Shall I go and buy this V8V ?
Discussion
Some background before the link.
Car is a 30th birthday present to my self, I always said I would own a porsche ( porch ?? ) before I am 30, but that has worn off and have decided I REALLY want a v8v.
I Had use of a 2010 with the 4.7 SS for a couple of days for a wedding , its my father in laws car and he had it for 2 years. So I have some experience of ownership in terms of how it looks, drives, feels and the costs within reason.
This is really what made my itch raise its head I suppose, since then I think its the best looking car out there.
I was shocked when I could get one for £30 - £35k, after he paid 118k for essentially a face lift
So, the car I am looking at fetching ( after a year of looking through PH for research, and kept my eye on prices etc )
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
I am a good home mechanic , i.e engine rebuilds, gearbox rebuilds, engine conversions etc,, not just a brake and oil change man.
I would not be getting a warranty on the car, will keep a bit aside each month to cover any eventualities.
As its the older 4.3, none facelift which seems everyone steers clear of these days and it just HAS to be the facelift, am I setting myself up for a fall ?
I don't mind the purchase price of the car, but that said I don't want to lose thousands on it over a potential 2/3/4 year ownership. Thats kind of my point looking at this range too, the prices haven't moved in at least a year.
I currently have an E46 M3, and running costs seem very similar ( brakes cost the same, as do pads, fuel I get 14mpg local ) so only really the service ( or stamp ! ) that I have to really pay OTT for.
Car would do approx 2k per year.
So... is this a good example, pending technical inspection by myself of course, or am I setting myself up for financial ruin and its going to throw 4 rods out of the block on the way home ?
All opinions welcome.
I cannot increase budget, so facelift is off the cards ( and would start me thinking about Gallardos instead )
Car is a 30th birthday present to my self, I always said I would own a porsche ( porch ?? ) before I am 30, but that has worn off and have decided I REALLY want a v8v.
I Had use of a 2010 with the 4.7 SS for a couple of days for a wedding , its my father in laws car and he had it for 2 years. So I have some experience of ownership in terms of how it looks, drives, feels and the costs within reason.
This is really what made my itch raise its head I suppose, since then I think its the best looking car out there.
I was shocked when I could get one for £30 - £35k, after he paid 118k for essentially a face lift
So, the car I am looking at fetching ( after a year of looking through PH for research, and kept my eye on prices etc )
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
I am a good home mechanic , i.e engine rebuilds, gearbox rebuilds, engine conversions etc,, not just a brake and oil change man.
I would not be getting a warranty on the car, will keep a bit aside each month to cover any eventualities.
As its the older 4.3, none facelift which seems everyone steers clear of these days and it just HAS to be the facelift, am I setting myself up for a fall ?
I don't mind the purchase price of the car, but that said I don't want to lose thousands on it over a potential 2/3/4 year ownership. Thats kind of my point looking at this range too, the prices haven't moved in at least a year.
I currently have an E46 M3, and running costs seem very similar ( brakes cost the same, as do pads, fuel I get 14mpg local ) so only really the service ( or stamp ! ) that I have to really pay OTT for.
Car would do approx 2k per year.
So... is this a good example, pending technical inspection by myself of course, or am I setting myself up for financial ruin and its going to throw 4 rods out of the block on the way home ?
All opinions welcome.
I cannot increase budget, so facelift is off the cards ( and would start me thinking about Gallardos instead )
Ok. Opinions sought. Here's one.
I think it's not right. Your buying a dream car, so you will always have the niggle in your mind if you compromise on what you "really" want. It won't spoil the experience but it will change it.
You keep referring to the facelift, what if you could get one?
Here's one, I know you said your budget was fixed at Upto £35k but this is only a tad more.
It comes "fully loaded" unlike the other one you linked. It also has a full Aston warranty and main dealer backup.
Worth an extra £2k?
http://www.stratstone.com/VehicleSearch/Used/aston...
I think it's not right. Your buying a dream car, so you will always have the niggle in your mind if you compromise on what you "really" want. It won't spoil the experience but it will change it.
You keep referring to the facelift, what if you could get one?
Here's one, I know you said your budget was fixed at Upto £35k but this is only a tad more.
