2006 V8 Vantage as a Daily? Am I crazy?
Discussion
Hi,
I am considering swapping my reliable 2015 BMW X5 40d for a 2006 V8 Aston Martin Vantage, with 38,000 miles.
Is this a good choice, or will I be plagued with mahoosive repair bills/be stuck at the side of the road all the time cursing myself?
I got the X5 to transport my beloved pooch Murphy around in style & comfort, unfortunately he recently died - hence I do not need a big car anymore & am looking to buy something to cheer myself up. My go to when feeling a bit crap is to change my car, hence I don't generally keep them longer than 1-2 years.
I am 30 and want a fast, fun car that looks good, sounds good and is great to drive.
Been considering the Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8 or Maserati Granturismo. Any thoughts on these options?
The idea that I could actually own an Aston Martin is blowing my mind a bit, but is it a reliable choice? Is it the best option (i.e. good daily but also loads of fun?), or should I be considering something else?
Always read threads on PH and trust the views - first time posting myself though!! Any thoughts/comments/advice would be much appreciated!!
I am considering swapping my reliable 2015 BMW X5 40d for a 2006 V8 Aston Martin Vantage, with 38,000 miles.
Is this a good choice, or will I be plagued with mahoosive repair bills/be stuck at the side of the road all the time cursing myself?
I got the X5 to transport my beloved pooch Murphy around in style & comfort, unfortunately he recently died - hence I do not need a big car anymore & am looking to buy something to cheer myself up. My go to when feeling a bit crap is to change my car, hence I don't generally keep them longer than 1-2 years.
I am 30 and want a fast, fun car that looks good, sounds good and is great to drive.
Been considering the Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8 or Maserati Granturismo. Any thoughts on these options?
The idea that I could actually own an Aston Martin is blowing my mind a bit, but is it a reliable choice? Is it the best option (i.e. good daily but also loads of fun?), or should I be considering something else?
Always read threads on PH and trust the views - first time posting myself though!! Any thoughts/comments/advice would be much appreciated!!
Not crazy, I ran my first 2006 Vantage as a daily for a few years out of the 9 years/86kmiles I owned it. I put 15k a year on it for a couple of years.
If you are lucky, running costs wont be much more than your BMW. Certainly out of the 3 choices of cars, it should be the cheapest to run on consumables/service. There is a great network of specialists out there now for the modern Aston with typical yearly or 10k mile service at £650 ish.
Running costs are well documented on here, the big bill is usually the clutch. At 38k miles its likely the car should have had a clutch already. If not then allow £3k for that and upgrade to the twin plate version. My original clutch in 2006 car lasted until 73k miles, but then my current 2012 Vantage is on its 3rd clutch at 65k miles.
As with any used car, condition and service history is everything. If at 38k miles its had all the services/tweaks done, all the consumables have plenty of wear left, then hopefully you get a year or two with just fixed price services. If you are happy to do basic jobs like brakes, plug changes etc yourself you can save a fortune buying and fitting. Otherwise use specialists at £70 an hour versus £120+ a dealers.
Much of the appeal to me when I bought the first Vantage was that it was a luxury sportscar I *could* use daily on business, if you dont need 4 seats and its an only car, its surprising how practical it is. You will find pics on here of owners going camping, carrying cycles etc if you wish
If you are lucky, running costs wont be much more than your BMW. Certainly out of the 3 choices of cars, it should be the cheapest to run on consumables/service. There is a great network of specialists out there now for the modern Aston with typical yearly or 10k mile service at £650 ish.
Running costs are well documented on here, the big bill is usually the clutch. At 38k miles its likely the car should have had a clutch already. If not then allow £3k for that and upgrade to the twin plate version. My original clutch in 2006 car lasted until 73k miles, but then my current 2012 Vantage is on its 3rd clutch at 65k miles.
As with any used car, condition and service history is everything. If at 38k miles its had all the services/tweaks done, all the consumables have plenty of wear left, then hopefully you get a year or two with just fixed price services. If you are happy to do basic jobs like brakes, plug changes etc yourself you can save a fortune buying and fitting. Otherwise use specialists at £70 an hour versus £120+ a dealers.
