Buying a V8 Vantage...
Discussion
Evening/Well morning I guess, Gents!
I've been on PH for years but have never posted, so here goes!
I've had a soft spot for Astons since my dad bought me a Top Gear Magazine in 2001 with the Vanquish on the front cover when I was 15. I decided at that point that I'd have one and when I was 18 I set myself a goal to have one before I turned 30 which is in November this year.
I have a van I use for work every day, a Supercharged Range Rover for weekends and a few old Citroens to tinker with when bored so my Aston will be another toy that does a couple of thousand miles a year.
I saw a 6k mile V8 Vantage in Meteorite at Aston Martin in Edinburgh a couple of weeks ago. I only looked at it briefly, whilst the interior was in a gorgeous conditon with the quite unusual Phantom Grey leather, there was a "few issues" with the bodywork. Granted, it was pre-prep when I saw it and they were only little bubbles around the door handles which I believe are common and they were pointed out by the salesman, they weren't trying to hide anything!
I'm looking for a MY07 car or newer, mainly due to the newer shape seats and bluetooth. I'm 6'4 and I've been told by a couple of people I'll find them comfier. I'm thinking about getting a lower mileage/higher spec'd 4.3 rather then a higher mileage/lower spec'd 4.7 as Bamford Rose can always improve the 4.3 if needed. Is this a wise move or would I be better with the 4.7?
I've read Grant's book and found the information it gives to be great, especially the breakdown of the MY changes etc, but thought I'd ask openly what everyone else thinks.
If there's anyone local to Glasgow with a V8V, I'd love to buy you a coffee and hear your tales of ownership
Thanks in advance!
David.
I've been on PH for years but have never posted, so here goes!
I've had a soft spot for Astons since my dad bought me a Top Gear Magazine in 2001 with the Vanquish on the front cover when I was 15. I decided at that point that I'd have one and when I was 18 I set myself a goal to have one before I turned 30 which is in November this year.
I have a van I use for work every day, a Supercharged Range Rover for weekends and a few old Citroens to tinker with when bored so my Aston will be another toy that does a couple of thousand miles a year.
I saw a 6k mile V8 Vantage in Meteorite at Aston Martin in Edinburgh a couple of weeks ago. I only looked at it briefly, whilst the interior was in a gorgeous conditon with the quite unusual Phantom Grey leather, there was a "few issues" with the bodywork. Granted, it was pre-prep when I saw it and they were only little bubbles around the door handles which I believe are common and they were pointed out by the salesman, they weren't trying to hide anything!
I'm looking for a MY07 car or newer, mainly due to the newer shape seats and bluetooth. I'm 6'4 and I've been told by a couple of people I'll find them comfier. I'm thinking about getting a lower mileage/higher spec'd 4.3 rather then a higher mileage/lower spec'd 4.7 as Bamford Rose can always improve the 4.3 if needed. Is this a wise move or would I be better with the 4.7?
I've read Grant's book and found the information it gives to be great, especially the breakdown of the MY changes etc, but thought I'd ask openly what everyone else thinks.
If there's anyone local to Glasgow with a V8V, I'd love to buy you a coffee and hear your tales of ownership
Thanks in advance!
David.
Edited by dhallworth on Friday 8th January 16:58
Edited by dhallworth on Friday 8th January 17:08
I bought 4.3 because I wasn't sure I'd like the Aston experience, so decided I'd rather stick to the lower end of the depreciation curve although my initial budget would have put me in 4.7 territory.
I love the car, but I wish I'd gone straight to the 4.7. Now I have a good 4.3, I can't justify the hassle and expense of moving to a 4.7 but in your position I would definitely choose a 4.7 rather than a higher priced low mileage 4.3 if your budget allows.
I love the car, but I wish I'd gone straight to the 4.7. Now I have a good 4.3, I can't justify the hassle and expense of moving to a 4.7 but in your position I would definitely choose a 4.7 rather than a higher priced low mileage 4.3 if your budget allows.
