2006 Vantage - yea or nay?
Discussion
I'm told you're a friendly lot over here, so please forgive the questions that I'm sure have been asked a million times before! I'm aware there's a must buy book, and I've read the PH buyer's guide (which worried me a little by suggesting the engine may be a little fragile if hammered before it's fully warm), but inevitably I've got my own specific questions as this would be the most I've ever spent on a car, and I'd rather avoid hating it!
Preamble out of the way - I've owned a British hand built car before, albeit at a much lower price point; a VX220. I liked it, but from a build quality perspective it was, ah, not great. My questions are basically in relation to that aspect.
Are Vantages well screwed together, or would I always be excusing squeaks and rattles?
I've read about paint bubbles - if there aren't any in evidence, does this mean I can relax, or is this a recurring problem?
This "fragile" engine, how long does it take to get warm? I have a 10-15 minute commute with a nice short bit of dual carriageway mid-way through the journey, and I'd want to enjoy the car during that bit of my journey.
Sat nav - is it really as bad as the reviews claim?
Blue tooth for phones - is it really an option on early cars, and does it work well?
Servicing - would around £1k a year be about right for 6k annual mileage?
Ultimately I'm just going to have to go and look at one or two, and see if I'd be happy spending ~£35k on one rather than less on something newer but less attractive like a Jag XK or BMW 6 coupe, but I wouldn't want to waste anyone's time and the answers to the questions above might well rule out a Vantage before I start looking seriously.
Preamble out of the way - I've owned a British hand built car before, albeit at a much lower price point; a VX220. I liked it, but from a build quality perspective it was, ah, not great. My questions are basically in relation to that aspect.
Are Vantages well screwed together, or would I always be excusing squeaks and rattles?
I've read about paint bubbles - if there aren't any in evidence, does this mean I can relax, or is this a recurring problem?
This "fragile" engine, how long does it take to get warm? I have a 10-15 minute commute with a nice short bit of dual carriageway mid-way through the journey, and I'd want to enjoy the car during that bit of my journey.
Sat nav - is it really as bad as the reviews claim?
Blue tooth for phones - is it really an option on early cars, and does it work well?
Servicing - would around £1k a year be about right for 6k annual mileage?
Ultimately I'm just going to have to go and look at one or two, and see if I'd be happy spending ~£35k on one rather than less on something newer but less attractive like a Jag XK or BMW 6 coupe, but I wouldn't want to waste anyone's time and the answers to the questions above might well rule out a Vantage before I start looking seriously.
Hi Dan, I bought my V8V nearly a year ago now.
The car has been an absolute gem. It's been my most reliable car so far. I too previously had a hand built British sports car (TVR T350c), the Aston is in a totally different league in every aspect apart from performance. That's not to say the Aston is slow, it's just a much heavier car and the TVR's acceleration was brutal.
Just had my 1st service and it cost £900 incl VAT. Have a look in my garage for my blog on costs so far to give you an idea.
I've read that the V8 engine is pretty much bullet proof, I've not had any problems myself. The warming up of the engine is a pretty standard thing rather than it being just limited to the Aston.
The weak point of the Aston is the clutch, these can go at relatively low miles, it depends how it's been used though.
The car has been an absolute gem. It's been my most reliable car so far. I too previously had a hand built British sports car (TVR T350c), the Aston is in a totally different league in every aspect apart from performance. That's not to say the Aston is slow, it's just a much heavier car and the TVR's acceleration was brutal.
Just had my 1st service and it cost £900 incl VAT. Have a look in my garage for my blog on costs so far to give you an idea.
I've read that the V8 engine is pretty much bullet proof, I've not had any problems myself. The warming up of the engine is a pretty standard thing rather than it being just limited to the Aston.
The weak point of the Aston is the clutch, these can go at relatively low miles, it depends how it's been used though.
DanL said:
Are Vantages well screwed together, or would I always be excusing squeaks and rattles?
Mine doesn't have any squeaks or rattles (56 plate, approaching 40k miles).DanL said:
This "fragile" engine, how long does it take to get warm? I have a 10-15 minute commute with a nice short bit of dual carriageway mid-way through the journey, and I'd want to enjoy the car during that bit of my journey.