It comes "fully loaded" unlike the other one you linked. It also has a full Aston warranty and main dealer backup.
Worth an extra £2k?
http://www.stratstone.com/VehicleSearch/Used/aston...
In short, if you want it buy it. It looks good in the photos, but as an experienced mechanic you can have a more detailed look when you view. As for it exploding the moment you drive it away, forget it. The V8 engine is a very reliable motor, so there is absolutely no reason as to why it should let go.
I did a very similar thing, bought privately at the lower end of the scale and have never, ever regretted it. I bought mine from a smashing chap, it felt right and it has been an absolute joy. I paid £35k about 16 months ago, and looking at the market, it looks like it would fetch about £32k now. I can't honestly see these cars dipping much below high 20s any time in the next few years, but I didn't buy it as an investment.
Have you driven the 4.3? Your fathers was a 4.7, and there is a difference, but that can be sorted with some upgrades. I did that, and mine has a significant performance improvement.
Others say never buy the first one you see, but that's entirely up to you. I did. Good luck.
I did a very similar thing, bought privately at the lower end of the scale and have never, ever regretted it. I bought mine from a smashing chap, it felt right and it has been an absolute joy. I paid £35k about 16 months ago, and looking at the market, it looks like it would fetch about £32k now. I can't honestly see these cars dipping much below high 20s any time in the next few years, but I didn't buy it as an investment.
Have you driven the 4.3? Your fathers was a 4.7, and there is a difference, but that can be sorted with some upgrades. I did that, and mine has a significant performance improvement.
Others say never buy the first one you see, but that's entirely up to you. I did. Good luck.
Edited by Bincenzo on Thursday 19th December 11:33
I also went fromm an e46 M3 (CSL) to a V8V coupe. You're right to think that the running costs are broadly similar. However, as you've already driven one, you'll know that the driving experience is quite different. The V8V is quite a bit heavier and the 4.3 V8 doesn't rev anywhere near as freely as the 3.2 from the M3. The V8V always feels to me like much more of a V8 muscle-car 'bludgeon' compared to the much more delicate 'scalpel' of the M3. However, as a complete experience, the V8V can't be beat.
The car that you're looking at is an interesting proposition - especially considering that a couple of the interior shots show a VW! It's also got the older seats, is quite low on options and the mileage is 'average'. For a similar price, you could find a 2007 car (hence updated seats & a couple of other extras) with way more options. Premium stereo is defo worth getting (most have it specced) and powerfold mirrors, cruise control and bluetooth were all on my 'must have' list.
You're also right to not be scared about the lack of a warranty. After all, even though it says 'AM' on the front, it is only a car and all of the usual rules apply. Buy on condition, with a documented history that it has been looked after in the past. However, don't just presume that a dealer stamp is proof that it has been 'looked after'.
And good luck with your hunt. Sometimes it can be the best part.
The car that you're looking at is an interesting proposition - especially considering that a couple of the interior shots show a VW! It's also got the older seats, is quite low on options and the mileage is 'average'. For a similar price, you could find a 2007 car (hence updated seats & a couple of other extras) with way more options. Premium stereo is defo worth getting (most have it specced) and powerfold mirrors, cruise control and bluetooth were all on my 'must have' list.
You're also right to not be scared about the lack of a warranty. After all, even though it says 'AM' on the front, it is only a car and all of the usual rules apply. Buy on condition, with a documented history that it has been looked after in the past. However, don't just presume that a dealer stamp is proof that it has been 'looked after'.
And good luck with your hunt. Sometimes it can be the best part.
Thanks so far folks. Really appreciate the input.
The seller will do it for me for 32k, with a fresh mot and taxed ready to drive away, so the stratstone one is 5k extra, has terrible rear lights and higher mileage.
I really don't fancy the colour either.
The colours on the one I linked to really draw me in, red calipers are lairy, but not OTT.
I am over the speed thing, I don't expect it to be quite as quick as the M3 in real life, and tbh the 4.7 is not "that fast" I really was shocked how pathetic it felt after driving various tuned turbos. I have moved on though and have other cars for that, I want punchy and v8 sound, and the overall experience of an aston martin.
