Are you thinking of buying the old shape Vanquish?
Discussion
i would ignore the horror stories surrounding the vanquish. the issues, and there arent many, are well known the same as many other cars including porsche etc
just make sure they have been attended to and if not, as said, negotiate the price and then budget that they WILL happen as they will for sure.
on xmas eve i will be at 12 months ownership of a late Vanquish S and it has been divine to own. i bought a six year old car with 9,000 on it and in about six months i have added another 6,000 to those miles.
it is a great car, a thrill to drive, nice to be seen in and always draws an enthusiastic response from anyone who comes across you and always with positive comments.
biased i know but i still think the best looking car they have made to date and an important part of astons history, being the last of NP ally days. I just wish the ally wasnt so soft.
i see it, as i did my last aston, my duty to return it back into the pool in better condition than when it came to me.
with this car i think that will be when i die, i like it that much.
just make sure they have been attended to and if not, as said, negotiate the price and then budget that they WILL happen as they will for sure.
on xmas eve i will be at 12 months ownership of a late Vanquish S and it has been divine to own. i bought a six year old car with 9,000 on it and in about six months i have added another 6,000 to those miles.
it is a great car, a thrill to drive, nice to be seen in and always draws an enthusiastic response from anyone who comes across you and always with positive comments.
biased i know but i still think the best looking car they have made to date and an important part of astons history, being the last of NP ally days. I just wish the ally wasnt so soft.
i see it, as i did my last aston, my duty to return it back into the pool in better condition than when it came to me.
with this car i think that will be when i die, i like it that much.
vankypanky said:
i would ignore the horror stories surrounding the vanquish. the issues, and there arent many, are well known the same as many other cars including porsche etc
just make sure they have been attended to and if not, as said, negotiate the price and then budget that they WILL happen as they will for sure.
on xmas eve i will be at 12 months ownership of a late Vanquish S and it has been divine to own. i bought a six year old car with 9,000 on it and in about six months i have added another 6,000 to those miles.
it is a great car, a thrill to drive, nice to be seen in and always draws an enthusiastic response from anyone who comes across you and always with positive comments.
biased i know but i still think the best looking car they have made to date and an important part of astons history, being the last of NP ally days. I just wish the ally wasnt so soft.
i see it, as i did my last aston, my duty to return it back into the pool in better condition than when it came to me.
with this car i think that will be when i die, i like it that much.
Agree with every statement and sentiment 100%. The Vanquish just gets you that way! It has ruined me for every other car.just make sure they have been attended to and if not, as said, negotiate the price and then budget that they WILL happen as they will for sure.
on xmas eve i will be at 12 months ownership of a late Vanquish S and it has been divine to own. i bought a six year old car with 9,000 on it and in about six months i have added another 6,000 to those miles.
it is a great car, a thrill to drive, nice to be seen in and always draws an enthusiastic response from anyone who comes across you and always with positive comments.
biased i know but i still think the best looking car they have made to date and an important part of astons history, being the last of NP ally days. I just wish the ally wasnt so soft.
i see it, as i did my last aston, my duty to return it back into the pool in better condition than when it came to me.
with this car i think that will be when i die, i like it that much.
I really really really wanted a Vanquish, but I had read so many horror stories about the Gear Box and unreliability, but mostly about the Gear Box that I was just frieightened to get one. I know what I'm like, I will drive the dam thing every day, don't tell anyone but I've had bags of Cement / Plaster in the boot, its constantly full of boxed building materials. I use the car as my every day car.
Don't get me wrong I look after the 9 really well and it took me 30 mintes to vacuum the boot out after the plaster, but I do use it, proper use it.
It was the Horror stories that made me look at the 9 instead of the Vanquish.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but what your saying is that the unreliability stories are put there by a select few who have had a bad experience. The problem being is that the, "Bad Experience", to one person is not the same to another. Within about 6 months of having the 9, I had to change the front and rear discs and pads, I just saw it as maintenance, others would see that as ... OMG spent £1,200.00 on some discs and pads.
Don't get me wrong I look after the 9 really well and it took me 30 mintes to vacuum the boot out after the plaster, but I do use it, proper use it.
It was the Horror stories that made me look at the 9 instead of the Vanquish.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but what your saying is that the unreliability stories are put there by a select few who have had a bad experience. The problem being is that the, "Bad Experience", to one person is not the same to another. Within about 6 months of having the 9, I had to change the front and rear discs and pads, I just saw it as maintenance, others would see that as ... OMG spent £1,200.00 on some discs and pads.
Maverick its a long story and very well covered on the Vanquish section of the AMOC forum.
The guy's here always rib me when I open the bonnet, but these day's a Vanquish that has been fully and properly looked after by Aston Martin, has had all the updates done and has been driven with understanding, offers an unbeatable experience.
Using at as builders truck would be fine I'm sure, it would just cost you more to keep on top of everything.
The guy's here always rib me when I open the bonnet, but these day's a Vanquish that has been fully and properly looked after by Aston Martin, has had all the updates done and has been driven with understanding, offers an unbeatable experience.
Using at as builders truck would be fine I'm sure, it would just cost you more to keep on top of everything.
One question for other Vanquish owners.
Aside from a slightly quicker gear change and what seems like higher revving on the way down the gears, what else does the "Sport" button do?
As far as I can tell it doesnt make any difference to the exhaust note and I dont believe it does anything to the suspension settings.
Thoughts?
Luke
Aside from a slightly quicker gear change and what seems like higher revving on the way down the gears, what else does the "Sport" button do?
As far as I can tell it doesnt make any difference to the exhaust note and I dont believe it does anything to the suspension settings.
Thoughts?
Luke
I think I need to borrow someones Vanquish. A week should do, maybe 2, and would give me a better understanding of the car. Wait Wait. Perhaps a month, then 'll really get a feel for it.
Perhaps it is something that I should have read before looking to buy and the AMOC should have been my first port of call. But when you've had BMW's and Landrovers all your life and you're used to the reliability of everyday highstreet cars, then to read about Supercars (and I do mean, "Super", cars) is rather intimidating. Now I've have one and I understand that it's just the same as every other car other than the parts are more expensive, then I would not fear it so much. Indeed quite the opposite, i took my car to an independant garage about 6 months ago and he was explaining how spare parts for everyday cars over 20 years old are very hard to get hold of. He was looking at a 20 year old Auto VW and the parts were almost unfindable. He also works on exotics and he said that E-Type Jag spare are abundant because the car is a classic and people produce the parts.
So I can easily see the 90's DB7 / Vanquish and the 2003 DB9's and 2006 Vantages will have parts for years to come because of their classic status.
But people don't explain that to you, do they?
I still need to borrow someone's Vanquish for a month though ............
Perhaps it is something that I should have read before looking to buy and the AMOC should have been my first port of call. But when you've had BMW's and Landrovers all your life and you're used to the reliability of everyday highstreet cars, then to read about Supercars (and I do mean, "Super", cars) is rather intimidating. Now I've have one and I understand that it's just the same as every other car other than the parts are more expensive, then I would not fear it so much. Indeed quite the opposite, i took my car to an independant garage about 6 months ago and he was explaining how spare parts for everyday cars over 20 years old are very hard to get hold of. He was looking at a 20 year old Auto VW and the parts were almost unfindable. He also works on exotics and he said that E-Type Jag spare are abundant because the car is a classic and people produce the parts.
So I can easily see the 90's DB7 / Vanquish and the 2003 DB9's and 2006 Vantages will have parts for years to come because of their classic status.
But people don't explain that to you, do they?
I still need to borrow someone's Vanquish for a month though ............
Thanks mate.. Thought so.
Now an exhaust bypass switch does sound worth looking into. How much is that little gem? Parts and also fitting? Might grab one when I am in the UK next week.
How much louder is the car compared to standard? Not too loud I hope? Is it Aston approved then of they fitted it? As I have the Aston extended warranty you see.
Thanks.