Not sure where you read that - everything I've read about them says the engines are fairly bulletproof.DanL said:
Sat nav - is it really as bad as the reviews claim?
No. It's a little clumsy to use, but entirely functional in my experience.DanL said:
Blue tooth for phones - is it really an option on early cars, and does it work well?
Mine has it, and it seems OK - although I admit I've rarely used it.DanL said:
Servicing - would around £1k a year be about right for 6k annual mileage?
I looked carefully at the service documents for mine when I bought it in May last year, and it looked like the previous owner was spending about £800-£900 a year. My service is in a couple of weeks, and I've no reason to believe it will be much more (although I'm having a 4 year / 40k service which is a little more expensive).Oh, and : Buy one! I love mine.
DanL said:
I'm told you're a friendly lot over here ...
Ultimately I'm just going to have to go and look at one or two, and see if I'd be happy spending ~£35k on one rather than less on something newer but less attractive like a Jag XK or BMW 6 coupe, but I wouldn't want to waste anyone's time and the answers to the questions above might well rule out a Vantage before I start looking seriously.
Ultimately I'm just going to have to go and look at one or two, and see if I'd be happy spending ~£35k on one rather than less on something newer but less attractive like a Jag XK or BMW 6 coupe, but I wouldn't want to waste anyone's time and the answers to the questions above might well rule out a Vantage before I start looking seriously.
Welcome.
Yes, certainly friendly. Plenty of experience and knowledge amongst the people here, so ask more questions if you want to.
We all have great passion for our cars, which as you will hopefully discover, are really rather special. That low drivers seat, the smell of the leather, the exhaust sound. Every journey is an occasion, not just transport.
Your mention of an XK, made me think of seeing old ones advertised for £4,000.
I cannot afford an old Aston Martin.
A warning though. When you visit a dealer, do not drive the V12 version of the Vantage. That is the model that no one can refuse to buy.
Good luck in finding exactly the specification that you want.
Good luck with your search.
I had an early V8 vantage and loved it to bits. I only changed it because I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a V12.
The V8s are exceptional cars. As you said yourself get the book. It is a fountain of information.
The very early V8 Vantages had uprated internals in the engine. I believe this was due to Aston Martin wanting to ensure reliability and also some bits hadn't arrived. This made the early ones even stronger.
Their are some excellent specialists out there who maintain these cars so don't be put off if the one you find doesn't have a full dealer history.
Make sure the LEDs in both headlights are working. Both on the side lights and indicators as they are sealed units and cost about £1000.
Once again good luck with your search. The noise from them is addictive. And as was said before old Astons are even more expensive to buy
I had an early V8 vantage and loved it to bits. I only changed it because I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a V12.
The V8s are exceptional cars. As you said yourself get the book. It is a fountain of information.
The very early V8 Vantages had uprated internals in the engine. I believe this was due to Aston Martin wanting to ensure reliability and also some bits hadn't arrived. This made the early ones even stronger.
Their are some excellent specialists out there who maintain these cars so don't be put off if the one you find doesn't have a full dealer history.
Make sure the LEDs in both headlights are working. Both on the side lights and indicators as they are sealed units and cost about £1000.
Once again good luck with your search. The noise from them is addictive. And as was said before old Astons are even more expensive to buy
Edited by mblade123 on Thursday 18th February 17:12
DanL said:
I'm told you're a friendly lot over here, so please forgive the questions that I'm sure have been asked a million times before! I'm aware there's a must buy book, and I've read the PH buyer's guide (which worried me a little by suggesting the engine may be a little fragile if hammered before it's fully warm), but inevitably I've got my own specific questions as this would be the most I've ever spent on a car, and I'd rather avoid hating it!
Preamble out of the way - I've owned a British hand built car before, albeit at a much lower price point; a VX220. I liked it, but from a build quality perspective it was, ah, not great. My questions are basically in relation to that aspect.
Are Vantages well screwed together, or would I always be excusing squeaks and rattles?
I've read about paint bubbles - if there aren't any in evidence, does this mean I can relax, or is this a recurring problem?
This "fragile" engine, how long does it take to get warm? I have a 10-15 minute commute with a nice short bit of dual carriageway mid-way through the journey, and I'd want to enjoy the car during that bit of my journey.
