V8V - 4.3 or 4.7
Discussion
Afternoon
Many moons ago, when the V8V was first announced and still a couple of years from production I put a deposit down on one. From memory, it was initially suggested they would cost around 60 to 65K. I had worked out that by the time of production, I could have scraped this together. However, over the following 12 months or so, the estimated price edged up to 80 to 85K and I had to reluctantly admit that this was out of reach. It wasn't all bad though, as I took my deposit back and bought a mint 355 which gave me an enjoyable, and trouble free (apart from the close call with a fire..) couple of years.
Anyway, I'm now in a position where I can finally consider getting my hands on the Vantage I had always wanted. I am looking at spending anything between 30 - 37K, and was going to buy this winter to hit the seasonal dip in prices. However, I recently spent a few hours reading about what to look out for, and owners comments, with a bit of a sinking feeling, as I got the impression that I should wait to get a 4.7, even though this may mean I wait another couple of years. What I don't want to do is spend 35K on my 'dream' car and possibly be slightly dissapointed with the performance (no offence to 4.3 owners!) and regret not hanging on to get the 4.7
So, I'm trying to decide whether to say sod it and buy the 4.3 (and maybe spend a few grand as and when I can on upgrades), or to buy something like a 911 for 15-20K (sorry - just being honest...) for a couple of years while I save some more money / let depreciation take its toll on the 4.7's.
If I do go for a 4.3, is there any consensus that the early 2005 / 2006 cars were less reliable than say a 2007 car, irrespective of mileage, due to faults and niggles that were ironed out during the first year or two of production?
Many thanks in advance for any comments.
Many moons ago, when the V8V was first announced and still a couple of years from production I put a deposit down on one. From memory, it was initially suggested they would cost around 60 to 65K. I had worked out that by the time of production, I could have scraped this together. However, over the following 12 months or so, the estimated price edged up to 80 to 85K and I had to reluctantly admit that this was out of reach. It wasn't all bad though, as I took my deposit back and bought a mint 355 which gave me an enjoyable, and trouble free (apart from the close call with a fire..) couple of years.
Anyway, I'm now in a position where I can finally consider getting my hands on the Vantage I had always wanted. I am looking at spending anything between 30 - 37K, and was going to buy this winter to hit the seasonal dip in prices. However, I recently spent a few hours reading about what to look out for, and owners comments, with a bit of a sinking feeling, as I got the impression that I should wait to get a 4.7, even though this may mean I wait another couple of years. What I don't want to do is spend 35K on my 'dream' car and possibly be slightly dissapointed with the performance (no offence to 4.3 owners!) and regret not hanging on to get the 4.7
So, I'm trying to decide whether to say sod it and buy the 4.3 (and maybe spend a few grand as and when I can on upgrades), or to buy something like a 911 for 15-20K (sorry - just being honest...) for a couple of years while I save some more money / let depreciation take its toll on the 4.7's.
If I do go for a 4.3, is there any consensus that the early 2005 / 2006 cars were less reliable than say a 2007 car, irrespective of mileage, due to faults and niggles that were ironed out during the first year or two of production?
Many thanks in advance for any comments.
Edited by Dingle Dell on Wednesday 31st October 18:24
I spoke to my local dealer today and I have a similar budget to you, he said the 4.7 was out of reach for me at the moment but as I'm looking to buy in 10 months time he said it may well be in reach then! However he did say that this is ther perfect time of year to buy either way due to the seasonal dip! I've got a test drive in the 4.3 in two weeks and can't wait! If you can't wait just go for it, I know I would! If you can wait a year, do so and see if the 4.7 is within reach?
If it's your daily drive & this matters, the 4.7 has better fuel consumption by a fair bit to the early 4.3, it also has a more modern interior mainly the seats which changed around 2007 and the main console which is more modern in the 4.7. The early cars had a potential timing chain cover leak issue that costs a few k to fix but would hopefully be covered by a main dealer warranty. Some options weren't available from launch like premium audio.
