Advice from the club
Discussion
Hi all,
The time may just have come to realise the promise I made to myself 15 years ago that I would own an Aston Martin one day. Before I test drive it this afternoon, I thought I’d pick your collective brains for anything I should consider or be aware of.
The car I’m test driving this pm is a 2015 Vantage N430 (green/yellow). It has 27k on the clock and is on for 70k, mileage (and price?) seems a tad high as I’ve seen other N430s with lower mileage, what looks like better spec, and 5–8k cheaper (albeit a year older).
I’d really appreciate any advice on this vehicle itself, what to look out for, any spec must-haves etc.
Not a clue which is the best way to finance it, I drive a TTS at the moment which was bought outright. The Vantage will most certainly be on some form of finance!
I’m also torn between this and upgrading to the new TTRS. I mean, on paper it’s the smart choice... but it’s brain vs heart here, when I sat in the Vantage last Saturday I burst into tears (it was NOT a cool look, luckily the sales guy had trundled off to do something else and I recovered the mascara situation before he returned).
Anyway, I’d really value anyone input. This is a big decision and it’s always good to talk these things through.
Ps: hope I haven’t made any faux pas with this post, I’ve browsed existing content but this is my first post. Sorry if this isn’t appropriate!
The time may just have come to realise the promise I made to myself 15 years ago that I would own an Aston Martin one day. Before I test drive it this afternoon, I thought I’d pick your collective brains for anything I should consider or be aware of.
The car I’m test driving this pm is a 2015 Vantage N430 (green/yellow). It has 27k on the clock and is on for 70k, mileage (and price?) seems a tad high as I’ve seen other N430s with lower mileage, what looks like better spec, and 5–8k cheaper (albeit a year older).
I’d really appreciate any advice on this vehicle itself, what to look out for, any spec must-haves etc.
Not a clue which is the best way to finance it, I drive a TTS at the moment which was bought outright. The Vantage will most certainly be on some form of finance!
I’m also torn between this and upgrading to the new TTRS. I mean, on paper it’s the smart choice... but it’s brain vs heart here, when I sat in the Vantage last Saturday I burst into tears (it was NOT a cool look, luckily the sales guy had trundled off to do something else and I recovered the mascara situation before he returned).
Anyway, I’d really value anyone input. This is a big decision and it’s always good to talk these things through.
Ps: hope I haven’t made any faux pas with this post, I’ve browsed existing content but this is my first post. Sorry if this isn’t appropriate!
Edited by Mewsie on Friday 13th July 12:38
Hi mewsie, I drive a DB9V so my knowledge of the Vantage is minimal.
However best of luck in your journey and a hearty welcome to the club.
p.s. On reading through your post I was pleased to learn that I'm not the only guy on this forum
that wears mascara.
What shade do you usually wear ?
However best of luck in your journey and a hearty welcome to the club.
p.s. On reading through your post I was pleased to learn that I'm not the only guy on this forum
that wears mascara.
What shade do you usually wear ?
I think the best advice would be to drive a few and see what you really like. The N430 is a lovely car but in your price range you could get a Vantage S or an early DB9.2. For your first Aston, take your time, decide which model and whether manual or automatic. If this is the car at Cheltenham then get the salesman to take you out in different cars and see what you like the most
avinalarf said:
What shade do you usually wear ?
Shade is "Take My Money" and it is apparently not waterproof.kev1966900 said:
I think the best advice would be to drive a few and see what you really like. The N430 is a lovely car but in your price range you could get a Vantage S or an early DB9.2. For your first Aston, take your time, decide which model and whether manual or automatic. If this is the car at Cheltenham then get the salesman to take you out in different cars and see what you like the most
It is - good sleuthing. The one in Cheltenham is manual, but there is another in Bristol which is auto. I might take a trip to Bristol tomorrow - they have a few lovely vehicles. Re: Vantage S and DB9, I think the Vantage is probably more 'me'. I have faced some heavy judgement by referring to the Vantage as "cuter", but there's just something about it.
I was under the impression that the N430 is pretty close to the S - is there anything I'm missing? Either way, expanding my search has given me a great deal more options.
Thank you for the welcomes!
Another welcome.
Completely different cars if you're just looking at a Vantage v TT even in RS form -I don't think the latter will move you to tears.