Sat nav - is it really as bad as the reviews claim?
Blue tooth for phones - is it really an option on early cars, and does it work well?
Servicing - would around £1k a year be about right for 6k annual mileage?
Ultimately I'm just going to have to go and look at one or two, and see if I'd be happy spending ~£35k on one rather than less on something newer but less attractive like a Jag XK or BMW 6 coupe, but I wouldn't want to waste anyone's time and the answers to the questions above might well rule out a Vantage before I start looking seriously.
I had a 2007MY Vantage.Although it had it's characterful point, overall it was one of the best automotive purchases I've made.Preamble out of the way - I've owned a British hand built car before, albeit at a much lower price point; a VX220. I liked it, but from a build quality perspective it was, ah, not great. My questions are basically in relation to that aspect.
Are Vantages well screwed together, or would I always be excusing squeaks and rattles?
I've read about paint bubbles - if there aren't any in evidence, does this mean I can relax, or is this a recurring problem?
This "fragile" engine, how long does it take to get warm? I have a 10-15 minute commute with a nice short bit of dual carriageway mid-way through the journey, and I'd want to enjoy the car during that bit of my journey.
Sat nav - is it really as bad as the reviews claim?
Blue tooth for phones - is it really an option on early cars, and does it work well?
Servicing - would around £1k a year be about right for 6k annual mileage?
Ultimately I'm just going to have to go and look at one or two, and see if I'd be happy spending ~£35k on one rather than less on something newer but less attractive like a Jag XK or BMW 6 coupe, but I wouldn't want to waste anyone's time and the answers to the questions above might well rule out a Vantage before I start looking seriously.
When I bought mine, it was quite a few years ago and they are selling for a little more than I paid back then. Bottom line, the entry cost Vantage is holding its value very well. It's not something you'll lose your shirt on in depreciation.
When I got my first and only rattle, I took it into the Aston dealer to see if they could sort it. The problem with rattles is that they are notoriously hard to find. As the hours rolled on, I saw the bill getting bigger and bigger in my head. It was a real difficult one that turned out to be in the wiper mechanism cover. The bill, when it was presented, was less than a couple of hundred quid. They did spend a great deal of time on it, I watched them go out for numerous drives. I expected a lot more. Since then, I stopped worrying about taking it to Aston and getting the bills.
I did get a paint bubble, on my 2007 and my 2010. I sorted the 2007 myself before it became an issue, the 2010 was done by the dealer under warranty (yes, unusual!). We've also had the paint issues sorted on the DBS. None of which were particularly expensive. My advise, just deal with it if it happens, it wont cost much and is easy to sort.
Now.....fragile?
Whose been telling you porkies? They are bomb proof. I've never had a concern, solid engine, even more solid gearbox. No one in their right mind would thrash a V8 from cold, and the throttle is limited during this time (a few minutes only) anyway. Even in better weather, if you crack on before your tyres are warm, I assure you, you will have more pressing problems than hurting the car.
Sat Nav is functional, no big deal.
Bluetooth works, not the best but works. No big deal.
£1k for servicing is probably a bit high on average. More like £850 unless you need plugs.
Then there's the drive....... Makes it all worthwhile. Very special, an event and gorgeous to behold.
And don't forget the values are static!
DanL said:
Are Vantages well screwed together, or would I always be excusing squeaks and rattles?
Yes.You get the odd squeaking panel - tightly fitted leather has a habit of doing that (allegedly) Talc is your friend more often than not. But take a good test drive of the car you want to buy - if it's loose, it will show up quickly.
DanL said:
I've read about paint bubbles - if there aren't any in evidence, does this mean I can relax, or is this a recurring problem?
No you cannot relax. If any issues have been seen to by people who know how to prep a car - ie not Aston Martin - you may be OK.
DanL said:
This "fragile" engine, how long does it take to get warm? I have a 10-15 minute commute with a nice short bit of dual carriageway mid-way through the journey, and I'd want to enjoy the car during that bit of my journey.
The engine is strong as an ox.10min commutes are not a good idea in any car though, let alone one like this. It will not generally be warm enough after 5mins to extend it fully.