People mentioning the "older" stuff is relevant, but tbh I am settled on 32k now. A facelift or better seats for 37k or even 35k would not appeal.
Im trying my best not to talk myself in to this, as I really do want valued opinions from current owners.
The seller will do it for me for 32k, with a fresh mot and taxed ready to drive away, so the stratstone one is 5k extra, has terrible rear lights and higher mileage.
I really don't fancy the colour either.
The colours on the one I linked to really draw me in, red calipers are lairy, but not OTT.
I am over the speed thing, I don't expect it to be quite as quick as the M3 in real life, and tbh the 4.7 is not "that fast" I really was shocked how pathetic it felt after driving various tuned turbos. I have moved on though and have other cars for that, I want punchy and v8 sound, and the overall experience of an aston martin.
People mentioning the "older" stuff is relevant, but tbh I am settled on 32k now. A facelift or better seats for 37k or even 35k would not appeal.
Im trying my best not to talk myself in to this, as I really do want valued opinions from current owners.
Cruise? I really wanted cruise.
I looked at some terrible cars at main dealers and so went private. I felt I'd rather a nice tidy original car, even without the dealer backup, so that I knew I had the right product to begin with. Compared to having a car with a terrible respray and a hard life but backed up by dealer warranty.
Working out so far.
I looked at some terrible cars at main dealers and so went private. I felt I'd rather a nice tidy original car, even without the dealer backup, so that I knew I had the right product to begin with. Compared to having a car with a terrible respray and a hard life but backed up by dealer warranty.
Working out so far.
Edited by Pentoman on Thursday 19th December 12:01
divetheworld said:
Here's one, I know you said your budget was fixed at Upto £35k but this is only a tad more.
It comes "fully loaded" unlike the other one you linked. It also has a full Aston warranty and main dealer backup.
Worth an extra £2k?
http://www.stratstone.com/VehicleSearch/Used/aston...
Advert says £37kIt comes "fully loaded" unlike the other one you linked. It also has a full Aston warranty and main dealer backup.
Worth an extra £2k?
http://www.stratstone.com/VehicleSearch/Used/aston...
Anywho, back to buying at the lower end....... For some of us its the only way to get our arse in an Aston and live he dream for a short while.....
My experience is that if you buy right, you'll be ok.... My 3 years of ownership cost me just over £6k in depreciation....there were no other costs other than routine service, upgrades sills (my choice) and a few cosmetic bits n bobs, again my choice...
As for face lift, non face lift..... In my case it was a non issue.... I just wanted the best car I could find within my budget
cableguy1984 said:
Thanks so far folks. Really appreciate the input.
The seller will do it for me for 32k, with a fresh mot and taxed ready to drive away, so the stratstone one is 5k extra, has terrible rear lights and higher mileage.
I really don't fancy the colour either.
The colours on the one I linked to really draw me in, red calipers are lairy, but not OTT.
I am over the speed thing, I don't expect it to be quite as quick as the M3 in real life, and tbh the 4.7 is not "that fast" I really was shocked how pathetic it felt after driving various tuned turbos. I have moved on though and have other cars for that, I want punchy and v8 sound, and the overall experience of an aston martin.
People mentioning the "older" stuff is relevant, but tbh I am settled on 32k now. A facelift or better seats for 37k or even 35k would not appeal.
Im trying my best not to talk myself in to this, as I really do want valued opinions from current owners.
Never felt the performance of my car to be pathetic to be honest. In the real world they are much quicker point to point than a BMW because unlike the Beamer everyone pulls over when they see an Aston in the rear view mirror. You will not regret for a moment buying one.The seller will do it for me for 32k, with a fresh mot and taxed ready to drive away, so the stratstone one is 5k extra, has terrible rear lights and higher mileage.
I really don't fancy the colour either.
The colours on the one I linked to really draw me in, red calipers are lairy, but not OTT.
I am over the speed thing, I don't expect it to be quite as quick as the M3 in real life, and tbh the 4.7 is not "that fast" I really was shocked how pathetic it felt after driving various tuned turbos. I have moved on though and have other cars for that, I want punchy and v8 sound, and the overall experience of an aston martin.
People mentioning the "older" stuff is relevant, but tbh I am settled on 32k now. A facelift or better seats for 37k or even 35k would not appeal.
Im trying my best not to talk myself in to this, as I really do want valued opinions from current owners.
Sorry bentley 101, was not looking to offend.
Pathetic is a bit harsh of me considering its a 4.7 v8 with 400+ bhp.
I just think I was expecting supercar performance, when really it does the same 0 - 60 and 0 - 100 as a £5,000 M3.
But as I said, I am over this now, and am aiming at just having a nice high end car.
Pathetic is a bit harsh of me considering its a 4.7 v8 with 400+ bhp.
I just think I was expecting supercar performance, when really it does the same 0 - 60 and 0 - 100 as a £5,000 M3.
But as I said, I am over this now, and am aiming at just having a nice high end car.
cableguy1984 said:
What options am I potentially missing out on with this car ? I think even the big spec cars are pretty "basic" ?
Its got the heated seats and sat nav.
Its got the heated seats and sat nav.
I said:
Premium stereo is defo worth getting (most have it specced) and powerfold mirrors, cruise control and bluetooth were all on my 'must have' list.
There are a number of facelifted 06/56 and 07/56 cars on Autotrader around at that sort of price.
I was offered one at 32k (down from 35k) with ALL the options, including Premium audio. car had 32k miles and had full main dealer s/h. It is in meteorite with black lather and white stitching. Looked very nice, but I haven't been across to see it.
Not being a facelift car will affect the resale as that is what people generally prefer, even if the older seats are more comfortable.
HTH - Simon
I was offered one at 32k (down from 35k) with ALL the options, including Premium audio. car had 32k miles and had full main dealer s/h. It is in meteorite with black lather and white stitching. Looked very nice, but I haven't been across to see it.
Not being a facelift car will affect the resale as that is what people generally prefer, even if the older seats are more comfortable.
HTH - Simon
cableguy1984 said:
Have I missed a facelift ?
I was under the impression they were released in 2005/6 then facelifted in 2008 with the larger engine/bumpers/interior.
Was there a milder facelift that was 56/07 with seats ?
So much for my research !
Model improvements all the time, you need to get grant's book for al lthe details / differences. I see that one is advrtised with Premium Stereo, but no cruise or bluetooth.I was under the impression they were released in 2005/6 then facelifted in 2008 with the larger engine/bumpers/interior.
Was there a milder facelift that was 56/07 with seats ?
So much for my research !
cableguy1984 said:
I don't expect it to be quite as quick as the M3 in real life, and tbh the 4.7 is not "that fast" I really was shocked how pathetic it felt after driving various tuned turbos.
No offence taken.As the passenger tries to wriggle out of the footwell,
after experiencing 0 to 100mph to 0 in 13 seconds,
how quick do you want for a road car?
A Nissan GTR is much quicker, but so what, it will never be an Aston Martin.
When you own your Vantage, you will find it is quite a special motoring experience. Leave yourself plenty of time at filling stations, because complete strangers just enjoy talking about and seeing an Aston. The company is held in high esteem by so many people.
Don't worry about the performance. The car has quite enough for road use.
Enjoy your search. If you can, take your time, because there will always be another and they continue to get cheaper.
cableguy1984 said:
Sorry bentley 101, was not looking to offend.
Pathetic is a bit harsh of me considering its a 4.7 v8 with 400+ bhp.
I just think I was expecting supercar performance, when really it does the same 0 - 60 and 0 - 100 as a £5,000 M3.
But as I said, I am over this now, and am aiming at just having a nice high end car.
No offense taken. In comparison to the couple of M3's and the 997s I used to have, the Vantage feels just as quick. But to be honest the speed of the thing is kind of missing the point. It is the general feel good factor you get with the looks and the character of the car which for me makes it so special. I have not found myself sneaking into the garage to just take look at a car with my previous steers as I do with the Aston.Pathetic is a bit harsh of me considering its a 4.7 v8 with 400+ bhp.
I just think I was expecting supercar performance, when really it does the same 0 - 60 and 0 - 100 as a £5,000 M3.
But as I said, I am over this now, and am aiming at just having a nice high end car.
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