V8V AMR

[Square Leg]

I’ve been hanging my nose over one of these and one has become available not far from me.
I know very little about Astons if I’m honest, so just after some basic pointers if anyone can help.

I’ve been through the Wiki regards servicing etc, but are there any issues / niggles I’d need to look out for?
Car in question is a 2019 model with 5k miles at Auto100.

Many thanks.

[geresey]

Lovely car if it’s this one? Others on here can comment on the AMR but i’d imagine they’d say you can’t go far wrong… then suggest maybe consider a v12 if your budget allows ! (E.g. the blue v12 s on the same site)

https://www.auto100.co.uk/vehicle-details/aston-ma...

[Square Leg]

Yes that’s the one.
The V12 is pushing it somewhat budget wise.
(And there’s already 3 blue cars on the drive..)

[bogie]

Shouldn't be any issues on a car so lightly used, and it looks like a fantastic example. Im on my 3rd VH era Vantage since 2007. Typical niggles are things like condensation in the lights (get a vent kit for the fronts) The OE clutch is a weak point, but still should last you many years before concern, and you can replace with the twin plate (similar to V12 clutch).

Ive had issues like corrosion on the chrome side strakes (not issue on that AMR as all they are black) and other things like coolant sensors, ABS transducers didn't show up for many miles. Tens of thousands of miles later you may replace aircon condensers, window regulators, wheel bearings ....just normal wear n tear items that could fail on most cars.

I have purchased previously from Auto100 before and their cars are immaculately prepared and presented, I will be a repeat customer

[LTP]

My first thoughts, for what they are worth. In the order they occurred to me

• Don't get bamboozled by the "AMR" - it's just a 4.7 V8 Vantage S with some fancy bits. So "Investment opportunity"? I'm not so sure. Nice car to have? Definitely.
• It's a SportShift II. A lovely transmission, if slightly flawed (I have one), but definitely Marmite: some people hate them - you need to make sure you're not one of them. And it's unlikely a 20 min test drive with the salesman rabbiting in your left ear would be a definitive test, nor teach you how to get the best out of it. It's not a DSG/DCT, it's a robotised manual transmission, using late 1990's technology. Oh, and never use the "D" button.
• You're not buying from a main AML dealer, so the warranty is unlikely to be the AML "Timeless" one. Read what it covers carefully.
• It's only done 5000 miles in nearly 6 years. These cars thrive on being driven. Check the service and MOT history to see what the usage pattern has been.
• At 6 years old the original tyres (I guess it's still wearing them) are probably toast, particularly if they are Bridgestones. Not from wear, but from age. My tyres had cracks in the treads when I got my car at just over 3 years old and 6000 miles and they rode like cart wheels. Budget for a new set.
• At 6 years old the battery is also probably toast, unless it's been on a conditioner when not driven. Budget for a new one of those too - Vantages do not like poor batteries, even if they crank the car. I changed mine as a precaution at 6 years.
• Ask if the front timing cover has ever had an oil leak and had it fixed. If not, it might develop one - TADTS. Mine was leaking at 6000 miles, fixed under Timeless. Make sure the warranty would cover it - it isn't a cheap job when done correctly.
• Check the rear lamps for "condensation". They don't get condensation like the fronts do, they can leak. I had one swapped after the pre-handover inspection I did showed water in one of them, and it was only obvious as they'd parked it outside while waiting for the bits for the timing cover oil leak fix. When I first saw the car in the showroom they looked dry.
• Check the paintwork thoroughly. Look for any small bubbles along the top of the windscreen, around the door mirrors, around the door handles. I wouldn't expect any blemishes on that car. Also check the door mirror arms, including underneath.
• Take an LED torch and shine it on the paintwork to check for swirls. If it has any don't let them ceramic coat it - it'd be pointless. Negotiate the money for the ceramic off then get the car detailed first.

Having said all of that a 2019 Vantage with only 5000 miles should be a real peach, and I'd be slightly jealous. It's not even run in yet, and will continue to get better over the next 10k miles or so - I speak from experience

Edited by LTP on Sunday 29th June 15:15

[Square Leg]

bogie said:

Shouldn't be any issues on a car so lightly used, and it looks like a fantastic example. Im on my 3rd VH era Vantage since 2007. Typical niggles are things like condensation in the lights (get a vent kit for the fronts) The OE clutch is a weak point, but still should last you many years before concern, and you can replace with the twin plate (similar to V12 clutch).

Ive had issues like corrosion on the chrome side strakes (not issue on that AMR as all they are black) and other things like coolant sensors, ABS transducers didn't show up for many miles. Tens of thousands of miles later you may replace aircon condensers, window regulators, wheel bearings ....just normal wear n tear items that could fail on most cars.

I have purchased previously from Auto100 before and their cars are immaculately prepared and presented, I will be a repeat customer

Thanks
The dealer has given me some concerns - been reading the Emira thread which has put me off a bit.

[Square Leg]

LTP said:

My first thoughts, for what they are worth. In the order they occurred to me

• Don't get bamboozled by the "AMR" - it's just a 4.7 V8 Vantage S with some fancy bits. So "Investment opportunity"? I'm not so sure. Nice car to have? Definitely.
• It's a SportShift II. A lovely transmission, if slightly flawed (I have one), but definitely Marmite: some people hate them - you need to make sure you're not one of them. And it's unlikely a 20 min test drive with the salesman rabbiting in your left ear would be a definitive test, nor teach you how to get the best out of it. It's not a DSG/DCT, it's a robotised manual transmission, using late 1990's technology. Oh, and never use the "D" button.
• You're not buying from a main AML dealer, so the warranty is unlikely to be the AML "Timeless" one. Read what it covers carefully.
• It's only done 5000 miles in nearly 6 years. These cars thrive on being driven. Check the service and MOT history to see what the usage pattern has been.
• At 6 years old the original tyres (I guess it's still wearing them) are probably toast, particularly if they are Bridgestones. Not from wear, but from age. My tyres had cracks in the treads when I got my car at just over 3 years old and 6000 miles and they rode like cart wheels. Budget for a new set.
• At 6 years old the battery is also probably toast, unless it's been on a conditioner when not driven. Budget for a new one of those too - Vantages do not like poor batteries, even if they crank the car. I changed mine as a precaution at 6 years.
• Ask if the front timing cover has ever had an oil leak and had it fixed. If not, it might develop one - TADTS. Mine was leaking at 6000 miles, fixed under Timeless. Make sure the warranty would cover it - it isn't a cheap job when done correctly.
• Check the rear lamps for "condensation". They don't get condensation like the fronts do, they can leak. I had one swapped after the pre-handover inspection I did showed water in one of them, and it was only obvious as they'd parked it outside while waiting for the bits for the timing cover oil leak fix. When I first saw the car in the showroom they looked dry.
• Check the paintwork thoroughly. Look for any small bubbles along the top of the windscreen, around the door mirrors, around the door handles. I wouldn't expect any blemishes on that car. Also check the door mirror arms, including underneath.
• Take an LED torch and shine it on the paintwork to check for swirls. If it has any don't let them ceramic coat it - it'd be pointless. Negotiate the money for the ceramic off then get the car detailed first.

Having said all of that a 2019 Vantage with only 5000 miles should be a real peach, and I'd be slightly jealous. It's not even run in yet, and will continue to get better over the next 10k miles or so - I speak from experience

Edited by LTP on Sunday 29th June 15:15

Very comprehensive so thanks for taking the time, much appreciated and just the sort of info I was looking for.

Hoping to get to see the car this week, however from an enquiry with this dealer some time back over a Giulia QV, I was told there’s no test drives until the car is purchased or finance arranged with them.
Hopefully that’s changed now as I’d really need some time to drive it.

Wrt to warranty, I assume buying from a main dealer is preferable to benefit from the Timeless warranty?

Cheers.

[bogie]

The warranty from Auto 100 was 3 months or pay for 3rd party warranty to 12 months at a cost on top of the advertised price. Not the same as the AM Timeless warranty, which is worth £1500 to £2000, but yes you need to buy from main dealer to benefit from that and its built into the price.

You can get a Timeless warranty on a car you have purchased elsewhere, but you would have to pay for inspection by main dealer, which adds further to the cost. There are many threads on here going back 15 years as to whether an extended warranty is worth it or not. If it was £1k would be great value, you can soon spend that on relatively minor issues if you visit the main dealer at £250 p.h labour rate. However the recent quote for my 9 year old car was £2500 so I decided to self insure.

