25k vantage or db9
Discussion
I have been looking around for a vantage or a db9 for a while now , but have had a dent put in my budget when my last car did not go for as much as I would have liked,
was looking for a early vantage or db9 without stupid {40-55 k }miles on the clock and a good service history seemed plenty at dealers , but now looking at private sale
question is now my budget is down to 25k {keeping some aside for running costs]do you think the cars of that price will be any good or should I wait until next year and save a bit more or do you think these cars will increase much in the next 12 months
was looking for a early vantage or db9 without stupid {40-55 k }miles on the clock and a good service history seemed plenty at dealers , but now looking at private sale
question is now my budget is down to 25k {keeping some aside for running costs]do you think the cars of that price will be any good or should I wait until next year and save a bit more or do you think these cars will increase much in the next 12 months
Been asking myself a similar questions recentley. I originally wanted a TVR but the search has been ongoing for about a year now and the thought of a V8V has started to turn my head. There was a decent looking 07 Vantage with about 79k on the clock that sold for 25k so it's certainly achievable how good/reliable that car will be I have no idea I'm sure others will be along soon who are far more knowledgeable.
I have just recently purchased a V8 Vantage so have looked at plenty for sale. If you want something with less than say 60k miles and is not an insurance case then I think you need to budget £30k.
Good luck with your searches, from my brief period of ownership, I believe you will be delighted if you buy one!
Cheers, David
Good luck with your searches, from my brief period of ownership, I believe you will be delighted if you buy one!
Cheers, David
I've owned a 2006 Vantage and currently have a 2007 DB9, so here are my thoughts:
What would you say are stupid miles? The vantage especially is perfectly capable of handling higher mileage than what you've suggested perfectly reliably. With this kind of budget you won't be spoiled for choice, so cutting yourself down further to cars with lower mileage might mean you miss a really well maintained car that has just done some easy motorway miles. The rule for older cars is to buy on condition and history, and that's just as true as for Aston Martin.
I'm also not sure you'll see much benefit looking at private sale. Sure they are a little cheaper, but again it really cuts down choice as not many people sell these cars privately. In the whole country there are 12 non-write-off vantages for sale on Autotrader below 28k, but only 3 of those are private. On Pistonheads there are none within 3k of your budget. The numbers are slightly worse for the DB9. Don't discount private as some really good ones do show up, but I wouldn't limit yourself.
While there will be the occasional car coming up in your price range if you wanted to buy soon it would be a case of taking what you can get rather than choosing the right car for you. I'd strongly recommend putting off the purchase while you save up some more cash, then you can take the time to get the right car. By all means keep looking though, sooner or later as your budget increases and time passes a good car will come up that ticks the boxes and that you can afford. What you definitely shouldn't do is rush into buying a car that isn't right just because you promised yourself one this year. Be patient and do it right, because if you do you won't regret it.
What would you say are stupid miles? The vantage especially is perfectly capable of handling higher mileage than what you've suggested perfectly reliably. With this kind of budget you won't be spoiled for choice, so cutting yourself down further to cars with lower mileage might mean you miss a really well maintained car that has just done some easy motorway miles. The rule for older cars is to buy on condition and history, and that's just as true as for Aston Martin.
I'm also not sure you'll see much benefit looking at private sale. Sure they are a little cheaper, but again it really cuts down choice as not many people sell these cars privately. In the whole country there are 12 non-write-off vantages for sale on Autotrader below 28k, but only 3 of those are private. On Pistonheads there are none within 3k of your budget. The numbers are slightly worse for the DB9. Don't discount private as some really good ones do show up, but I wouldn't limit yourself.
While there will be the occasional car coming up in your price range if you wanted to buy soon it would be a case of taking what you can get rather than choosing the right car for you. I'd strongly recommend putting off the purchase while you save up some more cash, then you can take the time to get the right car. By all means keep looking though, sooner or later as your budget increases and time passes a good car will come up that ticks the boxes and that you can afford. What you definitely shouldn't do is rush into buying a car that isn't right just because you promised yourself one this year. Be patient and do it right, because if you do you won't regret it.
P.S. In addition to my message above, you say you are looking for a DB9 or Vantage. I understand that and there is nothing wrong with just wanting "an Aston Martin", but it's worth picking which model you want and focusing on that, as they are quite different.
