New '07 Vantage Owner

[Bravo73]

Hello Everyone,

Long time lurker, first time poster etc.

After lots of years in several types of M3s (from an e30 through to a CSL), I thought that it was about time that I bought a proper car. Although the German cars had served me well, it was about time that I got myself a decent British motor. Bentleys, Jags and even Morgans don't push enough of the right buttons so it could only one marque - an Aston.

So I did what many others have done before me. I found the AMOC forum and then the PH forum and bought Grant's book! (the first edition! What feels like years ago!) I'm not quite respectable/old enough yet for a DB9 so I would have to 'settle' (yeah, right!) on a V8 Vantage. This would also allow me to scratch another petrolhead itch. I've had plenty of 4 and 6 cylinder cars in the past so a V8 is the natural progression.

When I started looking in earnest recently, I was explicitly told 'no horrible silver or grey'. I also discounted the obvious blacks. So I was looking for something in one of the more 'interesting' colours, ideally one of the 'traditional Aston' light greens such as AM Racing Green. (But it turns out that V8Vs in AMRG are rarer than rocking horse poo). A dark blue, a Toro Red or even one of the lighter blues would've also worked. However, when we finally visited an Aston dealer, I was told in no uncertain terms that a dark blue was out and Meteorite Silver was the colour to go for.

So I found a '07 (so it had the newer seats), manual (very important after having an SMG for the last few years), coupe (no roadster, thanks) in Meteorite Silver with an Iron Ore interior (grey/black would have been far too 'suicide' for me). It's got practically all of the various toys that I was after: powerfold mirrors (to help getting in the garage), cruise (for those planned pan-Continental trips), bluetooth and Premium sound (wow, just wow). And one final, but hopefully important, option:





I only picked the car up last week so it's already got pretty mucky. So, before anybody asks, I haven't got any photos of the car itself yet. But as a pretty 'standard' combination of meteorite silver/iron ore/seven spoke 19" wheels, I hope that you can picture what it looks like.

My first impressions? Well, the first thing that I did on the drive home from the dealer was to pull fuse 22. Oh. My. God. Like someone else has posted elsewhere, it now makes a sound like the Devil gargling spanners. The CSL makes a great noise but this is just something else. So, although I'm preaching to the converted, it looks divine, goes like stink and makes an unearthly sound. Petrolhead nirvana.

And it's only been a few days but I've already started ordering a few little bits and pieces for it. I've got a set of Tony's stereo knobs on their way and a little stubby aerial to replace the OEM whip aerial. Performance-wise, a Vantage is never going to get near a CSL in terms of 'race car for the road' speed or handling. And why would it want to? It's a completely different proposition. But if/when I do start spending on upgrades, I think that I will be taking a trip to BR. For the time being however, the Stratton Motor Company is just down the road from me and after been shown around their workshops recently, that's definitely where it's going to be looked after.

So, I guess this is just a quick hello from me and hopefully I'll get to meet some of you over the next few months/years.


Bravo73

[Neil1300R]

Welcome - but as a long time lurker you'll know the rules pictures!
No can't imagine what a silver car with Iron Ore interior looks like - PICTURES!!!



Make sure you run it on 98RON. Combination of the right fuel, use22 out and starting on cold winters day - its hilarious.

[krisdelta]

Neil1300R said:

Make sure you run it on 98RON. Combination of the right fuel, use22 out and starting on cold winters day - its hilarious.

Welcome!Neil is spot on. One of my neighbours lets my car wake them up in the morning rather than setting an alarm. Makes a lovely noise in the cold.

[Arjxh56]

The noise just doesnt last long enough! I find after a minute of warming up the popping has stopped and its calmed down. I wish there was a way to keep it popping

I have a random question, not related to the thread as such but links into the sound comments.. I have a standard car and when gearing down i just hear engine whine and not exhaust noise and popping.. i assume this is because i havent spent my money on BR upgrades yet?

[AMDBSNick]

Arjxh56 said:

The noise just doesnt last long enough! I find after a minute of warming up the popping has stopped and its calmed down. I wish there was a way to keep it popping

I have a random question, not related to the thread as such but links into the sound comments.. I have a standard car and when gearing down i just hear engine whine and not exhaust noise and popping.. i assume this is because i havent spent my money on BR upgrades yet?

Not enough cylinders

[mikey k]

Arjxh56 said:

The noise just doesnt last long enough! I find after a minute of warming up the popping has stopped and its calmed down. I wish there was a way to keep it popping

I have a random question, not related to the thread as such but links into the sound comments.. I have a standard car and when gearing down i just hear engine whine and not exhaust noise and popping.. i assume this is because i havent spent my money on BR upgrades yet?

S exhaust does it or go the full monty and get the BR package

OP pics or ban

[yeti]

Arjxh56 said:

The noise just doesnt last long enough! I find after a minute of warming up the popping has stopped and its calmed down. I wish there was a way to keep it popping

Your car has been designed to keep the Fun Police happy so that's why it quietens down... get some race cats

[JaseB]

Well done, a top purchase, great car history too, I wish I still had either of my E30 M3s, awesome fun!

[Cockernee]

Welcome to the AM PH forum.... Rules is Rules

As already posted the pops and bangs will not remain once warm. You need some special medicine prescribed by Dr Mike for that

[cowman1960]

Hi there, i like you have recently purchased a Aston, tell me every time you look at her you dont smile to yourself

[Bravo73]

Okay, okay, okay. I guess that 'dem rules is rules'.

The sun is currently shining, I've got no work on for the afternoon (at the moment) and the open road is calling. I can't promise you David Bailey (just an ageing iPhone 4S). But watch this space. I'll be back in a few hours.




(And rest assured, it will only be fed on V-Power).

[theno23]

Arjxh56 said:

The noise just doesnt last long enough! I find after a minute of warming up the popping has stopped and its calmed down. I wish there was a way to keep it popping

I have a random question, not related to the thread as such but links into the sound comments.. I have a standard car and when gearing down i just hear engine whine and not exhaust noise and popping.. i assume this is because i havent spent my money on BR upgrades yet?

Interesting - my N400 pops and bangs even more when warmed up - is it a different exhaust system?

I knew the intake was different, so assumed that was why it's louder than a normal 4.3.

- Steve

[DangerMonkey]

mine pops when warm too (std 4.3) - more so with the by-pass open mind. It's never going to be at TVR levels but still does it often enough to keep me amused

Edited by DangerMonkey on Tuesday 11th December 15:34

[v8woollie]

DangerMonkey said:

mine pops when warm too (std 4.3) - more so with the by-pass open mind. It's never going to be at TVR levels but still does it often enough to keep me amused

Edited by DangerMonkey on Tuesday 11th December 15:34

Same here - I use BP Ultimate if that makes a difference.

[Bravo73]

Outside:



Inside:



After a quick wash:

[Arjxh56]

I dont get any exhaust noise in the cabin at all when gearing down, just the engine whine.
I also use the higher octane fuel so its not that?

v8woollie said:

Same here - I use BP Ultimate if that makes a difference.

[ds2000]

Beautiful, you have the spec I wanted but couldn't get in the facelift model. Iron Ore is beautiful!

[Neil1300R]

Arjxh56 said:

I dont get any exhaust noise in the cabin at all when gearing down, just the engine whine.
I also use the higher octane fuel so its not that?

v8woollie said:

Same here - I use BP Ultimate if that makes a difference.

Take the parcel shelf out.

[Arjxh56]

Back to the OPs thread...
Very nice car, same colour as mine on the outside, I really like the interior too. Good choice.

[robgt]

You need to speak to Bamford Mike. He will put you in the direction that your finances allow. The money you spend will be well spent. Our cars are simply fantastic nothing else will give you a buzz like an Aston Martin.