Discussion
Hello
Having picked up my Vantage V8 last week from a non Aston Dealer in Surrey (but a very reputable established specialist in Aston Martin and other Super cars - apparently) it has been into Aston today due to a Lambda Sensor failure and SRS Air Bag Service Warning Light.
Whilst it was at the HWM Aston Martin they took it upon themselves to do a quick once over on the car.
They found the following:
They confirmed (however off the record, but thankful they did) that the following was noted on the last service less then 500 miles ago:
My question is what do I do? Do I demand the dealer puts right all the issues and if they don't do I demand a refund and return the car to dealership? If so do I stand a chance of getting myh money back?
Not saying the dealer who sold it to me knew about these problems but I do know they do have a great relationship with the Aston dealer who serviced it last, so shouldn't they off checked out the last service records before accepting the car as a part exchange?
I am so upset as I spent ages looking for a decent Vantage, checked out loads of Aston Martin main dealers, and finally found this one at and indenpeant which is absolutely mint (bodywork wise), and only done 29k with full Asotn service history, only to find it actually has quiet a lot wrong with it.
Any advice would great. I really am not prepared to shell out for a new clutch and £1600 of repairs within a week of owning it as that is ludicrous.
Not going to mention Dealers name on here as I am yet to sepak until tomorrow to see what they say. But naturally sdisapointed to say the least.
Look forward ot your advice.
ScottK
Having picked up my Vantage V8 last week from a non Aston Dealer in Surrey (but a very reputable established specialist in Aston Martin and other Super cars - apparently) it has been into Aston today due to a Lambda Sensor failure and SRS Air Bag Service Warning Light.
Whilst it was at the HWM Aston Martin they took it upon themselves to do a quick once over on the car.
They found the following:
- Clutch pedal very heavy and difficult to engage gears - possible worn clutch.
- Front window not lining up to quarter panel glass
- Drivers side door handle very stiff form inside
- Hairline crack in one alloy wheel.
- Seat belt frayed
- Number plate holder broken (minor I konw)
They confirmed (however off the record, but thankful they did) that the following was noted on the last service less then 500 miles ago:
- Cluth pedal high biting point - possibly nearing the end of its servicable life
- Oil leak from engine (can't remember exactly where they said possible manifold) £650 to fix
- Handbrake not working correctly - possible rear caliper issue
- Front window not lining up to quarter panel glass
- Rear brake light 2 Led's out
- A few other minior things
My question is what do I do? Do I demand the dealer puts right all the issues and if they don't do I demand a refund and return the car to dealership? If so do I stand a chance of getting myh money back?
Not saying the dealer who sold it to me knew about these problems but I do know they do have a great relationship with the Aston dealer who serviced it last, so shouldn't they off checked out the last service records before accepting the car as a part exchange?
I am so upset as I spent ages looking for a decent Vantage, checked out loads of Aston Martin main dealers, and finally found this one at and indenpeant which is absolutely mint (bodywork wise), and only done 29k with full Asotn service history, only to find it actually has quiet a lot wrong with it.
Any advice would great. I really am not prepared to shell out for a new clutch and £1600 of repairs within a week of owning it as that is ludicrous.
Not going to mention Dealers name on here as I am yet to sepak until tomorrow to see what they say. But naturally sdisapointed to say the least.
Look forward ot your advice.
ScottK
Hi All
Thank you for your feedback.
The warranty is an AutoGuard (Specialist) warranty. They agreed to pay out for Lamda sensor at £300, but I have to pay and claim it back which is also frustrating. The dealer puts these warranties on all their cars including £150k supercars (out of manufacturer warranty) so was hoping it won't be a bad warranty.
Shall speak to deLet first thing tomorrow and demand they sort the issue, what are the chances they pay for a new clutch? Pretty slim I guess. Don't fancy a £2.5k bill in the next year.
When I spoke to Aston in Chichester (who did last service) the service guy said with all the work required he could no way even contemplate putting an Aston Martin warranty on the car.
Thank you for your feedback.
The warranty is an AutoGuard (Specialist) warranty. They agreed to pay out for Lamda sensor at £300, but I have to pay and claim it back which is also frustrating. The dealer puts these warranties on all their cars including £150k supercars (out of manufacturer warranty) so was hoping it won't be a bad warranty.
Shall speak to deLet first thing tomorrow and demand they sort the issue, what are the chances they pay for a new clutch? Pretty slim I guess. Don't fancy a £2.5k bill in the next year.
When I spoke to Aston in Chichester (who did last service) the service guy said with all the work required he could no way even contemplate putting an Aston Martin warranty on the car.
I spoke to dealer I bought the car from today. They are more than happy to send the car to Aston Martin to get it examined and issues rectified, also they will supply a loan vehicle (I did stipulate I want something nice). To be fair I really don't think they were aware of the issues raised by HWM but at the end of the day it their responsibility to find out.
He did say that the clutches on these type of cars possibly only last 35K and my car is coming up to 30K so they shall get it looked at by Aston Martin in Chichester especially the hairline crack in the rear alloy, this dealer serviced it lastso should be aware of problems mentioned to previous owner (infact I know they are as they told me yesterday - off the record).
The dealer so far has said all the right things, especially that the costs won't be coming back to me and that I should not be expected to pay for a clutch (if it turns out to be an issue).
I have not really given the car a good hard run yet, but am not aware of any slipping. HWM did note it had a high biting point and stiff pedal which could be a sign of wear, but on its last service it was noted that is was "possibly nearing end of its servicable life". Is there a way to see how warn a clutch is without loads of work or is it a Gearbox out job as suggested by HWM?
If the problems are rectified I am more than happy to keep this car as it is in great condition (bodywork wise), even HWM Aston Martin commented on how immacualte it is (apart from the issues they found). So hoping the dealer sorts it all out and I shall defo fight for a new Clutch. I guess its in their interest, as he can't really put it on the forecourt without addressing these issues first.
krisdelta - I think you have wrong dealer, my car is Titanium Silver, but was on the lower end of their price list too.
He did say that the clutches on these type of cars possibly only last 35K and my car is coming up to 30K so they shall get it looked at by Aston Martin in Chichester especially the hairline crack in the rear alloy, this dealer serviced it lastso should be aware of problems mentioned to previous owner (infact I know they are as they told me yesterday - off the record).
The dealer so far has said all the right things, especially that the costs won't be coming back to me and that I should not be expected to pay for a clutch (if it turns out to be an issue).
I have not really given the car a good hard run yet, but am not aware of any slipping. HWM did note it had a high biting point and stiff pedal which could be a sign of wear, but on its last service it was noted that is was "possibly nearing end of its servicable life". Is there a way to see how warn a clutch is without loads of work or is it a Gearbox out job as suggested by HWM?
If the problems are rectified I am more than happy to keep this car as it is in great condition (bodywork wise), even HWM Aston Martin commented on how immacualte it is (apart from the issues they found). So hoping the dealer sorts it all out and I shall defo fight for a new Clutch. I guess its in their interest, as he can't really put it on the forecourt without addressing these issues first.
krisdelta - I think you have wrong dealer, my car is Titanium Silver, but was on the lower end of their price list too.
I have sent the dealer an email with the list of things HWM found, and they have confirmed that these will be checked by Aston Martin in Chichester next week and sorted if need be. Clutch could be a tricky one as I guess there is no way to tell without removing the gearbox.
For you info this is the list and prices they came up with.
1. Emissions light on: Replaced upfront primary lambda sensor under warranty £266.88
2. Airbag SRS light on. Carried out reset of SRS system and roadtest £81.00
3. Customer reported stiff gear change: Clutch pedal heavy. Recommend new clutch and gear shift mod £2650 clutch / £700 gearshift mod if required
4. N/s window hitting 1/4 glass – adjustment £243
5. Drivers inner door handle stiff – lubricate £162
6. Front number plate plinth broken £110
7. Drivers seat belt fraying £430
8. Cuts in n/s/f and o/s/r tyres (not through to cords)
9. Slight oil leak at front cover area
10. N/s/r anthracite wheel cracked £555 (factory anthracite wheel may not match if wheels have been refurbished)
11. N/s/r handbrake calliper intermittent long travel (still works fine)
12. CHMSL led’s not working £120
Some of the points as I said are minor like the number plate plinth. Not sure about the stiff handle problem, I have not noticed it but then again its my first Vantage. I obvisouly checkled all tyres and they loked fine to me with decent 5-6mm tread all round so not sure they mean about cuts in the tyres.