The first time I saw the V8V I knew I would own one. I'm on my second now and the love is just as strong.
I would echo others' advice that the 4.7 is the better car if it's within budget. In fact, I would say there are a couple of bargains in the dealer network at present:
https://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~... rare colour and good spec with Sportspack and Premium audio.
If you prefer black then this with the same high spec is a bit closer to home https://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~...
Both of those are only 3-4K more than the 4.3 you looked at which was 2 years older and just about the only way you get Sportspack with a 4.3 is to get an N400.
I would be more interested in condition than mileage as the engine/gearbox are strong. Also, if you are buying from within the dealer network, then look very carefully at the paintwork and get them to correct any defects as part of the deal.
Enjoy your search and see you at the Burghley meet on 3rd July with your new beauty
I would echo others' advice that the 4.7 is the better car if it's within budget. In fact, I would say there are a couple of bargains in the dealer network at present:
https://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~... rare colour and good spec with Sportspack and Premium audio.
If you prefer black then this with the same high spec is a bit closer to home https://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~...
Both of those are only 3-4K more than the 4.3 you looked at which was 2 years older and just about the only way you get Sportspack with a 4.3 is to get an N400.
I would be more interested in condition than mileage as the engine/gearbox are strong. Also, if you are buying from within the dealer network, then look very carefully at the paintwork and get them to correct any defects as part of the deal.
Enjoy your search and see you at the Burghley meet on 3rd July with your new beauty
V8V Pete said:
I would echo others' advice that the 4.7 is the better car if it's within budget. In fact, I would say there are a couple of bargains in the dealer network at present:
https://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~... rare colour and good spec with Sportspack and Premium audio.
https://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~... rare colour and good spec with Sportspack and Premium audio.
Agree with Pete. This car would have initially cost over £100,000 with those options.
It has 'stuck' on sale for a few months, and so the initial asking price has been lowered. When I first saw it on the list, I was appalled at the quality of the photographs, which do not portray the car at all well. That is probably holding back the sale. The last time this car changed owner, the sale was very quick.
You need to sit in one. I'm 6'3" and I struggle - some tall people seem to manage, only god knows how. I'm more back height that leg length (33" leg) and the seat is right back and my hair brushes the roof. I think "leggy" people find they can lose a few inches as knees bend if that makes sense.
I'd go for a 4.7.
I'd go for a 4.7.
David, pop over to the Scotland forum and ask there as well. I am sure you will find lots of local owners happy to show you around.
This is my old car (http://www.lawtonbrook.co.uk/current-stock/for-sale/show/ASTONMARTIN-VANTAGE-RX56TVO) and it is as immaculate as you can get, was 100% reliable in my ownership and was totally pampered throughout its life as you can tell by the SH. I think the £40k price is about right from a non-franchised dealer although it is always worth a wee haggle.
I spoke to Aston Martin in Edinburgh about my car before I traded it against a Porsche down south and they would have given me £31k for it. That's with them knowing it and having serviced and looked after it in the years I have owned it and knowing there was no real prep needed for selling.
I am not trying to re-sell the car but making the point that there is a fairly big margin in many of these cars at main dealers and so don't discount a private purchase if the car is right for you.
This is my old car (http://www.lawtonbrook.co.uk/current-stock/for-sale/show/ASTONMARTIN-VANTAGE-RX56TVO) and it is as immaculate as you can get, was 100% reliable in my ownership and was totally pampered throughout its life as you can tell by the SH. I think the £40k price is about right from a non-franchised dealer although it is always worth a wee haggle.
I spoke to Aston Martin in Edinburgh about my car before I traded it against a Porsche down south and they would have given me £31k for it. That's with them knowing it and having serviced and looked after it in the years I have owned it and knowing there was no real prep needed for selling.
I am not trying to re-sell the car but making the point that there is a fairly big margin in many of these cars at main dealers and so don't discount a private purchase if the car is right for you.