The problem with buying the car & modding it, is that that value is gone when you sell, but to balance that off, the 4.7 will depreciate more as it is newer. If you're keeping for many years then both options make sense. 4.7's are £50k minimum at the moment, I think it's going to be more like 2 years till they are £40k and that's a long time to wait.
The problem with buying the car & modding it, is that that value is gone when you sell, but to balance that off, the 4.7 will depreciate more as it is newer. If you're keeping for many years then both options make sense. 4.7's are £50k minimum at the moment, I think it's going to be more like 2 years till they are £40k and that's a long time to wait.
How much more ecomonical is the 4.7 to the 4.3? I can only imagine it's 5mpg or so?
I'm in the same position as you OP, looking for a 2007 model but I know I won't get a 4.7 due to their current and projected price. Although I'm checking the ads regularly, I'm holding off until February - March time.
I'm in the same position as you OP, looking for a 2007 model but I know I won't get a 4.7 due to their current and projected price. Although I'm checking the ads regularly, I'm holding off until February - March time.
Dingle Dell
I too was bowled over by the design of the V8V when it was announced, all those years ago.
With cars, I buy 'keepers' (don't ask how many, you'll sound like my wife), so was not in a hurry to purchase. Found the one I wanted a year ago. Ownership is a delight. Many compliments from other road users.
If you can, wait for the 4.7. Many improvements were made to this version. Should you be interested, these are the differences (pasted from one of my previous posts).
......................
The first 4·7s were Model Year 2009. I think the first cars were delivered to customers in September 2008. The recession had started then, so some new 4·3 cars were still unsold and were registered in 2009.
Externally (not very much difference) - Radio aerial removed from roof (now in windsceen). Road wheels changed to 20 spoke (or 5 spoke on Sportpack cars) from model year 2009 to 2011.
Internally - A DBS type centre console was fitted, the SatNav changed to a hard disk drive type. Key fob unit (Emotion Control Unit don't you know) replaced a conventional steering column key.
People who have driven both, say the increased engine torque is noticable and provides more flexibility in higher gears.
My 4·7 car is on ordinary suspension, which I find quite hard enough, especially on poor road surfaces.
I have not driven the automated manual (Sportshift), but have heard some people say 'buy the manual'. I think the criticisms are mostly about parking and moving in stop start traffic.
One really good option to look out for, is the 700 watt Premium Audio. Absolutely brilliant.
......................
MANUFACTURER'S TEXT OF THE 4·7 MODEL ANNOUNCEMENT.
23 May 2008.
Now with 4.7 litre V8 and output of 420bhp with peak torque of 470Nm, making it more flexible. 0-60mph 4.7 seconds and top speed of 180mph (288km/h). Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% with Sportshift™. New centre console and revised switchgear and the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key. Externally, the acclaimed V8 Vantage design appearance is enhanced with a range of new standard and optional 19’’ alloy wheels. Increase in cylinder bore facilitated by a move to cylinder liners that are pressed into the pre-machined aluminium alloy block, allowing a thinner liner than was possible with the cast-in design of the 4.3 litre engine. New forged steel crankshaft provides the 91mm stroke and incorporates new holes in the counter weights for reduced rotating mass and improved inter-bay breathing. New forged steel con-rods and cast aluminium pistons complete the capacity-related changes. Standard manual stick-shift gearbox and the optional Sportshift™ transmission benefit from a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5kg weight saving, reducing the rotating masses within the powertrain, and hence increasing engine responsiveness. Sportshift™ now also has the capability to take inputs from the steering wheel enabling the current gear to be held when the car is negotiating a corner and hill descent detection, allowing a low gear to be held, maximising the effects of engine braking. V8 Vantage also now benefits from Bilstein dampers as standard; these low-friction dampers provide improved levels of dynamic capabilities and further improve ride quality.
I too was bowled over by the design of the V8V when it was announced, all those years ago.
With cars, I buy 'keepers' (don't ask how many, you'll sound like my wife), so was not in a hurry to purchase. Found the one I wanted a year ago. Ownership is a delight. Many compliments from other road users.
If you can, wait for the 4.7. Many improvements were made to this version. Should you be interested, these are the differences (pasted from one of my previous posts).
......................
The first 4·7s were Model Year 2009. I think the first cars were delivered to customers in September 2008. The recession had started then, so some new 4·3 cars were still unsold and were registered in 2009.
Externally (not very much difference) - Radio aerial removed from roof (now in windsceen). Road wheels changed to 20 spoke (or 5 spoke on Sportpack cars) from model year 2009 to 2011.
Internally - A DBS type centre console was fitted, the SatNav changed to a hard disk drive type. Key fob unit (Emotion Control Unit don't you know) replaced a conventional steering column key.
People who have driven both, say the increased engine torque is noticable and provides more flexibility in higher gears.
My 4·7 car is on ordinary suspension, which I find quite hard enough, especially on poor road surfaces.
I have not driven the automated manual (Sportshift), but have heard some people say 'buy the manual'. I think the criticisms are mostly about parking and moving in stop start traffic.
One really good option to look out for, is the 700 watt Premium Audio. Absolutely brilliant.
......................
MANUFACTURER'S TEXT OF THE 4·7 MODEL ANNOUNCEMENT.
23 May 2008.
Now with 4.7 litre V8 and output of 420bhp with peak torque of 470Nm, making it more flexible. 0-60mph 4.7 seconds and top speed of 180mph (288km/h). Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% with Sportshift™. New centre console and revised switchgear and the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key. Externally, the acclaimed V8 Vantage design appearance is enhanced with a range of new standard and optional 19’’ alloy wheels. Increase in cylinder bore facilitated by a move to cylinder liners that are pressed into the pre-machined aluminium alloy block, allowing a thinner liner than was possible with the cast-in design of the 4.3 litre engine. New forged steel crankshaft provides the 91mm stroke and incorporates new holes in the counter weights for reduced rotating mass and improved inter-bay breathing. New forged steel con-rods and cast aluminium pistons complete the capacity-related changes. Standard manual stick-shift gearbox and the optional Sportshift™ transmission benefit from a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5kg weight saving, reducing the rotating masses within the powertrain, and hence increasing engine responsiveness. Sportshift™ now also has the capability to take inputs from the steering wheel enabling the current gear to be held when the car is negotiating a corner and hill descent detection, allowing a low gear to be held, maximising the effects of engine braking. V8 Vantage also now benefits from Bilstein dampers as standard; these low-friction dampers provide improved levels of dynamic capabilities and further improve ride quality.
Edited by Jon39 on Wednesday 31st October 21:26
I think the 4.7 is @ 11% more efficient - so 2-3mpg?
I don't think I've seen 4.7's dropping below £45k? and it is often said the 4.3 sounds better. The 4.7 is faster, but will you notice this in day to day driving?
There is the incremental (or big bang!) upgrade route with either an N400 / BR / Prodrive upgrades too.
Edit to say (having re-read the OP) any 2005/6 cars that have been used will have had any issues ironed out by now.
There is no reason you can't get a cracking car for your budget, allow a little contingency for the inevitable snag list once you've driven it some, and enjoy ASAP
I don't think I've seen 4.7's dropping below £45k? and it is often said the 4.3 sounds better. The 4.7 is faster, but will you notice this in day to day driving?
There is the incremental (or big bang!) upgrade route with either an N400 / BR / Prodrive upgrades too.
Edit to say (having re-read the OP) any 2005/6 cars that have been used will have had any issues ironed out by now.
There is no reason you can't get a cracking car for your budget, allow a little contingency for the inevitable snag list once you've driven it some, and enjoy ASAP
Edited by krisdelta on Wednesday 31st October 21:25
Cheers for posting the spec change Jon. Very nice indeed, shame it's out of reach for my first Vantage.
Krisdelta, 11 - 13% increased efficiency isn't much. Might net you 20 - 30 extra miles out of a tank full. It'll add up, but not to the difference in price between the engines. It would be all the other changes I'd like!
Krisdelta, 11 - 13% increased efficiency isn't much. Might net you 20 - 30 extra miles out of a tank full. It'll add up, but not to the difference in price between the engines. It would be all the other changes I'd like!
