Trading in for V8V

[Pib1978]

Hey guys,

I’m looking at changing car very soon and the shortlist is R8 V8, C63 AMG or the V8V.

All have their plus and minuses ranging from practicality (2 seater coupes with minimal boot space = minus points), transmission and drive (quattro and manual = plus points, RWD = minus, Auto = minus), to rarity value (V8V > C63 > R8 – in Aberdeen at least).

Last night the R8 was dropped from the list due to its much higher RRP and other than the bodyshell, doesn’t feel like that big a change for me but I must admit, losing 4x4 is a big minus).
The list has now been narrowed down to the V8V or the C63 (including potentially the 507 edition)

My current car is an RS4 which I’ve had 4 years today (and was already 3 years old when I bought her) so beginning to get on in age.
The AMG is as close to a like for like in terms of Saloon practicality but I’m not a big fan of a redundant left hand and left foot when driving.
At least the AM has option for manual shift.
The AMG’s plus side is that brutal engine note and in gear acceleration.

The other plus going for the AM at the moment is the 0% APR and 3 years free servicing they are offering compared to a fairly market standard PCP package from Mercedes.
I doubt the AM is going to be as fun to drive hard like the RS4 but then there’s also the upgrade in class / distinctiveness from Audi to AM to offset this.

I’m heading down to Edinburgh AM this weekend for an up close and personal review of the V8V and en-route will be stopping by Mercedes as I leave Aberdeen.

Any previous owners of the RS4 / C63 have any opinions to offer?
Or any one in general with opinions and constructive comments on which direction to head?

As there isn't really much on AM's website, can any owners offer some advise on the difference between the Standard stereo, the Premium upgrade and the B&O (inlcuding costs to upgrade)?

[mikey k]

Pib1978 said:

The other plus going for the AM at the moment is the 0% APR and 3 years free servicing they are offering compared to a fairly market standard PCP package from Mercedes.
I doubt the AM is going to be as fun to drive hard like the RS4 but then there’s also the upgrade in class / distinctiveness from Audi to AM to offset this.

As there isn't really much on AM's website, can any owners offer some advise on the difference between the Standard stereo, the Premium upgrade and the B&O (inlcuding costs to upgrade)?

You need to read the small print on the 0% offer it is not that great
Consensus is the Premium is great value sounds very good for the money, the B&O is pricey for the "novelty" value and not significantly better than the premium (some say worse)

Have a think what you want out of it, then drive a couple.

[Neil1300r]

If you don't have the B+O you get more luggage space. In the V8V Coupe you can get a lot of luggage in it.

[Phil74891]

Try a V8V S as well if you can. You can get them manual, although most are Sportshift II. Also, don't write the SSII off without trying it. You may be pleasantly surprised.

[MollyGTi]

Phil74891 said:

Try a V8V S as well if you can.
don't write the SSII off without trying it. You may be pleasantly surprised.

[divetheworld]

Have you considered a low mileage V12V?

[Jon39]

You asked for opinions.

I have a Mercedes and a V8V.

They are both fun to drive, but only one makes me feel special, and it's not my Mercedes. To most people, it just looks like an everyday C-Class.

The V8V. As the garage door opens, you gaze at the sleek shape, the door opens slightly upwards, the cockpit design is classy, you sit low, that smell of leather, press the starter and the joy begins.

The Aston receives many compliments from complete strangers, which I did not expect when I bought it, but rather nice anyway.

[Jon1967x]

Phil74891 said:

Try a V8V S as well if you can. You can get them manual, although most are Sportshift II. Also, don't write the SSII off without trying it. You may be pleasantly surprised.

+1 for the sports shift. It's more like a manual than an auto, I feather the throttle on gear changes and never drive it in D.

I was tempted by the R8 but I just couldn't see me coping with the boot.

The merc.. If you're looking there then why not M3 or M6? Either way it's never going to turn heads like an aston.

[Speedraser]

Since you like manuals, don't be swayed by the paddle crowd The manual 'box in the V8V is excellent -- a real pleasure to use. I think the Aston will be every bit as fun to drive hard as the RS4. The Aston is, IMO, underrated as a real driver's car. Try one -- either a V8V or a V8VS -- with the Sports Pack (or in S terms, without Comfort suspension). IMO, the non-Sport suspension is very good, but coming from an RS4 and wanting to drive it hard, the Sport suspension is excellent.

