What did you do within your 1st 6months of ownership
Discussion
I thought it would be interesting to learn what work new Aston owners did within their first 6months of ownership. This covers things you knew about, things you didn't know about but realised needed doing (and the sells didn't sort you out) and vanity work due to the shear pride of new ownership.
So here goes with my 6 months. I bought my first Aston about 6 months ago, a lovely 2015 Vantage S manual in Quantum silver and waterfall AMi II ICE.
First step was to have it ceramic coated, from the place I bought it from.
Next was a trip to Aston Installations, where my amazing partner so kindly bought me the upgrade to AMi III which basically adds the factory carplay to the 2015 car. I have to say, while expensive it was a great upgrade, as I would have really struggled with the satnav in the stock car.
While there, we decided the 10 year old battery was overdue a replacement , so that too was swapped out. I didn't go for a light weight lithium unit, on reflection I think I should have, as the weight saving is one of the easiest ways to shave off a few kg. But I wont be tracking it, so maybe not such a poor choice,
We also had the pollen and air filters replaced where it was there too. It amazes me how a 10 year old car that have only ever had Works services never had these units replaced. To be fair they were not terrible but I do think after 30k miles and 10 years you would have thought they would have got done?
I have since done 3 vanity DIY things to the car
1. I have bought a carbon fibre version of the Aston martin umbrella and made up my own leather loops for it, very pleased with how OEM and fully reversable this is, I will post separately on this to show what I did
2. I pimped the cheap 2nd valet key to make it much nicer, adding weight to it and a custom paint job. If anyone is interested, I will share a post on this too.
3. by far the biggest of these 3, I had a custom made metal gear knob as I felt the leather unit felt and looked a little ordinary, and I like the feel and look of a metal changer. I will do a post on this too, to show what I did.
I replaced the 4 Bridgestone, 2 on the rear were original! The 2 fronts were about 5 years old with a nice set of Conti Sport Contact 7. I have barely run these in, but the initial impression is great, they give a much more compliant ride and I have no doubt they will be much more reassuring through the bends. The old Bridgestone's are harsh and gave little confidence. Big mistake to not replace the TPMS units when I did this, as now 1 unit is presenting a fault on the dash, so this will be my next project.
Finally I have just received from ECPS carbon fibre mirror caps and rear light infills, both very cosmetic items, but to my mind complimentary to the S carbon fibre diffuser and splitter. Now I suspect I will fall further down that rabbit hole with some interior carbon fibre bits. I would love to hear what others think works best in this car. My haptic dash is piano black - so thinking about the options of full waterfall and air vents, and/or the door sills and internal door pull/catch?
So here goes with my 6 months. I bought my first Aston about 6 months ago, a lovely 2015 Vantage S manual in Quantum silver and waterfall AMi II ICE.
First step was to have it ceramic coated, from the place I bought it from.
Next was a trip to Aston Installations, where my amazing partner so kindly bought me the upgrade to AMi III which basically adds the factory carplay to the 2015 car. I have to say, while expensive it was a great upgrade, as I would have really struggled with the satnav in the stock car.
While there, we decided the 10 year old battery was overdue a replacement , so that too was swapped out. I didn't go for a light weight lithium unit, on reflection I think I should have, as the weight saving is one of the easiest ways to shave off a few kg. But I wont be tracking it, so maybe not such a poor choice,
We also had the pollen and air filters replaced where it was there too. It amazes me how a 10 year old car that have only ever had Works services never had these units replaced. To be fair they were not terrible but I do think after 30k miles and 10 years you would have thought they would have got done?
I have since done 3 vanity DIY things to the car
1. I have bought a carbon fibre version of the Aston martin umbrella and made up my own leather loops for it, very pleased with how OEM and fully reversable this is, I will post separately on this to show what I did
2. I pimped the cheap 2nd valet key to make it much nicer, adding weight to it and a custom paint job. If anyone is interested, I will share a post on this too.
3. by far the biggest of these 3, I had a custom made metal gear knob as I felt the leather unit felt and looked a little ordinary, and I like the feel and look of a metal changer. I will do a post on this too, to show what I did.
I replaced the 4 Bridgestone, 2 on the rear were original! The 2 fronts were about 5 years old with a nice set of Conti Sport Contact 7. I have barely run these in, but the initial impression is great, they give a much more compliant ride and I have no doubt they will be much more reassuring through the bends. The old Bridgestone's are harsh and gave little confidence. Big mistake to not replace the TPMS units when I did this, as now 1 unit is presenting a fault on the dash, so this will be my next project.
