Thinking About a 4.3 V8 Vantage
Discussion
First time in this forum, so please go easy on me. :
I'm in the lucky position to be thinking about a 4.3 V8 Vantage Coupe. There appear to be a few sub £40k cars at a reputable dealer on Pistonheads with under 40k on the clock which are really appealing as the V8 Vantage seems to have aged very well in my eyes.
So what are they like to live with, what do I need to worry about, you know, all the usual questions etc.
Current car, well I say current, it hasn't been used for some time is a Chimaera 500 which is a bit of a monster. I'd imagine the Aston to be a far different drive.
It's quite possible I may go along this week to see some as the excitement is too much.
I'm quite impulsive when I get an idea about cars and tend to dive right in, so any pointers are welcome.
Thanks.
I'm in the lucky position to be thinking about a 4.3 V8 Vantage Coupe. There appear to be a few sub £40k cars at a reputable dealer on Pistonheads with under 40k on the clock which are really appealing as the V8 Vantage seems to have aged very well in my eyes.
So what are they like to live with, what do I need to worry about, you know, all the usual questions etc.
Current car, well I say current, it hasn't been used for some time is a Chimaera 500 which is a bit of a monster. I'd imagine the Aston to be a far different drive.
It's quite possible I may go along this week to see some as the excitement is too much.
I'm quite impulsive when I get an idea about cars and tend to dive right in, so any pointers are welcome.
Thanks.
Edited by vixen1700 on Saturday 28th August 11:58
Welcome Brian,
I contribute sometimes to the sorry saga of 'New TVR Griffith Under Wraps (Volume 2)' topic, where 4 years after the public launch, still only one car exists and even that was built by another firm. Such a shame nothing of consequence has happened, after the initial excitement. The enthusiastic new team, took on more than they could cope with.
The Aston Martin Vantage is a wonderful car and probably one of very few, where every drive is always a special occasion.
My advice to you is certainly resist your temptation to rush a purchase.
By taking your time, you can learn as much as possible about the cars and search for one which not only meets or is close to your ideal specification, but is a really well looked after example. Make sure you understand the practicalities of the automated manual (Sportshift 1) version.
Your mention of £40,000 is not far away from the 4.7 model, which commenced customer deliveries in September 2008.
It had a huge list of detailed improvements. As one example recently on this forum, the owner of an earlier Vantage wanted to improve the suspension. A set of fairly expensive Bilstein dampers were being discussed. Those are already fitted to 4.7 models.
I went from a Chimaera and Cerbera to a 4.3 Vantage.
I few of my takes from it, the Vantage is a better all-rounder, everything is easier to live with.
The Vantage, the windscreen wipers work, the aircon works etc, seat of your pants driving the Vantage feels a bit slower but much more refined.
Both the Chimaera and the Vantage feel special, would I swap the Vantage back for the Cerbera and Chimaera, nope
If you are looking at the cars where I think you are, they will go through all the points to look at with you and generally have very good stock.
I few of my takes from it, the Vantage is a better all-rounder, everything is easier to live with.
The Vantage, the windscreen wipers work, the aircon works etc, seat of your pants driving the Vantage feels a bit slower but much more refined.
Both the Chimaera and the Vantage feel special, would I swap the Vantage back for the Cerbera and Chimaera, nope
If you are looking at the cars where I think you are, they will go through all the points to look at with you and generally have very good stock.
TheRainMaker said:
Both the Chimaera and the Vantage feel special, would I swap the Vantage back for the Cerbera and Chimaera, nope
If you are looking at the cars where I think you are, they will go through all the points to look at with you and generally have very good stock.
Well the Chimaera just feels like it's on the edge of a breakdown all the time, it cooks you alive in the Summer and I've always got one eye on temperature gauge (TVR habit). If you are looking at the cars where I think you are, they will go through all the points to look at with you and generally have very good stock.
I do love the thing, mind.
I think at 54 I want something a bit more grown-up that doesn't terrify my wife each time I use the accelerator.
Yes, that's where I'm looking.
citizen smith said:
My only suggestion would be to get the car that you really liked "Inspected by a Professional" before purchase - could save thousands!
^^^^ This all day. I got conned by AM main dealer doing their own inspection for warranty and constant lies afterwards. I too went from TVR to AM, but alas no more. Beautiful cars but be careful and good luck.
