what issues to look for in a very low miles manual V8 Van
Discussion
As the owner of one, condition, condition.
Has it been kept in dry, low humidity conditions and the last point, which only the owner will know, has it been driven a minimum of 20 miles, on a dry day, about every 6 weeks? Left still for too long and troubles can occur.
Watch some of the Bamford Rose videos to see the issues that might occur. On average, I think reliable. My only expensive issue has been clutch, but some owners have reached high mileages before clutch replacement.
Wonderful cars. Exquisite beauty, quality interiors and more than adequate performance for UK roads.
Firm sports cars, so not a luxury daily driver.
A comprehensive warranty and then get some good miles on it within that period so anything that’s weak will crap itself and be covered under warranty.
Low mileage can have its benefits but also speaking from experience can be trouble also. Any Aston specialist I’ve ever spoken to has always said “they need to be driven”
Low mileage can have its benefits but also speaking from experience can be trouble also. Any Aston specialist I’ve ever spoken to has always said “they need to be driven”
Finding Neutral said:
A comprehensive warranty and then get some good miles on it within that period so anything that’s weak will crap itself and be covered under warranty.
Low mileage can have its benefits but also speaking from experience can be trouble also. Any Aston specialist I’ve ever spoken to has always said “they need to be driven”
What is that "experience' you mention? Low mileage can have its benefits but also speaking from experience can be trouble also. Any Aston specialist I’ve ever spoken to has always said “they need to be driven”
I would say a low miles 06 would be as bad as a high miles 06, point being that when you start using that low miles car you will noticed that all the gasket are dry and it start leaking as the car sat there for so many years. These car are meant to be driven and enjoyed, I would stay away for low mile cars unless you plan on garage queen it yourself
Swervym said:
Why when you are spending good cash on a premium sports car do you have to "keep them dry" if it has a 10yr warranty?
Is it to maintain its desirability for resale, or are they really that vulnerable?
Is it to maintain its desirability for resale, or are they really that vulnerable?
There is a considerable amount of alloy in the construction, so the only downside there seems to be occasional paint bubbling, but my car is a keeper (owned for 10 years now) and I don't like to see corrosion on brake discs, bolt heads and other steel fittings. The rear subframe is steel and has very poor corrosion protection. All fixable of course, but better if it can be kept smart.
My reference to the regular dry runs during periods of inactivity, is so that the car is dry when returning to the garage. As you will know, a wet car in a normal size domestic garage takes ages to dry.
These practices are probably the paranoia of looking after 'keepers'. If owning for only for (say) 3 years, I wouldn't bother.
At Aston Martin gatherings I see many pampered cars so I am not alone, but that probably means more good cars around for buyers.
Interesting topic. My view is that you should avoid the extremes.
An ultra low miles car will cost much more to buy, and may have sat unused for long periods. Watch out for ancient tyres too.
A very high miles car may need attention to its suspension, brakes, powertrain etc. and will likely be sporting stone chips. It'll be cheaper though.
As stated above, I would prefer a car that was garaged when not in use.
When I bought mine, I looked for one that had 1) been driven around 3000-5000 miles p.a. and 2) had been serviced by a reputable specialist each year. I also wanted evidence that things like the clutch had been done, it didn't leak from the timing chest cover and that the rear subframe wasn't too corroded.
Controversial opinion: I'd much prefer a car that had been to a really good specialist (Bamford Rose, David Appleby and Phoenix AM spring to my mind but there's others) each year rather than a main dealer. Especially if the car had the paperwork from those visits. Others will disagree with this opinion, but either way I'd avoid cars with long gaps in their service history.
An ultra low miles car will cost much more to buy, and may have sat unused for long periods. Watch out for ancient tyres too.
A very high miles car may need attention to its suspension, brakes, powertrain etc. and will likely be sporting stone chips. It'll be cheaper though.
As stated above, I would prefer a car that was garaged when not in use.
When I bought mine, I looked for one that had 1) been driven around 3000-5000 miles p.a. and 2) had been serviced by a reputable specialist each year. I also wanted evidence that things like the clutch had been done, it didn't leak from the timing chest cover and that the rear subframe wasn't too corroded.