I would certainly take my time as others have said - £70k is a lot of money to make the wrong call.
Financing -companies like Oracle and BCFS will always be cheaper than going to your Bank.
Dont forget boring things like Insurance and Servicing - the latter will definitely be a lot more than the RS.
And wear waterproof mascara when you test drive any Aston.
Completely different cars if you're just looking at a Vantage v TT even in RS form -I don't think the latter will move you to tears.
I would certainly take my time as others have said - £70k is a lot of money to make the wrong call.
Financing -companies like Oracle and BCFS will always be cheaper than going to your Bank.
Dont forget boring things like Insurance and Servicing - the latter will definitely be a lot more than the RS.
And wear waterproof mascara when you test drive any Aston.
Hi Mewsie
I too am window shopping for an AM. I’ve managed to sit in a couple to try out the carbon fibre seats without bursting into tears, so perhaps I’m doing it wrong and haven’t invested sufficiently.
I looked at the N430s quite closely. In the end I decided that they were a bit too “minority interest” without an upside for scarcity. Personally I’d go for a V8 Vantage S at that price point.
The thing I’m finding difficult it colours. So many are black (thanks but no thanks); a part of me would love a bright colour but a bigger part says no; and I’m finding it hard to decide between the various one-pantone-apart greys and silvers that AM do.
There’s a V8VS at Bristol for 80k with <1k on the clock with an interior that quickens my pulse. I know from my own experience that budget creep is an issue, but what about that?
I too am window shopping for an AM. I’ve managed to sit in a couple to try out the carbon fibre seats without bursting into tears, so perhaps I’m doing it wrong and haven’t invested sufficiently.
I looked at the N430s quite closely. In the end I decided that they were a bit too “minority interest” without an upside for scarcity. Personally I’d go for a V8 Vantage S at that price point.
The thing I’m finding difficult it colours. So many are black (thanks but no thanks); a part of me would love a bright colour but a bigger part says no; and I’m finding it hard to decide between the various one-pantone-apart greys and silvers that AM do.
There’s a V8VS at Bristol for 80k with <1k on the clock with an interior that quickens my pulse. I know from my own experience that budget creep is an issue, but what about that?
alscar said:
Another welcome.
Completely different cars if you're just looking at a Vantage v TT even in RS form -I don't think the latter will move you to tears.
I would certainly take my time as others have said - £70k is a lot of money to make the wrong call.
Financing -companies like Oracle and BCFS will always be cheaper than going to your Bank.
Dont forget boring things like Insurance and Servicing - the latter will definitely be a lot more than the RS.
And wear waterproof mascara when you test drive any Aston.
Thanks! Completely different cars if you're just looking at a Vantage v TT even in RS form -I don't think the latter will move you to tears.
I would certainly take my time as others have said - £70k is a lot of money to make the wrong call.
Financing -companies like Oracle and BCFS will always be cheaper than going to your Bank.
Dont forget boring things like Insurance and Servicing - the latter will definitely be a lot more than the RS.
And wear waterproof mascara when you test drive any Aston.
To be honest, I'd had my heart set on the TTRS as I love driving my TTS and it seemed like a great next option. I think the downside of them is that they are almost TOO well engineered.
It had never really occurred to me to even consider an Aston Martin, they just seemed too out of reach. It was quite nice to take stock of my current situation and realise somehow I've manage to turn into an adult capable of buying one. Not quite sure what happened there.
Ongoing maintenance costs is on my list of things to discuss today, I'm resigned to the fact that it's not going to be cheap, but just how 'not cheap' will probably still be a shock I expect!
My finance decision is more based around whether to go PCP or simply pay the car off in full. The figures certainly sounded reasonable when I was quoted.
Greg66 said:
Hi Mewsie
I too am window shopping for an AM. I’ve managed to sit in a couple to try out the carbon fibre seats without bursting into tears, so perhaps I’m doing it wrong and haven’t invested sufficiently.
I looked at the N430s quite closely. In the end I decided that they were a bit too “minority interest” without an upside for scarcity. Personally I’d go for a V8 Vantage S at that price point.
The thing I’m finding difficult it colours. So many are black (thanks but no thanks); a part of me would love a bright colour but a bigger part says no; and I’m finding it hard to decide between the various one-pantone-apart greys and silvers that AM do.
