Looking for a V8V and have a few questions.....
Looking for a V8V and have a few questions.....
Author
Discussion

mitch1408

Original Poster:

21 posts

167 months

Sunday 28th October 2012
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Good evening,

I have been looking around the forums here and the wider Internet now for a good 6 months since the wife gave me the go ahead for a sports car. I considered everything from an evora to an s2000 aswel as a few dreamer cars! Gallardo etc. Anyway, I quickly decided on the V8V and absolutely love them! Have seen very few in the flesh unlike my day to day car (Insignia) which is more common than rain (I live in Wales!).

I've visited my local dealer, Stratstone in Cardiff but they didn't have any cars availiable for a test drive that day however have promised to bring one to me (over 2 hours away) in deepest Wales for a test drive, is this likely? I am looking to buy in about 10 months time as I am going abroad in jan for 7 months so don't see a point in making a move before.

My budget is at the lower end of the market, I'm not the usual AM customer and not the best paid but have a window of opportunity to own a sports car so am going to take it! I'm looking at 35-40k but want the obvious HIDs, satnav, preferably cruise control and iPod dock too. However would sacrifice the toys for the facelift 4.7. Have I got any chance in that? Do they come with LED daytime running lights as found on a lot of audis etc these days? I can't find a definitive answer on that (or photos), but think it makes a car look nice and modern.

What am I realistically looking at for a service and is it better to use AM or is there a cheap but warranty retaining way around it?

Thanks in advance for your help

steveatesh

5,363 posts

193 months

Sunday 28th October 2012
quotequote all
Hi and welcome,
First I suggest you buy grants book which is on a sticky here. Everybody who has bought it compliments it and it will tell you everything's you need to know, plus keep your desire up!

The test drive is very possible if they want to sell cars, but if you wait until you return, it will be nearer your purchase so arguably better and more likely they will drive that 2 hours.

They all have the toys, or most of the toys anyway, I don't think they will make much difference. Just buy on condition and history.

Great position to be in, these cars are wonderful and your mrs will get a buzz out of being in it, even if she doesn't admit it ( mine does, despite it being "just a car") lol.

Enjoy your hunt!

mitch1408

Original Poster:

21 posts

167 months

Sunday 28th October 2012
quotequote all
Am I right in thinking Grants book is "Aston Martin, the Gaydon era"? If so I already have it and have read it a few times now. Very in depth and not got my head round it all yet, but I'm sure I will!

steveatesh

5,363 posts

193 months

Sunday 28th October 2012
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That's the one!
Ignore the rest when they appear, they are all drunks looking at recent discussions about gin......

Johnfrancis

370 posts

179 months

Sunday 28th October 2012
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They all have led sidelights, make sure you get premium sound, you may not listen to it much, but when you do, it is superb.

mikey k

13,074 posts

245 months

Sunday 28th October 2012
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Johnfrancis said:
They all have led sidelights, make sure you get premium sound, you may not listen to it much, but when you do, it is superb.
They do but as yet are not DRL's

krisdelta

4,670 posts

230 months

Sunday 28th October 2012
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Hello and welcome!

I think the 4.7 is still a way above your budget - you can pick up a solid 2007 car for your money. The servicing is annual or 10k miles, so if you buy from a main dealer, you'll get a years warranty and you can negotiate a fresh service / the cost of the next service at the time if you're feeling plucky smile They'll want to keep your business I am sure.




mitch1408

Original Poster:

21 posts

167 months

Monday 29th October 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for your replies. Im going to give Stratstone a call again this week and see if they can get me a test drive soon (ideally around here as I know the country roads so can just concentrate on driving!!). Ive not got many weekends free now before I go away so need to get it done so they can then spend the next 7 months looking for my perfect car with perfect spec!

Another random question, I dont like parking my audi (or Insignia for that matter) in most public car parks incase they fall victim to the jealousy key. Just wondering if the Aston's attract unwanted attention like this as well as the numerous awe inspiring looks?

yeti

10,684 posts

304 months

Monday 29th October 2012
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It happens sadly, like anything nice, there are jealous people about frown

A few have had damage, but fortunately not many...


Bincenzo

2,606 posts

208 months

Monday 29th October 2012
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mitch1408 said:
Thanks for your replies. Im going to give Stratstone a call again this week and see if they can get me a test drive soon (ideally around here as I know the country roads so can just concentrate on driving!!). Ive not got many weekends free now before I go away so need to get it done so they can then spend the next 7 months looking for my perfect car with perfect spec!

Another random question, I dont like parking my audi (or Insignia for that matter) in most public car parks incase they fall victim to the jealousy key. Just wondering if the Aston's attract unwanted attention like this as well as the numerous awe inspiring looks?
Mitch, I guess it depends on where you live and the fact that there will always be some nutters around, but in general I think Astons are more likely to attract admirers than the jealous crowd. There's a few threads on here about how others treat the brand and the opinion seems to be that we're very lucky in that respect. I'm certainly yet to get any negative behaviour, but I'm only very new to the brand. Are you going anywhere nice for 7 months?

mitch1408

Original Poster:

21 posts

167 months

Monday 29th October 2012
quotequote all
Thats good to hear. (the fact that not many get damaged!!) Its 100% safe at home so just need to worry about taking it out and leaving it out of eyesight!

bogie

17,076 posts

301 months

Monday 29th October 2012
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Ive had my Vantage over 5 years and over 60K miles. The first 18 months was a daily car and parked everywhere for 20K miles a year. Less so in recent years

Never had any negative feeling when driving it or parking (touch wood) and its done its time in public car parks, airports, on the street overnight on occasions

I wouldnt worry about it...so long as you dont live in rough inner city area of course...but then Id be spending my cash on a house upgrade before splashing out on an Aston wink

mitch1408

Original Poster:

21 posts

167 months

Monday 29th October 2012
quotequote all
Bincenzo said:
Are you going anywhere nice for 7 months?
NO!! Afghanistan frown

Bincenzo

2,606 posts

208 months

Monday 29th October 2012
quotequote all
mitch1408 said:
Bincenzo said:
Are you going anywhere nice for 7 months?
NO!! Afghanistan frown
Thought so, 7 months was a giveaway! Be safe.

MarkW34

64 posts

169 months

Monday 29th October 2012
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mitch1408 said:
NO!! Afghanistan frown
In which case you deserve a little treat upon your return! smile

mitch1408

Original Poster:

21 posts

167 months

Monday 29th October 2012
quotequote all
Cheers mate. Ill keep my head down, got an Aston to buy when I get back!

J12MOC

802 posts

173 months

Monday 29th October 2012
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Hi Mitch. I don't think I'm too far away from you so if you want to come to Cardigan and poke around my V8VR you're very welcome.

Stratstone's Cardiff were happy to bring the car down to me without any obligation so I could drive it on local roads before I finally decided. I'd definitely take them up on the offer. Be warned however.......once tried you won't be able to resist it!!!

steveatesh

5,363 posts

193 months

Monday 29th October 2012
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Hi Mitch, always a risk of damage to any car but I live in the North East of England, not noted for being a land of wealth and expensive cars. In the last three years I have had no problem whatsoever, and in fact quite the contrary - even had a gang of local Steet Youth tell me a cracking car it is...... Probably in more danger in car parks TBH, best of luck in Afghanistansmile

notsaV8V

120 posts

174 months

Tuesday 30th October 2012
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Mitch,

don't forget that if you want any little extras to go with the car (battery conditioner (go for the CTek equivalent not the branded one) etc) you can get them tax free if sent through BFPO while on Ops. Amazon was always excellent when I was away. Don't think that would stretch to the whole thing though!!

Stay safe.

Notsa

mitch1408

Original Poster:

21 posts

167 months

Wednesday 31st October 2012
quotequote all
J12MOC said:
Hi Mitch. I don't think I'm too far away from you so if you want to come to Cardigan and poke around my V8VR you're very welcome.

Stratstone's Cardiff were happy to bring the car down to me without any obligation so I could drive it on local roads before I finally decided. I'd definitely take them up on the offer. Be warned however.......once tried you won't be able to resist it!!!
Thanks for the offer and advice mate, im going to give them a call in my lunch break and see how things go.