As you probably already know the Vantage is more of a drivers car, it's the sports car to the DB9's GT car. See if you can drive them both because they are quite different in character, and the DB9 really does feel bigger and heavier behind the wheel. Personally if someone is looking for their first Aston Martin and they are coming in at the low end of the price bracket, I'd recommend the Vantage. I prefer it as a drivers car day-to-day, plus it is cheaper to run and maintain, while being generally more reliable. If you're worried about speed then don't be, if we're comparing an 4.3 Vantage to an early DB9 there is virtually nothing in it, you'd need a stopwatch to tell the difference. In terms of people's reaction to the cars it's about the same as well, because most non-enthusiasts can't tell what it is beyond the badge.
And do consider picking up a copy of the "definitive guide" pinned at the top of this thread. At <0.1% of your budget I think you'll find it money well spent.
As you probably already know the Vantage is more of a drivers car, it's the sports car to the DB9's GT car. See if you can drive them both because they are quite different in character, and the DB9 really does feel bigger and heavier behind the wheel. Personally if someone is looking for their first Aston Martin and they are coming in at the low end of the price bracket, I'd recommend the Vantage. I prefer it as a drivers car day-to-day, plus it is cheaper to run and maintain, while being generally more reliable. If you're worried about speed then don't be, if we're comparing an 4.3 Vantage to an early DB9 there is virtually nothing in it, you'd need a stopwatch to tell the difference. In terms of people's reaction to the cars it's about the same as well, because most non-enthusiasts can't tell what it is beyond the badge.
And do consider picking up a copy of the "definitive guide" pinned at the top of this thread. At <0.1% of your budget I think you'll find it money well spent.
Edited by murphyaj on Wednesday 16th January 16:14
I bought a 2006 Vantage in 2012 and had it until 2016 when I traded it in for a Vantage S. I drove it as a 50/50 car with a motorway mileage muncher that I used for long work journeys, so whilst it wasn't an everyday car, it was used most days and I took it from around 25000 miles to over 40000 miles in that time.
It was the most reliable car I've ever owned. I didn't have a single issue, which is kind of painful seeing as I was paying £2K per year on the official warranty.
They really are a special experience. Everyone loves them, you get nothing but positive responses from other motorists and the general public. Even though they are getting a little long in the tooth these days they are still incredibly good looking and fast enough for most situations. If it's your first AM then you'll love every minute of it.
It was the most reliable car I've ever owned. I didn't have a single issue, which is kind of painful seeing as I was paying £2K per year on the official warranty.
They really are a special experience. Everyone loves them, you get nothing but positive responses from other motorists and the general public. Even though they are getting a little long in the tooth these days they are still incredibly good looking and fast enough for most situations. If it's your first AM then you'll love every minute of it.
here's one with 70k and its still way above yr budget albeit a carbon...
I agree with the comment about reliability - i have the 9 and its been very good - but it's not a daily. Some people sell them when the big services are due - worth considering...
http://www.oselli.com/items/413/in/list-1
I agree with the comment about reliability - i have the 9 and its been very good - but it's not a daily. Some people sell them when the big services are due - worth considering...
http://www.oselli.com/items/413/in/list-1
I bought my DB9 just over a year ago and had been tracking prices prior to purchase and since.
I bought mine privately and reckon I'd get about the same I paid for it if I were to put it up for sale today, so the only real "loss" would be what I've spent on it since purchase - approx £3k, service, tyres, new battery, new radiator and a few other bits and bobs (all budgeted for from the pre-purchase inspection report, which I'd recommend for peace of mind when buying something like this.
Good luck with your search and hope you'll be joining this thread in due course as an owner.
I bought mine privately and reckon I'd get about the same I paid for it if I were to put it up for sale today, so the only real "loss" would be what I've spent on it since purchase - approx £3k, service, tyres, new battery, new radiator and a few other bits and bobs (all budgeted for from the pre-purchase inspection report, which I'd recommend for peace of mind when buying something like this.
Good luck with your search and hope you'll be joining this thread in due course as an owner.
Appreciating the DB9 'GT' comment above, true enough but it still has hooligan tendencies, get the revs up and throw it around a bit, it has fabulous balance and is great fun!
My view was the DB9 felt quicker on test drive due the initial urge from the V12 so don't forget to rev the V8 when testing a Vantage.
My view was the DB9 felt quicker on test drive due the initial urge from the V12 so don't forget to rev the V8 when testing a Vantage.
Edited by JaseB on Thursday 17th January 16:20
I recently sold my 2007 AM V8V after two and half years ownership. I miss it terribly.