I found this thread quite amusing as I am in the exact same situation, I also turn 30 in November and fancy a V8V.. I am also 6ft 4!
Same as yourself I am stuck between a 4.3 or a 4.7, although my budget may not be as high as I keep looking at depreciation and ever increasing house prices and talking myself out of spending more..
Be interested to see what you choose!
Same as yourself I am stuck between a 4.3 or a 4.7, although my budget may not be as high as I keep looking at depreciation and ever increasing house prices and talking myself out of spending more..
Be interested to see what you choose!
I am 6.3 and I have plenty of room and find my seating position ok. I ended up increasing my initial budget to buy a 4.7 because not only is the extra power a benefit but you also in my opinion get the updated nicer interior. Gearbox and shift is better and the suspension changes even on a non sport pack car make a huge difference to the way the car drives. Good luck and enjoy the hunt.
Nick, it isn't a secret, although there is a bit of a fudge factor because the Porsche dealer I bought my new car from made it clear that he really only knew Porsches had so another dealer (Lawton Brook as it turns out) who were underwriting my V8V trade in but the numbers would have valued the car at £35,500 give or take £500. If I had sold privately I guess I would have taken £35k for a quick sale for that car.
2 years ago I paid £40k for the car from a main dealer (sticker price was £42k) but it was at the other end of the country to me and I did buy it over the phone with no trade-in so it was a fairly hassle free sale I guess and it was clear I was actively looking to buy so made haggling much easier.
Dealers are there to make money and I am not knocking that at all. I only contacted AM in Edinburgh in response to one of these "we are looking to buy V8V stock" direct emails and wouldn't have been surprised to have seen it in their showroom at £41,500 but obviously that would come with an AM Warranty etc
Suppose the point is that the depreciation depends on what you pay in the 1st place and if you buy carefully and sell carefully you can get a great car and still do ok(ish) out of it.
For my car...
(a) Worst scenario, pay £42k and sell to AM Edinburgh for £31k = 11k depreciation in 2 years
(b) Best(ish) scenario, pay £40k and look to sell privately around £36k = £4k depreciation in 2 years
(a) isn't too good, (b) wouldn't be too bad
2 years ago I paid £40k for the car from a main dealer (sticker price was £42k) but it was at the other end of the country to me and I did buy it over the phone with no trade-in so it was a fairly hassle free sale I guess and it was clear I was actively looking to buy so made haggling much easier.
Dealers are there to make money and I am not knocking that at all. I only contacted AM in Edinburgh in response to one of these "we are looking to buy V8V stock" direct emails and wouldn't have been surprised to have seen it in their showroom at £41,500 but obviously that would come with an AM Warranty etc
Suppose the point is that the depreciation depends on what you pay in the 1st place and if you buy carefully and sell carefully you can get a great car and still do ok(ish) out of it.
For my car...
(a) Worst scenario, pay £42k and sell to AM Edinburgh for £31k = 11k depreciation in 2 years
(b) Best(ish) scenario, pay £40k and look to sell privately around £36k = £4k depreciation in 2 years
(a) isn't too good, (b) wouldn't be too bad
Edited by renmure on Wednesday 6th January 20:10
If you buy well at the entry level 4.7 then there should not be much depreciation at all, just any margin really depending where you buy from and sell to. Well, so long as you dont put 10k miles a year on it
Running costs depend a lot on luck and useage/mileage. Last year was my worst year since buying in 2007. My Jan 2006 car finally needed a clutch, also at service time needed a wheel bearing and rear discs n pads. Ended up with just under £5k bill for maintenance. It has done 76k miles now
On a cheap year you can get away with a £600 service, but you may want tyres/pads/discs every few years depending on how much you drive
Running costs depend a lot on luck and useage/mileage. Last year was my worst year since buying in 2007. My Jan 2006 car finally needed a clutch, also at service time needed a wheel bearing and rear discs n pads. Ended up with just under £5k bill for maintenance. It has done 76k miles now
On a cheap year you can get away with a £600 service, but you may want tyres/pads/discs every few years depending on how much you drive
Thanks guys, you've confirmed that it's a 4.7 I'm going to hold out for.