. Luke
Now an exhaust bypass switch does sound worth looking into. How much is that little gem? Parts and also fitting? Might grab one when I am in the UK next week.
How much louder is the car compared to standard? Not too loud I hope? Is it Aston approved then of they fitted it? As I have the Aston extended warranty you see.
Thanks.
. Luke
VanquishDubai said:
Thanks mate.. Thought so.
Now an exhaust bypass switch does sound worth looking into. How much is that little gem? Parts and also fitting? Might grab one when I am in the UK next week.
How much louder is the car compared to standard? Not too loud I hope? Is it Aston approved then of they fitted it? As I have the Aston extended warranty you see.
Thanks.
. Luke
Sport button raises rev limiter by 500 rpm too, as well as quicken (and spoil) the gear change. What you need to try is Sport and ASM together, floor the throttle, and hang on.Now an exhaust bypass switch does sound worth looking into. How much is that little gem? Parts and also fitting? Might grab one when I am in the UK next week.
How much louder is the car compared to standard? Not too loud I hope? Is it Aston approved then of they fitted it? As I have the Aston extended warranty you see.
Thanks.
. Luke
The exhaust bypass system in the Vq is different than that on the DB9/V8V and I'm not sure how easy it would be to switch it. Many have unplugged the vacuum feed to the bypass valves (remember to plug the vacuum pipe if you do this), others have swapped the standard exhaust for a Quicksilver or similar.
Both Works Service and Bamford Rose fit the exhaust by pass switch. It only takes them a few minutes and is not expensive.
I dont know what they do, I'd suggest you speak to them.
The switch just leaves the by pass valves open all the time and sounds fantastic. If you are traveling down the motorway and want a bit of quiet just switch it back to normal operation.
I dont know what they do, I'd suggest you speak to them.
The switch just leaves the by pass valves open all the time and sounds fantastic. If you are traveling down the motorway and want a bit of quiet just switch it back to normal operation.
i had an exhaust switch. i switched what was on it for a quicksilver. it is now a snarly spitting fire breathing monster looking for a fight. nothing subtle about it.
tailor made for me.
the initial scaremongering with the vanquish was well founded. plain and simple. the difference is now everyone knows what the problems are and to some extent the onus has fallen back with the seller and not the buyer. if you are trying to sell one that hasnt had the factory modifications expect any buyer to bid you back of that in their pitch or they will just walk from even considering it. it seriously is like that. it is one reason why there is such a differential in prices and apart from the odd idiot that just walks off and buys one, just about everyone now knows. it is the reason why the later S goes for far more, it isnt just the performance difference, it is the knowledge that you dont need to worry about the wire sensors issue.
a standard vanq that has been sorted will be about £5k dearer than one not done. if it had the pumps and clutch all done then more so, if it has had the coils done, more so.
you just need to have the car PRIVATELY professionally inspected for the known issues and know what you are buying. safe once you know. you then pay the RIGHT money whatever that is, you cant go wrong.
they truly are amazing cars as addictive as charlie.
tailor made for me.
the initial scaremongering with the vanquish was well founded. plain and simple. the difference is now everyone knows what the problems are and to some extent the onus has fallen back with the seller and not the buyer. if you are trying to sell one that hasnt had the factory modifications expect any buyer to bid you back of that in their pitch or they will just walk from even considering it. it seriously is like that. it is one reason why there is such a differential in prices and apart from the odd idiot that just walks off and buys one, just about everyone now knows. it is the reason why the later S goes for far more, it isnt just the performance difference, it is the knowledge that you dont need to worry about the wire sensors issue.
a standard vanq that has been sorted will be about £5k dearer than one not done. if it had the pumps and clutch all done then more so, if it has had the coils done, more so.
you just need to have the car PRIVATELY professionally inspected for the known issues and know what you are buying. safe once you know. you then pay the RIGHT money whatever that is, you cant go wrong.
they truly are amazing cars as addictive as charlie.
yeti said:
Lovely post and good information - just went to look at the Nick Mee site and discovered the Chiltern green full-manual converted car has been sold. Feel like I've lost it myself even though buying it was never an option 
Hope someone is enjoying it!
I look at the Vanqui everyday on Nick Mee's site. Having had the pleasure of driving a Vanquish for a spell a Vanquish S is something I dream of owning one day.Hope someone is enjoying it!
MaverickAM9 said:
I think I need to borrow someones Vanquish. A week should do, maybe 2, and would give me a better understanding of the car. Wait Wait. Perhaps a month, then 'll really get a feel for it.
Perhaps it is something that I should have read before looking to buy and the AMOC should have been my first port of call. But when you've had BMW's and Landrovers all your life and you're used to the reliability of everyday highstreet cars, then to read about Supercars (and I do mean, "Super", cars) is rather intimidating. Now I've have one and I understand that it's just the same as every other car other than the parts are more expensive, then I would not fear it so much. Indeed quite the opposite, i took my car to an independant garage about 6 months ago and he was explaining how spare parts for everyday cars over 20 years old are very hard to get hold of. He was looking at a 20 year old Auto VW and the parts were almost unfindable. He also works on exotics and he said that E-Type Jag spare are abundant because the car is a classic and people produce the parts.
So I can easily see the 90's DB7 / Vanquish and the 2003 DB9's and 2006 Vantages will have parts for years to come because of their classic status.
But people don't explain that to you, do they?
I still need to borrow someone's Vanquish for a month though ............
You dont want it for a month !! it would cost you 5k in repairs for a whole month Perhaps it is something that I should have read before looking to buy and the AMOC should have been my first port of call. But when you've had BMW's and Landrovers all your life and you're used to the reliability of everyday highstreet cars, then to read about Supercars (and I do mean, "Super", cars) is rather intimidating. Now I've have one and I understand that it's just the same as every other car other than the parts are more expensive, then I would not fear it so much. Indeed quite the opposite, i took my car to an independant garage about 6 months ago and he was explaining how spare parts for everyday cars over 20 years old are very hard to get hold of. He was looking at a 20 year old Auto VW and the parts were almost unfindable. He also works on exotics and he said that E-Type Jag spare are abundant because the car is a classic and people produce the parts.
So I can easily see the 90's DB7 / Vanquish and the 2003 DB9's and 2006 Vantages will have parts for years to come because of their classic status.
But people don't explain that to you, do they?
I still need to borrow someone's Vanquish for a month though ............
The quicksilver is supposed to give you more 20 HP but it isnt just that it is 17kg lighter.
i can attest to that, as it took two of us to hold the original which weighed nearly 40kg!! while a third undid the bolts to get it out.
the replacement quicksilver i lifted out the box and held it up on my own.
those are the boring performance statistics.
the real change is in the sublime noise it makes.
anyone that know grange in welwyn, James said they were all stood outside in the car park and they heard every single gear change from the time i left and headed to the tesco roundabout, round that then out to the A1M sliproad northbound right up to the hill at the welwyn village turn off. it truly is a beast.
the moment i followed V8LM in his one with a quicksilver to the aston concourse i knew my beloved 6.3 wide body virage volante cosmetic (yes they actually called it that) was up for sale by the second roundabout we got to.
i used to love that car. but i luuurrrve this one.
i waited and got one of the faster black ones though
i can attest to that, as it took two of us to hold the original which weighed nearly 40kg!! while a third undid the bolts to get it out.
the replacement quicksilver i lifted out the box and held it up on my own.
those are the boring performance statistics.
the real change is in the sublime noise it makes.
anyone that know grange in welwyn, James said they were all stood outside in the car park and they heard every single gear change from the time i left and headed to the tesco roundabout, round that then out to the A1M sliproad northbound right up to the hill at the welwyn village turn off. it truly is a beast.
the moment i followed V8LM in his one with a quicksilver to the aston concourse i knew my beloved 6.3 wide body virage volante cosmetic (yes they actually called it that) was up for sale by the second roundabout we got to.
i used to love that car. but i luuurrrve this one.
i waited and got one of the faster black ones though
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