V8 Vantage - what's it really like?
Discussion
very good
davek_964 said:
So what is the annual maintenance budget likely to be? I'm especially interested in people who have gone from 996 / 997 to vantage. Did the costs go up significantly?
I already spend far too much on cars and am not keen to increase it further!
on a good year mine has cost me a £600 service and £280 road tax, £300 to insureI already spend far too much on cars and am not keen to increase it further!
on a "bad" year its usually when multiple consumables are due at the same time, so thats £1k of disc n pads all round, or £900 set of tyres
An "expensive" service may be £800 when you need plugs/air filters and/or transaxle oil
Buy grant neals book, its all in there : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Definitive-Guide-Gaydon-As...
If I used a Porker main dealer to service my 996 then the cost to run the 996 would have been similar. This does not include the issues I had with the RMS and front shocks or the rubber things that they sit on, then there was the corroded radiator, exhaust and the air con system.
Looking back at my 996, the V8V comes across as being relatively cheap but I did use the 996 as a DD where as the V8V is used only half as much.
Looking back at my 996, the V8V comes across as being relatively cheap but I did use the 996 as a DD where as the V8V is used only half as much.
Mt car is a March 2008 V8 Vantage Roadster that's done 64.5k miles.
I have the extended warranty on mine , so that's £1500 a year, I never had this on my 996 C4S CAB.
Other than that a service (+- £800) and brakes / tyres every other year maybe.
So i work on about £3k per year , but as yet I'm undecided as to whether I extend the warranty in June again for a 3rd time.
The first year i had a couple of issues where the warranty was needed (roof module failed plus an electric window issue), the second year I had a clear rear lens replaced under warranty (due to condensation) and both wing mirrors replaced under warranty (paint corrosion).
This last year I've used the AA callout (part of extended warranty) a couple of times , but that's been due to the car being left without driven for a couple of weeks - I have allocated outdoor parking , so no chance of trickle charging the battery whilst the car is not in use. The car was in for one warranty item which was minor and wouldn't have cost much, this was done at the same time as the heated seats recall.
The car has Full AM service history with HWM.
I will either have the car serviced again at HWM and renew the warranty or take it our of the dealer network and have the service done at somewhere like Bamford Rose.
Or...sell my call and buy the Viridian Green Vantage S Roadster at HWM. Yes i kno it has "history" but if i could negotiate a decent price / include 2 years AM warranty - then i'd be willing to take the risk - I love the colour !
As an aside, did anyone notice this same Veridian Green V8 Vantage Roaster on the TV the other night (Supercars: The Million Pound Motors) when they were showing the car meet ? I remember seeing the advert for the car, anyone know how much they were trying to sell it for ?
This was filmed last year, the car was for sale there before appearing at HWM.
I have the extended warranty on mine , so that's £1500 a year, I never had this on my 996 C4S CAB.
Other than that a service (+- £800) and brakes / tyres every other year maybe.
So i work on about £3k per year , but as yet I'm undecided as to whether I extend the warranty in June again for a 3rd time.
The first year i had a couple of issues where the warranty was needed (roof module failed plus an electric window issue), the second year I had a clear rear lens replaced under warranty (due to condensation) and both wing mirrors replaced under warranty (paint corrosion).
This last year I've used the AA callout (part of extended warranty) a couple of times , but that's been due to the car being left without driven for a couple of weeks - I have allocated outdoor parking , so no chance of trickle charging the battery whilst the car is not in use. The car was in for one warranty item which was minor and wouldn't have cost much, this was done at the same time as the heated seats recall.
The car has Full AM service history with HWM.
I will either have the car serviced again at HWM and renew the warranty or take it our of the dealer network and have the service done at somewhere like Bamford Rose.
Or...sell my call and buy the Viridian Green Vantage S Roadster at HWM. Yes i kno it has "history" but if i could negotiate a decent price / include 2 years AM warranty - then i'd be willing to take the risk - I love the colour !
As an aside, did anyone notice this same Veridian Green V8 Vantage Roaster on the TV the other night (Supercars: The Million Pound Motors) when they were showing the car meet ? I remember seeing the advert for the car, anyone know how much they were trying to sell it for ?
This was filmed last year, the car was for sale there before appearing at HWM.
nw28840 said:
As an aside, did anyone notice this same Veridian Green V8 Vantage Roaster on the TV the other night (Supercars: The Million Pound Motors) when they were showing the car meet ? I remember seeing the advert for the car, anyone know how much they were trying to sell it for ?
This was filmed last year, the car was for sale there before appearing at HWM.
I did can't remember the price thoughThis was filmed last year, the car was for sale there before appearing at HWM.
OK, thanks - that looks like it's probably similar to my turbo. I tend to assume that averages around £2k a year including tyres which is probably roughly right - sometimes it's more, sometimes it's less so I think that's about the average.
Will take a look at that book - looks like it would be useful.
Will take a look at that book - looks like it would be useful.
@ nw28840
If you are keen on the Green machine then make sure you drive a very hard bargain. It was up for £67k with TH:
http://www.tomhartley.com/printdetails/2011-ASTON_...
If you are keen on the Green machine then make sure you drive a very hard bargain. It was up for £67k with TH:
http://www.tomhartley.com/printdetails/2011-ASTON_...
Big Ry said:
@ nw28840
If you are keen on the Green machine then make sure you drive a very hard bargain. It was up for £67k with TH:
http://www.tomhartley.com/printdetails/2011-ASTON_...
Thanks, I was sure it was up for sale at Tom Hartley for more than HWM are asking now ( it's now on sale at HWM for £2k less and approx a thousand more miles on the clock ), If you are keen on the Green machine then make sure you drive a very hard bargain. It was up for £67k with TH:
http://www.tomhartley.com/printdetails/2011-ASTON_...
Be interested in your thoughts on what you think would be an achievable purchase price / deal for the car ? PM me if you prefer.
A deposit was put on the car about 2 weeks ago and then the buyer changed their mind.
I'm still not sure it's the car for me, I do fancy the change but just for changes sake really - oh and the 4.7 engine and 430bhp
Well, today has been interesting.
I had the morning free, so looked up whether there were any local V8Vs I could go and browse. I must admit I am a little surprised by the used Aston market. Main dealers seem to stock newer / more expensive than I want, and private sales seem quite rare. Some of the dealer ads don't inspire me with confidence.
But, I decided to go and see a black car at Sterling Performance to see what my money might get me.
It wasn't exactly a prestige showroom - basically a warehouse stuffed full of exotic cars. Didn't speak to anybody - they seemed busy with a BMW - but the car did look pretty stunning in black. Didn't have a serious look but was happy with what the budget would get. However, I did come away thinking that I'm not sure I want the hassle of changing cars and I should just be happy with the turbo.
At lunchtime, I had a call from a local vantage owner who'd said he would chat to me about ownership and take me out in his. And that was the real surprise.
He took me out for a blast and I was really impressed. The interior was pure quality and has aged very well - looked almost new despite being about 9 years old. Sounded lovely (better than my turbo) and felt pretty quick. Suspension was harder than I expected and it clearly goes around corners.
I came away pretty much sold. I still wonder how many "good" cars are out there in my price range, and I do generally find car buying is a pain with lots of wasted trips. Oh, and I'll miss having a sunroof.
But I want one, ideally black / black. Turbo will need to go back up for sale!
Thanks again to Simon - was really good to meet you.
I had the morning free, so looked up whether there were any local V8Vs I could go and browse. I must admit I am a little surprised by the used Aston market. Main dealers seem to stock newer / more expensive than I want, and private sales seem quite rare. Some of the dealer ads don't inspire me with confidence.
But, I decided to go and see a black car at Sterling Performance to see what my money might get me.
It wasn't exactly a prestige showroom - basically a warehouse stuffed full of exotic cars. Didn't speak to anybody - they seemed busy with a BMW - but the car did look pretty stunning in black. Didn't have a serious look but was happy with what the budget would get. However, I did come away thinking that I'm not sure I want the hassle of changing cars and I should just be happy with the turbo.
At lunchtime, I had a call from a local vantage owner who'd said he would chat to me about ownership and take me out in his. And that was the real surprise.
He took me out for a blast and I was really impressed. The interior was pure quality and has aged very well - looked almost new despite being about 9 years old. Sounded lovely (better than my turbo) and felt pretty quick. Suspension was harder than I expected and it clearly goes around corners.
I came away pretty much sold. I still wonder how many "good" cars are out there in my price range, and I do generally find car buying is a pain with lots of wasted trips. Oh, and I'll miss having a sunroof.
But I want one, ideally black / black. Turbo will need to go back up for sale!
Thanks again to Simon - was really good to meet you.
Nice to hear you enjoyed it. For real world driving they are plenty "fast enough", a nice place to be, look and sound great, just a lovely all round car really. Had mine 8 years now and only want to change it for a another newer model.
Mine is black/black, but im keeping it another year at least......Im sure you will find the right car somewhere, have fun shopping
Mine is black/black, but im keeping it another year at least......Im sure you will find the right car somewhere, have fun shopping
I have owned my V8 for around 18 montbs now. Personally it has taken my a while to bond with it and I think the main reason is I came from a bright orange Lotus, and the V8 is actually very different.
For me, it doesn't do one thing brilliantly. For example, it won't be phenomenally quick (like the 911TT), nor does it handle as good as some rivals (Lotus).
It does however look outstanding, sounds brilliant (from the outside) and makes you feel a million dollars when driving it. The interior is the best I have sat in. Its quick enough and handles well enough. To own its brilliant, to drive I feel it lacks somewhat.
I use mine daily, which maybe doesnt help. I am considering buying a daily and use the V8 for days out and weekends, but I am worried I won't it enough
For me, it doesn't do one thing brilliantly. For example, it won't be phenomenally quick (like the 911TT), nor does it handle as good as some rivals (Lotus).
It does however look outstanding, sounds brilliant (from the outside) and makes you feel a million dollars when driving it. The interior is the best I have sat in. Its quick enough and handles well enough. To own its brilliant, to drive I feel it lacks somewhat.
I use mine daily, which maybe doesnt help. I am considering buying a daily and use the V8 for days out and weekends, but I am worried I won't it enough
justin220 said:
For me, it doesn't do one thing brilliantly. For example, it won't be phenomenally quick (like the 911TT), nor does it handle as good as some rivals (Lotus).
Funny you say that. The common complaint about 911s including the turbo is that they do everything very well and therefore lack a bit of soul. I wouldn't want my turbo as a weekend car - driving it isn't enough of an event. Sounds like you might find the same with your vantage. Mind you, if it's black / black perhaps we should swap! 
I've had my V8 Roadster for just over a year and its been the most pleasurable car I have ever owned.
Generally very reliable. no major cost shocks with servicing.fuel economy not too shabby on a run ( crappy in Town)
Soundtrack is incredible ( fuse 22 switch fitted) one of the finest looking cars on the road IMHO ( quite a head turner)
its fine to use as an every day car
Cheers
SmokeyMo
Generally very reliable. no major cost shocks with servicing.fuel economy not too shabby on a run ( crappy in Town)
Soundtrack is incredible ( fuse 22 switch fitted) one of the finest looking cars on the road IMHO ( quite a head turner)
its fine to use as an every day car
Cheers
SmokeyMo
I used mine daily for a couple of years, then had an enforced break following an accident (in another car) Then the best upgrade I ever did for the Vantage was to drive a comfy Range Rover most days and keep the Vantage for weekend, trips out and touring holidays
Everything is relative and its easy to fall into being blase if you drive it daily, it becomes almost normal....so then if a V8 Aston Martin is routine and normal, what do you drive for something special?
Everything is relative and its easy to fall into being blase if you drive it daily, it becomes almost normal....so then if a V8 Aston Martin is routine and normal, what do you drive for something special?
mikey k said:
bogie said:
Everything is relative and its easy to fall into being blase if you drive it daily, it becomes almost normal....so then if a V8 Aston Martin is routine and normal, what do you drive for something special?
Too true!Hi Justin
just realised which Justin you were, and you had an Elise and Lambo previously
Did you use the Gallardo daily when you had it? Id always like to imagine that I would, but in reality, I don't think it would fit my lifestyle. Although there are a couple of nice Italians in the work car park from time to time, I just couldn't do the 400 mile motorway commutes I need to do weeks, it would seem like such a waste of the car .
I do occasionally use the Aston still for motorway work, when its a nice day, but ultimately I dont find it as comfy or convenient to use as a Rangey...but then I might need to pick passengers up with luggage etc
One of the appeals of just about any Aston (I think) is that they are pretty discrete and you can use them daily.....
just realised which Justin you were, and you had an Elise and Lambo previously
Did you use the Gallardo daily when you had it? Id always like to imagine that I would, but in reality, I don't think it would fit my lifestyle. Although there are a couple of nice Italians in the work car park from time to time, I just couldn't do the 400 mile motorway commutes I need to do weeks, it would seem like such a waste of the car .
I do occasionally use the Aston still for motorway work, when its a nice day, but ultimately I dont find it as comfy or convenient to use as a Rangey...but then I might need to pick passengers up with luggage etc
One of the appeals of just about any Aston (I think) is that they are pretty discrete and you can use them daily.....
I went from 996 TT (with Cargraphic exhaust) to 4.3 V8 Vantage Coupe, also from 997 GT3 to 4.7 Roadster..... lots of good advice above, key to the change is the whole new automotive experience owning the Aston will give you. So it doesn't pay to directly compare the two cars (clearly the TT is a lot faster) but Aston ownership offers something refreshingly different.
The Vantage provides a new ownership package, from.... the fabulous design (order the chair for your garage ), different driving dynamics to tune into, the fantastic V8 roar, positive reactions, rarity/status, etc, creating a real feelgood factor that all car nuts should experience.
The Vantage provides a new ownership package, from.... the fabulous design (order the chair for your garage
), different driving dynamics to tune into, the fantastic V8 roar, positive reactions, rarity/status, etc, creating a real feelgood factor that all car nuts should experience. bogie said:
Hi Justin
just realised which Justin you were, and you had an Elise and Lambo previously
Did you use the Gallardo daily when you had it? Id always like to imagine that I would, but in reality, I don't think it would fit my lifestyle. Although there are a couple of nice Italians in the work car park from time to time, I just couldn't do the 400 mile motorway commutes I need to do weeks, it would seem like such a waste of the car .
I do occasionally use the Aston still for motorway work, when its a nice day, but ultimately I dont find it as comfy or convenient to use as a Rangey...but then I might need to pick passengers up with luggage etc
One of the appeals of just about any Aston (I think) is that they are pretty discrete and you can use them daily.....
just realised which Justin you were, and you had an Elise and Lambo previously
Did you use the Gallardo daily when you had it? Id always like to imagine that I would, but in reality, I don't think it would fit my lifestyle. Although there are a couple of nice Italians in the work car park from time to time, I just couldn't do the 400 mile motorway commutes I need to do weeks, it would seem like such a waste of the car .
I do occasionally use the Aston still for motorway work, when its a nice day, but ultimately I dont find it as comfy or convenient to use as a Rangey...but then I might need to pick passengers up with luggage etc
One of the appeals of just about any Aston (I think) is that they are pretty discrete and you can use them daily.....
Hello!I did indeed, and think that is why it didn't last long. The attention it got was unreal. Every time I left it, I would get back and people would be sitting on the bonnet, taking pictures, hands against the windows... It also felt very wide, and although the noise and power were addictive, it wasn't all that fun to drive. I think it is definitely a second/third car.
I don't seem to do enough miles to justify having two+ cars, so I am continually hunting for the 'all rounder' if such a thing exists. The Evora however was brilliant at it. It did everything very well.
I took the Vantage out yesterday for a day trip over a good road and it is brilliant for that type of drive. Special days out. I think the specialness of it wears off if you drive it every day.
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