What to expect with my new Vantage
Discussion
I'm hoping to take delivery of my new (actually used, but new to me) V8 Vantage 4.7 within the next few days, but as an AM virgin, I'd like to know what I can expect from my buying experience.
I'm not your typical owner. I've bankrupted myself by buying the cheapest used car on Sevenoaks Aston Martin's forecourt, and even then they came down £5k on the price. I have plenty of experience buying Audi's, Skoda's and even Volvo's, but not Aston's!
One burning question I'd rather not embarrass myself with in front of the sales team is do AM do a 7-day drive away insurance like most other manufacturers? I cannot find any mention of it anywhere on t'Internet.
And can I expect any little touches or small gifts? Like an AM branded key pouch or pen, or something ridiculous like that? Looking at the prices on the options list, I'm no longer expecting the dealership to throw in a luggage set or even a couple of mats.
Or will they just tell me I should count myself lucky I got it so much cheaper and send me on my merry way?
I'm not your typical owner. I've bankrupted myself by buying the cheapest used car on Sevenoaks Aston Martin's forecourt, and even then they came down £5k on the price. I have plenty of experience buying Audi's, Skoda's and even Volvo's, but not Aston's!
One burning question I'd rather not embarrass myself with in front of the sales team is do AM do a 7-day drive away insurance like most other manufacturers? I cannot find any mention of it anywhere on t'Internet.
And can I expect any little touches or small gifts? Like an AM branded key pouch or pen, or something ridiculous like that? Looking at the prices on the options list, I'm no longer expecting the dealership to throw in a luggage set or even a couple of mats.
Or will they just tell me I should count myself lucky I got it so much cheaper and send me on my merry way?
XLR Motorsport said:
I'm hoping to take delivery of my new (actually used, but new to me) V8 Vantage 4.7 within the next few days, but as an AM virgin, I'd like to know what I can expect from my buying experience.
I'm not your typical owner. I've bankrupted myself by buying the cheapest used car on Sevenoaks Aston Martin's forecourt, and even then they came down £5k on the price. I have plenty of experience buying Audi's, Skoda's and even Volvo's, but not Aston's!
One burning question I'd rather not embarrass myself with in front of the sales team is do AM do a 7-day drive away insurance like most other manufacturers? I cannot find any mention of it anywhere on t'Internet.
And can I expect any little touches or small gifts? Like an AM branded key pouch or pen, or something ridiculous like that? Looking at the prices on the options list, I'm no longer expecting the dealership to throw in a luggage set or even a couple of mats.
Or will they just tell me I should count myself lucky I got it so much cheaper and send me on my merry way?
Firstly, congrats and welcome to the Aston fold - collecting your first Aston should be a very special occasion.I'm not your typical owner. I've bankrupted myself by buying the cheapest used car on Sevenoaks Aston Martin's forecourt, and even then they came down £5k on the price. I have plenty of experience buying Audi's, Skoda's and even Volvo's, but not Aston's!
One burning question I'd rather not embarrass myself with in front of the sales team is do AM do a 7-day drive away insurance like most other manufacturers? I cannot find any mention of it anywhere on t'Internet.
And can I expect any little touches or small gifts? Like an AM branded key pouch or pen, or something ridiculous like that? Looking at the prices on the options list, I'm no longer expecting the dealership to throw in a luggage set or even a couple of mats.
Or will they just tell me I should count myself lucky I got it so much cheaper and send me on my merry way?
Re the 7-day drive away insurance - I had never heard of that, in fact I've just had to google it to understand what it was. I wouldn't count on it, but you could ask them.
Little touches and gifts are always down to a combination of the dealership policy and the salesman's generosity. If you have haggled very hard then things like mats (which you don't really need on a Vantage anyway as it has them kinda built in) are expensive items that you are unlikely to get. In my experience with Aston its more likely to be a bottle of Champagne and/or a huge bouquet of flowers (usually if you have made the mrs side through lengthy sales negotiations too!), or perhaps if they are being tight, just an AM mug?
You could ask for the leather key pouch to protect the ECU if the previous owner hadn't bought one as they are a really valuable addition to protect against chips on the glass, but at something like £65 they can feel rather pricey to buy. Trust me though, you will wish you had bought one if you don't end up with one.
Hi
First of all many congratulations on your first Aston. You certainly won't regret it and will find yourself smiling to yourself for a long time to come. You'll find many people really interested in it and will receive lots of thumbs up and smiles from other motorists. Apart from Porsche drivers of course - and that's just because they're jealous!!
