
First impressions:
1) Exterior - beautiful lines and for something so small it exudes massive presence. Paintwork on this particular car looked in bad need of some detailing and the combination of black with graphite wheels was not really to my taste. In fact, having seen all the models on display I have already narrowed the choice down to Tungsten or Metiorite.
2) Interior - what a great place to be ! I am 6'1" and not as flexible as I used to be so I was a little nervous about how I would fit and enter/exit. My fears were needless as it was no problem and once in, very comfortable with a great driving position. A complete lack visibility of where the front end resides is something that needs getting used to but not really any different to my former 911's.
3) Sound system - key in, hit "start" - simply wonderful, music to my ears. This one had the valves permanently open rather than Fuse 22 removed.
4) Drive - this one was manual and I am due to try a S/shift later this week. I loved the gear change, so much easier than a manual E46 M3 I sold about 6 months ago and nowhere near as notchy as the short shift I had on a 996 C4S. Overall feel of the car was very positive when accelerating hard, cornering and braking. As a test drive it's a little difficult to push too hard but I was certainly sold on the experience and as we made our way through the traffic the word "cachet" came to mind.
In summary I think what I am trying to achieve is that feeling of every time the garage door opens its a special event and you can't wait to get in and hit the button. I think my search may be over, just need to find the "right" one now.
By way of update, I test drove a 59 reg Sportshift coupe and within minutes of getting through the roadworks in Reading and onto the A33 I was sold on it so now all I have to do is find the right car in the right colour combination.
I have two dealer chains searching for me but in the meantime if anyone knows of a 2007 Metiorite or Tungsten V8V coupe with low miles, sportshift and good spec then please let me know.
I have two dealer chains searching for me but in the meantime if anyone knows of a 2007 Metiorite or Tungsten V8V coupe with low miles, sportshift and good spec then please let me know.
Hi Alxce
Your initial post talks of going for 4.3s but then your last one says you are sold on a 59 plate which will be a 4.7.
I had the pleasure of a 4.3 for a couple of years and loved it to bits. My only ownership glitch was driving a 4.7 whilst still owning the 4.3. After the experience of the 4.7, my 4.3 was ever so slightly tarnished. I had tasted what the Vantage should have had under the bonnet from the outset.
I've gone to the 4.7 now and if your budget will stretch to it I recommend you do too. If your budget won't stretch to the 4.7, then wait til it does or you'll be forever harking back to the drive you had in the 4.7...
good luck
Your initial post talks of going for 4.3s but then your last one says you are sold on a 59 plate which will be a 4.7.
I had the pleasure of a 4.3 for a couple of years and loved it to bits. My only ownership glitch was driving a 4.7 whilst still owning the 4.3. After the experience of the 4.7, my 4.3 was ever so slightly tarnished. I had tasted what the Vantage should have had under the bonnet from the outset.
I've gone to the 4.7 now and if your budget will stretch to it I recommend you do too. If your budget won't stretch to the 4.7, then wait til it does or you'll be forever harking back to the drive you had in the 4.7...
good luck
Thanks but I may have been a little unclear in my last post, I meant I was sold on the Sportshift
To be honest I haven't spent long enough in either the 4.3 or the 4.7 or pushed either hard enough to get a real feel for the difference.
For now I will gladly settle for a 4.3 if I can find one that meets my spec and then in the future who knows ?
To be honest I haven't spent long enough in either the 4.3 or the 4.7 or pushed either hard enough to get a real feel for the difference.
For now I will gladly settle for a 4.3 if I can find one that meets my spec and then in the future who knows ?
Grinning said:
Hi Alxce
Your initial post talks of going for 4.3s but then your last one says you are sold on a 59 plate which will be a 4.7.
I had the pleasure of a 4.3 for a couple of years and loved it to bits. My only ownership glitch was driving a 4.7 whilst still owning the 4.3. After the experience of the 4.7, my 4.3 was ever so slightly tarnished. I had tasted what the Vantage should have had under the bonnet from the outset.
I've gone to the 4.7 now and if your budget will stretch to it I recommend you do too. If your budget won't stretch to the 4.7, then wait til it does or you'll be forever harking back to the drive you had in the 4.7...
good luck
If one purchases the sports suspension upgrade for the 4.3, in handling terms its every bit as good as the 4.7 (providing the 4.7 has sports suspension) if it doesnt then ythe sports pack 4.3 is a better drive!Your initial post talks of going for 4.3s but then your last one says you are sold on a 59 plate which will be a 4.7.
I had the pleasure of a 4.3 for a couple of years and loved it to bits. My only ownership glitch was driving a 4.7 whilst still owning the 4.3. After the experience of the 4.7, my 4.3 was ever so slightly tarnished. I had tasted what the Vantage should have had under the bonnet from the outset.
I've gone to the 4.7 now and if your budget will stretch to it I recommend you do too. If your budget won't stretch to the 4.7, then wait til it does or you'll be forever harking back to the drive you had in the 4.7...
good luck
Secondly, on the power front one can get the AM upgrade for the engine and its far closer- and sounds better!
Ok it all costs money but having spent some time in both cars i decidied to save £20K and get the 4.3 and upgrade it.
