The search begins!

[HasanR]

Hi all,

I just wanted to introduce myself to fellow Aston PH'ers, and I am at the beginning of an exciting journey to buy my first Aston.
I've been an avid Porsche 911 enthusiast for years, and have owned a 1980 911 SC, 1986 911 3.2 Carrera Targa, 1994 993 Coupe, 2000 996 Coupe, 2004 997 C2 Coupe and most recently a 2005 997 C2S cab.

I just feel now it's time for a change as I want that special feeling again when I get in and drive a car.
I feel an Aston can provide that and probably everyone here will agree with me!

So I'm about to sell my current C2S Cab and will have a budget of around £40k, but can stretch a few extra k for the right one.
I'm looking at a Vantage V8 coupe around 2007, 2008 hopefully with low miles and well looked after. What are the best options to have? and what could a budget of £40k ish get me?

I've researched servicing options and it seems that Chiltern Aston in Bovingdon looks like a good outfit and can put Aston stamps in the service book, has anyone used them? Would probably use them for a PPI too if it's not from a Main Dealer. They are the closest guys to me (North London)

I'm trying to do more research here and just wanted to say I'm about to embark on this journey and hopefully will be in a nice V8V soon!

Edited by HasanR on Thursday 25th July 16:44

[V12woollie]

Welcome and enjoy the search.

This book is a must read for all you could ever need in your research:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Once you know the spec then the fun begins trying to find it.

Where in North London are you?

[HasanR]

I'm in Friern Barnet.....which is near Arnos Grove?
Yes, I've heard alot about this book. Must order one!

[V12woollie]

We used to live in Friern Barnet, well about 20 years ago. We used to go to Da Franco's a lot. Not sure if you know it - on Queens Parade.. First met Franco and Dan when they had a small restaurant with eight tables and we still go there every so often. We had a flat in Poplar Grove down the bottom of the hill towards the North Circular.

[mikey k]

Read the book and stretch to a 4.7

[dkatwa]

Friern Barnet huh? Small world...had a newsagents there on FB Road 30 years ago....!
Just bought a DB9 Volante and love it to bits....good luck in your search!

[HasanR]

I live in the former mental hospital!
t
Would love to stretch to a 4.7, but will hold this car for 2 years and don't want to take a bigger depreciation hit than necessary.
This is the car that we'll enjoy pre-children! :-)

[dkatwa]

Ah yes - the best customers were from the mental hospital!

Considered a DB9 volante? Should hold it's value and provides V12 power...just a thought...

[krisdelta]

dkatwa said:

Ah yes - the best customers were from the mental hospital!

Considered a DB9 volante? Should hold it's value and provides V12 power...just a thought...

Don't confuse him So many good choices in your budget Happy hunting!

[divetheworld]

HasanR said:

I live in the former mental hospital!
t
Would love to stretch to a 4.7, but will hold this car for 2 years and don't want to take a bigger depreciation hit than necessary.
This is the car that we'll enjoy pre-children! :-)

Nothing wrong with that logic, and you will still get a wicked feeling with a 2007/8 car.

First advice is take your time. Don't let the money burn a hole in your pocket. Nothing worse than seeing the perfect car pop up in a months time.
Choose colours carefully and look at the car in sunlight to decide.
For the first year, a warranty is a safe bet. Nothing will ruin your experience quicker than an expensive bill. Get to know eachother with the reassurance first.
Pick your spec carefully, some things can't be retrofitted but don't add much to the purchase price.
Get the book.
Check all the classifieds regularly.

[Little Donkey]

Good luck with your search, Chiltern certainly know their stuff and wouldn't hesitate to use them. They'll be looking after my DB7 for sure. A little way up the A1 you have Grange at Welwyn. I'm sure James or Martin will be only too pleased to help.

[Russwhitehouse]

I bought my DB9 from Chiltern. They pulled out all the stops to get it prepped and serviced on a very tight schedule prior to me collecting it, and it hasn't missed a beat. I would recommend them and Dominic the sales manager is a very nice guy to do business with. No bullst sales drivel, just straight talking and will do a deal if he knows you are serious.

[matg]

I can vouch for this one, 4.3 though:

http://www.stratstone.com/default.aspx?page=308&am...

My old car. Nice profit in there if they sell at that price!

[Jon39]

HasanR said:

Would love to stretch to a 4.7, but will hold this car for 2 years and don't want to take a bigger depreciation hit than necessary.

Depreciation may not be too much more on a 4.7, because fewer have been built per annum. The debt boom had ended when that model started in Sept 2008, causing some new 4.3s to remain unsold until mid 2009.

There were many changes most notably, more power, more torque and a DBS style centre console.

Good luck with your search.

[Jon39]

divetheworld said:

Choose colours carefully and look at the car in sunlight to decide.

And also as I discovered, when the car is wet.

One of the 'silvers' changes colour to brownish, when wet.
Nothing wrong with brownish though, if you do like it.

[HasanR]

I've spotted a really nice 06 car with the 07 spec on PH. He's on our forum too....so will email him tomorrow.

What's the consensus on 2 things I'd like to do to any V8V that I purchase.
1. Getting the wheels sprayed to gloss black (Car is Tungsten Grey). Has anyone colour coded their wheels and can you share photos?)
2. Fitting the clear rear lights....Aston bits for the parts, but how much labour time? Do AM dealers do an all inc price?

Fuse 22 removal, but of course that's a free mod anyway!

[cardigankid]

HasanR said:

I live in the former mental hospital!
t
Would love to stretch to a 4.7, but will hold this car for 2 years and don't want to take a bigger depreciation hit than necessary.
This is the car that we'll enjoy pre-children! :-)

Can I tell you something about children. If you have boys, they will be aggrieved if you have not kept the car for them to enjoy. Get a nice one. I'm sure the 4.7 is fantastic, but a really good 4.3 is still pretty good.

[Lunablack]

HasanR said:

I've spotted a really nice 06 car with the 07 spec on PH. He's on our forum too....so will email him tomorrow.

What's the consensus on 2 things I'd like to do to any V8V that I purchase.
1. Getting the wheels sprayed to gloss black (Car is Tungsten Grey). Has anyone colour coded their wheels and can you share photos?)
2. Fitting the clear rear lights....Aston bits for the parts, but how much labour time? Do AM dealers do an all inc price?

Fuse 22 removal, but of course that's a free mod anyway!

Before silver wheels and standard sills


AfterCharcoal wheels & new sills


Sorry.... No clear lights...... I don't like the condensation look

[Ice27]

Some dealers were offering fitted clear lights for the same cost of the parts from AM Bits, so worth asking.
Having said that, I've not bothered changing to clear lights on my Tungsten Vantage. I'm not convinced they suit the colour as well as the contrasting reds.
Personal choice though...

[jeremydb9]

What is it about black wheels - looks like the local drug dealer ( which is probably a very profitable pastime!)