I think its nice to have the re-assurance of good warranty for the first 12 months, as some common issues like condensation in the lights may not show up until winter.

Edited by bogie on Sunday 29th June 20:06

[bogie]

Square Leg said:

Thanks
The dealer has given me some concerns - been reading the Emira thread which has put me off a bit.

Just read that myself, seems to be a few disgruntled customers. Must admit i didn't research so much, they had the car I wanted I did a quick check on Trustpilot (for what its worth) and over 1400 reviews 4.6 out of 5, and assumed they must be ok. Had a positive experience. The only negative for me was the price quoted included a default 3 month warranty and if you wanted 12 months you pay for the 3rd party from https://www.bluechipwarranty.co.uk/

[Apollya]

bogie said:

Square Leg said:

Thanks
The dealer has given me some concerns - been reading the Emira thread which has put me off a bit.

Just read that myself, seems to be a few disgruntled customers. Must admit i didn't research so much, they had the car I wanted I did a quick check on Trustpilot (for what its worth) and over 1400 reviews 4.6 out of 5, and assumed they must be ok. Had a positive experience. The only negative for me was the price quoted included a default 3 month warranty and if you wanted 12 months you pay for the 3rd party from https://www.bluechipwarranty.co.uk/

The warranty for 3 months is an attempt to cop out of funding costs of issues that develop after sale, be very careful of a lot of 3rd party warranty companies often not worth the paper they’re printed on and most find any excuse not to pay where ever possible, they tend to have low maximum limits on policy too so often a serious claim costs more than their limits.

When you buy a car from a register trader or dealer you have 6 months warranty from them, if a fault develops it is assumed on the eyes of the law it was present at point of sale and it is up to the dealer to prove otherwise. They are then responsible for repairing or replacing at their cost, if they refuse or fail to repair after 1 attempt you can reject the vehicle for money back minor small adjustments for mileage etc.

In the first month if it not as described, not fit for purpose or not of satisfactory quality you can reject outright and are entitled to a full refund and costs associated (e.g. they have to cover costs of loss for road tax and insurance).

I am sadly going through this process of rejection in first 30 days on a vehicle I bought to be the new daily. Been messed around a fair amount already by the dealer, who are part of a very large dealership network with numerous brand franchises.

[Square Leg]

Yes that’s the one.
The V12 is pushing it somewhat budget wise.
(And there’s already 3 blue cars on the drive..)

[Davil]

I have one. Mine is a 6 speed manual though, which to me at least is a large part of its charm.

They are very special in that they are the last of the last of the v8 vantages and have some lovely details. They are also fully debugged being the end of the line of a very long run. A nice thing too is that it has factory CarPlay that works very well and much improved controls which make the interior feel more up to date than earlier models.

I would not recommend it as an only car. It s a hairy chested analogue sports car that is a riot to drive and puts an incredible smile on your face. Beautiful balanced handling, magnificent feelsome heavy steering and faster than you ll ever need. It is very much a driver s car. Not in any way shape or form a commuter car or grand tourer. You have to be in the mood, but when you are in said mood nothing else compares.

I have had mine for over 3 years. No problems to report other than some condensation in the headlights on a very hot humid 36 degree day. I got the fan vent installed and that has gone.

Occasional emissions service warning. I know what causes that, and I just clear the code with my iPhone and it goes away for a year until I repeat what caused it. Rinse repeat.

Brilliant cars. I d have to go for a manual though as it fits in so well with what the car is all about.

Oh yes. The sound. Best sound ever and a lot of the experience. I do have secondary cat delete which gives a little more power and makes it sound like Zeus gargling marbles. If you aren t on Instagram you can view on this web link as the club posted a short video of the glorious sound.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DItJAvcSlV0/?utm_so...

One last thing. Those original Bridgestones are horrible. I replaced mine with Bridgestone Potenza Sport and grip, handling, feel and ride are all on another level. I also replaced the battery with a Lithium Ion unit that saves 20kg in weight and is much more reliable and doesn’t need to be on a conditioner all the time.

Edited by Davil on Wednesday 2nd July 03:11

[Square Leg]

Thanks Davil - another great reply with loads of info, cheers.

Dealing with Auto100 isn’t easy - they won’t let me even see the car until I’ve got finance in place (which means hard searches, myriad of financial details, agreements signed etc) as they won’t bring it from their ‘storage’ facility to the showroom until that’s happened.
Test drive can only be taken on the day of collection - so after the deposit has been paid, all paperwork dealt with for p/x etc…
And if I don’t like it?

[AdamV12V]

Square Leg said:

Thanks Davil - another great reply with loads of info, cheers.

Dealing with Auto100 isn t easy - they won t let me even see the car until I ve got finance in place (which means hard searches, myriad of financial details, agreements signed etc) as they won t bring it from their storage facility to the showroom until that s happened.
Test drive can only be taken on the day of collection - so after the deposit has been paid, all paperwork dealt with for p/x etc
And if I don t like it?

Hmm, sounds like way too many rules. I would personally walk away based on their rules. Ive bought 30 cars or so over the years and never been asked to do any of that even once.

Ok, its a lovely car, but there will be another from a dealer who is easier to work with....

[AMRicardo]

Square Leg said:

Thanks Davil - another great reply with loads of info, cheers.

Dealing with Auto100 isn t easy - they won t let me even see the car until I ve got finance in place (which means hard searches, myriad of financial details, agreements signed etc) as they won t bring it from their storage facility to the showroom until that s happened.
Test drive can only be taken on the day of collection - so after the deposit has been paid, all paperwork dealt with for p/x etc
And if I don t like it?

I’d run a mile, so many red flags. Not even a viewing without arranging finance.! What is their modus operandi if you want to pay cash???

[Square Leg]

It basically sounded like they can’t be arsed bringing it to the showroom unless I’m 100% going to buy it.
I’ll give them another go tomorrow and see what happens.

[LTP]

Square Leg said:

Thanks Davil - another great reply with loads of info, cheers.

Dealing with Auto100 isn t easy - they won t let me even see the car until I ve got finance in place (which means hard searches, myriad of financial details, agreements signed etc) as they won t bring it from their storage facility to the showroom until that s happened.
Test drive can only be taken on the day of collection - so after the deposit has been paid, all paperwork dealt with for p/x etc
And if I don t like it?

What? They want money in place before they'll even let you see the car? Never mind drive it?

I'd tell them to go swivel and start looking at late V8VS models. Bunch of comedians.

I drove all sorts of cars through various AML MDs with nothing other than my driving licence. Having sold me my V8V, a couple of years later my local MD even let me out on my own to play in a V12VS on the off-chance it might tempt me (and it oh so nearly did).

[Square Leg]

So having spoken to them again, it seems I miss understood the finance aspect - apparently there’s no point them dragging the car to the showroom for me to just view ( not drive - I haven’t asked for that) unless we’ve agreed all costs (that’s p/x, price of their car etc).
How do I do that without seeing it?

I may decide, if I liked it that much, to take a hit on my p/x and just go for it, but how can I do that without seeing it?

All that aside,I’m not prepared to go through all the finance, insurance change etc to decide that when I pick the car up I don’t like it, and have to undo everything to drive back home in my current car.

This will be about car number 41 that I’ve purchased since 1987 when I passed my test, it’s not like I’m just a tyre kicker.

Life’s too short for arsing around at the moment, and it’s not as if my current car is lacking.
Oh well.

[cypriot]

I would echo the comments from above and tell them to bugger off. Its their problem the car is off site (to lower operational costs) but then want to you jump through hoops to justify them doing what is essentially their whole business model - sell cars. So what if it costs them money to bring the car to the showroom - thats their problem.

If you still want the car and they are insisting, then you have to assume the worst, and hence just give them a low offer. This whole "not showing you until you have paid deposit game" goes both ways. And in this market, the buyer is king.

[Froomee]

cypriot said:

I would echo the comments from above and tell them to bugger off. Its their problem the car is off site (to lower operational costs) but then want to you jump through hoops to justify them doing what is essentially their whole business model - sell cars. So what if it costs them money to bring the car to the showroom - thats their problem.

If you still want the car and they are insisting, then you have to assume the worst, and hence just give them a low offer. This whole "not showing you until you have paid deposit game" goes both ways. And in this market, the buyer is king.

As above…. I turned up at a number of Aston specialists or dealers in March with zero notice and a driving license, all offered test drives without question and with just a driver’s license.

Strong money for a V8… a v12 coupe in Mako blue with mileage in the teens was up for similar money not long ago.