[Jon39]

Speedraser said:

IMO, the non-Sport suspension is very good, but coming from an RS4 and wanting to drive it hard, the Sport suspension is excellent.

Are your USA roads smooth?

In UK, many of our roads are now in a dreadful condition.
Even with the standard suspension, I sometimes fear for my fillings.

[Pib1978]

mikey k said:

You need to read the small print on the 0% offer it is not that great
Consensus is the Premium is great value sounds very good for the money, the B&O is pricey for the "novelty" value and not significantly better than the premium (some say worse)

Have a think what you want out of it, then drive a couple.

Thanks Mikey, I've had a read of the small print on their website and not picking up anything untoward? Is there something I've missed and should be aware of?

Sounds like Premium is the best all round option without spending a fortune on a brand within a brand!

[Pib1978]

divetheworld said:

Have you considered a low mileage V12V?

Looked at the V12 but the attractiveness of the V8V on the 0% APR package is the monthly payments are a good bit under the 1k mark.

If I were to look at used V12's, this would only be full finance packaged which tips me well into £1300+ per month.

If Edinburgh AM could do something with a PCP package on a used V12 its certainly something I'd entertain!

[Pib1978]

Jon39 said:

You asked for opinions.

I have a Mercedes and a V8V.

They are both fun to drive, but only one makes me feel special, and it's not my Mercedes. To most people, it just looks like an everyday C-Class.

The V8V. As the garage door opens, you gaze at the sleek shape, the door opens slightly upwards, the cockpit design is classy, you sit low, that smell of leather, press the starter and the joy begins.

The Aston receives many compliments from complete strangers, which I did not expect when I bought it, but rather nice anyway.

That was one thing I liked about the RS4, to your grandparents or any non car savvy person, it's just a nice looking Audi A4, theres no loud spoilers, intakes or lairyness at first glance.
To those in the know though, its something special.

The R8 is just too flashy an option and would potentially attract the wrong type of attention.
AM however has an element of Class associated with the brand, not to mention the curvy silhouette!

The AMG I'm in two minds about, it still has the fairly standard shape of any of the C Class range but the additional body styling does make it look quite a bit more aggressive.
It stands out more as a top tier model than the RS4 does to the lesser A4 range.

The V8V also has Mrs Pib1978's approval over the AMG!

[jazzyjeff]

Totally different cars in my view.

If I was looking at a new Vantage, the competition would include the Jag XFR (and maybe the F Type R coupe?), Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale, Porsche 991, that kind of thing. A pretty ordinary looking saloon wouldn't be on my radar at all...

[mikey k]

Pib1978 said:

mikey k said:

You need to read the small print on the 0% offer it is not that great
Consensus is the Premium is great value sounds very good for the money, the B&O is pricey for the "novelty" value and not significantly better than the premium (some say worse)

Have a think what you want out of it, then drive a couple.

Thanks Mikey, I've had a read of the small print on their website and not picking up anything untoward? Is there something I've missed and should be aware of?

Sounds like Premium is the best all round option without spending a fortune on a brand within a brand!

Thread from last week

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

[Pib1978]

Oh yeah, I assumed the illustrated price would be the basic model with little to no extras.

Going through the configuration app I've only really added:

Clear Rear Lights (Still in two minds as I fancy a white car and nice to have some contract with the red)
Carbon side strakes
Heated Seats
Blue Tooth
Premium Sound System.

I'm assuming things like Caliper paint, Stitching colour and carpet colour options are all inclusive?

Just out of interest, are the V12 bonnets a direct replacement for the V8?
Would I be wrong in saying that you'd be looking at a fairly chunky 4 figure sum for one of these?

[whoami]

A V12 bonnet will cost c£6K.

[brakedwell]

Satnav? That will be £1795

Edited by brakedwell on Wednesday 26th February 12:07

[Vantagefan]

Pib1978 said:

The V8V also has Mrs Pib1978's approval over the AMG!

Then your decision is made

[Vantagefan]

Pib1978 said:

The V8V also has Mrs Pib1978's approval over the AMG!

Then your decision is made