Is my experience with AM Bristol a one off?

[NTM55]

I took delivery of a Vantage V12S which is of course a beautiful car but I have had nothing but issues starting the first day when I drove it from Bristol to Norwich.

By the time I got to Norwich I realised only part of one of the light clusters worked and the sat nav started going up and down of its own accord.
The dealer suggested I was unlucky (the first day!!!!) and i should drive back and leave it with them for a few days

These bits are now being replaced under warranty which on a 13k miles car is shocking, last night it just died slowly coming up to an intersection lights still working but engine just went but restarted after two attempts

Its replacing a Jaguar XKR-S which has had Jaguar Design employee modifications around engine, exhaust and suspension no issues in three years

Ok I have been stupid buying from a dealer so far away and also let myself get ripped off by a dealer upgrade offer on bluetooth streaming which is rubbish BUT i expected more from the car at that mileage and from an AM dealer

I thought it would be amazing experience but sadly the lack of dealer preparation has ruined it

Sorry for the rant

[silverspeed]

NTM55 said:

I took delivery of a Vantage V12S which is of course a beautiful car but I have had nothing but issues starting the first day when I drove it from Bristol to Norwich.

By the time I got to Norwich I realised only part of one of the light clusters worked and the sat nav started going up and down of its own accord.
The dealer suggested I was unlucky (the first day!!!!) and i should drive back and leave it with them for a few days

These bits are now being replaced under warranty which on a 13k miles car is shocking, last night it just died slowly coming up to an intersection lights still working but engine just went but restarted after two attempts

Its replacing a Jaguar XKR-S which has had Jaguar Design employee modifications around engine, exhaust and suspension no issues in three years

Ok I have been stupid buying from a dealer so far away and also let myself get ripped off by a dealer upgrade offer on bluetooth streaming which is rubbish BUT i expected more from the car at that mileage and from an AM dealer

I thought it would be amazing experience but sadly the lack of dealer preparation has ruined it

Sorry for the rant

You have purchased a great car but sometimes you get unlucky even on new cars . Bristol should have offered to pick it up or arrange for it to go to a local dealer ( Cambridge?) .It has a warranty and those issue can be sorted anywhere in the network . Do you know the cars history and we need .............pictures please .

[yellow_tang]

I bought my V12 Vantage S sight unseen from AM Newcastle some 250 miles away, it had similar mileage to yours. It has an AM Timeless warranty and any warranty work I have needed has been carried out at my local dealer. There is no reason to go back to Bristol. Disappointing that you have had issues, but they will get sorted. I would be more shocked if the parts weren’t replaced!

I’m guessing it must be a 14MY/early 15MY like mine to not of had Bluetooth streaming. The part cost for this is £400 without the labour to fit and program the car as I found out when I did mine, so may not of been ripped off?

Edited by yellow_tang on Thursday 18th July 14:19

[Bobajobbob]

It may have been the installation of the bluetooth module that messed with the electronics. I hope you get it sorted out.

[stevenotwet]

My first experience was last year with Bristol looking at a v12 vantage.

I arranged it a week or so in advance due to me being out the country and flew into Bristol airport that morning getting a taxi to the dealers from the airport.

I got in the car and told the salesman to drive initially so I could have a look and basically get a feel for the car.
The first impression I got was the car was tired inside and out with the paintwork needing a damn good once over,
The footwall speaker screen was hanging off and other niggly little things. When I asked him about it , he said oh that will be fixed, I said why wasn't the car looked at and these things fixed before you take potential customers out in it .........Blank look....

Cut a long story short, I didn't buy it and bought my second Aston at Cheltenham, but due to the distance from Cornwall and it being under warranty I'm going to use Bristol as my service dealer
Just hope my feeling for the place has improved by the time its due in for its service

[scampbird]

I bought from them just after they opened and thought the sales experience was mind blowingly good. I saw the car just as it had come in, so it was a little warts and all, but every issue I identified was dealt with. I felt my wife and I were treated really well, as if we'd just bought a brand new flagship instead of one of their more "affordable" used cars.

[Felonious]

I bought my car (V12VS) from an independent but it's under warranty and looked after by AM Cambridge, which is an utterly good experience. I'd half expected that as I'd not bought the car from there or had bought it out of the dealer network I might get slightly less than the usual standard of service. Far from it. Whilst there have been a surprising number of things which have needed fixing (paintwork x3, some clutch / actuator silliness, a misaligned window which leaks, a badly fitted rear windscreen which needed replacing and a variety of squeaks and rattles), the service experience at Cambridge has been exceptional.

And, if you can get over there in the next few days they have a DBS Volante, which is rather pleasant to look at. They were even kind enough to wipe off the drool after, which was thoughtful of them.

[LordBretSinclair]

Stratton Motor Company are close to you.
I recently bought my V12VSR from them and have nothing but praise for the whole buying experience and the standard of preparation on the car etc.
If you need any rectification work / servicing done I would recommend them

[nickv8]

NTM55 said:

...

Sorry to read that! When you buy a toy like this, it should always bring pleasure and keep hassle to an absolute minimum. Nobody really needs a car like this...

It’s unfortunate that the car hasn’t behaved. From around 10 visits to AM Bristol for over 2 years and two major wallet-draining exercises, my experience is of excellent service pre- and post-sale.

I even had a mini tantrum on here about a perceived lack of inclusion with a customer event a couple of months ago and they humoured me. My toys are now back in the pram

Their service and Timeless-covered work (usual paint issue) follows the evident enthusiasm of those at the coal face there. They know their stuff.

I’d suggest giving them a chance to rectify what is so far an unlucky and unusual experience.

As has also been said, your Timeless warranty will let you take it to any authorised dealer/repairer.

Finally, out of curiosity, had your car been sitting for some time? There’s a lot of long term stock in many dealers at present (other brand like McLaren are also suffering). I genuinely believe these beasts need regular exercise to keep them sweet. Drive it now to get the boggles sorted and then enjoy an amazing car!

[F1NDW]

I know a lot of second hand car dealers use the old it will all be fixed by the time you collect it sir. It just means they only have to sort out the things you have seen which as we know are not many when you are looking at your new dream car. I am very surprised that an Aston Martin dealership is just as low down the ladder!

Edited by F1NDW on Sunday 21st July 20:15

[bananarob]

Personally I’d give Aaron a call and explain your experience. Can’t believe they expected you to drive it back, that’s appalling.

[AM BOD]

I think sometime these dealers sell cars not looking too hard for faults, knowing they will get fixed under warranty and get paid for it.
My present car has been in 14 time in 18 months, not a happy chap.

[pggroves]

I must be lucky. My 2007 Vantage has been a paragon of reliability throughout.
Aston Engineering look after it and I’ve no issues and it’s never squeaked or rattled.
I’m really nervous of selling it and buying a newer one after reading of issues others are having.
Still get a kick out of sitting in it and starting
It up.
Had TVRs for 15 years and they never broke down or rattled either.
I must be blessed !!!😂😂😂

[GingerMunky]

My experience at AM Bristol has always been exceptional, I am sure they will remedy for you quickly