Discussion
Just realised that I never introduced myself or Lula (my nephew's name for the car). My name is Steve, i'm 35 and live in Brentwood, Essex.
I've had Lula for 6 weeks now, she's a Vantage V8 in Morning Frost with ASM gearbox.

Have to say that it's been a love hate relationship since the initial purchase giddiness subsided. I tend to drive my cars a lot so I decided to buy the Aston as a daily driver and use my R8 as a weekend car (she was starting to fall apart wear and tear wise).
I ended up parting with the R8 after yet another round of bills but immediately after I regretted it and started to pick holes in the Aston; driving position too low, lack of visibility, not enough low end torque.
However, 3000 miles later I've finally stopped pining after my R8 and come to love Lula dearly. She's a lovely drive, brilliant handling, a sans-fuse22 screamer and very easy on the eye.
Yes i miss the sheer exhilaration of the R8 but the comfort and ease to which the Aston gets me everywhere makes me smile.
Anyway, I think i'm here to stay as I have become quite attached to her. Hope to meet some of you at the various meets at some point.
I've had Lula for 6 weeks now, she's a Vantage V8 in Morning Frost with ASM gearbox.

Have to say that it's been a love hate relationship since the initial purchase giddiness subsided. I tend to drive my cars a lot so I decided to buy the Aston as a daily driver and use my R8 as a weekend car (she was starting to fall apart wear and tear wise).
I ended up parting with the R8 after yet another round of bills but immediately after I regretted it and started to pick holes in the Aston; driving position too low, lack of visibility, not enough low end torque.
However, 3000 miles later I've finally stopped pining after my R8 and come to love Lula dearly. She's a lovely drive, brilliant handling, a sans-fuse22 screamer and very easy on the eye.
Yes i miss the sheer exhilaration of the R8 but the comfort and ease to which the Aston gets me everywhere makes me smile.
Anyway, I think i'm here to stay as I have become quite attached to her. Hope to meet some of you at the various meets at some point.
Welcome Steve,
Your car is a stunner.
Interesting to read your comments about the R8 and Vantage differences.
Only a few weeks, but have you noticed whether there are more polite comments from other people about, your Aston? They do seem to be very popular cars with many. Perhaps being such a well known British sports car company, and the association with a certain agent probably does no harm.
Enjoy your car.
Edited by Jon39 on Saturday 3rd May 18:21
Thanks guys! I was all sold on getting a black one but this turned up in the dealer when i was there (the previous owner drove off in a vanquish i'm told) and I loved the pearl effect so much that i bought it the next day.

In answer to the R8 question, it's a strange thing owning one; The attention really took me by surprise (had Porsche's previously)! Never had a bad comment but people would literally jump out in the road in front of me and take pictures or shout from windows of moving cars. One chap pulled across the lights on the A406 in rush hour and tried to have a chat about it.
The Aston has only had nice comments (so far) and have been from people a little more reserved. I like that as you can fly under he radar so to speak but the other half (i think) misses it. The only person truly distraught has been my nephew. He tearfully declared that he wanted "The Batman Car when i was dead, but its ok coz that wouldn't be for a couple of years'' - The minds of 4yr olds are a mystery.

In answer to the R8 question, it's a strange thing owning one; The attention really took me by surprise (had Porsche's previously)! Never had a bad comment but people would literally jump out in the road in front of me and take pictures or shout from windows of moving cars. One chap pulled across the lights on the A406 in rush hour and tried to have a chat about it.
The Aston has only had nice comments (so far) and have been from people a little more reserved. I like that as you can fly under he radar so to speak but the other half (i think) misses it. The only person truly distraught has been my nephew. He tearfully declared that he wanted "The Batman Car when i was dead, but its ok coz that wouldn't be for a couple of years'' - The minds of 4yr olds are a mystery.
mountainreef said:
(the previous owner drove off in a vanquish i'm told)

Nope - the previous owner bought a carbon black V12 Vantage. I know that for a fact because yours used to belong to one of my co-Directors. I know the history of that car - you've got a good one. Enjoy!
Edited by Little Donkey on Sunday 4th May 07:26
Little Donkey said:
Nope - the previous owner bought a carbon black V12 Vantage. I know that for a fact because yours used to belong to one of my co-Directors. I know the history of that car - you've got a good one. Enjoy!
Ahh I must have misheard what Gary told me, V12 is beautiful; they have an amazing silver / carbon coupe in there on show at the moment. Carbon all over the bonnet vents etc. Very striking.Edited by Little Donkey on Sunday 4th May 07:26
Can't complain about the condition of the car; Grange changed the clutch and I removed / replaced the clear bonnet wrap as it was yellowing but apart from that it was like new.
Hope your colleague is enjoying his new one!
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