Finally I have just received from ECPS carbon fibre mirror caps and rear light infills, both very cosmetic items, but to my mind complimentary to the S carbon fibre diffuser and splitter. Now I suspect I will fall further down that rabbit hole with some interior carbon fibre bits. I would love to hear what others think works best in this car. My haptic dash is piano black - so thinking about the options of full waterfall and air vents, and/or the door sills and internal door pull/catch?
Tyres - £715
Remote switch for fuse 22 - £68
Satnav gears repair kit - £24
Jacking pads - £76
Rear light seals - £13
Bonnet gas struts & rear hatch repair plates - £150
Car cover - £359
Floor mats, pollen filters, boot carpet, touch-up paint - £587
HVAC hoses - £65
Aluminium radio knobs - £27
Service - £1,165
Aircon condenser - £516
£3,765 in the first six months.
It didn't get any cheaper in the next six months, or at all, really....
Remote switch for fuse 22 - £68
Satnav gears repair kit - £24
Jacking pads - £76
Rear light seals - £13
Bonnet gas struts & rear hatch repair plates - £150
Car cover - £359
Floor mats, pollen filters, boot carpet, touch-up paint - £587
HVAC hoses - £65
Aluminium radio knobs - £27
Service - £1,165
Aircon condenser - £516
£3,765 in the first six months.
It didn't get any cheaper in the next six months, or at all, really....
Doors and rear PPF'd - for some reaon these had not been done; Front camera fitted; New floor mats to protect the OEM ones; CCC's Auto remote memory exhaust remote control to give the Vanquish S more sound/theatre; a front number plate - it didn't have one; an Indoor car cover (OEM); and, Jack pads
I've had my V8 Vantage for a month now.
So far I've done the following:
Bought a leather ECU pouch for the key
Replaced the vacuum pump for the exhaust valves
Replaced a rear light unit due to condensation
Fitted the AMUpgrades headlight venting kit
Put a set of jacking pads in the boot
Fixed a leak on the air con system and now just need to get it recharged.
Bit disappointed as my main reason for purchasing it from a main dealer (Specialist car dealer, not Aston unfortunately) was to avoid having to do these things myself. However, apparently I only have a major mechanical warranty on it.
Then on 22nd April it's going in to our local detailer for a 3 day paint correction and ceramic coating.
So far I've done the following:
Bought a leather ECU pouch for the key
Replaced the vacuum pump for the exhaust valves
Replaced a rear light unit due to condensation
Fitted the AMUpgrades headlight venting kit
Put a set of jacking pads in the boot
Fixed a leak on the air con system and now just need to get it recharged.
Bit disappointed as my main reason for purchasing it from a main dealer (Specialist car dealer, not Aston unfortunately) was to avoid having to do these things myself. However, apparently I only have a major mechanical warranty on it.
Then on 22nd April it's going in to our local detailer for a 3 day paint correction and ceramic coating.
Edited by dhallworth on Wednesday 8th April 20:08
Edited by dhallworth on Wednesday 8th April 20:40
@dhallworth would love to see some before and after pics. My Vantage has 10 year old PPF and on the bonnet there are strange, what I can only describe as creases. I am guessing it is just down to the age of the PPF. So I've been considering getting it removed and a new one applied, as I will want to get PPF on the new carbon fibre wingmirror caps too.
I watched an amazing youtube video on an Aston Vanquish being detailed, I was blown away as to the attention to detail. Here it is, if you are interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qndrq_0KA10&t=...
I watched an amazing youtube video on an Aston Vanquish being detailed, I was blown away as to the attention to detail. Here it is, if you are interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qndrq_0KA10&t=...
In the first six months of my V8V AMR
- Full XPel PPF with ceramic coating. Ceramic coating on wheels.
- Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres. A revelation in ride, handling and steering feel compared to the 20 year old tyre tech of the RE71s which were wheelspinning pieces of rock.
- Secondary cat delete. A bit more power, a lot more sound a little less weight.
- Porterfield R4-S brake pads. No more squealing. Much less brake dust.
- Deadweight industries Lithium Iron Phosphate battery. About 20kg saved, no worries about flat batteries anymore.
- CCC Exhaust switch thing. I actually never use it.
- Passenger eject button in ashtray/cubby to replace plastic 12v cover. Childish but useful for ill behaving passenger.
- Leather AMR key pouch in black and volcano red to match the interior. The standard one was boring black.
The most recent update 3 years in is an AMR twin plate clutch and GT4 lightweight flywheel.
Absolutely no chatter, incredibly light clutch pedal, way better shifting. Best shifter I ve ever used now. More urgent and nicer throttle response at slow speeds and off the line. Reverse is no longer stress inducing. Feels like a different car.
Such a wonderful, wonderful car. Enjoy yours!
- Full XPel PPF with ceramic coating. Ceramic coating on wheels.
- Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres. A revelation in ride, handling and steering feel compared to the 20 year old tyre tech of the RE71s which were wheelspinning pieces of rock.
- Secondary cat delete. A bit more power, a lot more sound a little less weight.
- Porterfield R4-S brake pads. No more squealing. Much less brake dust.
- Deadweight industries Lithium Iron Phosphate battery. About 20kg saved, no worries about flat batteries anymore.
- CCC Exhaust switch thing. I actually never use it.
- Passenger eject button in ashtray/cubby to replace plastic 12v cover. Childish but useful for ill behaving passenger.
- Leather AMR key pouch in black and volcano red to match the interior. The standard one was boring black.
The most recent update 3 years in is an AMR twin plate clutch and GT4 lightweight flywheel.
Absolutely no chatter, incredibly light clutch pedal, way better shifting. Best shifter I ve ever used now. More urgent and nicer throttle response at slow speeds and off the line. Reverse is no longer stress inducing. Feels like a different car.
Such a wonderful, wonderful car. Enjoy yours!
Edited by Davil on Thursday 9th April 05:29
Full cost break down with 30k budget purchased 3 months ago as a small project
Full thread
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Wheels refurb 350
Tyres 465 sc7x4
Centre caps 87
Spacers 180 minus 100
Shocks 2407
Am upgrade bits 480
12volt 155
Led Bulbs 55
Consumables 50
Mirror glass 40
1 new plate 19
Plate mounting stuff 42
Wash pump 61
Steering wheel and exaust tips 430
Minus 290 from sale of old bits
Door struts 62
Mirror 30
Touch up paints 30
Service bits 50
Upcoming alignment 80
Door seal 140
2 spare frunt strut mounts 60
Machining 50
4903
18k for car
23k aston thats somewhat sorted that leaves 7k in the kitty.....as i started with a budget of 30k
I since spent a 2150 on the cats intake, and software
Leaves 5k for the future mods and fixez
But as it stands looks all is okay and looks sublime
Full thread
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Wheels refurb 350
Tyres 465 sc7x4
Centre caps 87
Spacers 180 minus 100
Shocks 2407
Am upgrade bits 480
12volt 155
Led Bulbs 55
Consumables 50
Mirror glass 40
1 new plate 19
Plate mounting stuff 42
Wash pump 61
Steering wheel and exaust tips 430
Minus 290 from sale of old bits
Door struts 62
Mirror 30
Touch up paints 30
Service bits 50
Upcoming alignment 80
Door seal 140
2 spare frunt strut mounts 60
Machining 50
4903
18k for car
23k aston thats somewhat sorted that leaves 7k in the kitty.....as i started with a budget of 30k
I since spent a 2150 on the cats intake, and software
Leaves 5k for the future mods and fixez
But as it stands looks all is okay and looks sublime
just fitted the ECPS parts. Pleased to say its achieved the 150g weight loss I was hoping for 
Practical tip, The mirror caps do not have clips as per the OEM ones, a couple of youtubers show them being fitted with 3M tape, which was my approach. But I found that I had to triple up in a couple of places to get contact. I gather ECPS recommend silicon sealant, but I did not want the mess, albeit inside the wing mirror if applied properly, but I couldn't bring myself to doing it that way.
Practical tip, The mirror caps do not have clips as per the OEM ones, a couple of youtubers show them being fitted with 3M tape, which was my approach. But I found that I had to triple up in a couple of places to get contact. I gather ECPS recommend silicon sealant, but I did not want the mess, albeit inside the wing mirror if applied properly, but I couldn't bring myself to doing it that way.
I smiled - a lot!
Got a full detail and then Xpel PPF the front to doors and A frame, and rear haunches to the swage line, with ceramic coat to the rest, including the side / rear windows and wheels.
Forked out for a set of OEM rubber winter mats - set up the boot with umbrella straps and a boot tidy - set of AM wing valve caps.
Managed to pick up a bargain set of OEM lightweight wheel and Blizzak tyres for winter - if you take the rear seat out of an i10 they will fit, just!
Valeted it, drove it, smiled, repeat.
Got a full detail and then Xpel PPF the front to doors and A frame, and rear haunches to the swage line, with ceramic coat to the rest, including the side / rear windows and wheels.
Forked out for a set of OEM rubber winter mats - set up the boot with umbrella straps and a boot tidy - set of AM wing valve caps.
Managed to pick up a bargain set of OEM lightweight wheel and Blizzak tyres for winter - if you take the rear seat out of an i10 they will fit, just!
Valeted it, drove it, smiled, repeat.
Bought my current Aston a 2016 V8 Vantage N430 in April 2024 and apart from the usual drives and visits to events that year we went up to Scotland and drove the NC500, on way back south stopping off on the Isle of Skye then a 3 night stopover in Keswick before travelling home, a journey of 2,500 miles over a three week period. Loved it so much and inspired by Henry Catchpole’s drive on the Old Military Road in the Cairngorms national park we took another tour up there spending another 2.5 weeks touring Aberdeenshire
In the first month we:
Took ours to Wales and scared the crap out of a lot of sheep:
Changed the worn buttons on the valet key to hard plastic.
Bought one of the genuine leather key holders for £1000000 to hide the plastic key.
Added an extended throttle pedal to make heel and toe possible.
Got the ferry to Spain and scared the crap out of lots of Spanish alpine cows:
In the next five months we drove out to Wales again at Christmas. This involved no small amount of filth:
And I got the hateful black wheels done in grey and fitted some Conti SC7s to replace the dire tyres that were on it. Much better!
Took ours to Wales and scared the crap out of a lot of sheep:
Changed the worn buttons on the valet key to hard plastic.
Bought one of the genuine leather key holders for £1000000 to hide the plastic key.
Added an extended throttle pedal to make heel and toe possible.
Got the ferry to Spain and scared the crap out of lots of Spanish alpine cows:
In the next five months we drove out to Wales again at Christmas. This involved no small amount of filth:
And I got the hateful black wheels done in grey and fitted some Conti SC7s to replace the dire tyres that were on it. Much better!
Glad you are liking the conti CS7s. I too had them fitted, replacing original 10 year old Bridgestones, so a low bar to be be fair, but everything about them is a big improvement. Better ride, grip etc.
Interested in the change to the accelerator pedal. Did you fit the one from https://www.ultimatepedals.com/aston_martin/vantag...
Postage to uk is a bit painful.
I have never really mastered heel and toe and therefore have not pressed the button here. But without this mod I guess I am very unlikely to figure it out.
Interested in the change to the accelerator pedal. Did you fit the one from https://www.ultimatepedals.com/aston_martin/vantag...
Postage to uk is a bit painful.
I have never really mastered heel and toe and therefore have not pressed the button here. But without this mod I guess I am very unlikely to figure it out.
The first six months of ownership of my first Aston was taken up with getting the torque converter replaced. Along the way I discovered that an AM main dealer used 40K miles instead of 8 years as the transmission oil interval, which is what damaged it. I discovered that an 'Aston specialist with 75 years experience' couldn't use AMDS, didn't know what live data was, and thought the gearbox problem was in the engine. Whilst proceeding with a Section 75 to recover their four-figure bill I discovered they were arrogant liars as well. I learned about torque converters and oil change intervals. I learned about green oil and amber oil, and the fact the supplying indy dealer, when finally obliged to change the torque converter, used the wrong oil. I fretted over misfires and coilpacks and the fear that the engine would inhale the cats and I'd have to buy a new engine. I learned that you can keep goldfish in the rear lights; my car ate three units in four years. I learned that the bloke on eBay who says he can fix them - can't. The car which was going to be my ultimate car was the only one I somehow paid people not to fix. I learned who to trust and who is incompetent. And so a car bought with only 14K miles and a full main dealer SH that caused me more trouble and cost than all my other cars put together. The one ray of light is that I discovered Nicholas Mee, who not only know what they're talking about but are honourable.
Let's hope its successor is more successful.
Let's hope its successor is more successful.
Edited by Simpo Two on Monday 13th April 20:51
LTP said:
Still diamond cut? Or have you gone powder coat all over?
Just grey / anthracite. davidismynaim said:
Glad you are liking the conti CS7s. I too had them fitted, replacing original 10 year old Bridgestones, so a low bar to be be fair, but everything about them is a big improvement. Better ride, grip etc.
Interested in the change to the accelerator pedal. Did you fit the one from https://www.ultimatepedals.com/aston_martin/vantag...
Postage to uk is a bit painful.
I have never really mastered heel and toe and therefore have not pressed the button here. But without this mod I guess I am very unlikely to figure it out.
Yes, that's the one! More info (and roadtrips) in my Readers Rides thread here:Interested in the change to the accelerator pedal. Did you fit the one from https://www.ultimatepedals.com/aston_martin/vantag...
Postage to uk is a bit painful.
I have never really mastered heel and toe and therefore have not pressed the button here. But without this mod I guess I am very unlikely to figure it out.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I would say my car has had a lightened flywheel from BR and The Internet tells you this makes a world of difference to the ease of H&T. I've still got a dead spot at the top of the throttle pedal which is another "thing" people speak of on this topic - you can get that tuned out (which someone said can freak the cruise control out?) but my muscle memory has compensated for it now and I just mash the throttle harder. Worst case scenario is you make a bit more delicious V8/V12 noise than is strictly necessary!
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