I covered around 8,000 miles in that time, mostly on longer runs from Essex to Devon, Dorset and Derbyshire, although I also used it for work a couple of days a week in the summer months.
It’s a fabulously rounded car and can be bimbled about just like a Fiesta on a shopping run, driven long distances in comfort, as it’s surprisingly refined and quiet at normal speeds and then when the mood takes you (and there is enough space) can really make some rapid and extremely vocal progress. Mine was the 4.3L 6-speed manual and had some nice options like cruise control, sat/nav (very dated but it does work OK) heated seats, Bluetooth and the truly excellent 700W premium stereo upgrade. Having recently driven a 2018 automated manual version of the car, I’d say you should always go for the manual as the auto is utterly horrible.
Running costs were what you’d expect really, 20mpg running around and 25mpg+ on a longer run, £600 for a service, £1,200 for new front disks and pads and also rear pads fitted by an AM Dealer. Car was 100% reliable I terms of the major mechanicals but the drivers headlamp wash unit became detached and a complete new headlamp had to be fitted under warranty (£1,300 fitted) and the door modules played up for a while until the Dealer managed to get them replaced, also under warranty. The glass should drop a little when the door handle is pulled and this started happening intermittently which was irritating and risked breaking the glass when the door was shut.
Look out for corrosion on the door mirror arms which is very common and around the door handles and the base of the “A” pillar. They are aluminium but they are prone to a reaction and can bubble up. Clutches are the other weak spot and cost around £3K to replace. If the car you are looking at hasn’t had one, or if it’s very heavy or judders at all when pulling away, then assume it will need doing.
Overall they are well built, practical and great fun. There were V8V’s at the Dealer where I got mine serviced with over 90K on them and other than routine servicing, they are pretty bomb proof, unlike some of the fragile Aston’s of the past.
As others have said, the feel good factor is immense and they really are special to drive. I sold it more because of my failings than because of the car. My wife and I really needed 2 all-weather cars to use and I was always worried about leaving it at the station car park or using it in poor weather etc. The car was perfectly capable of dealing with everything you could throw at it, but I tend to be a bit of a worrier. So, it was sold and replaced temporarily with a 2018 Fiesta Titanium to go with our Kuga Vignale and 2.8 injection Capri. The Fiesta is great to drive, totally practical and costs pocket money to run………. Painless motoring. I really want to find another Vantage next Summer, but that realistically means that the Capri has to go (we don’t have the space for 4 cars) and that’s a really tough call to make as I’ve had it over 10 years now.
Buy the best you can afford, go on condition and service history and not on miles and stay away from stuff that’s been modified or appears to have been run on a budget or you’ll end up paying for the previous owners cost saving. Dealers are often not much more expensive than private and you get the peace of mind of a warranty and service back up.
I covered around 8,000 miles in that time, mostly on longer runs from Essex to Devon, Dorset and Derbyshire, although I also used it for work a couple of days a week in the summer months.
It’s a fabulously rounded car and can be bimbled about just like a Fiesta on a shopping run, driven long distances in comfort, as it’s surprisingly refined and quiet at normal speeds and then when the mood takes you (and there is enough space) can really make some rapid and extremely vocal progress. Mine was the 4.3L 6-speed manual and had some nice options like cruise control, sat/nav (very dated but it does work OK) heated seats, Bluetooth and the truly excellent 700W premium stereo upgrade. Having recently driven a 2018 automated manual version of the car, I’d say you should always go for the manual as the auto is utterly horrible.
Running costs were what you’d expect really, 20mpg running around and 25mpg+ on a longer run, £600 for a service, £1,200 for new front disks and pads and also rear pads fitted by an AM Dealer. Car was 100% reliable I terms of the major mechanicals but the drivers headlamp wash unit became detached and a complete new headlamp had to be fitted under warranty (£1,300 fitted) and the door modules played up for a while until the Dealer managed to get them replaced, also under warranty. The glass should drop a little when the door handle is pulled and this started happening intermittently which was irritating and risked breaking the glass when the door was shut.
Look out for corrosion on the door mirror arms which is very common and around the door handles and the base of the “A” pillar. They are aluminium but they are prone to a reaction and can bubble up. Clutches are the other weak spot and cost around £3K to replace. If the car you are looking at hasn’t had one, or if it’s very heavy or judders at all when pulling away, then assume it will need doing.
Overall they are well built, practical and great fun. There were V8V’s at the Dealer where I got mine serviced with over 90K on them and other than routine servicing, they are pretty bomb proof, unlike some of the fragile Aston’s of the past.
As others have said, the feel good factor is immense and they really are special to drive. I sold it more because of my failings than because of the car. My wife and I really needed 2 all-weather cars to use and I was always worried about leaving it at the station car park or using it in poor weather etc. The car was perfectly capable of dealing with everything you could throw at it, but I tend to be a bit of a worrier. So, it was sold and replaced temporarily with a 2018 Fiesta Titanium to go with our Kuga Vignale and 2.8 injection Capri. The Fiesta is great to drive, totally practical and costs pocket money to run………. Painless motoring. I really want to find another Vantage next Summer, but that realistically means that the Capri has to go (we don’t have the space for 4 cars) and that’s a really tough call to make as I’ve had it over 10 years now.
Buy the best you can afford, go on condition and service history and not on miles and stay away from stuff that’s been modified or appears to have been run on a budget or you’ll end up paying for the previous owners cost saving. Dealers are often not much more expensive than private and you get the peace of mind of a warranty and service back up.
Nice write up but I would say it is for the OP to decide whether manual or automated manual on a Vantage. To describe the latter as a 'utterly horrible auto' is somewhat missing the point!
I do agree OP needs to test drive DB9 and Vantage (both versions) though as they are totally different beasts.
I do agree OP needs to test drive DB9 and Vantage (both versions) though as they are totally different beasts.
hashluck said:
I would say it is for the OP to decide whether manual or automated manual on a Vantage. To describe the latter as a 'utterly horrible auto' is somewhat missing the point!
I've had a V8V Sportshift (automated manual) for 6 years, I love it, it's a great and involving drive - very different from my everyday slush box automatic. It's also a great GT car (in my opinion) with a bigger boot than the DB9 - which is why I bought it, relatively economical and great fun on long continental road trips. Good luck with the hunt! Regards, Davedwell said:
I've had a V8V Sportshift (automated manual) for 6 years, I love it, it's a great and involving drive - very different from my everyday slush box automatic. It's also a great GT car (in my opinion) with a bigger boot than the DB9 - which is why I bought it, relatively economical and great fun on long continental road trips. Good luck with the hunt! Regards, Dave
Spot on!
I had the Sport Shift for a week so had a good opportunity to get a feel for it.
In brief summary, I found that if I drove it very gently or totally flat out, it was at best, adequate. In all other driving situations it was cumbersome, hesitant, jerky and unpredictable.
On one section of road I travel every day, coming off a roundabout onto an open 60mph section of road through a sweeping bend, it did something different on every occasion, despite me using the same amount of throttle. This of course is when left in the auto mode. Sometimes it simply relied on the torque and stayed in gear, on another occasion it changed down once and then back up as the speed climbed, once it changed up and then back down twice making the car feel uncertain and unpredictable. In medium speed traffic it was jerky and inconsistent.
Everyone of course has their preferences and I wanted to like it, as I was considering changing to a Sport Shift car. In my experience and for my tastes I refer back to my original statement, that the manual is a much better application for this car.
It's all down to individual preference of course and only an extended drive in each will tell you what works for you.
"This of course is when left in the auto mode" - this is the weak point of the Sportshift, auto/drive mode is terrible. Since the first week I have driven it in Sports mode and on the paddles - effectively a 'clutchless' manual with smooth gear changes when I want/need them, that's the experience I find involving and enjoy - on hairpin bends it's magnificent!! I've never been tempted to press the 'D' button again....
Had a Tip 996 C4S for 2 years. I think when i first picked it up for 2 miles i kept it in Auto otherwise it was manual until i sold it. Like Sportshift, the Tiptronic gearbox needs to be driven in a certain way to make it drive well. Once used to it, it was actually pretty good and in the 996 Turbo which suits the gearbox its very good.
hashluck said:
Nice write up but I would say it is for the OP to decide whether manual or automated manual on a Vantage. To describe the latter as a 'utterly horrible auto' is somewhat missing the point!
I do agree OP needs to test drive DB9 and Vantage (both versions) though as they are totally different beasts.
^^^^ Agreed. Phuck, not this shyte again, It is NOT an 'auto' I do agree OP needs to test drive DB9 and Vantage (both versions) though as they are totally different beasts.
I have a SS and love it, learn to drive it.
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