Discussion
Evening chaps and Di,
Been lurking around the forum a fair amount recently to convince myself that a V8V is the way to go next. I didn't need too much convincing and you lot seem a friendly bunch.
My slightly bizarre car history over the past 10 years or so looks something along the lines of:
- Ford Escort 1.3 Popular
- Audi TT Coupe
- Ferrari 355 Berlinetta
- Porsche 911 C4 (996)
- Mini Cooper S
- BMW Z4M Coupe
Had the Z4M for a couple of years now and whilst I still really enjoy the car, I'm getting itchy feet. There's not too much out there right now that's within a reasonable budget and interesting... apart from the V8V (or maybe another model in the Aston range
), so the decision is easy.
Not going to jump straight in and I'm in no rush; I expect it will take me a long while to make the move but I'll get the ball rolling in the near future. First things first, I'll get Grant's book ordered.
I'll be looking at a 4.3, probably at the cheaper end of the spectrum, and will certainly look to buy from an authorised dealer or from a reputable private seller on the assumption the car is warrantied.
Before my Z4M (approved used 1 year) warranty ran out, I took it to a very good independent near where I live for a check over (gratis) who found a minor leak from the head gasket. I had it replaced under warranty before it ran out and the independent has looked after my Z4M ever since. Wasn't hugely impressed with the dealer in question which is why I moved to independent. DMS is only an hour from me so a shame whatever's happened has happened (not wanting to sound self important here - clearly it's a genuine shame regardless of its impact to me).
I'll be looking for all the main toys and ideally in meteorite silver... but wouldn't pass up a good deal based purely on colour.
So I'll stick around and soak up information over the coming months while I progress the search. So thanks in advance.
Been lurking around the forum a fair amount recently to convince myself that a V8V is the way to go next. I didn't need too much convincing and you lot seem a friendly bunch.
My slightly bizarre car history over the past 10 years or so looks something along the lines of:
- Ford Escort 1.3 Popular
- Audi TT Coupe
- Ferrari 355 Berlinetta
- Porsche 911 C4 (996)
- Mini Cooper S
- BMW Z4M Coupe
Had the Z4M for a couple of years now and whilst I still really enjoy the car, I'm getting itchy feet. There's not too much out there right now that's within a reasonable budget and interesting... apart from the V8V (or maybe another model in the Aston range
), so the decision is easy. Not going to jump straight in and I'm in no rush; I expect it will take me a long while to make the move but I'll get the ball rolling in the near future. First things first, I'll get Grant's book ordered.
I'll be looking at a 4.3, probably at the cheaper end of the spectrum, and will certainly look to buy from an authorised dealer or from a reputable private seller on the assumption the car is warrantied.
Before my Z4M (approved used 1 year) warranty ran out, I took it to a very good independent near where I live for a check over (gratis) who found a minor leak from the head gasket. I had it replaced under warranty before it ran out and the independent has looked after my Z4M ever since. Wasn't hugely impressed with the dealer in question which is why I moved to independent. DMS is only an hour from me so a shame whatever's happened has happened (not wanting to sound self important here - clearly it's a genuine shame regardless of its impact to me).
I'll be looking for all the main toys and ideally in meteorite silver... but wouldn't pass up a good deal based purely on colour.
So I'll stick around and soak up information over the coming months while I progress the search. So thanks in advance.
Welcome Mark, glad you decided to join the fold.
Grant's book really is the best money you will spend pre-purchase as it has everything you need to know when buying a Gaydon era Aston.
They're a good bunch on here really (I would say 'we're a good bunch' but I don't think i've earned the right to include myself yet!)
Anyway, searching for the right car is half the fun.
Grant's book really is the best money you will spend pre-purchase as it has everything you need to know when buying a Gaydon era Aston.
They're a good bunch on here really (I would say 'we're a good bunch' but I don't think i've earned the right to include myself yet!
)Anyway, searching for the right car is half the fun.
Hi Mark,
Welcome! I've come from an E46 M3, and it's a good move to make. Almost as everyday useable barr the additional seats had and just a joy to amble around in. If you're an hour from the DMS area, you are more than welcome to have a poke about my meteorite car while I am up at my in laws next weekend (if there's no snow due). I'll be in the Leek, Staffs area if that's nearby to you?