There’s a V8VS at Bristol for 80k with <1k on the clock with an interior that quickens my pulse. I know from my own experience that budget creep is an issue, but what about that?
Hey Greg!I too am window shopping for an AM. I’ve managed to sit in a couple to try out the carbon fibre seats without bursting into tears, so perhaps I’m doing it wrong and haven’t invested sufficiently.
I looked at the N430s quite closely. In the end I decided that they were a bit too “minority interest” without an upside for scarcity. Personally I’d go for a V8 Vantage S at that price point.
The thing I’m finding difficult it colours. So many are black (thanks but no thanks); a part of me would love a bright colour but a bigger part says no; and I’m finding it hard to decide between the various one-pantone-apart greys and silvers that AM do.
There’s a V8VS at Bristol for 80k with <1k on the clock with an interior that quickens my pulse. I know from my own experience that budget creep is an issue, but what about that?
The V8VS - off the top of my head I think I spotted one in a lovely bright blue, and a 'volcano red' which looked lush. Which one are you thinking of?
The 'minority interest' was something I'd considered too - I personally loved the green and yellow the minute I saw it, but I can definitely see how it'll either float your boat or not.
So what is it about the V8VS that made you settle on that?
His is the one: https://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~...
Regrettably it has no chance of getting past Mrs 66 because she regards that shade of interior as being correctly labelled “baby poo brown”. Very sad.
I’ve set my sights on a V12VS. First because I know from experience that compromise only leads me to regret having compromised down the road, and secondly because my Cars have gone V6, V8, V8, flat 6, V10. So the only one left still without a tick next to it is a V12.
Regrettably it has no chance of getting past Mrs 66 because she regards that shade of interior as being correctly labelled “baby poo brown”. Very sad.
I’ve set my sights on a V12VS. First because I know from experience that compromise only leads me to regret having compromised down the road, and secondly because my Cars have gone V6, V8, V8, flat 6, V10. So the only one left still without a tick next to it is a V12.
Mewsie said:
It is - good sleuthing. The one in Cheltenham is manual, but there is another in Bristol which is auto. I might take a trip to Bristol tomorrow - they have a few lovely vehicles.
I can vouch for the Bristol one, it's a lovely example - particularly the interior; lightweight seats - the usual N430 details, and overall it's just a great example. It would come down to if you wanted a manual or automated-manual. I had no issues with the SSII transmission once you're used to its quirks.Hi Mewsie,
Good luck with your search and as others have said take your time and try different cars. If you try the car at Bristol remember it is an 'automated manual' not an 'auto' so do not just stick it in D and drive. If you do you will hate the car. Don't think the guys at Bristol would let you do that anyway but drive on the paddles!
Having had a few Astons covering both manual and Sportshift they are cars with very different personalities so try both to make your mind up.
Have fun finding one!!!!
Good luck with your search and as others have said take your time and try different cars. If you try the car at Bristol remember it is an 'automated manual' not an 'auto' so do not just stick it in D and drive. If you do you will hate the car. Don't think the guys at Bristol would let you do that anyway but drive on the paddles!
Having had a few Astons covering both manual and Sportshift they are cars with very different personalities so try both to make your mind up.
Have fun finding one!!!!
Great position to be in, and best of luck with the search. TT v Vantage?
When you're in the pub say, and the topic of conversation turns to what car you drive you could say, 'Audi TTRS' and they say, Oh, Audi TT, my girlfriends got one of those. ( as has mine
great little car ) Then you say 'it's the RS' They say 'Audi TT, yes'. You then try to explain, x,y,z, blah, blah.
Or you could just say, 'Aston Martin'.
When you're in the pub say, and the topic of conversation turns to what car you drive you could say, 'Audi TTRS' and they say, Oh, Audi TT, my girlfriends got one of those. ( as has mine
great little car ) Then you say 'it's the RS' They say 'Audi TT, yes'. You then try to explain, x,y,z, blah, blah.Or you could just say, 'Aston Martin'.
Edited by macdeb on Friday 13th July 15:22
Mewsie said:
Ongoing maintenance costs is on my list of things to discuss today, I'm resigned to the fact that it's not going to be cheap, but just how 'not cheap' will probably still be a shock I expect!
I think you might be pleasantly surprised. I ran a V8V for a couple of years before my current DB9V and it was one of the more reliable cars I have owned. Other owners on here will probably tell you the same; the vantage is a surprisingly robust car. Servicing at an H R Owen authorised dealer varies between £650 and £830, but from an Indy will be a bit cheaper, with no massive regular bills on the V8 (eg a set of plugs is £250, compared to £940 for the V12).One thing to be aware of is the clutch, their life varies with usage but often need to be changed around 60k, costing upwards of 3 grand. The buyers guide which is permalinked at the top of the forum is well worth your time to read.
As for a V8V vs a TTRS, personally I wouldn't care if the Audi had a thousand horsepower and came with vertical take off, one is an Aston Martin and the other one isn't, but that's just my humble opinion.
macdeb said:
Great position to be in, and best of luck with the search. TT v Vantage?
When you're in the pub say, and the topic of conversation turns to what car you drive you could say, 'Audi TTRS' and they say, Oh, Audi TT, my girlfriends got one of those. ( as has mine great little car ) Then you say 'it's the RS' They say 'Audi TT, yes'. You then try to explain, x,y,z, blah, blah.
Or you could just say, 'Aston Martin'.
This is very true! My boyfriend is currently struggling to explain to his work colleagues that it's the girlfriend buying the Aston Martin, not him When you're in the pub say, and the topic of conversation turns to what car you drive you could say, 'Audi TTRS' and they say, Oh, Audi TT, my girlfriends got one of those. ( as has mine
great little car ) Then you say 'it's the RS' They say 'Audi TT, yes'. You then try to explain, x,y,z, blah, blah.Or you could just say, 'Aston Martin'.
Edited by macdeb on Friday 13th July 15:22
A back to back test drive in both will paint a better picture of what they're about. The Vantage (particularly in S / N430 trim with sports suspension and quicker steering rack) will ride quite harsh compared to the adaptable damping in the TT, but be much a more rewarding one to drive. While the TTRS has good short numbers in acceleration, and terrific levels of mechanical traction, IMO it cannot hold a candle to the experience offered by the Aston. They're wonderful cars.
Greg66 said:
His is the one: https://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~...
Regrettably it has no chance of getting past Mrs 66 because she regards that shade of interior as being correctly labelled “baby poo brown”. Very sad.
I’ve set my sights on a V12VS. First because I know from experience that compromise only leads me to regret having compromised down the road, and secondly because my Cars have gone V6, V8, V8, flat 6, V10. So the only one left still without a tick next to it is a V12.
My first Aston was a V8VS in 2013, then a V12VS in 2014 - which I still have and intend to keep long term.Regrettably it has no chance of getting past Mrs 66 because she regards that shade of interior as being correctly labelled “baby poo brown”. Very sad.
I’ve set my sights on a V12VS. First because I know from experience that compromise only leads me to regret having compromised down the road, and secondly because my Cars have gone V6, V8, V8, flat 6, V10. So the only one left still without a tick next to it is a V12.
The V12VS is a significant step up from a V8VS, which is a fine car in its own right, so I would be inclined to stretch just that little bit more if that's the car you've set you sights on. As everyone says, test drive the V8S/N430 manual and SS. Then the V12VS. Then you may not compromise................
Biggest choice other than gearbox or colour is Sports or Lightweight seats. I'm 100% in the Lightweight camp, transforms the driving experience.
Have fun!
Hi Mewsie - good luck with this!
I like the TTRS as well, but never looked twice at one on the street. I'm sure if it's pure speed you're after, on a twisty road, it'll keep any V8 Vantage honest. But that's not why you're looking at an AM, I presume?
I was also originally looking at an N430 before buying a bog-standard V8V 2014 model last year. Basically, the N430 (as far as I can tell after reading up) is a cut-price V8VS. For example, full leather seats are not standard in an N430. It's slightly lower spec and has the bonnet lipstick and coloured roof rails. In my opinion, the door card designs/material aren't as nice as the S spec.
But I would test drive a few. Cheltenham and Bristol are both very friendly places.
I suggest trying both a sports suspension model and a "comfort" suspension one. You're more likely to find an S and N430-spec model with sports suspension, but that's by no means a certainty. You could spec normal V8V's with sports suspension and S/N430 with comfort.
I bought one with comfort as it's well suited to UK country lanes. Nothing rolly polly about it.
I suggest you also consider any V8 Vantage from mid 2012 onwards bought from an official AM dealer. The "2012.25" changes (weird reference) means that non-S models got all the best bits from the S-spec model apart from the interior and extra 10bhp (would you ever notice that when it's 420bhp vs 430bhp???). They all get the improved steering, bigger duck tail spoiler, etc.
But by looking at cards 5 or 6 years old with less than 20k miles, you'll be hitting the price sweet spot and may not have to finance (or finance for less). You'll get 1 year AM warranty with it anyway from a main dealer and I'd bargain to have a second year thrown in addition to/or instead of a price dip.
Suggestions:
1) Many suggest looking for optional sports bucket seats which may be a good idea. The standard seats are the not most comfortable (not too bad, though).
2) I bought a manual. I always wanted to manual as I'm not keen on standard auto boxes in mass volume cars. But now I'm starting to think about switching to an automated manual Vantage as my upper arm can ache after a drive. The gear stick throw isn't heavy particularly, it's just not very ergonomically placed and there's nothing you can really do about that apart from finding a car with a lower centre console (but losing storage space in the process). Try both before buying!
3) Look for the optional 700W or even B&O 1,000W hifi (some say the 700W is better in some ways, but the B&O option has theatrical tweaters that rise from the dash which is cool). I have the standard 160W one which isn't bad but I regret not getting a car with an even better hifi (first world problems and all that).
4) Tyres will set you back up to £800 all round - check they are OK. Brakes and clutch should be OK at under 20k miles. Ask that the wheels are aligned before you buy (and get an alignment report).
5) The standard sat nav is liveable, but all you really need is a £5 phone clip on the air vent and an iPhone cable to use Google or other app-based sat nav with audio routed through the hifi (all models from 2012 are iPhone compatible with an Apple converter cable for around £20).
6) Tyre pressures display on the display between the speedo/revs if you press the left stalk button enough times. Very useful!
7) If the tailgate hasn't got the optional (cheap) seals to better stop standing water falling into the car, ask for them to be fitted before buying.
8) Don't be afraid of a car that's done miles - they genuinely get better with use! But on the other hand, mileage does reflect in the price quite a bit when it comes to resale, so the less miles when you buy, the better.
9) Paint can bubble around the door handles and where the wing mirror arms meet the door panel. Nothing serious as the door is aluminium, but that (and any other paint defects) would need correcting before buying by the AM dealer.
But whatever you do, keep £500+ to one side and get the secondary cats removed by the AM dealer before you even bother to collect. It increases the sound quality by approximately 10,000%!
There's a good lower miles semi-auto at Bristol for £67k and amazingly it's very highly spec'd with a B&O: http://bristol.astonmartindealers.com/home/pre-own...
It's going to be a good weekend for you
Nick
I like the TTRS as well, but never looked twice at one on the street. I'm sure if it's pure speed you're after, on a twisty road, it'll keep any V8 Vantage honest. But that's not why you're looking at an AM, I presume?
I was also originally looking at an N430 before buying a bog-standard V8V 2014 model last year. Basically, the N430 (as far as I can tell after reading up) is a cut-price V8VS. For example, full leather seats are not standard in an N430. It's slightly lower spec and has the bonnet lipstick and coloured roof rails. In my opinion, the door card designs/material aren't as nice as the S spec.
But I would test drive a few. Cheltenham and Bristol are both very friendly places.
I suggest trying both a sports suspension model and a "comfort" suspension one. You're more likely to find an S and N430-spec model with sports suspension, but that's by no means a certainty. You could spec normal V8V's with sports suspension and S/N430 with comfort.
I bought one with comfort as it's well suited to UK country lanes. Nothing rolly polly about it.
I suggest you also consider any V8 Vantage from mid 2012 onwards bought from an official AM dealer. The "2012.25" changes (weird reference) means that non-S models got all the best bits from the S-spec model apart from the interior and extra 10bhp (would you ever notice that when it's 420bhp vs 430bhp???). They all get the improved steering, bigger duck tail spoiler, etc.
But by looking at cards 5 or 6 years old with less than 20k miles, you'll be hitting the price sweet spot and may not have to finance (or finance for less). You'll get 1 year AM warranty with it anyway from a main dealer and I'd bargain to have a second year thrown in addition to/or instead of a price dip.
Suggestions:
1) Many suggest looking for optional sports bucket seats which may be a good idea. The standard seats are the not most comfortable (not too bad, though).
2) I bought a manual. I always wanted to manual as I'm not keen on standard auto boxes in mass volume cars. But now I'm starting to think about switching to an automated manual Vantage as my upper arm can ache after a drive. The gear stick throw isn't heavy particularly, it's just not very ergonomically placed and there's nothing you can really do about that apart from finding a car with a lower centre console (but losing storage space in the process). Try both before buying!
3) Look for the optional 700W or even B&O 1,000W hifi (some say the 700W is better in some ways, but the B&O option has theatrical tweaters that rise from the dash which is cool). I have the standard 160W one which isn't bad but I regret not getting a car with an even better hifi (first world problems and all that).
4) Tyres will set you back up to £800 all round - check they are OK. Brakes and clutch should be OK at under 20k miles. Ask that the wheels are aligned before you buy (and get an alignment report).
5) The standard sat nav is liveable, but all you really need is a £5 phone clip on the air vent and an iPhone cable to use Google or other app-based sat nav with audio routed through the hifi (all models from 2012 are iPhone compatible with an Apple converter cable for around £20).
6) Tyre pressures display on the display between the speedo/revs if you press the left stalk button enough times. Very useful!
7) If the tailgate hasn't got the optional (cheap) seals to better stop standing water falling into the car, ask for them to be fitted before buying.
8) Don't be afraid of a car that's done miles - they genuinely get better with use! But on the other hand, mileage does reflect in the price quite a bit when it comes to resale, so the less miles when you buy, the better.
9) Paint can bubble around the door handles and where the wing mirror arms meet the door panel. Nothing serious as the door is aluminium, but that (and any other paint defects) would need correcting before buying by the AM dealer.
But whatever you do, keep £500+ to one side and get the secondary cats removed by the AM dealer before you even bother to collect. It increases the sound quality by approximately 10,000%!
There's a good lower miles semi-auto at Bristol for £67k and amazingly it's very highly spec'd with a B&O: http://bristol.astonmartindealers.com/home/pre-own...
It's going to be a good weekend for you
Nick
Mewsie said:
It is - good sleuthing. The one in Cheltenham is manual, but there is another in Bristol which is auto. I might take a trip to Bristol tomorrow - they have a few lovely vehicles.
If you're around this part of the world, come on over to Hereford with your other half and take a closer look at one away from a dealer. My wife and young boy both vouch for the Vantage on the drive. It's a thing to be very proud of and you won't get bored of it!Hi and welcome
I too recently achieved that long held personal promise that one day I would own one and can fully endorse others advise here to drive as many varients as poss and if you can secure a longer test drive all the better so as to ensure you can get comfortable and choose the seats that suit you
I one I noticed was that price does not relate to year or mileage
I also suffered from my budget increasing and justification
But boy is it worth it
I too recently achieved that long held personal promise that one day I would own one and can fully endorse others advise here to drive as many varients as poss and if you can secure a longer test drive all the better so as to ensure you can get comfortable and choose the seats that suit you
I one I noticed was that price does not relate to year or mileage
I also suffered from my budget increasing and justification
But boy is it worth it
Mewsie said:
macdeb said:
Great position to be in, and best of luck with the search. TT v Vantage?
When you're in the pub say, and the topic of conversation turns to what car you drive you could say, 'Audi TTRS' and they say, Oh, Audi TT, my other 'arf has got one of those. ( as has mine great little car ) Then you say 'it's the RS' They say 'Audi TT, yes'. You then try to explain, x,y,z, blah, blah.
Or you could just say, 'Aston Martin'.
This is very true! My boyfriend is currently struggling to explain to his work colleagues that it's the girlfriend buying the Aston Martin, not him When you're in the pub say, and the topic of conversation turns to what car you drive you could say, 'Audi TTRS' and they say, Oh, Audi TT, my other 'arf has got one of those. ( as has mine
great little car ) Then you say 'it's the RS' They say 'Audi TT, yes'. You then try to explain, x,y,z, blah, blah.Or you could just say, 'Aston Martin'.
Edited by macdeb on Friday 13th July 15:22
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