I find some of these threads are like the ones done by folk whom say...
"I'm not getting an iPhone, I'm going to wait for iPhone 2 to come out"
iPhone 2 comes out
"I'm not getting an iPhone 2.... Not when the iPhone 3 will be out in a few months"
iPhone 3 comes out...
"I bet the iPhone 4 will be a fantastic upgrade and it'll be out soon I'll get one of those"
iPhone 4 comes out.......... And in the meantime I've been driving and enjoying my underpowered crappy bottom of the range 4.3 around for the last 20 months
Yes, I'd love a 4.7, but I'm not in a position to get one yet, so I bought a 4.3..... Sometimes you have to accept your position, and get on with it..
I'm still not in a position to get a 4.7.... But guess what..... It doesn't matter, I'm still driving around in an Aston
"I'm not getting an iPhone, I'm going to wait for iPhone 2 to come out"
iPhone 2 comes out
"I'm not getting an iPhone 2.... Not when the iPhone 3 will be out in a few months"
iPhone 3 comes out...
"I bet the iPhone 4 will be a fantastic upgrade and it'll be out soon I'll get one of those"
iPhone 4 comes out.......... And in the meantime I've been driving and enjoying my underpowered crappy bottom of the range 4.3 around for the last 20 months
Yes, I'd love a 4.7, but I'm not in a position to get one yet, so I bought a 4.3..... Sometimes you have to accept your position, and get on with it..
I'm still not in a position to get a 4.7.... But guess what..... It doesn't matter, I'm still driving around in an Aston
Lunablack said:
Yes, I'd love a 4.7, but I'm not in a position to get one yet, so I bought a 4.3..... .... It doesn't matter, I'm still driving around in an Aston
Snap Actually I'd rather a roadster, but making do with my regular coupe for now... first world problems eh? 
Get it bought op!
I was in the same boat 1 month ago. It was either a 2007MY 4.3 for around 37k or a 4.7 model for 55-60k.
I plumped for the 4.7 with sport pack 2010MY. I thought the revisions were worth the extra to me and any niggles over the MY's sorted from previous models.. I also got a good deal and warranty from the supplying dealer. The APR was cheaper on my finance deal as the car is newer. I know the 4.3 is cheaper but swings and roundabouts (would pay a higher APR on that).
Realistically, the 4.7 won't drop to 40k for a while. There are quite a few 4.3's around this price and its bottomed out around the 35-40k mark. More 4.3's were also manufactured and with less 4.7 stock it's holding its price a bit better. If you can afford it spend 48-50k and pick up a 4.7 it will be worth it IMO. Good luck
I plumped for the 4.7 with sport pack 2010MY. I thought the revisions were worth the extra to me and any niggles over the MY's sorted from previous models.. I also got a good deal and warranty from the supplying dealer. The APR was cheaper on my finance deal as the car is newer. I know the 4.3 is cheaper but swings and roundabouts (would pay a higher APR on that).
Realistically, the 4.7 won't drop to 40k for a while. There are quite a few 4.3's around this price and its bottomed out around the 35-40k mark. More 4.3's were also manufactured and with less 4.7 stock it's holding its price a bit better. If you can afford it spend 48-50k and pick up a 4.7 it will be worth it IMO. Good luck
Edited by sukh_m on Wednesday 31st October 22:04
Edited by sukh_m on Wednesday 31st October 22:05
Edited by sukh_m on Wednesday 31st October 22:06
Mysterae said:
Cheers for posting the spec change Jon. Very nice indeed, shame it's out of reach for my first Vantage.
Krisdelta, 11 - 13% increased efficiency isn't much. Might net you 20 - 30 extra miles out of a tank full. It'll add up, but not to the difference in price between the engines. It would be all the other changes I'd like!