Cheers
Kris
Welcome! I've come from an E46 M3, and it's a good move to make. Almost as everyday useable barr the additional seats had and just a joy to amble around in. If you're an hour from the DMS area, you are more than welcome to have a poke about my meteorite car while I am up at my in laws next weekend (if there's no snow due). I'll be in the Leek, Staffs area if that's nearby to you?
Cheers
Kris
Ah, that's a very important point. This will be my only car and will be used daily for a 30 mile round trip commute - mixture of A and B roads through the countryside with little traffic so none of that start/stop nonsense. It's an ideal route to make the most of that exhaust soundtrack.
From what I read, the V8V is more than capable as an everyday driver with the only real negative compared to, say, a 997 being the service intervals and increased thirst. I expect the sense of occasion will more than compensate. I test drove a couple of 997s last year and concluded there was no point 'upgrading' from the Z4M... I've had a 996 previously and whilst the 997 is a more accomplished car it didn't really excite me going back, which surprised me.
HRD - I believe you're picking yours up tomorrow. Big congratulations and I'm sure you'll have the most enjoyable of days. Hope it stays dry-ish for you.
Kris - thanks so much for the offer, particularly as I'm only 30-45 mins away on the edge of the Peak District to the north east of Macclesfield. Unfortunately, however, we have a house full of guests so I'd fear a scornful look from the missus if I were to head off for a few hours to look at a silly car. Sunday afternoon could be a potential but wouldn't be able to confirm in advance which wouldn't be fair for your plans obviously. Really kind offer though - much appreciated and may well take you up on it in the future.
From what I read, the V8V is more than capable as an everyday driver with the only real negative compared to, say, a 997 being the service intervals and increased thirst. I expect the sense of occasion will more than compensate. I test drove a couple of 997s last year and concluded there was no point 'upgrading' from the Z4M... I've had a 996 previously and whilst the 997 is a more accomplished car it didn't really excite me going back, which surprised me.
HRD - I believe you're picking yours up tomorrow. Big congratulations and I'm sure you'll have the most enjoyable of days. Hope it stays dry-ish for you.
Kris - thanks so much for the offer, particularly as I'm only 30-45 mins away on the edge of the Peak District to the north east of Macclesfield. Unfortunately, however, we have a house full of guests so I'd fear a scornful look from the missus if I were to head off for a few hours to look at a silly car. Sunday afternoon could be a potential but wouldn't be able to confirm in advance which wouldn't be fair for your plans obviously. Really kind offer though - much appreciated and may well take you up on it in the future.
shunt said:
Hi Mark,
... dealer network run rings around the shoddy offerings from BMW.
+1... dealer network run rings around the shoddy offerings from BMW.
A few of the last 14 Beamers have had minor issues to be attended to within the first few hundred miles (alarm etc). Even under the original warranty it is easier to get blood out of a stone than to get a BMW dealer to collect your car, fix it then return it.
With Aston Martin, they are with you as soon as you want them to be (Wilmslow)
Mark355 said:
Sunday afternoon could be a potential but wouldn't be able to confirm in advance which wouldn't be fair for your plans obviously. Really kind offer though - much appreciated and may well take you up on it in the future.
No worries! No point upsetting the Mrs at this early stage of car purchasing Cheers guys.
Jockman - glad to hear your experience with Stratstone has been positive as Wilmslow is only 15 minutes drive. I popped down there Sunday morning for a quick look round. Didn't speak with anyone as the Meteorite Silver V8V they had on the forecourt didn't have the right spec, but good to get up close. They really are beautiful from every angle.
Jockman - glad to hear your experience with Stratstone has been positive as Wilmslow is only 15 minutes drive. I popped down there Sunday morning for a quick look round. Didn't speak with anyone as the Meteorite Silver V8V they had on the forecourt didn't have the right spec, but good to get up close. They really are beautiful from every angle.
Mark355 said:
Cheers guys.
Jockman - glad to hear your experience with Stratstone has been positive as Wilmslow is only 15 minutes drive. I popped down there Sunday morning for a quick look round. Didn't speak with anyone as the Meteorite Silver V8V they had on the forecourt didn't have the right spec, but good to get up close. They really are beautiful from every angle.
If you are that close to Wilmslow feel free to contact me more than happy to let you have a mooch round mine and a chat!Jockman - glad to hear your experience with Stratstone has been positive as Wilmslow is only 15 minutes drive. I popped down there Sunday morning for a quick look round. Didn't speak with anyone as the Meteorite Silver V8V they had on the forecourt didn't have the right spec, but good to get up close. They really are beautiful from every angle.
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff