Meanwhile, back in Wales ...
Discussion
SHIFTY said:
I have been lucky to have had two Aston Vantages and would have had another if AM had updated the current line up, now looking at Porsche and Jaguar.
Hopefully updated Vantage is not too far away, but test drives in both Porsche and Jaguar (F type) on road and track are in a different league to the Vantage (V12 exempt).
I've driven the 991 and the F-Type -- both are great cars. However... I don't think they're in a "different league" at all. The V8V and V8VS are still superb driver's cars. The Porsche and Jaguar are, IMO, "better" in some ways, but not as good in others (steering feel is one example). Mostly, all three are different. The performance difference b/w the 991S and the V8V is very small (if comparing manual 'box versions -- I assume you'd go PDK, which shifts faster than SportShift II). The V8V is quicker than the both V6 F-Types, and obviously it's not as quick as the F-Type V8. Build quality and materials, attention to detail, and that specialness -- it's the Aston that's in a different league. I drove both the Porsche and the Jag back-to-back with my V8V, and to a considerable extent I expected to come away feeling that the Aston would feel like it's been left behind -- in a different league. I was very pleasantly surprised at how competitive the Aston still felt -- it really held its own, and it's not because it's still the best-looking.Hopefully updated Vantage is not too far away, but test drives in both Porsche and Jaguar (F type) on road and track are in a different league to the Vantage (V12 exempt).
Molly and Rob, sorry to hear you're having issues with your AM. Hope you get them sorted.
Have you 2 ever experienced warm water in your house.....or is everything just hot and cold ??
Have you possibly chosen the wrong car, the wrong colour or had a bad customer experience - if so, stop being a pair of drama queens and welcome to the real world. We've all been there !!
Probably the best thing to do is to sell up and get the Porsche as Mr G says and take it from there
Have you possibly chosen the wrong car, the wrong colour or had a bad customer experience - if so, stop being a pair of drama queens and welcome to the real world. We've all been there !!
Probably the best thing to do is to sell up and get the Porsche as Mr G says and take it from there
I must admit I am having second thoughts about Aston Martin, the general attitude of not only the company also some of the dealers. In my case on looking under the skin much of the quality of the vehicle is not of the standard expected of a quality brand. I felt the same about the Vantage and thought it would change when I went to the then latest DB9 alas a similar experience.
However it is such an iconic car and a wonderful body design, engineering wise decidedly, in places, second rate and behind the times. It is almost as though wringing the last drops out of a reputation that has long past.
If only Ford had not given up its involvement in driving the brand forward, they at least recognised what needed to be done. It is many years since they have had any influence.
But where does one look for the image and pleasure it is almost a love hate relationship with Aston Martin.
However it is such an iconic car and a wonderful body design, engineering wise decidedly, in places, second rate and behind the times. It is almost as though wringing the last drops out of a reputation that has long past.
If only Ford had not given up its involvement in driving the brand forward, they at least recognised what needed to be done. It is many years since they have had any influence.
But where does one look for the image and pleasure it is almost a love hate relationship with Aston Martin.
Edited by pilgrim7777 on Thursday 25th July 07:38
Diplomacy dictates that we would not wish to say anything specific about the problems with the car but it is at the dealership at the moment, and not for the first time.
We had hoped that it would be relatively straightforward to bring the new car up to Purdey spec but unfortunately they are not identical cars so it won't be that easy (the S has undergone some changes during the past 2 years).
We had hoped that it would be relatively straightforward to bring the new car up to Purdey spec but unfortunately they are not identical cars so it won't be that easy (the S has undergone some changes during the past 2 years).
MollyGTi said:
We had hoped that it would be relatively straightforward to bring the new car up to Purdey spec but unfortunately they are not identical cars so it won't be that easy (the S has undergone some changes during the past 2 years).
Surely the insurance will cover the incremental costs involved? Mollie if you experiencing some of the issues I think you are in resolving problems with manufacturing either with the factory of the dealership. The only thing I can say just keep at them, it is bit like trench warfare you just have to write/talk to everyone you can. It really should the job of your dealer to sort but they rarely give the support they should, as I said in my earlier comment. I have had issues over quality most have been resolved after much hassle. I do hope yours are resolved within in a reasonable period.
It is this sort thing that one loses faith in the brand as I was beginning to experience, anyway the very best of luck in getting things sorted.
It is this sort thing that one loses faith in the brand as I was beginning to experience, anyway the very best of luck in getting things sorted.
pilgrim7777 said:
I must admit I am having second thoughts about Aston Martin, the general attitude of not only the company also some of the dealers. .
Cannot agree more! I am awaiting a call from a dealer for an appointment to try a V8V (2 weeks now). Edited by pilgrim7777 on Thursday 25th July 07:38
The dealer does not seem interesting to have a new customer.
MollyGTi said:
Diplomacy dictates that we would not wish to say anything specific about the problems with the car but it is at the dealership at the moment, and not for the first time.
We had hoped that it would be relatively straightforward to bring the new car up to Purdey spec but unfortunately they are not identical cars so it won't be that easy (the S has undergone some changes during the past 2 years).
I've had a couple of conversations with a very distressed Rob recently, I feel for you both, I understand the situation and your perspective.We had hoped that it would be relatively straightforward to bring the new car up to Purdey spec but unfortunately they are not identical cars so it won't be that easy (the S has undergone some changes during the past 2 years).
Though I do think it will be worth hanging in there and getting Gaydon involved. Let me know if you need a contact name.
I'm certain a 991, whilst a great machine, is not going to give you the "Aston experience"
I think this brings up a bit of a dilemma I've got. My lowly, but highly used 4.3 has been a fantastic ownership experience, and if I change to another "better" car, I'm scared of potentially getting headaches that affect my enjoyment - just if I'm unlucky, not suggesting any scientific reason, but some cars obviously get more problems than others. Then I stick to what I know.
Of course your change was enforced, but it's amazing how a different car of the same model can throw up such a different experience.
Hope you get the issues resolved.
Of course your change was enforced, but it's amazing how a different car of the same model can throw up such a different experience.
Hope you get the issues resolved.
outofstepuk said:
My lowly, but highly used 4.3 has been a fantastic ownership experience, and if I change to another "better" car, I'm scared of potentially getting headaches that affect my enjoyment
One of the myriad reasons I am sticking with my 06 DB9 and going the upgrade path rather than getting a newer car. I KNOW my car is an excellent example 
Sorry to hear things aren't going as swimmingly as they could Mollypops (and Robbypops).
Hope you get sorted. I think you'd both be disappointed with the ownership of the 911, wonderful and fast car though it may be. As Mikey mentioned, something oddball like a Morgan would give you all the fun but also that 'something different' that we all enjoy if your Aston can't be brought up to the standards you deserve.
I hope you stick with it - for what it's worth, I much preferred the look of Pearl to Purdey
Hope you get sorted. I think you'd both be disappointed with the ownership of the 911, wonderful and fast car though it may be. As Mikey mentioned, something oddball like a Morgan would give you all the fun but also that 'something different' that we all enjoy if your Aston can't be brought up to the standards you deserve.
I hope you stick with it - for what it's worth, I much preferred the look of Pearl to Purdey
mikey k said:
I've had a couple of conversations with a very distressed Rob recently, I feel for you both, I understand the situation and your perspective.
Though I do think it will be worth hanging in there and getting Gaydon involved. Let me know if you need a contact name.
I'm certain a 991, whilst a great machine, is not going to give you the "Aston experience"
+1 Having spoken to Rob earlier I think he sees that too Though I do think it will be worth hanging in there and getting Gaydon involved. Let me know if you need a contact name.
I'm certain a 991, whilst a great machine, is not going to give you the "Aston experience"
MollyGTi said:
Diplomacy dictates that we would not wish to say anything specific about the problems with the car but it is at the dealership at the moment, and not for the first time.
We had hoped that it would be relatively straightforward to bring the new car up to Purdey spec but unfortunately they are not identical cars so it won't be that easy (the S has undergone some changes during the past 2 years).
What did you think of the 911?We had hoped that it would be relatively straightforward to bring the new car up to Purdey spec but unfortunately they are not identical cars so it won't be that easy (the S has undergone some changes during the past 2 years).
AN UPDATE!
I have today spoken to Phil Hickerton at Gaydon. He was most concerned and very helpful. The principal problem that we have with Pearl is to be resolved thank goodness. What remains is being sorted by H.R. Owen. I believe circumstances dictate that I should remain tight lipped about her ailments.
I have today spoken to Phil Hickerton at Gaydon. He was most concerned and very helpful. The principal problem that we have with Pearl is to be resolved thank goodness. What remains is being sorted by H.R. Owen. I believe circumstances dictate that I should remain tight lipped about her ailments.
If this is indeed a quality of manufacturing issue I can totally understand how it saps your love of the car. This is my first AM and it was backwards and forwards to the dealer many times with minor warranty issues - and I stress minor- but the frequency and serial nature just undermined my love of the car. Then it suffered two issues straight out of warranty to add insult to injury.
However I'm back in love with it, fingers crossed. And as for Porsche, we got a new Boxster ( not quite a 991 I know) and it is a beautiful car to drive BUT was in for warranty work within a couple months, and is just not the same as the AM. Can't put it any other way, there is simply less sense of occasion driving it.
Hope you get it sorted one way or the other.
However I'm back in love with it, fingers crossed. And as for Porsche, we got a new Boxster ( not quite a 991 I know) and it is a beautiful car to drive BUT was in for warranty work within a couple months, and is just not the same as the AM. Can't put it any other way, there is simply less sense of occasion driving it.
Hope you get it sorted one way or the other.
robgt said:
AN UPDATE!
I have today spoken to Phil Hickerton at Gaydon. He was most concerned and very helpful. The principal problem that we have with Pearl is to be resolved thank goodness. What remains is being sorted by H.R. Owen. I believe circumstances dictate that I should remain tight lipped about her ailments.
Told you I have today spoken to Phil Hickerton at Gaydon. He was most concerned and very helpful. The principal problem that we have with Pearl is to be resolved thank goodness. What remains is being sorted by H.R. Owen. I believe circumstances dictate that I should remain tight lipped about her ailments.
Glad it's getting resolved
Do keep the pressure on Gaydon & HR Owens
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