Went from Chimera to Tuscan to 4.3 Vantage. Loved the Tuscan but was getting too unreliable as a daily driver.
Vantage totally different proposition in many ways, not nearly as quick, but then the Aston hasn’t tried to kill me
I’ve had the Vantage about 13 years now, drive it every day & still love it. 75,000 on the clock and good as new.
Toyed with the idea of a new Emira but talked myself out of it. Going to do a few jobs to get it back to as new.
One very worthwhile upgrade is CarPlay from Aston Installations. Brings the ICE bang up to date.
Good luck with your hunt!
Vantage totally different proposition in many ways, not nearly as quick, but then the Aston hasn’t tried to kill me
I’ve had the Vantage about 13 years now, drive it every day & still love it. 75,000 on the clock and good as new.
Toyed with the idea of a new Emira but talked myself out of it. Going to do a few jobs to get it back to as new.
One very worthwhile upgrade is CarPlay from Aston Installations. Brings the ICE bang up to date.
Good luck with your hunt!
Your mention of £40,000 is not far away from the 4.7 model, which commenced customer deliveries in September 2008.
It had a huge list of detailed improvements. As one example recently on this forum, the owner of an earlier Vantage wanted to improve the suspension. A set of fairly expensive Bilstein dampers were being discussed. Those are already fitted to 4.7 models.
Last July I bought a 2009 4.7 Vantage with 35,000 miles on the clock for £36,000
It came from the showroom pictured above. No regrets about my choice.
£40,000 should get you a 4.7 unless prices have gone up in last 12 months.
A common problem with the 4.3 is leaking gasket that requires an engine out job and around 2 - 3 k in costs
Another regardless of engine size is the clutch wear. If yours is a SportShift the dealer can actually read the remaining life left, another 3 to 4 k in parts and labour
Mine suffered from a leaking AC which I cured with some miraculous Italian additive that completely stopped the gas leak
A common problem is the check engine light which can be removed using a scanner like Foxwell nt520, mine actually was caused by a loose O2 sensor
Normal worn gas struts in the doors, hood, petrol cap, etc etc
The tyre pressure monitor can be annoying I actually bought a delete from redpants' partner here in the UK
SatNav screen doesn't come up without some help etc etc
40K is too much for a 4.3, 30 to 35 should get you a very very clean example
Another regardless of engine size is the clutch wear. If yours is a SportShift the dealer can actually read the remaining life left, another 3 to 4 k in parts and labour
Mine suffered from a leaking AC which I cured with some miraculous Italian additive that completely stopped the gas leak
A common problem is the check engine light which can be removed using a scanner like Foxwell nt520, mine actually was caused by a loose O2 sensor
Normal worn gas struts in the doors, hood, petrol cap, etc etc
The tyre pressure monitor can be annoying I actually bought a delete from redpants' partner here in the UK
SatNav screen doesn't come up without some help etc etc
40K is too much for a 4.3, 30 to 35 should get you a very very clean example
Jon39 said:
Your mention of £40,000 is not far away from the 4.7 model, which commenced customer deliveries in September 2008.
It had a huge list of detailed improvements. As one example recently on this forum, the owner of an earlier Vantage wanted to improve the suspension. A set of fairly expensive Bilstein dampers were being discussed. Those are already fitted to 4.7 models.
It had a huge list of detailed improvements. As one example recently on this forum, the owner of an earlier Vantage wanted to improve the suspension. A set of fairly expensive Bilstein dampers were being discussed. Those are already fitted to 4.7 models.
Emily's dad said:
Your mention of £40,000 is not far away from the 4.7 model, which commenced customer deliveries in September 2008.
It had a huge list of detailed improvements. As one example recently on this forum, the owner of an earlier Vantage wanted to improve the suspension. A set of fairly expensive Bilstein dampers were being discussed. Those are already fitted to 4.7 models.
It had a huge list of detailed improvements. As one example recently on this forum, the owner of an earlier Vantage wanted to improve the suspension. A set of fairly expensive Bilstein dampers were being discussed. Those are already fitted to 4.7 models.
Well what a coincidence, Dave.
Perhaps great minds think alike.
Nothing wrong with 4.3 or 4.7 as long as you get it checked before purchase. I did this and have not regretted my purchase.
The big jobs are clutch, timing chest seal (which I think is what Greathey is referring too above) but if this is what he means then it's not an engine out job but it is a costly labour expense for what is a seal costing a few quid. When it goes it's a few days labour.
The dynamic shocks of the 4.3 will leak and are not rebuildable so will need replacing. Plenty of options available many offering better handling at lower cost than stock replacements.
The big jobs are clutch, timing chest seal (which I think is what Greathey is referring too above) but if this is what he means then it's not an engine out job but it is a costly labour expense for what is a seal costing a few quid. When it goes it's a few days labour.
The dynamic shocks of the 4.3 will leak and are not rebuildable so will need replacing. Plenty of options available many offering better handling at lower cost than stock replacements.
Greathey said:
Mine suffered from a leaking AC which I cured with some miraculous Italian additive that completely stopped the gas leak.
If you are able to Greathey, please provide a link for the additive. I am having this trouble with my daily driver and no one can find where the leak is.
Thanks.
https://www.ubuy.co.it/en/product/2MOIGV28-errecom...
It's called eu extreme ultra
One shot 6 months ago and my ac is as good as new
You can find it in eBay for around 50 pounds or so
It's called eu extreme ultra
One shot 6 months ago and my ac is as good as new
You can find it in eBay for around 50 pounds or so
BiggaJ said:
Nothing wrong with 4.3 or 4.7 as long as you get it checked before purchase. I did this and have not regretted my purchase.
The big jobs are clutch, timing chest seal (which I think is what Greathey is referring too above) but if this is what he means then it's not an engine out job but it is a costly labour expense for what is a seal costing a few quid. When it goes it's a few days labour.
The dynamic shocks of the 4.3 will leak and are not rebuildable so will need replacing. Plenty of options available many offering better handling at lower cost than stock replacements.
Yes you are rightThe big jobs are clutch, timing chest seal (which I think is what Greathey is referring too above) but if this is what he means then it's not an engine out job but it is a costly labour expense for what is a seal costing a few quid. When it goes it's a few days labour.
The dynamic shocks of the 4.3 will leak and are not rebuildable so will need replacing. Plenty of options available many offering better handling at lower cost than stock replacements.
It is not an engine out job but the whole front of the car has to come down. I was quoted 2000 pounds for labour which I thought is too much as the leak is tiny. A bottle of liquimoly stop leak did help a little
I’ve had 4 Tvr, last one a T350t. Loads of other stuff between those and the Vantage
Very happy with my choice. It’s not all about acceleration but the whole package, looks etc
It’s a feel good car that gets many admiring looks and comments including just today out in the Peak District.
Incidentally I’ve had none of the above issues in my ownership and now on 53k miles
Very happy with my choice. It’s not all about acceleration but the whole package, looks etc
It’s a feel good car that gets many admiring looks and comments including just today out in the Peak District.
Incidentally I’ve had none of the above issues in my ownership and now on 53k miles
Emily's dad said:
Jon39 said:
Well what a coincidence, Dave.
Perhaps great minds think alike.
Or I did something 1/2 witted when I tried to use the quote function
No worries, I guessed what you were trying to do.
Hopefully the OP will consider our points.
I mentioned the aspect, because I have noticed a few 4.3 owners spending considerable amounts of money improving their cars, whereas spending a little more in the beginning on a 4.7, could have provided what they wanted, possibly in a more economic way.
Greathey said:
https://www.ubuy.co.it/en/product/2MOIGV28-errecom...
It's called eu extreme ultra
One shot 6 months ago and my ac is as good as new
You can find it in eBay for around 50 pounds or so
It's called eu extreme ultra
One shot 6 months ago and my ac is as good as new
You can find it in eBay for around 50 pounds or so
Thank you.
OP, go for it. It's obviously important to do everything you can to ensure you get a good example. I've had my 2009 manual Coupe from new. I absolutely love it. It's been nearly faultless -- the only thing that failed is the radio (AM band quit) when it was 2 years old, so it was replaced under warranty. They're beautifully made, great to drive, stunning to look at and wonderful to own. Even after all these years, even drive is still an event. IMO, the 4.7 is worth the extra money, but a 4.3 is a great car too.
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