Are you thinking of buying the old shape Vanquish?
Discussion
Having owned my 2004 Vanquish for the past year I thought I would share some of my experiences with members who are considering buying the "old shape" Vanquish.
In short, if you get the car for the right price and do the necassary checks prior to purchase I would highly recommend owning one. I have had mine for the past year and in short, use it as a daily driver and it's been excellent with little to no issues. Although I did spend quite a bit after purchase to rectify all issues as I believe in nipping things in but as soon as they occur so as not to cause other issues.
Some thoughts:
- Pre Purchase Checks: As already highlighted in many threads, aside from the full check at Aston ensure that the engine tray is removed and check for rust on the engine cradle. Get proof of photos! As some claim to check and dont. This is a common problem as water sits in the tray and rusts the car and its very costly to fix. I found that other common issues are all the wishbones front and rear as the bushes in these are prone to wear. Of course check the clutch as its very pricey to replace and also check for the gear selector upgrade and upgraded discs and pads which is a common upgrade. (Can see these as they have diagonal grooves in the discs I believe) Also check the HT leads and plugs as it will cost the best part of 1,000 GBP to sort this and most older vanquish require this at some stage.
- Electrics: As with all handmade cars they can be an issue. I have only had 2 issues, one was the reverse button which gave up the ghost and also the earths on the battery are pretty poor and can lead to starting issues.
- Thoughts on the Clutch/Gearbox: There has been much criticism of the Vanquish clutch and gearbox what with it being essentially a manual style box with paddle shift in most cases (Some are of course with manual gear shift) Personally I have come to like the gearbox. In standard mode its a pretty slow change by modern standards, however in Sport mode (Which is what I have it in all of the time) its decent enough, but no PDK by a mile. It aint great fun in traffic and it leaves you thinking you could quicly use up an expensive clutch sitting in stop and start traffic, however once on the open road it is a joy. The usual lifting off the throttle when you change should be applied, much like you would do in a manual car.
- Interior: Pretty tough wearing I have to say, and yes the ford centre panel is pretty crap for what was initialy a 185k supercar. The key is annoying and if you are 6ft like I am its comfortable but not the best seating position I have to say. My knee tends to hit the bottom of the key and the steering wheel should really be more adjustable.
- Handling: Surprisingly enough it handles pretty damn well. Having owned a number of 911's and other such cars its pretty decent and much like a porker it lets you know its starting to slide well before it does. In short, it doesnt bite you and in Sport mode it lets you get the back out a little. With traction off you can drift the back quite easily and you feel pretty safe doing so...plus its good fun.
- Warranty: I would strongly recommend getting the Aston Extended Warranty. Worth its weight in gold. I paid 2,000 GBP for 12 months for it and got the money back in the first 3 weeks of owning the car. Had a new engine cradle due to rust (as mentioned above), new Air Conditioning system, new pulleys, new reverse parking button. Plus I paid to have new HT Leads, plugs and brake pads. (I also chamfered the leading edge of the pads and this stopped them squeaking. )
So, there we go, been 10 months since the above items were done and it hasnt missed a beat and I have been driving it pretty much every day. It pains me to see the mileage going up every week but its only got around 12,000 at the mo which is still very low. Oh, a note re petrol, it drinks it. I do a tank every 3-4 days...but then again its 20 quid a tank here so no real issues.
There we go, hope its useful info for someone who is undecided as to whether to buy one. I also believe that prices will only continue to rise for low mileage good examples so if you look after it then it will be worth a pretty penny one day.
Cheers.
Luke
In short, if you get the car for the right price and do the necassary checks prior to purchase I would highly recommend owning one. I have had mine for the past year and in short, use it as a daily driver and it's been excellent with little to no issues. Although I did spend quite a bit after purchase to rectify all issues as I believe in nipping things in but as soon as they occur so as not to cause other issues.
Some thoughts:
- Pre Purchase Checks: As already highlighted in many threads, aside from the full check at Aston ensure that the engine tray is removed and check for rust on the engine cradle. Get proof of photos! As some claim to check and dont. This is a common problem as water sits in the tray and rusts the car and its very costly to fix. I found that other common issues are all the wishbones front and rear as the bushes in these are prone to wear. Of course check the clutch as its very pricey to replace and also check for the gear selector upgrade and upgraded discs and pads which is a common upgrade. (Can see these as they have diagonal grooves in the discs I believe) Also check the HT leads and plugs as it will cost the best part of 1,000 GBP to sort this and most older vanquish require this at some stage.
- Electrics: As with all handmade cars they can be an issue. I have only had 2 issues, one was the reverse button which gave up the ghost and also the earths on the battery are pretty poor and can lead to starting issues.