Controversial opinion: I'd much prefer a car that had been to a really good specialist (Bamford Rose, David Appleby and Phoenix AM spring to my mind but there's others) each year rather than a main dealer. Especially if the car had the paperwork from those visits. Others will disagree with this opinion, but either way I'd avoid cars with long gaps in their service history.
Brave Fart said:
Interesting topic. My view is that you should avoid the extremes.
An ultra low miles car will cost much more to buy, and may have sat unused for long periods. Watch out for ancient tyres too.
A very high miles car may need attention to its suspension, brakes, powertrain etc. and will likely be sporting stone chips. It'll be cheaper though.
As stated above, I would prefer a car that was garaged when not in use.
When I bought mine, I looked for one that had 1) been driven around 3000-5000 miles p.a. and 2) had been serviced by a reputable specialist each year. I also wanted evidence that things like the clutch had been done, it didn't leak from the timing chest cover and that the rear subframe wasn't too corroded.
Controversial opinion: I'd much prefer a car that had been to a really good specialist (Bamford Rose, David Appleby and Phoenix AM spring to my mind but there's others) each year rather than a main dealer. Especially if the car had the paperwork from those visits. Others will disagree with this opinion, but either way I'd avoid cars with long gaps in their service history.
^^^ I would agree with this ^^^ but add you might be best advised to get any car independently inspected by one of the above mentioned specialist or one of a myriad of others that do appear in the list found elsewhere on this forum.An ultra low miles car will cost much more to buy, and may have sat unused for long periods. Watch out for ancient tyres too.
A very high miles car may need attention to its suspension, brakes, powertrain etc. and will likely be sporting stone chips. It'll be cheaper though.
As stated above, I would prefer a car that was garaged when not in use.
When I bought mine, I looked for one that had 1) been driven around 3000-5000 miles p.a. and 2) had been serviced by a reputable specialist each year. I also wanted evidence that things like the clutch had been done, it didn't leak from the timing chest cover and that the rear subframe wasn't too corroded.
Controversial opinion: I'd much prefer a car that had been to a really good specialist (Bamford Rose, David Appleby and Phoenix AM spring to my mind but there's others) each year rather than a main dealer. Especially if the car had the paperwork from those visits. Others will disagree with this opinion, but either way I'd avoid cars with long gaps in their service history.
Of course this comes at a charge but well worth it if they find issues.
Edited by BiggaJ on Tuesday 27th September 14:49
BiggaJ said:
^^^ I would agree with this ^^^ but add you might be best advised to get any car independently inspected by one of the above mentioned specialist of one of a myriad of others that do appear in the list found elsewhere on this forum.
Of course this comes at a charge but well worth it if they find issues.
Yes, good point, and I completely agree. As you suggest, the fee charged is often more than paid back by issues highlighted and a consequent price reduction.Of course this comes at a charge but well worth it if they find issues.
It's also a good test of the seller: if the seller says 'no' to an inspection, that tells you something about them.
Years ago I bought a DB4, which I still have, with 42K miles on the clock. It now shows 98K, but I also now have the original receipt from the early 70s for a new speedo, fitted at 65K from new. My 40+ years experience is that they do need using, to the extent that in my view mileage is less important than knowing the periods of inactivity. When used as a daily, it was very reliable, but after being laid up a while, it always needed a load of recommissioning, especially of perishable bits
For various reasons I have not used one of my cars since last November, and I just know that will cost me to get through the MOT!
Meanwhile the DB4 is betting a gearbox rebuild, the second in my ownership, and taking advantage of better metallurgy than before, and new hubs and discs, because a recent independent inspection measured their wear and they've never been done since build
I wouldn't buy a low mile older car without an independent inspection, by someone with experience doing them. There are I am sure plenty here with unfortunate experience of design and manufacture flaws in Gaydon cars, which inactivity will only make worse
For various reasons I have not used one of my cars since last November, and I just know that will cost me to get through the MOT!