The seat belt fraying is a bit weird (and expensive) as if this was a major issue wouldn't it been flagged on an MOT as a safety issue?
Off to get the car this afternoon then it goes down to Aston in Chichester next week.
brakedwell do you use Aston in Chichester?
For you info this is the list and prices they came up with.
1. Emissions light on: Replaced upfront primary lambda sensor under warranty £266.88
2. Airbag SRS light on. Carried out reset of SRS system and roadtest £81.00
3. Customer reported stiff gear change: Clutch pedal heavy. Recommend new clutch and gear shift mod £2650 clutch / £700 gearshift mod if required
4. N/s window hitting 1/4 glass – adjustment £243
5. Drivers inner door handle stiff – lubricate £162
6. Front number plate plinth broken £110
7. Drivers seat belt fraying £430
8. Cuts in n/s/f and o/s/r tyres (not through to cords)
9. Slight oil leak at front cover area
10. N/s/r anthracite wheel cracked £555 (factory anthracite wheel may not match if wheels have been refurbished)
11. N/s/r handbrake calliper intermittent long travel (still works fine)
12. CHMSL led’s not working £120
Some of the points as I said are minor like the number plate plinth. Not sure about the stiff handle problem, I have not noticed it but then again its my first Vantage. I obvisouly checkled all tyres and they loked fine to me with decent 5-6mm tread all round so not sure they mean about cuts in the tyres.
The seat belt fraying is a bit weird (and expensive) as if this was a major issue wouldn't it been flagged on an MOT as a safety issue?
Off to get the car this afternoon then it goes down to Aston in Chichester next week.
brakedwell do you use Aston in Chichester?
Yes it is a lovely looking car and in great condition (apart from the list), so hopefully they will sort it all out. Naturally gutted but at least they are going to sort it (hopefully not guaranteeing anything until I see it).
I spoke with Chichester and they are very helpfull. Glad they come recommended from another PH user.
I spoke with Chichester and they are very helpfull. Glad they come recommended from another PH user.
I think what HWM are trying to charged to adjust the window is ludicrous. Chichester Aston said they would charge £35 to adjust it. Strange how different dealers have different prices.
I also checked the seat belt they said needs replacing due to fraying, to be honest this is also rediculous to replace the seat belt as it is hardly noticable (anything to make money). I don't think I would not even amke the dealer payout for it as its crazy, after all its not a brand new car.
Also can not see any cuts in tyres either and only one LED is not working on the rear brake light.
Chichester Aston Martin are now sending a transporter to the dealer to collect the car next week so they are able examine the issues raised and hopfeully put right/fix anything required. Dealer is giving me a 'respectable' loan vehicle however they said it won't be a Ferrari or Lambo
so I am a bit gutted 
However I am happy they have been so nice and forthcoming about the issues, they were also surprised at what was found on the car. Looking at their great reputation I didn't expect anything less.
Hopefully have all the issue fixed by end of next week
!!!
I also checked the seat belt they said needs replacing due to fraying, to be honest this is also rediculous to replace the seat belt as it is hardly noticable (anything to make money). I don't think I would not even amke the dealer payout for it as its crazy, after all its not a brand new car.
Also can not see any cuts in tyres either and only one LED is not working on the rear brake light.
Chichester Aston Martin are now sending a transporter to the dealer to collect the car next week so they are able examine the issues raised and hopfeully put right/fix anything required. Dealer is giving me a 'respectable' loan vehicle however they said it won't be a Ferrari or Lambo
so I am a bit gutted However I am happy they have been so nice and forthcoming about the issues, they were also surprised at what was found on the car. Looking at their great reputation I didn't expect anything less.
Hopefully have all the issue fixed by end of next week
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