V8V Ownership - a two month update
Discussion
Long time lurker saying hello.
Well, I succumbed and bought myself an 07 V8 Vantage from a fellow PH forum member a couple of months ago. The week leading up to the actual handover was like Christmas all over again.
After much fun driving around I took it in for its service last week. All brake discs and pads sadly turned out to be at their life's end and now need to be replaced, bringing my first "service" bill to £2.5k afer this short time.
Normally I would be clenching my jaw in horror but for some strange reason I don't begrudge a penny of it. The car has so involved me that I just want it to have its new discs and pads as soon as possible; it deserves them. Also, then I can get back in it.
I only get to drive it at weekends anyway, as living in central London I've nowhere to park it so have to park it miles from me, but this week is going slower than ever and is almost like the wait for Christmas all over again. Awesome car.
Other things: I've no idea what my mpg is. It doesn't seem relevant. Steering judder at slow speed worried me so it was a relief to hear it was normal. Same for difficult 1st/2nd gear changes. '07 seats still uncomfortable after any more than 30 mins, despite much experimentation (though it's a small sacrifice). Am getting more comfortable with its width when passing other vehicles (or is it less concerned?). I've only been driving three years (kept putting it off) but the car is surprisingly easy to drive for a relative newbie. I still wish I could see the front of the bonnet sometimes though
Well, I succumbed and bought myself an 07 V8 Vantage from a fellow PH forum member a couple of months ago. The week leading up to the actual handover was like Christmas all over again.
After much fun driving around I took it in for its service last week. All brake discs and pads sadly turned out to be at their life's end and now need to be replaced, bringing my first "service" bill to £2.5k afer this short time.
Normally I would be clenching my jaw in horror but for some strange reason I don't begrudge a penny of it. The car has so involved me that I just want it to have its new discs and pads as soon as possible; it deserves them. Also, then I can get back in it.
I only get to drive it at weekends anyway, as living in central London I've nowhere to park it so have to park it miles from me, but this week is going slower than ever and is almost like the wait for Christmas all over again. Awesome car.
Other things: I've no idea what my mpg is. It doesn't seem relevant. Steering judder at slow speed worried me so it was a relief to hear it was normal. Same for difficult 1st/2nd gear changes. '07 seats still uncomfortable after any more than 30 mins, despite much experimentation (though it's a small sacrifice). Am getting more comfortable with its width when passing other vehicles (or is it less concerned?). I've only been driving three years (kept putting it off) but the car is surprisingly easy to drive for a relative newbie. I still wish I could see the front of the bonnet sometimes though
Welcome TamFB
Glad to see more Aston owners cropping up and recognising what a great cars they are! Where abouts in Central London? There's a few of us around, me down in SE1 so perhaps we should see if we can organise something if there's enough interest
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However, I have to be the barer of bad news. It's a requirement to post pictures of any new car before you can be fully welcomed as one of the family
Glad to see more Aston owners cropping up and recognising what a great cars they are! Where abouts in Central London? There's a few of us around, me down in SE1 so perhaps we should see if we can organise something if there's enough interest
.However, I have to be the barer of bad news. It's a requirement to post pictures of any new car before you can be fully welcomed as one of the family
Apologies - I've read enough threads to know better than to turn up without pics!
Here are a couple of shots:
I too am in SE1 - Albert Embankment.
The above pictures were taken when I went to a friend's BBQ in Earlsfield. I wanted a few drinks, so could have just taken the train from my place (10 mins) but instead traipsed across town to get my car, booked a B&B in Wimbledon because it had a parking space, drove to Wimbledon, gazed at the car for a bit, then got a train to Earlsfield (4 mins), drank a lot, took a cab to Wimbledon, slept at the B&B, retrieved car, drove across London to park it, then a 45 minute traipse back home. Not the best travel plans, but fun!
Here are a couple of shots:
I too am in SE1 - Albert Embankment.
The above pictures were taken when I went to a friend's BBQ in Earlsfield. I wanted a few drinks, so could have just taken the train from my place (10 mins) but instead traipsed across town to get my car, booked a B&B in Wimbledon because it had a parking space, drove to Wimbledon, gazed at the car for a bit, then got a train to Earlsfield (4 mins), drank a lot, took a cab to Wimbledon, slept at the B&B, retrieved car, drove across London to park it, then a 45 minute traipse back home. Not the best travel plans, but fun!
TamFB said:
Apologies - I've read enough threads to know better than to turn up without pics!
Here are a couple of shots:
I too am in SE1 - Albert Embankment.
The above pictures were taken when I went to a friend's BBQ in Earlsfield. I wanted a few drinks, so could have just taken the train from my place (10 mins) but instead traipsed across town to get my car, booked a B&B in Wimbledon because it had a parking space, drove to Wimbledon, gazed at the car for a bit, then got a train to Earlsfield (4 mins), drank a lot, took a cab to Wimbledon, slept at the B&B, retrieved car, drove across London to park it, then a 45 minute traipse back home. Not the best travel plans, but fun!
Lovely AM .Whats the car to the left of it?(Its bugging me i cant figure out what it is)Here are a couple of shots:
I too am in SE1 - Albert Embankment.
The above pictures were taken when I went to a friend's BBQ in Earlsfield. I wanted a few drinks, so could have just taken the train from my place (10 mins) but instead traipsed across town to get my car, booked a B&B in Wimbledon because it had a parking space, drove to Wimbledon, gazed at the car for a bit, then got a train to Earlsfield (4 mins), drank a lot, took a cab to Wimbledon, slept at the B&B, retrieved car, drove across London to park it, then a 45 minute traipse back home. Not the best travel plans, but fun!
Thanks all for your welcome messages! Very much looking forward to picking her up again post-service tomorrow.
jonny70 said:
Lovely AM .Whats the car to the left of it?(Its bugging me i cant figure out what it is)
No idea, I'm afraid - it belonged to another guest at the B&B-cum-parking-space.Neil1300R said:
Lovely colour! Meteorite works really well in the UK. All you need now is a set of clear rear lights.
Thank you - I was originally convinced I wanted Titanium but the Meteorite's ability to hide grime is a real benefit to me. I'm not convinced about clear rear lights on this one though - the red ones seem to go very well with its red brake calipers.Neil1300R said:
If you live in London pop along for the fairly regular drinks we have - cars firmly left at home for those events.
Definitely! Will keep an eye out for the next event then.michael gould said:
I’m bound to insult or upset you over the coming months
Hmm. I await insults with interest 
TamFB said:
.... I was originally convinced I wanted Titanium but the Meteorite's ability to hide grime is a real benefit to me. I'm not convinced about clear rear lights on this one though - the red ones seem to go very well with its red brake calipers.
Lovely car Tam and lovely colour.Clears will suit red calipers too but it is indeed a personal choice
yeti said:
I'm famously such a fan of miserable-rainy-day grey Astons. Suicide black leather no doubt on the inside 
Well done OP, lovely car
Heh, I was set on black too, but decided Iron Ore was a braver choice. The more time I spend in it, the happier I am I chose Iron Ore over black - the cabin just feels more personal, somehow.Well done OP, lovely car
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