This one caught my eye as it seems to be quite a rare colour:
http://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~c...
The wheels are unusual too which is quite nice. The only thing it's missing that I would quite like is the premium audio system but it's not a deal breaker.
I spoke to Bamford Mike today too who said that a 4.7 with the sports manifolds and cats on it is a cracking drivers car too If I see a private sale in the Midlands I'll get Mike to check it out for me I think.
One thing that I do quite fancy from the 4.7 is the newer glass key rather then the Ford/Volvo combination on the earlier 4.3.
I'll pop over to the Scottish section shortly and see if there's anybody local who fancies a coffee and a chat.
Interesting that I'm not the only person who wants one before they're 30 I was a bit conscious of what people would think with having the Range Rover and an Aston but my fiancé has told me to stop thinking like that as we both work hard so we're entitled to play hard!
David.
This one caught my eye as it seems to be quite a rare colour:
http://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~c...
The wheels are unusual too which is quite nice. The only thing it's missing that I would quite like is the premium audio system but it's not a deal breaker.
I spoke to Bamford Mike today too who said that a 4.7 with the sports manifolds and cats on it is a cracking drivers car too
If I see a private sale in the Midlands I'll get Mike to check it out for me I think.One thing that I do quite fancy from the 4.7 is the newer glass key rather then the Ford/Volvo combination on the earlier 4.3.
I'll pop over to the Scottish section shortly and see if there's anybody local who fancies a coffee and a chat.
Interesting that I'm not the only person who wants one before they're 30
I was a bit conscious of what people would think with having the Range Rover and an Aston but my fiancé has told me to stop thinking like that as we both work hard so we're entitled to play hard!David.
David, I also really like the Mariana Blue car at AM Tyne & Wear, a lot better than my own Tungsten Grey 4.7. Sadly though, one has to consider resale and the dealers only like silver or black cars because they know that they can sell them. Any other colour is a very personal choice and therefore almost impossible to sell, in a hurry.
Having said that, when was the last time anyone saw an N400 for sale in Karussell Orange? Not many of them built, totally stunning and massively collectable, in my honest opinion...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M642OTR1Ik
But yes, go for a 4.7 and feel the torque!
RB
Having said that, when was the last time anyone saw an N400 for sale in Karussell Orange? Not many of them built, totally stunning and massively collectable, in my honest opinion...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M642OTR1Ik
But yes, go for a 4.7 and feel the torque!
RB
I've just bought one from Edinburgh mate.... I live near Glasgow. You could see it at a tartan Tarmac breakfast meet.
I bought a 4.7 and was looked after quite well. I looked at a few cars as I work in Manchester during the week. At stratstone I seen a few cars that were on the forecourt and needed paint on doors and front end. I also visited mcgurk's when I was down at Warwick but he only had 4.3 cars in at the time, no 4.7 in my spec - I was after the sport pack and manual.
Mcgurk's cars were very well prepared and the guys were nice to speak to and spent a bit of time showing me around. And talking me through known issues. They showed me some cars that had just arrived 06/07 and they would be needing paint and brakes.
There is a nice manual black 4.3 that I drove in Edinburgh that had a lot of prep work done when I checked the records, new brakes, service, tyres and paint - think it was 40k and has warranty.
In terms of haggling renmure has declared what a margin looks like for some of the main dealers so you can haggle a bit although I found stratstone would not budge at all, mcgurk's would prep a car well and the car I bought was well prepared and had been reduced in price.
They really are nice cars and would complement your other car(s)
I bought a 4.7 and was looked after quite well. I looked at a few cars as I work in Manchester during the week. At stratstone I seen a few cars that were on the forecourt and needed paint on doors and front end. I also visited mcgurk's when I was down at Warwick but he only had 4.3 cars in at the time, no 4.7 in my spec - I was after the sport pack and manual.