- Thoughts on the Clutch/Gearbox: There has been much criticism of the Vanquish clutch and gearbox what with it being essentially a manual style box with paddle shift in most cases (Some are of course with manual gear shift) Personally I have come to like the gearbox. In standard mode its a pretty slow change by modern standards, however in Sport mode (Which is what I have it in all of the time) its decent enough, but no PDK by a mile. It aint great fun in traffic and it leaves you thinking you could quicly use up an expensive clutch sitting in stop and start traffic, however once on the open road it is a joy. The usual lifting off the throttle when you change should be applied, much like you would do in a manual car.
- Interior: Pretty tough wearing I have to say, and yes the ford centre panel is pretty crap for what was initialy a 185k supercar. The key is annoying and if you are 6ft like I am its comfortable but not the best seating position I have to say. My knee tends to hit the bottom of the key and the steering wheel should really be more adjustable.
- Handling: Surprisingly enough it handles pretty damn well. Having owned a number of 911's and other such cars its pretty decent and much like a porker it lets you know its starting to slide well before it does. In short, it doesnt bite you and in Sport mode it lets you get the back out a little. With traction off you can drift the back quite easily and you feel pretty safe doing so...plus its good fun.
- Warranty: I would strongly recommend getting the Aston Extended Warranty. Worth its weight in gold. I paid 2,000 GBP for 12 months for it and got the money back in the first 3 weeks of owning the car. Had a new engine cradle due to rust (as mentioned above), new Air Conditioning system, new pulleys, new reverse parking button. Plus I paid to have new HT Leads, plugs and brake pads. (I also chamfered the leading edge of the pads and this stopped them squeaking. )
So, there we go, been 10 months since the above items were done and it hasnt missed a beat and I have been driving it pretty much every day. It pains me to see the mileage going up every week but its only got around 12,000 at the mo which is still very low. Oh, a note re petrol, it drinks it. I do a tank every 3-4 days...but then again its 20 quid a tank here so no real issues.
There we go, hope its useful info for someone who is undecided as to whether to buy one. I also believe that prices will only continue to rise for low mileage good examples so if you look after it then it will be worth a pretty penny one day.
Cheers.
Luke
michael gould said:
so apart needing
1. engine cradle
2. new air cond unit
3. new HT leads and plugs
4. new discs and brake pads
5. reverse button
The total being over 10k + its been reliable ! Lets hope it's just as reliable next year
ps i love the comment "it hasnt missed a beat"
1. engine cradle
2. new air cond unit
3. new HT leads and plugs
4. new discs and brake pads
5. reverse button
The total being over 10k + its been reliable ! Lets hope it's just as reliable next year
ps i love the comment "it hasnt missed a beat"
its definitely the difference between Aston sorting everything out under warranty and a car being "the most expensive, unreliable POS I've ever owned" 
ds2000 said:
michael gould said:
so apart needing
1. engine cradle
2. new air cond unit
3. new HT leads and plugs
4. new discs and brake pads
5. reverse button
The total being over 10k + its been reliable ! Lets hope it's just as reliable next year
ps i love the comment "it hasnt missed a beat"
1. engine cradle
2. new air cond unit
3. new HT leads and plugs
4. new discs and brake pads
5. reverse button
The total being over 10k + its been reliable ! Lets hope it's just as reliable next year
ps i love the comment "it hasnt missed a beat"
its definitely the difference between Aston sorting everything out under warranty and a car being "the most expensive, unreliable POS I've ever owned" 
michael gould said:
so apart needing
1. engine cradle
2. new air cond unit
3. new HT leads and plugs
4. new discs and brake pads
5. reverse button
The total being over 10k + its been reliable ! Lets hope it's just as reliable next year
ps i love the comment "it hasnt missed a beat"
A little unfair I think......... After all the car has now done 12k miles1. engine cradle
2. new air cond unit
3. new HT leads and plugs
4. new discs and brake pads
5. reverse button
The total being over 10k + its been reliable ! Lets hope it's just as reliable next year
ps i love the comment "it hasnt missed a beat"
Enjoyed your positive report Luke.
I find the fuel consumption ok, even on a recent outing with the Astonauts still managed 18mpg even though that did include a cruise over on the M62. Final figure was probably so low due to following Jockman home.
I've had mine for 15 months now and apart from the steering rack overhaul which was done under warranty and upgrading and renewing bits that need doing after 10 years I consider it great value.
Michael keeps on trying to find reason not to buy one because he'd really love one, so don’t make much of his gripes.
Keep on enjoying putting the miles on it.
I find the fuel consumption ok, even on a recent outing with the Astonauts still managed 18mpg even though that did include a cruise over on the M62. Final figure was probably so low due to following Jockman home.
I've had mine for 15 months now and apart from the steering rack overhaul which was done under warranty and upgrading and renewing bits that need doing after 10 years I consider it great value.
Michael keeps on trying to find reason not to buy one because he'd really love one, so don’t make much of his gripes.
Keep on enjoying putting the miles on it.
michael gould said:
well there is no doubt the OP made an excellent decision to take out the warranty........but its cost somebody 10k+ (The front sub frame is 6k to replace alone).......but to then suggest it’s been reliable and hasn't missed a beat is amusing ......and according to him, he got a good one !
its completely true, but now its sorted.... he has a running Vanquish and that is a beautiful car. It is a great write-up for anyone looking to get in a Vanquish and how to avoid a 10k bill.
As mentioned, This is when it's important to fully check the car.
I knew of the sub frame issue, wishbones, spark plugs, HT leads and pads before purchasing the car. . So to be fair... I went into the purchase knowing exactly what needed fixing on the car as I did the right checks up front which is why I am recommending others looking at the vanquish check these key items which are prone to failure and rust. Plus... I got a very good deal negotiated because of these items so it made sense on balance.
Only after buying did the air con unit need replacing and a few pulleys.. These were covered under the extendedwarranty.
So it really comes down to getting full checks done and negotiating hard based on this. Yes there are nightmareslike with any luxury cars but then again a large percentage of people don't look after and maintain cars well so many issues can be traced back to poor maintenence and not servicing often enough.
Don't get me wrong, it ain't cheap to own one, however if you did you due diligence, up front then issue can be avoided before they bite you in the ass.
However, for me, it's been worth it and for 10 months its been good as gold as an everyday driver. Plus I forgot to mention that it sounds the Nuts and I believe looks amazing. Personally I think it's shape is unrivalled by any other Astons... Except perhaps the DB5, but that's for different reasons.
Point is, as a pistonhead I have always been looking for my next purchase, even after only owning a new car for a few months. Many petrol heads just seem to always want another car...however after owning this for the best part of a year I genuinely don't have the want for anything else.. I am surprised by just how enjoyable the car can be. So for those on the fence, do the checks, get a good price, be aware of general costs for clutch, pads, discs etc... Get a warrant.... Buy one and hoof it. : )
I knew of the sub frame issue, wishbones, spark plugs, HT leads and pads before purchasing the car. . So to be fair... I went into the purchase knowing exactly what needed fixing on the car as I did the right checks up front which is why I am recommending others looking at the vanquish check these key items which are prone to failure and rust. Plus... I got a very good deal negotiated because of these items so it made sense on balance.
Only after buying did the air con unit need replacing and a few pulleys.. These were covered under the extendedwarranty.
So it really comes down to getting full checks done and negotiating hard based on this. Yes there are nightmareslike with any luxury cars but then again a large percentage of people don't look after and maintain cars well so many issues can be traced back to poor maintenence and not servicing often enough.
Don't get me wrong, it ain't cheap to own one, however if you did you due diligence, up front then issue can be avoided before they bite you in the ass.
However, for me, it's been worth it and for 10 months its been good as gold as an everyday driver. Plus I forgot to mention that it sounds the Nuts and I believe looks amazing. Personally I think it's shape is unrivalled by any other Astons... Except perhaps the DB5, but that's for different reasons.
Point is, as a pistonhead I have always been looking for my next purchase, even after only owning a new car for a few months. Many petrol heads just seem to always want another car...however after owning this for the best part of a year I genuinely don't have the want for anything else.. I am surprised by just how enjoyable the car can be. So for those on the fence, do the checks, get a good price, be aware of general costs for clutch, pads, discs etc... Get a warrant.... Buy one and hoof it. : )
Bought mine earlier this year, it had a new front subframe, ignition coils/leads and had the gearbox sensors upgraded by a previous owner, also had new disc's/pads and a solid Aston service history. I have put on over 1500 miles of mixed road use about a 1/2 motorway in the 3 or so months of ownership with no issues.
The shift is fine, I think having been a motorbiker there is a little mechanical symapthy with the paddle shift and if done right you cannot feel the gear change. Its much more involving than an auto box and not as tiresome as a manual.
The thing is drop dead gorgeous BTW just love it
The shift is fine, I think having been a motorbiker there is a little mechanical symapthy with the paddle shift and if done right you cannot feel the gear change. Its much more involving than an auto box and not as tiresome as a manual.
The thing is drop dead gorgeous BTW just love it
F1 NDW said:
Enjoyed your positive report Luke.
I find the fuel consumption ok, even on a recent outing with the Astonauts still managed 18mpg even though that did include a cruise over on the M62. Final figure was probably so low due to following Jockman home.
I've had mine for 15 months now and apart from the steering rack overhaul which was done under warranty and upgrading and renewing bits that need doing after 10 years I consider it great value.
Michael keeps on trying to find reason not to buy one because he'd really love one, so don’t make much of his gripes.
Keep on enjoying putting the miles on it.
as always Neil you right....i love the Vanquish.......it's posts like this one that keeps me away from one I find the fuel consumption ok, even on a recent outing with the Astonauts still managed 18mpg even though that did include a cruise over on the M62. Final figure was probably so low due to following Jockman home.
I've had mine for 15 months now and apart from the steering rack overhaul which was done under warranty and upgrading and renewing bits that need doing after 10 years I consider it great value.
Michael keeps on trying to find reason not to buy one because he'd really love one, so don’t make much of his gripes.
Keep on enjoying putting the miles on it.
..... And these cars don't like to sit.
Mine had only 9,000kms..which is about 5,000 miles. Sitting in an airconditioned room and being cleaned by the qatari royal families army of helpers may sound like a good thing. However sitting water in the engine tray will rust the sub frame and unused and unlubricated bushes can fail even if not used and only have a few thousand clicks on them. The pads are also prone to cracking if the car isn'tused for months or even years and then hoofed up to the shops and stamped on as they go from stone cold to scorching hot, which is why they needed replacing. Same applies to spark plugs and ht leads. It is 9 years of sitting doing little mileage. The car is mint, but parts font last forever even if the car is unused. It still had regular services over the years mind u.
There you go. Hope it's useful to someone.
Mine had only 9,000kms..which is about 5,000 miles. Sitting in an airconditioned room and being cleaned by the qatari royal families army of helpers may sound like a good thing. However sitting water in the engine tray will rust the sub frame and unused and unlubricated bushes can fail even if not used and only have a few thousand clicks on them. The pads are also prone to cracking if the car isn'tused for months or even years and then hoofed up to the shops and stamped on as they go from stone cold to scorching hot, which is why they needed replacing. Same applies to spark plugs and ht leads. It is 9 years of sitting doing little mileage. The car is mint, but parts font last forever even if the car is unused. It still had regular services over the years mind u.
There you go. Hope it's useful to someone.
VanquishDubai said:
..... And these cars don't like to sit.
Mine had only 9,000kms..which is about 5,000 miles. Sitting in an airconditioned room and being cleaned by the qatari royal families army of helpers may sound like a good thing. However sitting water in the engine tray will rust the sub frame and unused and unlubricated bushes can fail even if not used and only have a few thousand clicks on them. The pads are also prone to cracking if the car isn'tused for months or even years and then hoofed up to the shops and stamped on as they go from stone cold to scorching hot, which is why they needed replacing. Same applies to spark plugs and ht leads. It is 9 years of sitting doing little mileage. The car is mint, but parts font last forever even if the car is unused. It still had regular services over the years mind u.
There you go. Hope it's useful to someone.
enjoy enjoy enjoy.....its the last of the great Astons !Mine had only 9,000kms..which is about 5,000 miles. Sitting in an airconditioned room and being cleaned by the qatari royal families army of helpers may sound like a good thing. However sitting water in the engine tray will rust the sub frame and unused and unlubricated bushes can fail even if not used and only have a few thousand clicks on them. The pads are also prone to cracking if the car isn'tused for months or even years and then hoofed up to the shops and stamped on as they go from stone cold to scorching hot, which is why they needed replacing. Same applies to spark plugs and ht leads. It is 9 years of sitting doing little mileage. The car is mint, but parts font last forever even if the car is unused. It still had regular services over the years mind u.
There you go. Hope it's useful to someone.
F1 NDW said:
Enjoyed your positive report Luke.
I find the fuel consumption ok, even on a recent outing with the Astonauts still managed 18mpg even though that did include a cruise over on the M62. Final figure was probably so low due to following Jockman home.
IIRC you were struggling to keep up I find the fuel consumption ok, even on a recent outing with the Astonauts still managed 18mpg even though that did include a cruise over on the M62. Final figure was probably so low due to following Jockman home.
Jockman said:
F1 NDW said:
Enjoyed your positive report Luke.
I find the fuel consumption ok, even on a recent outing with the Astonauts still managed 18mpg even though that did include a cruise over on the M62. Final figure was probably so low due to following Jockman home.
IIRC you were struggling to keep up I find the fuel consumption ok, even on a recent outing with the Astonauts still managed 18mpg even though that did include a cruise over on the M62. Final figure was probably so low due to following Jockman home.
Tony, agreed. It's 20 quid here for a tank in the Rangey and 110 quid in the UK. It is cheaper than water... Especially when u compare it to ggetting a litre bottle of water at Heathrow airport and getting striped for 2 pounds.59 pence when you step of the plane. Painful.
Lets face it... The money i would have paid to the UK government in tax goes to paying for and servicing the Aston. So happy days. So what can I say... Leave the UK and get yourself a recession bargain. Cars are pretty damn cheap here... Check out www.dubizzle.com
,
Lets face it... The money i would have paid to the UK government in tax goes to paying for and servicing the Aston. So happy days. So what can I say... Leave the UK and get yourself a recession bargain. Cars are pretty damn cheap here... Check out www.dubizzle.com
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