Any comments with this listing?
Discussion
Hi All
I'm looking at getting a weekend sports car, and the Vantage V8 is calling to me. My three main criteria are: the 4.7 engine, manual transmission, and the convertible.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102189...
This listing ticks all the boxes. Even though I would rather a dark blue than black, I think the colour is less important than the above 3 criteria, and finding the exact colour with all of the above intact seems like it would probably impossible. Therefore I'm thinking of investigating this one further and contacting the seller.
Are there any observations that leap out to people, based purely off the listing? They did not bother to tart up the car for the photos - is that a warning sign of anything? Is there anything I should ask, other than what work has been done on it (and particularly if the clutch has been replaced)?
Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm new to this sector of car ownership (owned sports cars in the past but nothing higher than an RX8 and my current DD is an Audi S6 Avant).
I'm looking at getting a weekend sports car, and the Vantage V8 is calling to me. My three main criteria are: the 4.7 engine, manual transmission, and the convertible.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102189...
This listing ticks all the boxes. Even though I would rather a dark blue than black, I think the colour is less important than the above 3 criteria, and finding the exact colour with all of the above intact seems like it would probably impossible. Therefore I'm thinking of investigating this one further and contacting the seller.
Are there any observations that leap out to people, based purely off the listing? They did not bother to tart up the car for the photos - is that a warning sign of anything? Is there anything I should ask, other than what work has been done on it (and particularly if the clutch has been replaced)?
Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm new to this sector of car ownership (owned sports cars in the past but nothing higher than an RX8 and my current DD is an Audi S6 Avant).
Looks fine, as you state manual roadsters are very rare (my preference too) and there is a big price jump to a 2012.25 car with the updates that brought. £12k more on autotrader. For sub £40k that looks to be the best option on the market for a manual 4.7 roadster.
Its really just a case of checking the service history and condition of consumables. Clutch,discs/pads, tyres, has it had spark plugs done etc. All the things that can dent ownership early on if you get stuck with a few grand of bills in the first 12 months.
Its really just a case of checking the service history and condition of consumables. Clutch,discs/pads, tyres, has it had spark plugs done etc. All the things that can dent ownership early on if you get stuck with a few grand of bills in the first 12 months.
3 things I noticed, each of which may not be a problem for you.
- It only has the 160W std audio, which isn't very good being honest. The Premium 700W system is a huge upgrade, and is as a result seemingly more common.
- Doesn't have the sports pack suspension, so ride/handling will be comfort biased rather than sports.
- Seat in one of the pics looks badly scratched
Thanks for the comments. I noticed the audio was not the upgraded version. Ordinarily, as a music nut, this would be extremely important to me. Indeed in a daily driver it would be essential. But as this would be a weekend car, and I would be wanting to listen to that V8, I am less bothered here. Plus, perhaps most of all, that I'm not sure I will be likely to find a car that hits my main criteria and has the upgraded audio, in this kind of price range. Maybe I'm wrong.
I did read about the updates but can only recall that hill assist and Garmin satnav to replace the Volvo one became available, but not sure if these were options or standard.
Good point on the sports suspension. That's a shame, as it would be a weekend driver's car, rather than a comfortable tourer, but not sure if it's a dealbreaker. Does it make that much difference?
Is it likely another convertible will come on the market with 4.7 engine and manual transmission (in this kind of price range)? Given the apparent rarity of that combo, particularly given the manual element, I wonder if I would regret not looking further into this one and waiting fruitlessly for something else with better audio/dark blue colour/sports pack suspension.
bogie said:
Looks fine, as you state manual roadsters are very rare (my preference too) and there is a big price jump to a 2012.25 car with the updates that brought. £12k more on autotrader. For sub £40k that looks to be the best option on the market for a manual 4.7 roadster.
Is this example just prior to the 2012.25 update, or does it include the updates? I think it's June 2012 registered, which would imply it is the update, but not clear on this. edit: I think you're saying it isn't, and that an updated one would be 12k more - right?I did read about the updates but can only recall that hill assist and Garmin satnav to replace the Volvo one became available, but not sure if these were options or standard.