JDEB said:
On a related note, I am about to buy a used AMV8 from a dealer near Reading (not a Stratstone type place), would anyone be able to recommend a specialist to check it over before purchase, or even how to go about finding one?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Interesting question, worth posting on the AMOC forum maybe ?Thanks in advance for any advice.
I am wondering if you could negotiate with the dealer to have it put through the 140 point inspection at Lancaster AM with a view to taking out the AM extended warranty. I know you used to be able to do this with Porsche, subject to any faults being rectified of course.
355f said:
Grinning said:
Hi Alxce
Your initial post talks of going for 4.3s but then your last one says you are sold on a 59 plate which will be a 4.7.
I had the pleasure of a 4.3 for a couple of years and loved it to bits. My only ownership glitch was driving a 4.7 whilst still owning the 4.3. After the experience of the 4.7, my 4.3 was ever so slightly tarnished. I had tasted what the Vantage should have had under the bonnet from the outset.
I've gone to the 4.7 now and if your budget will stretch to it I recommend you do too. If your budget won't stretch to the 4.7, then wait til it does or you'll be forever harking back to the drive you had in the 4.7...
good luck
If one purchases the sports suspension upgrade for the 4.3, in handling terms its every bit as good as the 4.7 (providing the 4.7 has sports suspension) if it doesnt then ythe sports pack 4.3 is a better drive!Your initial post talks of going for 4.3s but then your last one says you are sold on a 59 plate which will be a 4.7.
I had the pleasure of a 4.3 for a couple of years and loved it to bits. My only ownership glitch was driving a 4.7 whilst still owning the 4.3. After the experience of the 4.7, my 4.3 was ever so slightly tarnished. I had tasted what the Vantage should have had under the bonnet from the outset.
I've gone to the 4.7 now and if your budget will stretch to it I recommend you do too. If your budget won't stretch to the 4.7, then wait til it does or you'll be forever harking back to the drive you had in the 4.7...
good luck
I put the Aston power upgrade on my 4.3 and the +ve power difference was initially noticeable but this faded. The power difference and improved throttle response on the 4.7 remains most noticeable. No brainer: 4.7
loveD and love the 4.3. Prefer the 4.7.
Secondly, on the power front one can get the AM upgrade for the engine and its far closer- and sounds better!
Ok it all costs money but having spent some time in both cars i decidied to save £20K and get the 4.3 and upgrade it.
I have some progress to report which raises a couple of minor questions. I have a holding deposit on one that fits my spec and will be making a 400+ mile round trip to view it on Tuesday. I am quietly confident it is going to meet my expectations.
1) It has the 400bhp power upgrade, while I have found some level of technical description of this I can't find any numbers on how this affects the performance. Anyone point me in the right direction ?
2) The way the timing of my purchase is working out means that I would be taking delivery a few days before disappearing on holiday for three weeks. It does not have the battery conditioner but will be locked away in my garage and I could leave it unarmed in terms of the alarm so it does not drain it. What's the chances of the battery being flat when I return if I leave it armed/unarmed ?
3) The AM Approved Used programme, I am assuming this works the same as any other like M-B, BMW, Porsche in that I will get the same level of support and service from my local dealer in the one year warranty period even though I didn't buy it from them ?
4) I play a lot of golf and can get the clubs in the passenger side, does anyone know if it's possible to get a collapsed golf cart of the Powakaddy/Motacaddy battery powered variety in the rear hatch area ? Not a deal-breaker but just wondering.
Thanks in advance for any help with this, it's getting exciting now and I didn't sleep very well last night as Tuesday suddenly seems a long way off.
1) It has the 400bhp power upgrade, while I have found some level of technical description of this I can't find any numbers on how this affects the performance. Anyone point me in the right direction ?
2) The way the timing of my purchase is working out means that I would be taking delivery a few days before disappearing on holiday for three weeks. It does not have the battery conditioner but will be locked away in my garage and I could leave it unarmed in terms of the alarm so it does not drain it. What's the chances of the battery being flat when I return if I leave it armed/unarmed ?
3) The AM Approved Used programme, I am assuming this works the same as any other like M-B, BMW, Porsche in that I will get the same level of support and service from my local dealer in the one year warranty period even though I didn't buy it from them ?
4) I play a lot of golf and can get the clubs in the passenger side, does anyone know if it's possible to get a collapsed golf cart of the Powakaddy/Motacaddy battery powered variety in the rear hatch area ? Not a deal-breaker but just wondering.
Thanks in advance for any help with this, it's getting exciting now and I didn't sleep very well last night as Tuesday suddenly seems a long way off.
I'll answer 2 & 3
2) If you are worried buy a battery charger, dont bother with the AM one you can get at CTEK one, will work the same as the AM one and cost less than £50
3) Aftersales for me so far has been really good. I have a 2006 had a few paint issues, fixed under warranty without any problems.
Hope your trip is worth it.
2) If you are worried buy a battery charger, dont bother with the AM one you can get at CTEK one, will work the same as the AM one and cost less than £50
3) Aftersales for me so far has been really good. I have a 2006 had a few paint issues, fixed under warranty without any problems.
Hope your trip is worth it.
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