Watch out for the comparisons though, the early 4.3 had combined EEC of 16.4, the 2007 model improved it to 18.8 and the 4.7 gives a not too bad 20.4, an improvement from worst to best of 25% according to Grant's book. Assuming fuel now is £1.38 & rises by 1.5p a year which is very believable, over 5 years the 4.7 would save £5300 in fuel costs which is nearly half the gap between the purchase cost of the early 4.3 and the 4.7... the other £5000 of the gap would mainly be retained in the residual value as it would be 2-3 years newer. In terms of total cost of ownership they are probably closer than you'd think if you can make the initial outlay, and the 4.7 would let you drive 70 miles further on a tank, with the 4.3 giving you only 280 miles range which would be annoying to me. Krisdelta, 11 - 13% increased efficiency isn't much. Might net you 20 - 30 extra miles out of a tank full. It'll add up, but not to the difference in price between the engines. It would be all the other changes I'd like!
I know all this is boring and irrelevant to owners who don't use the car a lot or are really wealthy, but I would personally rather spend my money on the best possible car, rather than on additional petrol if the maths adds up. Sorry if that was dull!
Lunablack said:
Yes, I'd love a 4.7, but I'm not in a position to get one yet, so I bought a 4.3..... Sometimes you have to accept your position, and get on with it..
I'm still not in a position to get a 4.7.... But guess what..... It doesn't matter, I'm still driving around in an Aston
Spot on. I'm still not in a position to get a 4.7.... But guess what..... It doesn't matter, I'm still driving around in an Aston
Mysterae said:
Well said Lunablack!
I have a very simplistic view of lifeLike I say, I'd love a 4.7 and maybe if I'd kept on saving and saving I might have got there by now...... But at the time I could only afford what I could afford...... And like the OP I'd always wanted an Aston.... Sometimes you have to bite the bullet, step up and make a decision....
The result of not doing it, is that nothing happens
jakesmith said:
Watch out for the comparisons though, the early 4.3 had combined EEC of 16.4, the 2007 model improved it to 18.8 and the 4.7 gives a not too bad 20.4, an improvement from worst to best of 25% according to Grant's book. Assuming fuel now is £1.38 & rises by 1.5p a year which is very believable, over 5 years the 4.7 would save £5300 in fuel costs which is nearly half the gap between the purchase cost of the early 4.3 and the 4.7... the other £5000 of the gap would mainly be retained in the residual value as it would be 2-3 years newer. In terms of total cost of ownership they are probably closer than you'd think if you can make the initial outlay, and the 4.7 would let you drive 70 miles further on a tank, with the 4.3 giving you only 280 miles range which would be annoying to me.
I know all this is boring and irrelevant to owners who don't use the car a lot or are really wealthy, but I would personally rather spend my money on the best possible car, rather than on additional petrol if the maths adds up. Sorry if that was dull!
Not dull at all, quite enlightening actually. I know what you mean about the range. I can't get to the Scottish border from the south of England in my Esprit without stopping for a refill. Whereas I get +550 miles from the oil burning 320cd. Different breeds of course. It's important to consider though as the plan is to replace both exiting cars with a Vantage. Cheers for the curveball Jake, worth pondering and justifying, but it would delay Aston ownership for a year. Hmmm...I know all this is boring and irrelevant to owners who don't use the car a lot or are really wealthy, but I would personally rather spend my money on the best possible car, rather than on additional petrol if the maths adds up. Sorry if that was dull!
Mysterae said:
Not dull at all, quite enlightening actually. I know what you mean about the range. I can't get to the Scottish border from the south of England in my Esprit without stopping for a refill. Whereas I get +550 miles from the oil burning 320cd. Different breeds of course. It's important to consider though as the plan is to replace both exiting cars with a Vantage. Cheers for the curveball Jake, worth pondering and justifying, but it would delay Aston ownership for a year. Hmmm...
It's called man maths! Good luck whatever you do, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful & desirable cars on the road. I'm not an owner yet but it's only a matter of time.jakesmith said:
It's called man maths! Good luck whatever you do, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful & desirable cars on the road. I'm not an owner yet but it's only a matter of time.
Your man maths aren't up to standard......if I'd used man maths I wouldn't be driving a 4.3...... I'd be in a brand new V12V with every optionGassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff