AMV8 - Decent tourer

[Stitch]

Been looking around for a change to my current pair of cars BMW X5 and Lotus Elise (which doesn't get used enough!).

Want one car that is suitable for the weekly grind and also for a blat at the weekend.

Thought about a used Porsche 997 and an M3 - then a comment on another forum made me look at used V8 prices and realise that Aston Martin ownership is a possibility.

I have trawled the net looking at a few cars but what worries me is that there seem to be a good number of cars approaching 2 years old with very low mileage (and some with two owners in that time).

Whilst low mileage is great as a buyer - does it also indicate that these cars are not suitable daily/long distance commute cars?

Would I just be swapping the Elise for something else that decorates the garage for the majority of the time?

I realise that the DB9 is probably the out and out GT car in the range - but is the V8 suitable for the job?

I would much appreciate comments from anyone who runs the car as a daily driver (and does a decent number of miles) and anyone who previously had a 5/7series/E/S class but now drives a V8.

Cheers!

[bogie]

Mine gets used daily for the commute to the airport, the office is 200miles + and I go there usually once a fortnight. The girlfriend will also use it when Im not, once a fortnight for 200miles + journeys.

I did 3000 miles across Europe in 10 days in it last year and it was great, in fact I was with other 'sportscar' owners and every time someone got stuck on the in/out ramps of a hotel carpark, I was fine

You can just use the Vantage like a regular car - muli-storeys, supermarkets etc are no problem.

And then if you want to, its also damn good on a track too ! I used to have a 300bhp Elise, one day it was off the road and I had a driver trg day booked at Snett, so had to go in the Vantage. It performed flawlessly all day, 10 lap sessions were no problems (when things like CSLs or F360s brakes die after a few laps and they are 'supposed' to be track cars) - the instructor thought it was great and couldnt believe just how composed it was himself - I was easily lapping quicker than Elises/Exiges that were there which was quite amusing

so yeah - dont worry, you can do just about everything in it...Ive had mine 14months and its got 30K miles on it ...not good for re-sale, but sure good for fun

[Bonne Route]

Mine is used daily for the 50-mile round-trip commute on a mix of roads (fast dual carriageways, and city driving), and what an absolute pleasure it is

It is also used extensively in Europe for our 'research' tours - and as a GT car, I can't fault it. Plenty of luggage space for two people for a fortnights touring, and very comfortable for long days at the wheel. It is also very accomplished on the 'squirrely' alpine passes

I've now covered 20,000 miles in it, without any serious issues - highly recommended

[Stitch]

Thanks for the comments.

Looking at c130 miles round trip for my daily commute at the moment (although that ebbs and flows).

Kind of why the idea of an old beater for the week and 'something for the weekend' is an appealing idea - but the reality is, the special weekend car never gets used! Hence why I am thinking sod it and go for one special car.

[Grinning]

Stitch said:

sod it and go for one special car.

excellent conclusion!

[bogie]

Grinning said:

Stitch said:

sod it and go for one special car.

excellent conclusion!

yep - we dont have a beater between us (me and the other half) ..if we did we'd end up with it not being used much...I just cant bare to have a load of money tied up in the "special" car and then run around in a banger...I mean whats the point? cars are meant to be used if I cant afford to do it in a "special" car then I wont have that car, instead I will get something either more cheaper or more practical, so it can be used every day like a regular one.