Much of the appeal to me when I bought the first Vantage was that it was a luxury sportscar I *could* use daily on business, if you dont need 4 seats and its an only car, its surprising how practical it is. You will find pics on here of owners going camping, carrying cycles etc if you wish
bogie said:
Running costs are well documented on here, the big bill is usually the clutch. At 38k miles its likely the car should have had a clutch already. If not then allow £3k for that and upgrade to the twin plate version. My original clutch in 2006 car lasted until 73k miles, but then my current 2012 Vantage is on its 3rd clutch at 65k miles.
Thank you! Was yours manual or auto? I love cars but I'm not that mechanically minded, the one I'm looking at is manual so not sure if this affects things? I've asked the question re whether it's ever had the clutch replaced though.Adam
i sold my 07 V8v manual last year - i had done 50,000km in 3 years and the guy who bought it from me has now ticked over 100,000km. Still on original clutch. If you get a good one (most of them are if well cared for) you wont have any problems other than regular maintenance - I found servicing and brake parts cheaper than RS audi costs
good luck
Graeme
i sold my 07 V8v manual last year - i had done 50,000km in 3 years and the guy who bought it from me has now ticked over 100,000km. Still on original clutch. If you get a good one (most of them are if well cared for) you wont have any problems other than regular maintenance - I found servicing and brake parts cheaper than RS audi costs
good luck
Graeme
Of the vehicles you list I'd say the V8V is probably the most suitable as a daily driver IMHO. The only reason I don't with mine is that as a convertible she goes into the garage November to March but for the rest of the year no problem using it daily. Mind you I do have a gash old focus diesel as well - but that is not due to any issue with the V8V, purely because I often need more than 2 seats and a towbar!
Biggest difference to a 'normal' car is fuel economy (or lack thereof) but to my mind that is a price worth paying and, using man maths, the insurance and road tax are fixed costs vs miles so the more i use it the lower the cost per mile!!! Drive more to save money!!!!
Biggest difference to a 'normal' car is fuel economy (or lack thereof) but to my mind that is a price worth paying and, using man maths, the insurance and road tax are fixed costs vs miles so the more i use it the lower the cost per mile!!! Drive more to save money!!!!
I’ve owned mine since Dec 2016, a few paint touch ups (aluminium bubbling), wheel refurb and that’s about it outside of normal servicing.
Actually the AC compressor went which was covered under warranty in 2017.
Still on the original clutch at 39k miles.
I’d guess around £2k pa all in averaged over the years excluding fuel / tax / insurance.
Actually the AC compressor went which was covered under warranty in 2017.
Still on the original clutch at 39k miles.
I’d guess around £2k pa all in averaged over the years excluding fuel / tax / insurance.
Reliability wise you have no more risk of being stranded at the side of the road than with any other car including BMW.
If you can get past the issue a lot people have which is a fear of putting miles on the clock you'll find it's a great daily driver and will be better for it than a garage queen sitting on a battery maintainer.
If you can get past the issue a lot people have which is a fear of putting miles on the clock you'll find it's a great daily driver and will be better for it than a garage queen sitting on a battery maintainer.
adamwalsh123 said:
bogie said:
Running costs are well documented on here, the big bill is usually the clutch. At 38k miles its likely the car should have had a clutch already. If not then allow £3k for that and upgrade to the twin plate version. My original clutch in 2006 car lasted until 73k miles, but then my current 2012 Vantage is on its 3rd clutch at 65k miles.
Thank you! Was yours manual or auto? I love cars but I'm not that mechanically minded, the one I'm looking at is manual so not sure if this affects things? I've asked the question re whether it's ever had the clutch replaced though.I would go with "average" of £2k a year running costs ....on the best years its a £650 service. Most often some consumables fall due or some repairs (sensors, wheel bearing etc) and you have another £1k for tyres or brakes . Worst year is when the clutch goes obviously, that was a £5k year for me in clutch + servicing/consumables.
Edited by bogie on Tuesday 30th June 13:13
I have just bought an 08 as my daily driver, it replaced a BMW 535D. I think it depends a little on what we mean by ‘daily driver’. I live in the country and don’t commute anywhere and I’m very rarely if ever in traffic queues. If you are commuting and often in very slow moving traffic the clutch can be an issue, it’s heavy and lacks precision in take up. (Just to clarify, it’s not heavy when you are motoring along going through the gears).