AdamV12V said:
3 things I noticed, each of which may not be a problem for you.
Thanks Adam. How easy would it be to tart up the seats, in your experience?- It only has the 160W std audio, which isn't very good being honest. The Premium 700W system is a huge upgrade, and is as a result seemingly more common.
- Doesn't have the sports pack suspension, so ride/handling will be comfort biased rather than sports.
- Seat in one of the pics looks badly scratched
Good point on the sports suspension. That's a shame, as it would be a weekend driver's car, rather than a comfortable tourer, but not sure if it's a dealbreaker. Does it make that much difference?
Is it likely another convertible will come on the market with 4.7 engine and manual transmission (in this kind of price range)? Given the apparent rarity of that combo, particularly given the manual element, I wonder if I would regret not looking further into this one and waiting fruitlessly for something else with better audio/dark blue colour/sports pack suspension.
Edited by TheHound on Tuesday 4th May 15:51
Edited by TheHound on Tuesday 4th May 15:52
TheHound said:
Good point on the sports suspension. That's a shame, as it would be a weekend driver's car, rather than a comfortable tourer, but not sure if it's a dealbreaker. Does it make that much difference?
With the current poor condition of the UK non-motorway roads, standard 'comfort' suspension for many owners counts as a plus.
Standard suspension and bumpy road = risk of losing fillings.
Harder Sports suspension and bumpy road = ??????
If a Citroen with air suspension is considered a 'comfortable tourer', then no need to worry, you will certainly feel the road in a Vantage.
PS. I see what you refer to Adam ref. seat.
Those marks look as though they might have been caused by the studs on jeans. I worry slightly about trouser back pocket buttons, but no damage yet.
Edited by Jon39 on Tuesday 4th May 17:15
Don't get the 'sports pack' suspension thing as the standard set up is rather firm as it is. Unless of course you're a bay bum smooth track day fiend. Premium audio is really rather good though. Bloody good actually. Mileage? come sale time when you move on,,,,?
Edited by macdeb on Tuesday 4th May 17:50
Had a quick look. Difficult to assess the paint as they have let water dry on it, so it's covered in waterspots. It could be an illusion but it looks like the boot lid may be contacting the upper edge of the bumper - there look to be a couple of places where the colour has worn through, showing the white primer. There may also be two or three scratches on the bumper itself just right of centre by the crease line - but it could be a trick of the light. Again the waterspots mask much, but the nose seems suspiciously free of any stone chips and I couldn't see PPF, so it may have had some paint done. The close-up of the "Vantage" badge shows the car really does need a detail - Paddy's your man.
Wheels look OK, but there is some evidence of light kerbing. They only show two of the four - I wonder what the other two are like?
I'd echo the comments on the "sports" suspension. You'll find the laughingly called "comfort" suspension pretty firm compared with most cars - I actually decided I wanted a little more compliance as the roads round by me are shocking, but frankly I drove both comfort and 'S' sports in Coupe, didn't find a huge difference and I doubt on UK roads you'd (I'd) be able to exploit the difference anyway. The biggest improvement I found was junking Bridgestones, if it's still on them - it was as if I'd had new softer bushes fitted and I could imagine owning an 'S' had I known how much difference changing tyres made, as all the cars I tested were on the standard Bridgestones.
Understandably they show it at its best, with the roof down. So you can't see the condition of the hood - I'd want to check it as they are not cheap.
Looking at the seats, and the scuffs on the anodised sills, I know it's not a young car but it may have been owned by someone who doesn't regard a car as thing of pride and joy. They haven't shown a picture of the seat side bolsters, which is where a lot of the wear takes place.
One more thing - and this is a personal gripe about the Roadster (I have a V8V Coupe). Have you actually driven one with the hood up? The rear quarter vision over the shoulder I found appalling as there is no window in the hood behind the door glass, and the view out through the rear window isn't that great to compensate. Obviously when the wind is in the hair it isn't a problem, but knowing UK weather and depending how hardcore you are, you may be driving it a bit with the hood up.
Wheels look OK, but there is some evidence of light kerbing. They only show two of the four - I wonder what the other two are like?
I'd echo the comments on the "sports" suspension. You'll find the laughingly called "comfort" suspension pretty firm compared with most cars - I actually decided I wanted a little more compliance as the roads round by me are shocking, but frankly I drove both comfort and 'S' sports in Coupe, didn't find a huge difference and I doubt on UK roads you'd (I'd) be able to exploit the difference anyway. The biggest improvement I found was junking Bridgestones, if it's still on them - it was as if I'd had new softer bushes fitted and I could imagine owning an 'S' had I known how much difference changing tyres made, as all the cars I tested were on the standard Bridgestones.
Understandably they show it at its best, with the roof down. So you can't see the condition of the hood - I'd want to check it as they are not cheap.
Looking at the seats, and the scuffs on the anodised sills, I know it's not a young car but it may have been owned by someone who doesn't regard a car as thing of pride and joy. They haven't shown a picture of the seat side bolsters, which is where a lot of the wear takes place.
One more thing - and this is a personal gripe about the Roadster (I have a V8V Coupe). Have you actually driven one with the hood up? The rear quarter vision over the shoulder I found appalling as there is no window in the hood behind the door glass, and the view out through the rear window isn't that great to compensate. Obviously when the wind is in the hair it isn't a problem, but knowing UK weather and depending how hardcore you are, you may be driving it a bit with the hood up.
https://astonmartins.com/car/v8-vantage-4-7-roadst...
see above for the MY2012.25 update. The 4.7 listed may be one of the last of the previous model years registrations. The 4.7 came in MY2009 to MY2012.
Some people prefer the original shape versus new bumper/splitter/sills of the later cars.
see above for the MY2012.25 update. The 4.7 listed may be one of the last of the previous model years registrations. The 4.7 came in MY2009 to MY2012.
Some people prefer the original shape versus new bumper/splitter/sills of the later cars.
bogie said:
https://astonmartins.com/car/v8-vantage-4-7-roadst...
see above for the MY2012.25 update. The 4.7 listed may be one of the last of the previous model years registrations. The 4.7 came in MY2009 to MY2012.
Some people prefer the original shape versus new bumper/splitter/sills of the later cars.
Thank you.see above for the MY2012.25 update. The 4.7 listed may be one of the last of the previous model years registrations. The 4.7 came in MY2009 to MY2012.
Some people prefer the original shape versus new bumper/splitter/sills of the later cars.
LTP said:
Had a quick look. Difficult to assess the paint as they have let water dry on it, so it's covered in waterspots. It could be an illusion but it looks like the boot lid may be contacting the upper edge of the bumper - there look to be a couple of places where the colour has worn through, showing the white primer. There may also be two or three scratches on the bumper itself just right of centre by the crease line - but it could be a trick of the light. Again the waterspots mask much, but the nose seems suspiciously free of any stone chips and I couldn't see PPF, so it may have had some paint done. The close-up of the "Vantage" badge shows the car really does need a detail - Paddy's your man.
Wheels look OK, but there is some evidence of light kerbing. They only show two of the four - I wonder what the other two are like?
I'd echo the comments on the "sports" suspension. You'll find the laughingly called "comfort" suspension pretty firm compared with most cars - I actually decided I wanted a little more compliance as the roads round by me are shocking, but frankly I drove both comfort and 'S' sports in Coupe, didn't find a huge difference and I doubt on UK roads you'd (I'd) be able to exploit the difference anyway. The biggest improvement I found was junking Bridgestones, if it's still on them - it was as if I'd had new softer bushes fitted and I could imagine owning an 'S' had I known how much difference changing tyres made, as all the cars I tested were on the standard Bridgestones.
Understandably they show it at its best, with the roof down. So you can't see the condition of the hood - I'd want to check it as they are not cheap.
Looking at the seats, and the scuffs on the anodised sills, I know it's not a young car but it may have been owned by someone who doesn't regard a car as thing of pride and joy. They haven't shown a picture of the seat side bolsters, which is where a lot of the wear takes place.
One more thing - and this is a personal gripe about the Roadster (I have a V8V Coupe). Have you actually driven one with the hood up? The rear quarter vision over the shoulder I found appalling as there is no window in the hood behind the door glass, and the view out through the rear window isn't that great to compensate. Obviously when the wind is in the hair it isn't a problem, but knowing UK weather and depending how hardcore you are, you may be driving it a bit with the hood up.
Some astute observations - thank you. If I go and see the car I willd definitely bear those in mind. And that's what my initial thoughts on the sports suspension were too - good to hear the same from a couple of other people.Wheels look OK, but there is some evidence of light kerbing. They only show two of the four - I wonder what the other two are like?
I'd echo the comments on the "sports" suspension. You'll find the laughingly called "comfort" suspension pretty firm compared with most cars - I actually decided I wanted a little more compliance as the roads round by me are shocking, but frankly I drove both comfort and 'S' sports in Coupe, didn't find a huge difference and I doubt on UK roads you'd (I'd) be able to exploit the difference anyway. The biggest improvement I found was junking Bridgestones, if it's still on them - it was as if I'd had new softer bushes fitted and I could imagine owning an 'S' had I known how much difference changing tyres made, as all the cars I tested were on the standard Bridgestones.
Understandably they show it at its best, with the roof down. So you can't see the condition of the hood - I'd want to check it as they are not cheap.
Looking at the seats, and the scuffs on the anodised sills, I know it's not a young car but it may have been owned by someone who doesn't regard a car as thing of pride and joy. They haven't shown a picture of the seat side bolsters, which is where a lot of the wear takes place.
One more thing - and this is a personal gripe about the Roadster (I have a V8V Coupe). Have you actually driven one with the hood up? The rear quarter vision over the shoulder I found appalling as there is no window in the hood behind the door glass, and the view out through the rear window isn't that great to compensate. Obviously when the wind is in the hair it isn't a problem, but knowing UK weather and depending how hardcore you are, you may be driving it a bit with the hood up.
Yeah, the scuffs on the leather and other little scratches (like on the door sills) make me question the care taken by the owners; also with 4 previous, the odds are higher there was at least one who didn't treat it as a pride and joy, as you put it. Who knows how much the engine has been over-revved when cold too. I guess that's one of the risks buying used. But I would certainly expect the dealer to make the car more presentable if purchased.
No, not driven the roadster, only the coupe, and that was on a track. I've heard the same about rear vision - apparently worst when pulling out at junctions, which obviously isn't great. But I'm pretty keen on a convertible; I miss having one, and it's a weekend fun car, so not sure the decreased visibility ought to be a dealbreaker.
Do many cars with the combination of requirements I mentioned come on the market? Wondering how seriously to take this, or whether to try my luck waiting and seeing if anything else turns up. It's a bit of a distance to go and see (about 80 miles) but I'll happily do so of course.
TheHound said:
Some astute observations - thank you.
......
Do many cars with the combination of requirements I mentioned come on the market? Wondering how seriously to take this, or whether to try my luck waiting and seeing if anything else turns up. It's a bit of a distance to go and see (about 80 miles) but I'll happily do so of course.
You’re welcome. In my case it took me about 8 months from having the funds and deciding it would be an Aston to actually getting my car and, as well as driving a few at my local dealer, I drove well over 75 miles on a couple of occasions to assess cars as well as taking the train to London for another.......
Do many cars with the combination of requirements I mentioned come on the market? Wondering how seriously to take this, or whether to try my luck waiting and seeing if anything else turns up. It's a bit of a distance to go and see (about 80 miles) but I'll happily do so of course.
The process I used was to draft a list of “essential” features, “nice to haves”, and “don’t really care”. I drove several cars at my local dealer which eliminated the 4.3 and the Roadster, and initially pointed me at a manual. I decided my car would be from a main dealer with Timeless, so I just kept refreshing all the cars on the website on a regular basis and only ruled out cars in Scotland, assessing them against my criteria then calling to arrange test drives - many of the cars were reserved before I could even get to them. The car I ended up with met all of my criteria, except I ended up changing requirement to an SSII somewhere along the way. In hindsight and having seen the swirls (fixed by Paddy) I’d probably been slightly more reluctant to buy Onyx Black.
As far as the number of cars that meet your requirements, why not use the Timeless website, see how many Roadsters there are, then refine your selection with your desired features and see how many cars are left. It should give you an idea of the percentage, but obviously a lot of the older cars are now passing out of the hands of main franchised dealers.
Good luck with the search
LTP said:
In hindsight and having seen the swirls (fixed by Paddy)
Thanks again. Forgive my ignorance, but who is Paddy?I got the service history through. Not an expert at parsing these things, but noticed a few things:
1. Clutch was replaced in 2019, which I guess is pretty good. Not sure what other major things to check whether they were replaced
2. There was clearly a knock, as there is a receipt for bodywork repair of front bumper and left wing
3. The car was bought in 2018 by Ernst and Young, so has clearly been a company car since then. This pre-dates the clutch replacement and bodywork mentioned above. Also, the mileage was 26,360 at this point, and is now 54,634, so almost half the car's miles have been racked up in these three years. I guess this is evidence the car was probably not cared for that much during this time, and possibly thrashed/driven not so responsibily. Definitely a bit off-putting. Then again, manual 4.7 Vantage Roadster for aounrd £40k is pretty tempting on paper!
mhurley said:
I'm selling my manual roadster if anyone is interested. It's 2008 N400 roadster in black
54,989 miles
FSH
Clutch changed at 34k
Have you listed it anywhere? Assuming it's the 4.7 I'd take a look, if so.54,989 miles
FSH
Clutch changed at 34k
Edited by TheHound on Wednesday 5th May 13:54
TheHound said:
Have you listed it anywhere? Assuming it's the 4.7 I'd take a look, if so.
The N400 is a Limited Edition model introduced in July 2007.
Therefore has the 4.3 engine.
Part of the enjoyment for many owners, is learning about Aston Martin, the cars and the remarkable history of the Company.
You might find this list helpful. All of the Vantage Limited Editions and Special Editions.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17...
If you are buying a 'keeper', you might want to take your time choosing. Possibly less important otherwise.
Everyone's views are different, I'm not a fan of the roadster, much preferring the coupe however, I would echo those comments relating to suspension, the comfort suspension as called isn't a wallowing ride aka Citroën so don't bother yourself with sport suspension.
The stock 160 watt Hifi isn't bad and let's be honest on every trip I've done in my car the stereo hardly ever goes on and if it is on its never loud because I never tire of the cars own inbuilt stereo, namely the exhaust.
I've sat in a 2007 car with 900 watt stereo and while it's OK, it isn't night and day better than stock.
The big spend items are clutch and timing chest seal, you need to remove the front under tray to see if the timing chest seal is weeping/leaking... If it needs doing it's around 2 days labour for a fairly cost effective seal.
Get the car checked by an independent... Well worth doing and if the seller is being honest about their sale they won't have an issue with you getting it checked out.
Shocks are another thing to consider, if they are leaking they can be costly, if just weeping/damp you have a little time to get them replaced.
I would hold out for the car that suits you, go see a few and take some test drives if you haven't already.
It took me most of last year to decide on my car that I bought in late October. I viewed quite a few, walked away from those that wouldn't allow me a test drive and wouldn't allow me to have it checked over by and indie.
Eventually found a car 2 years younger than I had originally thought possible and with ust over 21k on the clock.
The stock 160 watt Hifi isn't bad and let's be honest on every trip I've done in my car the stereo hardly ever goes on and if it is on its never loud because I never tire of the cars own inbuilt stereo, namely the exhaust.
I've sat in a 2007 car with 900 watt stereo and while it's OK, it isn't night and day better than stock.
The big spend items are clutch and timing chest seal, you need to remove the front under tray to see if the timing chest seal is weeping/leaking... If it needs doing it's around 2 days labour for a fairly cost effective seal.
Get the car checked by an independent... Well worth doing and if the seller is being honest about their sale they won't have an issue with you getting it checked out.
Shocks are another thing to consider, if they are leaking they can be costly, if just weeping/damp you have a little time to get them replaced.
I would hold out for the car that suits you, go see a few and take some test drives if you haven't already.
It took me most of last year to decide on my car that I bought in late October. I viewed quite a few, walked away from those that wouldn't allow me a test drive and wouldn't allow me to have it checked over by and indie.
Eventually found a car 2 years younger than I had originally thought possible and with ust over 21k on the clock.
Edited by BiggaJ on Wednesday 5th May 16:37
If it were me id steer clear. I dont think its that well priced, paintwork it a mess and in need a really good detail, tyres look to be odd and unbranded, leather is in need of some serious TLC, and for a trade seller to be selling a premium brand car and take no care in its pre photo prep rings huge alarm bells to me, i mean they just haven't even bothered... maybe it was "bob-a-job" week.....
I bought my totally immaculate 2013 manual from a AM dealer in march 2020 with 15k on the clock for £43k the prep work was second to none it almost had a full respay (roof and boot lid were deemed ok) as it was onyx black which is gorgeous, it went straight to the detailer and then a full PPF by the superb Jules Sturgess ... but then again maybe prices have risen.
I will also echo comments above relating to the "comfort" suspension, the sport suspension was far to harsh for me and the sports exhaust was to loud... although secondary cat delete and exhaust valve remote is just perfect
some have said about taking your time, i missed out on a N420 at a local dealer as it sold minutes after id returned from a test drive, the one i have was from Nottingham AM and i placed a deposit on it before pictures were available (was sent some of it in the paint shop) and without seeing it. Obviously i took the trip up before committing.
If it was me, unless you can get a chunk of money off the one posted, id steer clear and look elsewhere. Some of the AM dealers are up for some haggling and some good deals can be had
I bought my totally immaculate 2013 manual from a AM dealer in march 2020 with 15k on the clock for £43k the prep work was second to none it almost had a full respay (roof and boot lid were deemed ok) as it was onyx black which is gorgeous, it went straight to the detailer and then a full PPF by the superb Jules Sturgess ... but then again maybe prices have risen.
I will also echo comments above relating to the "comfort" suspension, the sport suspension was far to harsh for me and the sports exhaust was to loud... although secondary cat delete and exhaust valve remote is just perfect
some have said about taking your time, i missed out on a N420 at a local dealer as it sold minutes after id returned from a test drive, the one i have was from Nottingham AM and i placed a deposit on it before pictures were available (was sent some of it in the paint shop) and without seeing it. Obviously i took the trip up before committing.
If it was me, unless you can get a chunk of money off the one posted, id steer clear and look elsewhere. Some of the AM dealers are up for some haggling and some good deals can be had
Thanks for the comments. Yeah I'm edging towards discounting this one. I think it's been thrashed a bit since being a corporate car, and the poor listing quality is not a great sign.
There's another lovely one up in Newcastle - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104131...
Quite a bit more cash, but ticks the boxes and is a nicer colour and even includes the upgraded stereo (as per main description, though the specifications list says it has the standard one). In the light of the comment about haggling, what would be a realistic price I may be able to get this one down to?
Also, when did the dash change to that cleaner, touch button version (I did try and google this but couldn't find the answer)? Is it generally considered an improvement over the old one?
There's another lovely one up in Newcastle - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104131...
Quite a bit more cash, but ticks the boxes and is a nicer colour and even includes the upgraded stereo (as per main description, though the specifications list says it has the standard one). In the light of the comment about haggling, what would be a realistic price I may be able to get this one down to?
Also, when did the dash change to that cleaner, touch button version (I did try and google this but couldn't find the answer)? Is it generally considered an improvement over the old one?
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