Best place to buy a vantage / warranty ?

[phib]

It looks like my circumstances will change in a couple of months and wont need to 35k miles a year anymore !!!

So I am thinking of scratching an itch and buying a cheap vantage for everyday, seen some at late £20's and then one at Aston approved centre at £36k

Is it worth spending the extra ? anything obvious to look at when buying ( have read the book and buying guides)

Is the warranty worth it ?

Only looking for a cheap one as it will be used as a normal car / car parks etc etc so don't mind if its a bit scruffy etc etc

Thanks

Phib

[rovcallum]

If you are seriously looking for one which is "a bit scruffy", then be prepared for a less than perfect service record, cheap tyres, and possible big bills just around the corner.

Better option would be to pick up a late 2007 4.3 for upper £30's to low £40's, with low mileage, FAMSH and in excellent condition.

Happy hunting.

[phib]

Thanks, are there any particular things to look for that give big bills ?

Thanks

[rovcallum]

Heard a couple of stories of ticking noises from engines which cost a bit to fix.
Other than that, the clutch will cost £2K and can go without much warning but seems to depend very much on previous owners, city life, and abuse. Some last less than 20K, others seem to last 50-70K.
Grant's Book is the best source of information together with this website.
Do a search on here and you will uncover lots of good info regards reliability, warranties, dealer problems, etc.

[bogie]

The main big bills that could be looming at the bottom of the market are really consumables;

clutch - £3k
brake discs - £1k
tyres - £1k
pads - £250 per axle
suspension - £2k

thats before you see any paint bubbles, needing the doors/bonnet etc respraying

Generally a well maintained enthusiast owned car for mid £30k should have had all the common issue resolved by now. Dont be afraid of mileage on the car so long as the history is there. My old 2006 coupe sold for £31k with 83k miles on it, but it was well maintained. I would not pay more for something with say 20k miles on it thats 10 years old. Likely it may still have niggles that have not shown themselves, and if you pay a premium for low miles, its only more depreciation to lose when you use it.

Buy something with avg miles on it and keep avg miles on it and theres really not much to come out of a £30-35K Vantage so long as you maintain it well. They are maintaining value well.

[phib]

Thanks for the info very very helpful !

Happy with consumables and those kind of costs I always ran a 911 / maserati’s of differing verietys as daily’s until a few years ago but then went more fun weekend stuff that hardly gets used and boring daily’s.

Just sold my Ferrari 550, Landrover series one and Elise as I just didn’t use them. Still have my 355 which I have had for decades !!

So not a stranger to higher consumable costs.

Ideally would look for a sportshift ( have driven a couple and I am fine with them)

Scruffier the better as if I buy a perfect one I will just worry about it !!

Thanks

Phib