Vantage Coupe to Roadster

[johnnyBv8]

I'm thinking of changing my 2009 4.7 Vantage for a 4.7 Roadster (probably around 2010/2011). Has anyone else made this change, and if so, is there much difference to how tha car feels in terms of handling and performance?

There also seem tio be very few manual roadsters around - nearly all Sportshift (which isn't what I want). Not sure why this would be!

[johnnyBv8]

Haha, I guess not then! I'll aim to line up a test drive.

[telum01]

Probably a minimal difference, if any. More of a change going to a MY12.25 or later car, as a few things were revised then.

[bogie]

Yeah I changed from 2006 coupe to 2012 Roadster last year. There were only 6 manual Roadsters for sale in the network at the time. Very rare.

The roadster comes with sports suspension as standard. If you can stretch to MY2012.25 or later there are quite a few changes that came in like wider tyres, quicker steering rack, bigger brakes as well as the cosmetics. I always prefer open cars, and love driving roof down whenever its not raining, the noise is so much better......

All are detailed in the modern Aston bible

http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/

[johnnyBv8]

Ok, thanks for that. I'll have a closer look at the newer models. I suppose I should dust off my Aston bible too!

[bentley01]

I had a manual roadster. Good points being the sound with the roof down and feeling more involving with the wind in the hair driving/ open to the elements. The roof however did get stuck out of position a few times which made me loose a little confidence in it. The memory of the roof half up stuck and it starting to rain at a busy junction still makes me wince. I guess a new roof module would of sorted it.

[johnnyBv8]

Well, I've sadly just watched my Vantage being driven off by the new owner - hoping I haven't made the wrong decision as it was such a nice example. However, onwards and topless, I'm now starting to keep an eye out for Vantage No.3....a manual roadster!

[LordBretSinclair]

Good luck with your search - enjoy driving with a proper gearchange and wind in your hair

[V12Hunter]

I'm sure you will love it, although I don't speak from experience. Couple of nice ones on the market at the moment...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[leerandle]

I do like the look and price of the second one (Roadster, manual and lightweight seats)

I would definitely only buy mine from an Aston dealer to ensure I get some protection if things started to go wrong after purchase.

Good luck with your search !!

[LordBretSinclair]

V12Hunter said:

I'm sure you will love it, although I don't speak from experience. Couple of nice ones on the market at the moment...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Two lovely examples and shows just how manual roadsters are keeping their value.
Both those 2011 cars (same year as mine) are priced more, with higher mileages, than I paid for mine 3 years ago

[bogie]

Yep, love mine, changed from a manual 2006 coupe to manual 2012 Roadster about 12 months ago, and still not seen one same age/miles/spec for less. The manual Roadster is certainly a rare beast and holding value well

[leerandle]

LordBretSinclair said:

Two lovely examples and shows just how manual roadsters are keeping their value.
Both those 2011 cars (same year as mine) are priced more, with higher mileages, than I paid for mine 3 years ago

Don't say that.................

[johnnyBv8]

leerandle said:

LordBretSinclair said:

Two lovely examples and shows just how manual roadsters are keeping their value.
Both those 2011 cars (same year as mine) are priced more, with higher mileages, than I paid for mine 3 years ago

Don't say that.................

The counter to that is that the used car market seems to be particularly slow - more so than would be usual even allowing for time of year, and main dealers have been dropping their prices noticeably over the past few months with quite a few cars hanging around. I had lots of people interested in mine, but it took a while for the firm offers, even though it was priced low (and probably £4-5k less than it would've been earlier in the year).

Edited by johnnyBv8 on Tuesday 24th October 16:18

[Jon39]

bentley01 said:

The roof however did get stuck out of position a few times which made me loose a little confidence in it. The memory of the roof half up stuck and it starting to rain at a busy junction, still makes me wince.

I bet you had a laugh, when you drove your car with the roof partly up.
You are not the only one, to have tried that joke though.

[johnnyBv8]

Just to update this thread with my latest purchase - pic below from earlier today. It's a late 2010 4.7 manual, in midnight blue, caspian blue interior with sandstorm seats. Just serviced at AM, and in lovely condition. Lots of options on it compared to my previous two Vantages - N400 sills, graphite DT alloys, sportspack, clear rear lights, premium audio etc.

I'm really pleased with it...perhaps it's the novelty of a convertible but it feels a bit more of an occasion at the moment. I think it's also helped by a bit of colour to the interior instead of the black of my previous two Astons. It drives really nicely - I found the ride quite hard on my 2009 4.7 (harder than my 4.3), so wasn't sure about having the sportspack on this - but it actually feels better.

I've taken the front plinth off, and put some retrofit thinner wipers on it, but that's it so far. Still trying to decide whether I prefer the clear or red rear lights - it's got clear ones; do you think red would age it (I have a set in the garage!). Are there many 2010 or newer cars with red lights?

Edited by johnnyBv8 on Wednesday 3rd January 16:36

[IanV12VR]

Your new Aston looks beautiful!! What a great colour combination

As for red lights as the back I think it comes down to personal prefence but I think it looks great as it is. Doubt there are many younger cars that have red lights.

[johnnyBv8]

Thanks! It looks quite dark there (not the sunniest of days today), but in the sunshine it's a really nice blue.

[bogie]

Car looks great, I know what you mean re the sports pack, Its very well judged for our roads.

Funny you mention the lights, my Dec 12 Roadster has red rear lights on titanium silver. I think the clear lights look better on darker colours.

Enjoy the drive - changing to a Roadster really re-ignited my love for the car too, and 15 months on the novelty has not worn off

[LordBretSinclair]

Gorgeous car Johnny - love the wheels, sills and the clear lights - but then I am biased.

Cue another opportunity for gratuitous photo