Need advice - researching V8 vantage coupe and roadster.

[Robbie_FRS]

I have recently parted with an E92 M3 with the intention of getting a C63 AMG. However, for a similar sort of budget i see i can get a V8 vantage roadster or coupe.

I wanted to ask here first if there are any current owners who can give me any advice? What are the models and specs to have and what not to have? what is the auto box like? is manual the best choice?

What are the running costs like? Servicing, brakes and RELIABILITY.

I found the M3 pretty heavy on running costs but should i expect an Aston to be much worse?

What about buying approved used as opposed to private? i do like the idea of having a warranty.

Are there issues with the Roadster and leaking? I know many convertibles come with their gremlins but no idea about the vantage.

What about specialist servicing? Is this a no no? I didnt want to use a specialist with my M3 but some cars/brands do tend to use more specialist than main dealer.

Also, what about performance? I am aware that the V8 vantage is less powerful than what my M3 was. How does the vantage compare in performance? Has anyone here driven both cars?

i am most likely in the market for a 2008/09 car depending on deal.

Lots of questions guys, but any replies of any experience would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[hashluck]

Loads of threads on here to research and very recently

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Neil1300r]

If only someone would start
a) write a book on the different models / year etc.
b) Start a Frequently Asked Questions wiki

Even better if they were both at the top of the Aston Martin page

[mikey k]

Robbie_FRS said:

I wanted to ask here first if there are any current owners who can give me any advice? What are the models and specs to have and what not to have? what is the auto box like? is manual the best choice?

What are the running costs like? Servicing, brakes and RELIABILITY.

I found the M3 pretty heavy on running costs but should i expect an Aston to be much worse?

What about buying approved used as opposed to private? i do like the idea of having a warranty.

Are there issues with the Roadster and leaking? I know many convertibles come with their gremlins but no idea about the vantage.

What about specialist servicing? Is this a no no? I didnt want to use a specialist with my M3 but some cars/brands do tend to use more specialist than main dealer.

Also, what about performance? I am aware that the V8 vantage is less powerful than what my M3 was. How does the vantage compare in performance? Has anyone here driven both cars?

i am most likely in the market for a 2008/09 car depending on deal.

Lots of questions guys, but any replies of any experience would be appreciated.

Thanks.

The answer depends a lot on your budget!
Buy Grants AM bible linked at the top of the page
ASM1 in the early roadsters and coupes is a PITA, it will wear the clutch if not used correct. ASM2 is a quantum leap and came in on MY12.25 cars and V8S's
Reliability is OK they don't have major failures or breakdown often, though they do suffer from electronics gremlins (look after the battery!) and paint issues
I've had two roadsters and the roof is very good, reliable and no leaks (just look for wear, see link in FAQ)
The 4.3 needs "using hard" to make it feel remotely quick, the 4.7 that came in on MY09 cars is a lot better, but still not "high performance"
Running costs I'd expect to be similar to the AMG there are plenty of good indies that are a LOT better than some dealers and a LOT cheaper.
Owning an Aston is a LOT more than its performance, my pre Aston car would have destroyed even my current Aston. But I much prefer the Aston "experience" even with the hassle I've had
Go drive some around your budget and see how you "feel"

[bentley01]

I have had three M3s bought as new cars. I have also owned quite a few Porsches as well. My Vantage roadster is my first Aston. In the 15 months I have had it there has not been a single problem. Mine is a 4.7 and it is in no way short of performance and feels as fast as any of my previous cars. Having said that these cars are about so much more than outright speed. Just knowing that it is in the garage makes me feel good and in terms of positive reaction from others it is in another league. The M3 is a good car but I am sure your feel good factor with the Aston will be off the scale. Happy hunting!

[Jon39]

Many questions, but 'the book' will help you.

In my case I have a Model Year 2009 4.7 Coupe. No problems with it at all.
The 4.7 was first delivered to customers in Sept. 2008, and had many improvements from the original car. Prices of the early 4.7 cars have been stable for a couple of years, with most staying above £50,000. By 2009 (recession) fewer Vantages were being sold, hence the demand now being reflected in pricing.

Enjoy your research. They are wonderful cars to own.

[J12MOC]

I really don't get all the ' M3 is quicker / better round bends' crap. I spent 9 days in the Alps in the company of competent drivers in current M3's and there's no way they would have lost me or me lost them. They may seem quicker mainly due to the Lightning fast gear change but when it comes to it..they eint!

[Robbie_FRS]

Thanks for the replies guys. I've just bought the book.

Please keep the responses coming!

[petop]

Jon39 said:

Many questions, but 'the book' will help you.

In my case I have a Model Year 2009 4.7 Coupe. No problems with it at all.
The 4.7 was first delivered to customers in Sept. 2008, and had many improvements from the original car. Prices of the early 4.7 cars have been stable for a couple of years, with most staying above £50,000. By 2009 (recession) fewer Vantages were being sold, hence the demand now being reflected in pricing.

Enjoy your research. They are wonderful cars to own.

Interesting you say Sept 2008 as mine was registered June. But it was development car and used for publicity. Apart from the usual tyre sensor clitches its been brilliant.

[bogie]

J12MOC said:

I really don't get all the ' M3 is quicker / better round bends' crap. I spent 9 days in the Alps in the company of competent drivers in current M3's and there's no way they would have lost me or me lost them. They may seem quicker mainly due to the Lightning fast gear change but when it comes to it..they eint!

That's all the Top Trump style pub talk based on magazine review and 1/4 mile statistics ...back in the real world,We all know a mapped turbo diesel rep mobile is faster than our Aston Martins...and gave up worrying about that years ago

[mikey k]

petop said:

Jon39 said:

Many questions, but 'the book' will help you.

In my case I have a Model Year 2009 4.7 Coupe. No problems with it at all.
The 4.7 was first delivered to customers in Sept. 2008, and had many improvements from the original car. Prices of the early 4.7 cars have been stable for a couple of years, with most staying above £50,000. By 2009 (recession) fewer Vantages were being sold, hence the demand now being reflected in pricing.

Enjoy your research. They are wonderful cars to own.

Interesting you say Sept 2008 as mine was registered June. But it was development car and used for publicity. Apart from the usual tyre sensor clitches its been brilliant.

Customer 4.7's were released for the plate change to 59 in Sept 08, my first roadster was one of them
I guess a few press and demo cars were registered before that, conversely there are quite a few 4.3's registered after Sept 08 as well. In usual Aston fashion its not clear cut

[buddydog]

The performance question is a moot point, I have owned an M3, a 911, I have a 4.3 at the moment ( had it for over 5 years now )and find that they can all lose you your license in short order, and to be fair, if your racing away from the lights against a 911, M3 or R8 etc, who cares who's the fastest, you both look like cocks!
Also, mine has never let me down.

[Jon39]

mikey k said:

Customer 4.7's were released for the plate change to 59 in Sept 08, my first roadster was one of them
I guess a few press and demo cars were registered before that, conversely there are quite a few 4.3's registered after Sept 08 as well. In usual Aston fashion its not clear cut

I know this has been mentioned several times before Mikey, but it might be of interest to some of our more recent fellow enthusiasts.

In 2007/08 there was a waiting list for Vantages. Gaydon was buzzing with peak output of 7,300 cars in 2007. House prices were going to rise forever, 125% mortgages and borrowing was all the rage for people, businesses and governments.

By the time that customer deliveries of the 4.7 model began, the debt boom had ended, and there were many cancelled orders for new Vantages.

That is why some of the 4.3 cars sat in showrooms for months, and were still for sale well into 2009.

Edited by Jon39 on Thursday 8th January 11:07