Mcgurk's cars were very well prepared and the guys were nice to speak to and spent a bit of time showing me around. And talking me through known issues. They showed me some cars that had just arrived 06/07 and they would be needing paint and brakes.
There is a nice manual black 4.3 that I drove in Edinburgh that had a lot of prep work done when I checked the records, new brakes, service, tyres and paint - think it was 40k and has warranty.
In terms of haggling renmure has declared what a margin looks like for some of the main dealers so you can haggle a bit although I found stratstone would not budge at all, mcgurk's would prep a car well and the car I bought was well prepared and had been reduced in price.
They really are nice cars and would complement your other car(s)
Cheers Stevie! Are there any breakfast meets coming up? Have had a look but can't see anything.
Renmure raised an interesting point in my thread in the Scottish area about choosing a rare colour with interesting wheels as being "brave"... maybe it's not the best of ideas when it comes to resale time?
I'm not in any rush so I'm going to start looking at 4.7's instead of 4.3's and just see what I can get that's within budget.
David.
Renmure raised an interesting point in my thread in the Scottish area about choosing a rare colour with interesting wheels as being "brave"... maybe it's not the best of ideas when it comes to resale time?
I'm not in any rush so I'm going to start looking at 4.7's instead of 4.3's and just see what I can get that's within budget.
David.
dhallworth said:
Renmure raised an interesting point in my thread in the Scottish area about choosing a rare colour with interesting wheels as being "brave"... maybe it's not the best of ideas when it comes to resale time?
Don't let me put you off I would be the last person to suggest buying a "special" car but then going bland on colour and interior in order to have one eye on selling it. My Vantage was tungsten silver with dark leather because that was my 1st choice and the right car was available at the time. My last choice was black, and that is a lot of other folks first preference so it does take all sorts.
I see in another thread that a stunning yellow V8V with black wheels sold fairly sharpish so there is a buyer out there for everything.
But yeah, "rare" colour and "unusual" wheels might limit the market a bit. But... if that is what floats your boat then go for it.
Another thing I've been thinking about is maintenance.
Due to problems with garages in the past we have built a workshop at home with a ramp, tyre machine, wheel balancer and all the tools I need to do jobs on any of the other cars I've had. Including tools for fun jobs, lathes, milling machines, welders etc. so I'm quite handy with a set of spanners and have plenty of experience repairing cars and have helped friends build cars in the past.
If I do maintenance on a V8V such as brakes, tyres, and bushes or ball joints, (maybe even the clutch if I felt brave enough) that the car might need but leave the annual servicing and MOT's to a local dealer or specialist, will this have any affect on resale values? I enjoy tinkering with a car and never really feel like it's my car until I've done something to them.
On every other car I've had, I've never even contemplated fitting anything other then genuine parts and this would be the same with the V8V, 100% genuine all the way with receipts being kept in the history folder.
Be interested to see what peoples thoughts are.
David.
Due to problems with garages in the past we have built a workshop at home with a ramp, tyre machine, wheel balancer and all the tools I need to do jobs on any of the other cars I've had. Including tools for fun jobs, lathes, milling machines, welders etc. so I'm quite handy with a set of spanners and have plenty of experience repairing cars and have helped friends build cars in the past.
If I do maintenance on a V8V such as brakes, tyres, and bushes or ball joints, (maybe even the clutch if I felt brave enough) that the car might need but leave the annual servicing and MOT's to a local dealer or specialist, will this have any affect on resale values? I enjoy tinkering with a car and never really feel like it's my car until I've done something to them.
On every other car I've had, I've never even contemplated fitting anything other then genuine parts and this would be the same with the V8V, 100% genuine all the way with receipts being kept in the history folder.
Be interested to see what peoples thoughts are.
David.
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff