2003 Vanquish Servicing
Discussion
Hi, I have a 2003 Vanquish with 28k miles. I have had it for 2 years and had it serviced when I bought it and then a year later according to the schedule even though I only drove 450 miles. Both services were at Aston Martin main dealers. I have now completed a another year but only 300 miles. At this rate of mileage, should I service the car every year or could I just service it every two years?
haseebs said:
Hi, I have a 2003 Vanquish with 28k miles. I have had it for 2 years and had it serviced when I bought it and then a year later according to the schedule even though I only drove 450 miles. Both services were at Aston Martin main dealers. I have now completed a another year but only 300 miles. At this rate of mileage, should I service the car every year or could I just service it every two years?
Why do you think your car is in need of a service after 300 miles ?haseebs said:
At this rate of mileage, should I service the car every year or could I just service it every two years?
I have now adopted a two year service schedule. Would like to drive more, but recent years have only been about 1,000 miles.
It is interesting that my Mercedes (dd) for around 8,000 miles p.a., has manufacturer approval for two year servicing.
If your Vanquish is a keeper, obviously you can decide, but if not, of course prospective buyers often want to see strict adherence to a service schedule.
I don’t necessarily think it needs servicing. I feel that even with an Aston main dealer service every two years, when driving circa 500 miles annually, that would constitute a good service history. I just wanted others opinions. Also, is it ok for the oil not to be changed for that long. I’m not particularly mechanically minded so wanted some advice on a) is it mechanically ok to do every other year and b) thoughts on impact on the service record
Actually, the NP Vanquish handbook calls for time-based services at six-monthly intervals, not yearly. I think the practice is now to ignore that.
I have always gone for annual services except this year when the mileage covered has been so minimal I will stretch it to two years with a safety inspection by a specialist ahead of the next MOT. I currently have 10 stamps in a Vanquish S that has only covered 10k miles since new in 2007.
I perfer to use one of the independent specialists which I believe is where the expertise for this model now lies rather than with the main dealer network.
I have always gone for annual services except this year when the mileage covered has been so minimal I will stretch it to two years with a safety inspection by a specialist ahead of the next MOT. I currently have 10 stamps in a Vanquish S that has only covered 10k miles since new in 2007.
I perfer to use one of the independent specialists which I believe is where the expertise for this model now lies rather than with the main dealer network.
Have to agree with OLDBENZ, you are far better off talking to one of the specialists such as Bamford Rose and asking about the servicing it will require.
One thing though is that lack of use does the Vanquish no good. You do need to get the oil round everything once in a while and run all the services.
I have a 2002 with over 70k on the clock and I have far less trouble than some I know with very low mileage. The AMOC has a very vibrant Vanquish section on their forum that is really getting into the heart of this car. They are on top of some very important issues that I doubt AML main dealers know anything about.
The V12 Vanquish is not, nor has it ever been for the faint hearted.
One thing though is that lack of use does the Vanquish no good. You do need to get the oil round everything once in a while and run all the services.
I have a 2002 with over 70k on the clock and I have far less trouble than some I know with very low mileage. The AMOC has a very vibrant Vanquish section on their forum that is really getting into the heart of this car. They are on top of some very important issues that I doubt AML main dealers know anything about.
The V12 Vanquish is not, nor has it ever been for the faint hearted.
Edited by F1NDW on Sunday 10th May 21:18
Having a service 12 monthly does keep the value in the car if it is carried out at a known AML specialist, heritage or main dealer. But probably only if the car is in top condition with low miles.
I have my S serviced at a main dealer for about GBP900 (basic) or GBP1250 (enhanced) and get other repairs done locally at much reduced cost. The service itself is quite useful because the dealer will give you a list of items needing sorting, some imperative, some not so. You get the service book stamped.
If you didnt want to go for the once a year service, most AML dealers will do a winter health check with a checklist, this could double as the alternate year checkover. Most fluids will last a couple of years easily.
I've owned mine for quite a few years and it has not been expensive to maintain and been completely reliable.
These are wonderful cars full of character but you'll know that already!
I have my S serviced at a main dealer for about GBP900 (basic) or GBP1250 (enhanced) and get other repairs done locally at much reduced cost. The service itself is quite useful because the dealer will give you a list of items needing sorting, some imperative, some not so. You get the service book stamped.
If you didnt want to go for the once a year service, most AML dealers will do a winter health check with a checklist, this could double as the alternate year checkover. Most fluids will last a couple of years easily.
I've owned mine for quite a few years and it has not been expensive to maintain and been completely reliable.
These are wonderful cars full of character but you'll know that already!
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