Which AM ? Budget and usage in post ....

[dibblecorse]

Hi Gents

I find myself in a position where i have c40k to spend on a car, and can realistically live with an annual budget of 2-2.5k per annum for upkeep, plus insurance.

The car will live outside, be light usage, my Z4 has done c10k total the last 2 years and will be used for weekends away etc and the occasional (short) commute to work as long as longer social journeys including across London back to my dads in Lewisham.

I am new to AM as a marque and don't quite get all the models specs etc but a few things that are essential or nice to haves would be:

Essential:

Auto (I have an artificial left kneecap so manuals are out)
Heated Seats
Decent Stereo
Ideally under 60,000 miles

Nice to have:

If I had a choice between 2 identical spec cars, one coupe one convertible, I'd probably err towards the convertible.
Decent SatNav, is that even a thing at the kind of age I'd be looking at ?
Ideally 10 years or under age wise, but flexible here as know it comes down to condition condition condition ultimately.

So what should I be looking at and why ? Also is there a recognised expert that's worth calling for a pre purchase inspection or do these cars not really need them ?

Any weak spots, areas of concern etc ?

I know this isn't the largest budget out there but I'm looking for a usable GT car that can also be a bit fun when required.

I was originally heading towards an Alfa 4C but don't think it would work for us on a number of levels and don't fancy a 911 or another Boxster.

Thanks in advance for any guidance, words or wisdom or even don't do it you'll lose your shirt .....

Dibs

[Dewi 2]

I have just been browsing the Pre-owned list, so this might be of reassurance to you.

Bought a hardly used Vantage for £58k.
After 8 years of ownership (10 years old) the same models are being advertised for £44k (16,000 miles).
Obviously that excludes the dealer margin, but you get the point.
Many everyday 10 year old cars are worth almost nothing, so your depreciation should be OK.
Having such a beautiful, widely admired, timeless design, is still creating demand, sixteen years after the first appearance.

I suppose your choice will be between the DB9 and Vantage.
The auto gearboxes are different. Torque converter (DB9) and automated manual (Vantage Sportshift). Make sure you drive the Sportshift in all traffic conditions, because not everyone likes the slow driving or manoeuvring.

Edited by Dewi 2 on Wednesday 24th July 07:45

[murphyaj]

For this budget you're looking at a DB9 or V8V (the V12V is way outside your budget). You can comfortably find convertable versions of both within that budget.

I'd suggest the Vantage personally, but they are both good options. For the same price you'll be getting a newer, lower milage Vantage than DB9, so if you'd rather have something under 10 years that is a factor. Also it's a touch more reliable and cheaper to maintain. The Vantage also works better as a convertable than the DB9, which lacks rigidity and thus loses a lot as a drivers car (and I say that as a DB9 Convertable owner).

Within your budget you can get a tidy 4.7 SportShift V8V roadster which should tick all your boxes nicely. Bear in mind that the Vantage did not come with an auto as such, it is an automated manual box. It has paddles and it is designed for you to use them, shifting as you would with a gearstick, if you drive it like a conventional auto it's jerky and uncomfortable. The DB9 however has a classic auto box and can be left in 'D' unless you fancy shifting for yourself.

They are similar cars but drive quite differently. The most obvious difference for me is the size, with the DB9 feeling much larger on the road, and the gearbox. You definitely want to find some near you and take them both for a test drive to see which you feel more comfortable with.

Heated seats should be easy to get, most of the convertable Astons I saw had these specified. But make sure you check they work as the heating elements have a tendancy to burn out.
The sat nav was optional, but tended to be specified so most cars have it. However it is st.
There were optional stereo upgrades available, again this was a pretty common option that was ticked.

[bogie]

With your budget and running costs you should be fine to find a well looked after example and it will be near the bottom end of depreciation curve, so not that much to lose other than buy/sell margin.

£2500 should be a higher to average year. Over last 12 years running a Vantage on best years ive got away with just a fixed price £650 service. On the worst year a clutch goes and adds £3.5k to that. More often than not, if you put say 5k miles a year on it, you go quite a few years before changing tyres or discs/pads.

Service history is everything when looking at buying, dealer or indy garage purchase may offer more peace of mind, for a premium as always.

My advice is same as above on the gearbox. The Vantage is an automated manual, bit of an acquired taste and not as smooth when you are not "on it". The DB9 is more traditional auto and more relaxing to drive.

Both are fantastic in convertible form and would be my choice. I like being out in the air, and you can hear the engine so much better with roof down. For a weekend/good weather car you cant beat the Roadster or Volante

[dibblecorse]

Gents thank you very much some great advice for me to consider

[Neil1300r]

To get an in depth view of the different models you need to buy the bible. Will help you a lot.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...