The Maserati is a beautiful car and I nearly went for one, they can easily seat 2 adults in the rear. Fuel consumption is worse than the Aston and at the price point you are considering, depreciation will be higher, they are also surprisingly big cars.
The Maserati is a beautiful car and I nearly went for one, they can easily seat 2 adults in the rear. Fuel consumption is worse than the Aston and at the price point you are considering, depreciation will be higher, they are also surprisingly big cars.
Go for it!
I have a 2006 vantage with 75,000 miles on it. Owned it pretty much from new. Not a rattle or a squeak. 4.3 engine is unstressed and pretty much bullet proof.
Over the time I've owned it I've had a clutch replaced, two batteries and one fuel pump. Obviously brake pads and other consumables. Needn't be expensive if you use a good Indy. David Appleby are who I use, Bamford Rose get great write ups too.
Big ticket items are things like the rear lights which let in water and are circa £1,000 a pair, although you can fix them your self if you are brave enough.
Wing mirror arms corrode, but if you are handy you can fix those yourself too.
Previous car was a TVR Tuscan and the Vantage is sluggish by comparison but equally hasn't broken down or tried to stick me in a hedge. Still a great sense of occasion when I drive it and it gets admiring looks. You cant get more car for your money! I got mine wrapped a few years ago to freshen it up.
I have a 2006 vantage with 75,000 miles on it. Owned it pretty much from new. Not a rattle or a squeak. 4.3 engine is unstressed and pretty much bullet proof.
Over the time I've owned it I've had a clutch replaced, two batteries and one fuel pump. Obviously brake pads and other consumables. Needn't be expensive if you use a good Indy. David Appleby are who I use, Bamford Rose get great write ups too.
Big ticket items are things like the rear lights which let in water and are circa £1,000 a pair, although you can fix them your self if you are brave enough.
Wing mirror arms corrode, but if you are handy you can fix those yourself too.
Previous car was a TVR Tuscan and the Vantage is sluggish by comparison but equally hasn't broken down or tried to stick me in a hedge. Still a great sense of occasion when I drive it and it gets admiring looks. You cant get more car for your money! I got mine wrapped a few years ago to freshen it up.
adamwalsh123 said:
Thank you! Was yours manual or auto?
The Vantage was never available as an auto, they are all manuals, all use the same gearbox and clutch. Some just don't have a clutch pedal - called Sportshift. Change gears on paddles (no conventional gear lever) behind the steering wheel. You will see dealers advertising Sportshifts as autos, they are wrong. Consensus on here is Sportshift wear the clutch quicker than those with the 3rd peddle.Sportshifts do have an 'Auto' button - just don't ever use it, its awful. It makes a very bad attempt to act as a proper slush box.
Yes you can use one every day, Astons aren't made of a rare form of unobtainium. However, compared to your existing car you'll notice the lack of torque on a 4.3. Car needs revving to get the best out of it. Will initially feel slow - they are not but do need effort (lots of gear changes) to make progress.
Iv been running mine as a daily for 15 months all year round (I should update my thread on readers cars soon).
Mine is a 2015, manual. In the 10k Miles iv had the car it’s needed the following O2 sensors (x2), brake switch (can cause cutting out at low revs when slowing down) and the headlight washer jet on one side disconnected from the headlight.
At the service last week they have noted a weep from the engine near the timing chain so this will need to be done soon. It’s worth noting this can be hidden by the under tray so to inspect the car it’s best to have this off.
There are some other quirks such as a sticky fuel cap, the tyre pressure sensors can be overly sensitive and the front lights sporadically mist a little.
I purchased an approved used car so all the above was all covered under warranty. I renewed the warranty as I’m using it as a daily which I think is sensible given some of the part prices and that they have covered refurbishing the wheels, etc since iv had the car.
If I was running one as a daily without warranty I’d want it thoroughly inspected prior to purchase by a reputable source.
Fuel is around 18-20mpg driving from central London to Essex everyday mix of town and a roads.
In terms of the actual experience I think it’s worth it, the car is comfortable, cruises along nicely with very little road noise, manages London roads and speed humps remarkably well and can be fun as and when the time permits. Even with the secondary de-cat it isn’t intrusive (from the inside at least).
