Buying Guide, what to look out for

[Gixer]

With the demise of my much loved Z06 a couple of weeks ago, I think it may be time to scratch an itch I've had for a Vantage. It was on my list when I bought my Z06 8 years ago so it makes sense to see what's about.
Interested in a convertible as I've never owned one and it'll mostly be used on road trips on the continent.

What do I need to look out for when looking for a Vantage?

[Shnozz]

What happened to your ZO6 incidentally? I’m very interested in one myself.

[Jon39]

Your main decisions will be;

1. V12 or V8 ?
2. For a V8, the major upgrade was in late 2008, so 4.3 or 4.7 ?
3. Automated manual, or manual gearbox ?

[Gixer]

That's interesting, the Z06 went through a major change in 2008 too.

Probably a 2008 then I guess and manual. Whilst the V12 sounds good, I'm not too keen on all the extra added vents etc

Shnozz, I bought the Z06 with just a couple of thousand miles on it 8 years ago. Had done around 48k miles in it. Fantastic car. Could get a push bike in the back. TomTom had us at 198mph on the autobahn years ago. Handled like a go kart. Had a fantastic road trip in it through Spain and Portugal last month. Little did I know it would be it's last With half slick rear tyres and lack of weight, you have to treat with respect in the wet. Whilst on the way to MOT in bad weather a couple of weeks ago, it got really unsettled pulling back into the inside lane on the M26. Couldn't catch it this time. Should have been a 180 into the inside barrier but some how it managed to flip over the barrier, roll down the embankment several times and landed on it's roof on the on slip below. Apparently the air ambulance was on standby... nobody believed my wife and my Self were so unharmed and had just crawled out of it. Only reason I'm not getting another, is I doubt I'll get one as good and would always be comparing it.
Go for 2008 if you can, most you see and are 2006. By the late models they started putting on the lbs.

[shinjuku]

Glad you're OK r.e. the Z06. Wow. I kind of fancied one out here in Germany too, but plumped for another Vantage.

This is what everyone will recommend you buy... http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/

A very comprehensive book. Good luck in your search!

[Graze01]

Then after the big choices consider the following
1. Service history
2. Has clutch ever been replaced
3. Control module for convertible - seems to be a common fault
4. Corrosion of wing mirror arms
5. Headlight and tail light condensation issues
6. When were brake rotors and pads last done
7. Transaxle oil change - has it been done?
8. Suspension dampers - any oil leaks
9. Hydraulic dampers to doors and bonnet and boot fail over time

Good luck with your search

Graze

[Shnozz]

Gixer said:

That's interesting, the Z06 went through a major change in 2008 too.

Probably a 2008 then I guess and manual. Whilst the V12 sounds good, I'm not too keen on all the extra added vents etc

Shnozz, I bought the Z06 with just a couple of thousand miles on it 8 years ago. Had done around 48k miles in it. Fantastic car. Could get a push bike in the back. TomTom had us at 198mph on the autobahn years ago. Handled like a go kart. Had a fantastic road trip in it through Spain and Portugal last month. Little did I know it would be it's last With half slick rear tyres and lack of weight, you have to treat with respect in the wet. Whilst on the way to MOT in bad weather a couple of weeks ago, it got really unsettled pulling back into the inside lane on the M26. Couldn't catch it this time. Should have been a 180 into the inside barrier but some how it managed to flip over the barrier, roll down the embankment several times and landed on it's roof on the on slip below. Apparently the air ambulance was on standby... nobody believed my wife and my Self were so unharmed and had just crawled out of it. Only reason I'm not getting another, is I doubt I'll get one as good and would always be comparing it.
Go for 2008 if you can, most you see and are 2006. By the late models they started putting on the lbs.

Blimey - sounds like you were a lucky chap. Sorry to hear of the prang but at least you are safe and well.

Boot space is an added bonus. As it sounds you have, I plan on enjoying the car in Europe mainly, and particularly on trips back and forth to Spain. A decent size boot is an added benefit to keep the Mrs happy with this road trip arrangement. The fact the engines are good for the miles means I should be unprecious about doing 3k return trips once or twice a year on top of "normal" miles. Now just to decide whether its to be UK registered or abroad.

[Neil1300r]

Buying Guide:-

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Dewi 2]

Some say, the Vantage sweet spot is the V8 manual, model years 2009 to 2012.

Those cars have all the 4.7 upgrades including interior, but retain the original body design.

[GingerMunky]

Definitely purchase and thoroughly read Grants book, it is very helpful

[shinjuku]

Dewi 2 said:

Some say, the Vantage sweet spot is the V8 manual, model years 2009 to 2012.

Those cars have all the 4.7 upgrades including interior, but retain the original body design.

They don’t have original sills.

(Some early 2009 do)

[Dewi 2]

shinjuku said:

Dewi 2 said:

Some say, the Vantage sweet spot is the V8 manual, model years 2009 to 2012.

Those cars have all the 4.7 upgrades including interior, but retain the original body design.

They don’t have original sills.

(Some early 2009 do)

I think I am correct to say on the basic V8V model, some were ordered new with optional N400 sills, or perhaps they were dealer fits, but as standard the protruding sills were not introduced until model year 2012.25. That was when the front and rear splitters changed and the tailgate spoiler height was increased.

[Greathey]

The clutch is the weak point in SportShift and manuals

Engine is solid but has to be serviced regularly obviously

Mine has a minor leak in the AC but I can live with it

There's also a problem with engine oil leak from the rear seals which is too expensive to fix but I think I fixed mine with stop engine leak additives before every oil change, may be in the 4.3 only but I am not sure about the 4.7


The check tyre pressure light can be permanently erased with a simple cable from redpants.lol and expect the odd check emissions light to go off

[Speedraser]

Dewi 2 said:

shinjuku said:

Dewi 2 said:

Some say, the Vantage sweet spot is the V8 manual, model years 2009 to 2012.

Those cars have all the 4.7 upgrades including interior, but retain the original body design.

They don’t have original sills.

(Some early 2009 do)

I think I am correct to say on the basic V8V model, some were ordered new with optional N400 sills, or perhaps they were dealer fits, but as standard the protruding sills were not introduced until model year 2012.25. That was when the front and rear splitters changed and the tailgate spoiler height was increased.

Dewi, you are correct (though the boot lid spoiler height, for the standard V8V and the S, was raised only on the Coupe, not the Roadster). MY09 still has the original smaller mirrors and the 8-bar grille. MY10 got the bigger mirrors and the 6-bar grille.

[V8V Pete]

Gixer said:

I bought the Z06 with just a couple of thousand miles on it 8 years ago. Fantastic car. Could get a push bike in the back.

You can get a push bike in the back of a Vantage coupe too but not a Roadster (if that is still an important consideration). Glad you're OK after your accident. Enjoy your search for a Vantage. They're lovely cars.

[Gixer]

V8V Pete said:

You can get a push bike in the back of a Vantage coupe too but not a Roadster (if that is still an important consideration). Glad you're OK after your accident. Enjoy your search for a Vantage. They're lovely cars.

Hmmm, that is interesting. Spent last night reading up and looking at the examples for sale here on pistonheads. As much as I like the idea of a convertible, it does loose those lovely curves at the rear

Thanks for all the advice so far

[Vet Guru]

I know of a 2014 Vantage S with sportshift coming up for sale with low miles and main dealer history

[Gixer]

👍 really want a manual

[Dewi 2]

Gixer said:

As much as I like the idea of a convertible, it does loose those lovely curves at the rear.

In my opinion the Roadsters looks terrific with the roof down, but when the roof is up perhaps the Coupe then beats it on side view appearance.

If you do decide upon a Coupe, you will have more boot luggage space for your planned continental trips. Maybe surprisingly, the Vantage Coupe has a bigger boot than a DB9.

[johnnyBv8]

I've had two coupes and a roadster - I would agree that the coupe wins in terms of the look of the rear quarter, but the roadster is much more of an occasion to drive. We did a 2000 mile roadtrip in Europe this summer and it would've been far less fun in a coupe.

I've emailed you by the way!