If I had a 10min commute I'd be buying a Twizzy
DanL said:
Sat nav - is it really as bad as the reviews claim?
Not really IF it has updated discs giving full postcode search. It's not the best, but not the worst out there either.DanL said:
Blue tooth for phones - is it really an option on early cars, and does it work well?.
Yes on both counts.DanL said:
Servicing - would around £1k a year be about right for 6k annual mileage?
Yes.DanL said:
...rather than less on something newer but less attractive like a Jag XK or BMW 6 coupe,
Don't. Just don't.Wow - a very friendly welcome! I know it can be a real chore answering the same questions again and again, so thank you for taking the time.
One final query - is it worth buying from an Aston dealer? By which I mean there's an obvious premium there, but are the cars better prepared, and is the warranty worth the premium over that offered by a "regular" garage?
One final query - is it worth buying from an Aston dealer? By which I mean there's an obvious premium there, but are the cars better prepared, and is the warranty worth the premium over that offered by a "regular" garage?
DanL said:
Wow - a very friendly welcome! I know it can be a real chore answering the same questions again and again, so thank you for taking the time.
One final query - is it worth buying from an Aston dealer? By which I mean there's an obvious premium there, but are the cars better prepared, and is the warranty worth the premium over that offered by a "regular" garage?
I don't think so. If they have the perfect car then there is no reason not to, but there are some good indys around. I bought privately and think I got an excellent car for a very good price.One final query - is it worth buying from an Aston dealer? By which I mean there's an obvious premium there, but are the cars better prepared, and is the warranty worth the premium over that offered by a "regular" garage?
Murph7355 said:
DanL said:
Are Vantages well screwed together, or would I always be excusing squeaks and rattles?
Yes.You get the odd squeaking panel - tightly fitted leather has a habit of doing that (allegedly) Talc is your friend more often than not. But take a good test drive of the car you want to buy - if it's loose, it will show up quickly.
DanL said:
I've read about paint bubbles - if there aren't any in evidence, does this mean I can relax, or is this a recurring problem?
No you cannot relax. If any issues have been seen to by people who know how to prep a car - ie not Aston Martin - you may be OK.
DanL said:
This "fragile" engine, how long does it take to get warm? I have a 10-15 minute commute with a nice short bit of dual carriageway mid-way through the journey, and I'd want to enjoy the car during that bit of my journey.
The engine is strong as an ox.10min commutes are not a good idea in any car though, let alone one like this. It will not generally be warm enough after 5mins to extend it fully.
If I had a 10min commute I'd be buying a Twizzy
DanL said:
Sat nav - is it really as bad as the reviews claim?
Not really IF it has updated discs giving full postcode search. It's not the best, but not the worst out there either.DanL said:
Blue tooth for phones - is it really an option on early cars, and does it work well?.
Yes on both counts.DanL said:
Servicing - would around £1k a year be about right for 6k annual mileage?
Yes.DanL said:
...rather than less on something newer but less attractive like a Jag XK or BMW 6 coupe,
Don't. Just don't.
to all of the above, exept the Bluetooth. Check if they had the free microphone upgrade - you can spot it by the drivers sun visor. Voice quality much improved with it. No idea why PH buyers guide says the engine is weak - complete opposite. More issues with the V12 than the V8. Had a 2006 V8 vantage for 5.5 years.
DanL said:
Wow - a very friendly welcome! I know it can be a real chore answering the same questions again and again, so thank you for taking the time.
One final query - is it worth buying from an Aston dealer? By which I mean there's an obvious premium there, but are the cars better prepared, and is the warranty worth the premium over that offered by a "regular" garage?
One final query - is it worth buying from an Aston dealer? By which I mean there's an obvious premium there, but are the cars better prepared, and is the warranty worth the premium over that offered by a "regular" garage?
I bought from a dealer, because I wanted a particular specification. It just seemed easier to watch the AML Used Car (sorry Pre-Owned) list. The list usually has about 80 cars, and many customers PX Astons with dealers, so they might tend to get first pick of good cars. There has occasionally been mention here of a dealer trading on a PX, so perhaps they weed out below par cars.
The warranty I think will be included in the dealer asking price. Whether it is a better warranty I do not know, because nothing went wrong to claim for.
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