I find it much more of an event than the other cars I test drove at the time 911, R8 (v8), M4, C63, etc.
Mine is a 2015, manual. In the 10k Miles iv had the car it’s needed the following O2 sensors (x2), brake switch (can cause cutting out at low revs when slowing down) and the headlight washer jet on one side disconnected from the headlight.
At the service last week they have noted a weep from the engine near the timing chain so this will need to be done soon. It’s worth noting this can be hidden by the under tray so to inspect the car it’s best to have this off.
There are some other quirks such as a sticky fuel cap, the tyre pressure sensors can be overly sensitive and the front lights sporadically mist a little.
I purchased an approved used car so all the above was all covered under warranty. I renewed the warranty as I’m using it as a daily which I think is sensible given some of the part prices and that they have covered refurbishing the wheels, etc since iv had the car.
If I was running one as a daily without warranty I’d want it thoroughly inspected prior to purchase by a reputable source.
Fuel is around 18-20mpg driving from central London to Essex everyday mix of town and a roads.
In terms of the actual experience I think it’s worth it, the car is comfortable, cruises along nicely with very little road noise, manages London roads and speed humps remarkably well and can be fun as and when the time permits. Even with the secondary de-cat it isn’t intrusive (from the inside at least).
I find it much more of an event than the other cars I test drove at the time 911, R8 (v8), M4, C63, etc.
Edited by Froomee on Tuesday 30th June 23:04
I had a Maserati GranTurismo (4.2 with a Larini x-pipe and mufflers, otherwise stock) before the Vantage N420.
Neither was/is a daily, since I do not commute and if I need to transport things, I can borrow more pedestrian cars. They both were/are weekend cars, but get used basically every weekend even for long-ish trips, especially the Maserati that I used to have when living in Paris, so I was doing twice a year the big trip Paris-Milano and back.
The GT was more, well, a GT. Less firm but also way bigger and less agile in traffic. The N420, very firm with the Sport Pack and feels more nimble in city driving.
The Maserati in Paris was a head turner, she represented all that Italian way of living, quintessentially stile italiano, and got many compliments, even in some saying it was way more classy than a look-at-me Ferrari (pictured, Grigio Touring with Rosso Corallo interior).
The Aston in Milan is a rare sight. Everybody and their mother are staring, thumbing up, complimenting, making Bond references and so on. Maserati, is way more common here. The GT not so much, but I personally think the brand has been a bit washed down by all those Ghiblis and Levantes, especially the diesel ones, the horror.
Interior wise, the Aston wins hands down. There is a tailored made feeling not found in the Maserati where plastic and vinyl are more present. Funnily enough, the GT developed more little rattles than the Aston. Ergonomics as well are better in the Aston. The Maserati had a modern version of that charm you get in the blatantly weird ergonomics of the Italian sports cars from the 70s; like if the designer did it on a summer Friday afternoon after a quick lunch (and not only) with his lover and a bottle of Chianti.
Looks are subjective, but I believe both are incredibly beautiful cars, with a little edge for the Aston, which looks a bit more modern and proportioned in 2020.
Occasion: because of the better interiors and rarity here, the Aston wins this one.
Performance: I found them pretty similar in the real world. Apart from the above mentioned N420 sporty feeling, both are NA engines of similar performance.
Sound: I have the secondary cat delete on the Vantage, and the burble is typically English, akin to a Spitfire or those roadsters from the 60s/70s. More deep and burbly, but not American of course. The GranTurismo was unapologetically Italian, higher pitched, more metallic, almost like the F1 of the good years. Both are great sounding cars.
Problems: nothing major in both so far (knock on wood), just the classic little quirks that I like to work on to resolve and of course the consumables. One annoying thing the Maserati was starting to develop were sticky interior buttons, a well known problem in the Ferrari world too. Solvable, but if you want it to be done professionally, also expensive.
I did 30.000 km over 4 years in the GT, I have the Vantage for a year now.
Let's add a picture of the Aston too, for par condicio.
Neither was/is a daily, since I do not commute and if I need to transport things, I can borrow more pedestrian cars. They both were/are weekend cars, but get used basically every weekend even for long-ish trips, especially the Maserati that I used to have when living in Paris, so I was doing twice a year the big trip Paris-Milano and back.