Meanwhile the DB4 is betting a gearbox rebuild, the second in my ownership, and taking advantage of better metallurgy than before, and new hubs and discs, because a recent independent inspection measured their wear and they've never been done since build
I wouldn't buy a low mile older car without an independent inspection, by someone with experience doing them. There are I am sure plenty here with unfortunate experience of design and manufacture flaws in Gaydon cars, which inactivity will only make worse
DB4DM said:
When used as a daily, it was very reliable, but after being laid up a while, it always needed a load of recommissioning, especially of perishable bits
For various reasons I have not used one of my cars since last November, and I just know that will cost me to get through the MOT!
I wouldn't buy a low mile older car without an independent inspection, by someone with experience doing them. There are I am sure plenty here with unfortunate experience of design and manufacture flaws in Gaydon cars, which inactivity will only make worse
For various reasons I have not used one of my cars since last November, and I just know that will cost me to get through the MOT!
I wouldn't buy a low mile older car without an independent inspection, by someone with experience doing them. There are I am sure plenty here with unfortunate experience of design and manufacture flaws in Gaydon cars, which inactivity will only make worse
There must be many of us who 'lay up' our Aston Martin during every winter. Perhaps I have been lucky David, but during 10 years of ownership, I have encountered hardly any problems. One door damper and an air conditioning radiator wouldn't be linked to inactivity.
I do know what you mean though. I have two cars over 50 years old and they are much more temperamental, although the inactivity periods have been longer. Minimal 20 miles every six weeks, does seem to keep everything working well. I once left my Vantage longer than that and felt tyre flat spots. Fortunately some Italian cornering resolved that issue. Maintenance is by a respected independent, who describes the car as 'a good one'.
Are you using ESSO zero ethanol (assuming it is available in your area) to reduce potential problems ?
Did you have to have your valve inserts changed, when leaded petrol became unavailable?
Have you come across Bryan Smart, who had/has a green DB4, bought many years ago?
If you find a low mileage you like. Pay to have it checked out. Have it serviced, change the fluids. Replace the tires, the battery. Clean it up, detail it, drive it, enjoy it. Don’t waste stupid money on a warranty. Don’t be afraid of ultra low mileage cars. That’s my opinion.
Edited by AstonV on Wednesday 28th September 07:03
The engine was rebuilt about 20 years ago, with a modified cylinder head and valves to deal with lead-free, and recently the fuel system was updated to cope with ethanol in petrol. I use Shell which in my area has allegedly zero ethanol, because Esso is not easily available. By "lay up", I am meaning for years not just winter! The big issue is mice...
Edited by DB4DM on Wednesday 28th September 08:12
DB4DM said:
The big issue is mice...
Oh yes indeed.
They visit my garages, but fortunately have not yet feasted on a car (foam insulation and wiring, being their favourites).
I provide nutritious (not) meals and peppermint aromas for the little blighters.
Their side of the deal up to now, has been to munch plastic bags and sometimes slip into a very deep long sleep, amongst the plastic bag remnants.
You have raised an important point, that we all need to be wary about.
Dewi 2 said:
DB4DM said:
The big issue is mice...
Oh yes indeed.
They visit my garages, but fortunately have not yet feasted on a car (foam insulation and wiring, being their favourites).
I provide nutritious (not) meals and peppermint aromas for the little blighters.
Their side of the deal up to now, has been to munch plastic bags and sometimes slip into a very deep long sleep, amongst the plastic bag remnants.
You have raised an important point, that we all need to be wary about.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230743565374
Piston Ted said:
I once had a rodent issue at my previous property which I solved by using a plug in rodent repeller, I’m convinced by them and I now have one in the house as well as the garage!
I had a rodent problem in a house I moved into a few years ago (before Aston ownership) and I found an electricity-free rodent repeller and (in)humane killer. Just needed some kibble and a few belly rubs. 
Yeah as already been mentioned really
Low mileage stuff can be a whole load of issues if you actually start using the car. I’ve experienced this myself numerous times but it is also generally understood by anyone I’ve ever spoken with in the trade / specialists etc.
Cars are designed to be used. It doesn’t do them any good sitting around
Low mileage stuff can be a whole load of issues if you actually start using the car. I’ve experienced this myself numerous times but it is also generally understood by anyone I’ve ever spoken with in the trade / specialists etc.
Cars are designed to be used. It doesn’t do them any good sitting around
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