As for the handover that's all down to the Dealer. My first one was quite a low key affair and to be honest left me a bit flat. However that feeling soon disappears when you realise that you are actually driving away in your very own ASTON MARTIN.
When I traded up a year later the experience could not have been more different. There was a shiny new dedicated handover room. Thee was a personalised welcome video playing showing the car and promotional videos. As we sat down to complete the paperwork there was lovely cream team waiting for us. Oh yes and they threw in the key pouch that the previous owner had left.
I am not aware of the possibility of a drive away insurance, I always had to show proof of cover before I could take the car.
So I guess it really does depend on the Dealer policy. I'm sure though that whatever happens it will be of the best days that you will ever have.
Have fun and be safe.
James
First of all many congratulations on your first Aston. You certainly won't regret it and will find yourself smiling to yourself for a long time to come. You'll find many people really interested in it and will receive lots of thumbs up and smiles from other motorists. Apart from Porsche drivers of course - and that's just because they're jealous!!
As for the handover that's all down to the Dealer. My first one was quite a low key affair and to be honest left me a bit flat. However that feeling soon disappears when you realise that you are actually driving away in your very own ASTON MARTIN.
When I traded up a year later the experience could not have been more different. There was a shiny new dedicated handover room. Thee was a personalised welcome video playing showing the car and promotional videos. As we sat down to complete the paperwork there was lovely cream team waiting for us. Oh yes and they threw in the key pouch that the previous owner had left.
I am not aware of the possibility of a drive away insurance, I always had to show proof of cover before I could take the car.
So I guess it really does depend on the Dealer policy. I'm sure though that whatever happens it will be of the best days that you will ever have.
Have fun and be safe.
James
Thank you, gents, for your advice and sharing your experiences. I've already asked for a comprehensive handover anyway, so I shall see what we get.
The Business Manager put the offer on the table to save the haggling, mainly because I couldn't afford it at the original list price and also because I got the impression they needed it gone. To give them their due, Lancaster Aston Martin Sevenoaks has so far been very honest and upfront with me, and it's made for an exemplary experience. As my local dealership, long may it continue! They told me they want my repeat business in the future too (who doesn't!).
The Business Manager put the offer on the table to save the haggling, mainly because I couldn't afford it at the original list price and also because I got the impression they needed it gone. To give them their due, Lancaster Aston Martin Sevenoaks has so far been very honest and upfront with me, and it's made for an exemplary experience. As my local dealership, long may it continue! They told me they want my repeat business in the future too (who doesn't!).
First thing - welcome buddy. It's a great club to be in. I bought my first 4.3 V8 from David at Sevenoaks so I know exactly what you're going through. They're a great bunch over there so you're in good hands.
Some brands (in regards to franchises) differ to what they give out. If you ask David for a key pouch and an umbrella he might hook you up - but it all depends on what mood they're in.
Regards the insurance, I did get that, but I also covered myself just for safety. One piece of advice I would say, is drive the car and get a feel for anything you're not sure about that might be wrong. Of course I hope this isn't the case - but it's easier to raise warranty claims and get anything resolved sooner rather than later. If you need a hand review anything then I'm not far from Sevenoaks so would be happy to meet up and run you through stuff.
Final thing - pictures are a must, or you're a big fat liar and it didn't happen
Well done mate.
Cheers,
Chris.
Some brands (in regards to franchises) differ to what they give out. If you ask David for a key pouch and an umbrella he might hook you up - but it all depends on what mood they're in.
Regards the insurance, I did get that, but I also covered myself just for safety. One piece of advice I would say, is drive the car and get a feel for anything you're not sure about that might be wrong. Of course I hope this isn't the case - but it's easier to raise warranty claims and get anything resolved sooner rather than later. If you need a hand review anything then I'm not far from Sevenoaks so would be happy to meet up and run you through stuff.
Final thing - pictures are a must, or you're a big fat liar and it didn't happen
Well done mate.
Cheers,
Chris.
Thanks, Chris, for making me chuckle. And thank you to you all for the warm welcome. It has been a long, long time since I was a 22-year-old driving round and getting bored in a Noble. I just hope I've grown up somewhat in the past 10 years...
Thank you, too, Chris, for your offer. I am already looking into the like of AMOC and getting to know fellow owners/enthusiasts. David is looking after me well and invested over three hours of his time allowing me and the missus to test drive both the V8V and DB9. Paul Smith too. I look forward to building and maintaining a long and healthy relationship with them.