The GT was more, well, a GT. Less firm but also way bigger and less agile in traffic. The N420, very firm with the Sport Pack and feels more nimble in city driving.
The Maserati in Paris was a head turner, she represented all that Italian way of living, quintessentially stile italiano, and got many compliments, even in some saying it was way more classy than a look-at-me Ferrari (pictured, Grigio Touring with Rosso Corallo interior).
The Aston in Milan is a rare sight. Everybody and their mother are staring, thumbing up, complimenting, making Bond references and so on. Maserati, is way more common here. The GT not so much, but I personally think the brand has been a bit washed down by all those Ghiblis and Levantes, especially the diesel ones, the horror.
Interior wise, the Aston wins hands down. There is a tailored made feeling not found in the Maserati where plastic and vinyl are more present. Funnily enough, the GT developed more little rattles than the Aston. Ergonomics as well are better in the Aston. The Maserati had a modern version of that charm you get in the blatantly weird ergonomics of the Italian sports cars from the 70s; like if the designer did it on a summer Friday afternoon after a quick lunch (and not only) with his lover and a bottle of Chianti.
Looks are subjective, but I believe both are incredibly beautiful cars, with a little edge for the Aston, which looks a bit more modern and proportioned in 2020.
Occasion: because of the better interiors and rarity here, the Aston wins this one.
Performance: I found them pretty similar in the real world. Apart from the above mentioned N420 sporty feeling, both are NA engines of similar performance.
Sound: I have the secondary cat delete on the Vantage, and the burble is typically English, akin to a Spitfire or those roadsters from the 60s/70s. More deep and burbly, but not American of course. The GranTurismo was unapologetically Italian, higher pitched, more metallic, almost like the F1 of the good years. Both are great sounding cars.
Problems: nothing major in both so far (knock on wood), just the classic little quirks that I like to work on to resolve and of course the consumables. One annoying thing the Maserati was starting to develop were sticky interior buttons, a well known problem in the Ferrari world too. Solvable, but if you want it to be done professionally, also expensive.
I did 30.000 km over 4 years in the GT, I have the Vantage for a year now.
Let's add a picture of the Aston too, for par condicio.
Edited by EVR on Wednesday 1st July 17:04
adamwalsh123 said:
I am 30 and want a fast, fun car that looks good, sounds good and is great to drive.
Been considering the Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8 or Maserati Granturismo. Any thoughts on these options?
Drive all three of them.Been considering the Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8 or Maserati Granturismo. Any thoughts on these options?
Vantage is AM's Boxster, so be prepared for "Baby Aston" remarks. It is also a tad small-ish. A bit of a chore to drive, and sluggish gas pedal response. Doesnt "feel" fast. If you buy a 4.3 you will be back here on the forum asking about ligher flywheel etc.
R8 with mid-engine design has much more Supercar flair, but definitely more chav/canary Wharf air.
GT is great in subtle colour, has Ferrari sound, but Volvo rear and poor dashboard.
RMDB9 said:
Drive all three of them.
Vantage is AM's Boxster, so be prepared for "Baby Aston" remarks. It is also a tad small-ish. A bit of a chore to drive, and sluggish gas pedal response. Doesnt "feel" fast. If you buy a 4.3 you will be back here on the forum asking about ligher flywheel etc.
R8 with mid-engine design has much more Supercar flair, but definitely more chav/canary Wharf air.
GT is great in subtle colour, has Ferrari sound, but Volvo rear and poor dashboard.
I disagree. Vantage is AM's Boxster, so be prepared for "Baby Aston" remarks. It is also a tad small-ish. A bit of a chore to drive, and sluggish gas pedal response. Doesnt "feel" fast. If you buy a 4.3 you will be back here on the forum asking about ligher flywheel etc.
R8 with mid-engine design has much more Supercar flair, but definitely more chav/canary Wharf air.
GT is great in subtle colour, has Ferrari sound, but Volvo rear and poor dashboard.
The 4.3 aston feels plenty fast and was lovely to drive. I sold it to buy a 911 turbo. Regretted that change.
The Mas GT was one of the most boring cars I have ever driven and put me off so much I have never considered buying a Mas of any description since. I think it also has an awkward shape. It does sound nice though.
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