P.S. My mates already think I'm a big, fat liar. Sadly, those so-called mates will only ever get to see the outside of the car
Thank you, too, Chris, for your offer. I am already looking into the like of AMOC and getting to know fellow owners/enthusiasts. David is looking after me well and invested over three hours of his time allowing me and the missus to test drive both the V8V and DB9. Paul Smith too. I look forward to building and maintaining a long and healthy relationship with them.
P.S. My mates already think I'm a big, fat liar. Sadly, those so-called mates will only ever get to see the outside of the car
Edited by XLR Motorsport on Friday 12th May 10:59
Congratulations on your new obsession!! 
Firstly - get a key pouch, if you can persuade the dealership to spring for one, good news, but they are £95 retail. Drop the ECU &, apart from crying like a girl (The emotion bit of Emotion Control Unit), it'll cost approx. £1000 to replace!
My first purchase was also a little low key (no unveiling, gizzits etc), 3 years later & the same dealership - Big reveal, a key pouch & a bottle of Bolly in a carved wooden box!!
Firstly - get a key pouch, if you can persuade the dealership to spring for one, good news, but they are £95 retail. Drop the ECU &, apart from crying like a girl (The emotion bit of Emotion Control Unit
), it'll cost approx. £1000 to replace!My first purchase was also a little low key (no unveiling, gizzits etc), 3 years later & the same dealership - Big reveal, a key pouch & a bottle of Bolly in a carved wooden box!!
Many congrats and pretty much what the others have said.
You've already got £5k to buy some fizz and flowers but you're right in that it's always nice to get something else free ( obviously it's never really free ) just to feel wanted. My wife got very excited over her free seat cupra mug and keyfob a few weeks ago but then she also got excited over the birthday balloon the dealer left in the boot on her car before that.
My first Aston ( new ) , I got nothing other than a professional robotic handover. The next one ( factory order ) , other than the decent negotiated discount nice bottle of fizz , nice bouquet etc.
Good luck and look forward to pics.
You've already got £5k to buy some fizz and flowers but you're right in that it's always nice to get something else free ( obviously it's never really free ) just to feel wanted. My wife got very excited over her free seat cupra mug and keyfob a few weeks ago but then she also got excited over the birthday balloon the dealer left in the boot on her car before that.
My first Aston ( new ) , I got nothing other than a professional robotic handover. The next one ( factory order ) , other than the decent negotiated discount nice bottle of fizz , nice bouquet etc.
Good luck and look forward to pics.
It's good to see the AM fraternity has a good sense of humour.
I'm not sure I'd go as far as saying I have an extra £5k in my pocket though. I just merely have an £5k that I don't have to beg, borrow and/or steal for.
The General Manager is doing the handover on Wednesday afternoon. I don't know if he'll be easier or harder to sweet talk.
I'm not sure I'd go as far as saying I have an extra £5k in my pocket though. I just merely have an £5k that I don't have to beg, borrow and/or steal for.
The General Manager is doing the handover on Wednesday afternoon. I don't know if he'll be easier or harder to sweet talk.
alscar said:
The extra £5k in your pocket must be considered man maths - especially when dealing with your wife.
Indeed man maths is a vital skill which you must master as you justify the inevitable money you will want to spend on your new pride and joy.It is an actual science based on the famous Female Shopping Logic. "Darling look at this dress. It was £500 but had 20% discount. So I've saved you £100.
They are the true masters.
Edited by james-witton on Friday 12th May 14:59
chesby said:
I hope your not driving the alloro green V12 Vantage S manual. I've just struck the deal for it.
Oh, this is what I parked my feeble Volvo V40 next to earlier, between that and the DB11. Sorry about the drool on it. I got a tad over excited at the car, the colour and the fact it was a manual.Actually, the missus pulled up in the space between my car and yours with the baby, so you may want to check it for scratches...
Congratulations on purchasing such a beautiful car. Wanna swap?
XLR Motorsport said:
Oh, this is what I parked my feeble Volvo V40 next to earlier, between that and the DB11. Sorry about the drool on it. I got a tad over excited at the car, the colour and the fact it was a manual.
Actually, the missus pulled up in the space between my car and yours with the baby, so you may want to check it for scratches...
Congratulations on purchasing such a beautiful car. Wanna swap?
No thanks. Although ironically, I'm trading in my 2009 4.7 Vantage for it. You won't go wrong with the guys at Sevenoaks - a great dealership.Actually, the missus pulled up in the space between my car and yours with the baby, so you may want to check it for scratches...
Congratulations on purchasing such a beautiful car. Wanna swap?
I got as exited as I pulled into the car park. I pointed the car out to my missus and when she saw it she just said "buy it". She hasn't even driven it yet.
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