4.3-4.7 Pricing
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Discussion

petop

Original Poster:

2,408 posts

196 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
Once the 911 has gone im looking at V8 Vantages and noticed things that you dont see in the Porsche world.
Noticed some 4.3's in the dealer network more expensive than the few 4.7's around the same age. But the thing that is causing this from what i see is the mileage. It seems that Astons are more mileage sensitive that Porsche. Some say a Porsche say around for 6 or 7 years with 20k on the clock would be a worse bet than a same age car with 40-45k on it as they need to be driven. But it seems that in the Aston world that is not the case.
Seen a 4.3 and 4.7 for 46k give or take a few pounds but the mileage is 25 on the 4.3 and 35 on the 4.7.
Spec wise they both have the 700w stereos, heated seats etc etc but maybe also is the fact that the 4.7 is Sportshift. Both these cars are in the Aston approved scheme.
With from what i can see the 4.7 being the better car but purely down to mileage there are some more expensive 4.3's.
You would never see a 996 "standard spec" being sold for more money than a 997 "standard spec".
The mileage thing doesnt really concern me, the 911 im selling has 70k on it and is driving like new but it seems that anything above 40k is seem to be high mileage. I suppose the Astons are driven on more of a occasion principle than nipping down to the shops for a pint of milk in it!

Jon1967x

8,176 posts

154 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
Cars need to be driven so I'd not be put off by slightly higher mileage especially if that means a 4.7 over a 4.3. Pricing is whatever they feel they can get away with (or whatever it owes them) and I've seen used priced higher than a new car after discounts.

There is a market for the diminishing number of manual sports cars, and the early ASM wasn't perfect but not to the point you'd pay more, it's usually a case if the premium for the flappy paddles disappears.

Early 4.7 without the sports pack are the most unpopular in my opinion which may also play a part.


petop

Original Poster:

2,408 posts

196 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
The 4.7 i saw did have the Sports pack and as you said that sort of mileage wouldnt worry me. If its still available im going to see it whe i return to UK hopefully.

steveatesh

5,366 posts

194 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
I often use mine to go to the supermarket for a pint of milk. We have a 981 Boxster and the Vantage. Just any excuse to drive the Vantage is enough for me smile

Is what you are saying not more down to Porsche being a mass produced product and Aston being more specialist and therefore mileage is perceived as being important?

Most advice here is to select a car based on spec, condition and service history first, then look at things like mileage. Good luck with your hunting, good old first world problem to have smile

Neil1300r

5,770 posts

208 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
The comparison of a 996 vs a 997 is flawed as they were different models. The 4.3 and 4.7 are the same bar a slightly more powerful engine. Mileage is still seen by some people as important on Astons but al lthe Gaydon cars were designed and built to be used daily.
The Sportshift is marmite, so could be one of the reasons. With that mileage on a SS I would check when the clutch was last replaced as they typically last less on a SS vs a manual. Most of that is down to poor user instruction by the dealers rather than TADTS.
It will also depend where in the country they are being sold and by which dealer - Works typically have higher prices thna other dealers

petop

Original Poster:

2,408 posts

196 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
I wouldnt say the comparison is that flawed. If you go back to the 2005 when the 997's first arrived they still shared the same 3.6 base engine, the chassis really hadnt changed that much, styling improvements (nor not as some say) and interior change. Ok the 4.3 to 4.7 was not as dramatic but it was still different interior and engine ala 911. But go on a few years and a 996 would definitly not be seen more expensive than a comparable spec 997 (GT esque and Turbo cars aside).
The clutch was done back in Nov so relatively recent and both cars are AMW.
It has to be 4.7 for me as others have mentioned you may kick your self not going for the higher mileage but better (?) engine 4.7.

montecristo

1,081 posts

207 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
I'm curious, why do "cars need to be driven" (even more than say 1,000 miles a year), or is that just a saying? What bad things happen to the moving parts if not used? Is it worse than the wear and tear of driving them?


divetheworld

2,565 posts

165 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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Aston buyers seem to like "garage queens" and the low mileage gives the illusion of a newer/less touched machine.
Astons are about the 'Hand built' and Saville Row appeal for a lot of buyers. If you're looking at one, you "get" this already.
Once you have one, you'll soon decide that driving it and racking up the miles far outweighs the importance of the sticker price by leaving it in the garage.

In reality, the miles the V8 has done makes little difference to its reliability. They are pretty bomb proof and have been proved very mechanically reliable. Look at the various threads on here and you'll mainly see people getting upset about a paint blister or rattle here and there. Major problems are few and far between, no spontaneous combustion or anything.
Go for a higher mileage 4.7 over an unused 4.3 unless you want to put it in a glass case.

Edited by divetheworld on Friday 21st March 10:27

ds2000

2,756 posts

222 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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My old 4.7 is up at a none AM dealers at the minute at a very competive price. For a budget of mid 40's it'd be worth stretching to buy as she's a lovely example. To me the 33k on the clock made no difference what's so ever.

steveatesh

5,366 posts

194 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
divetheworld said:
. Major problems are few and far between, no spontaneous combustion or anything.

Edited by divetheworld on Friday 21st March 10:27
biggrin
Hmm, whatever do you mean !

"Porsche, keeping your fire brigade busy on your behalf" smile

Jon39

14,930 posts

173 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all

montecristo said:
I'm curious, why do "cars need to be driven" (even more than say 1,000 miles a year), or is that just a saying? What bad things happen to the moving parts if not used? Is it worse than the wear and tear of driving them?

I can answer that one in case it is of interest.
My experience was learnt the hard way.

My own AM is a little used, usually a fine weather car, and I now follow these rules;

Trickle charger always used.
Dehumidifier operates above 50% humididy.
Dust cover on.
Never left unused for more than six weeks.
When driven, warm up fully before exceeding 2000 rpm.
Dab brakes and handbrake to clear any disc marks.
Minimum journey 25 miles - (clears all moisture in exhaust).
Give it some beans, when no one is looking.
Do the light braking, then heavy braking - (brake squeal).
Run the air-con for a while during winter - (seals).
Enjoy the car.

Problems that I have had in the past with rarely used cars.
Hydraulic parts start to sieze through non use.
That seems to lead to ignoring the car completely.

Hopefully I am doing the right things, but always willing to learn from those who know.


bentley01

1,191 posts

166 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
Jon1967x said:
Cars need to be driven so I'd not be put off by slightly higher mileage especially if that means a 4.7 over a 4.3. Pricing is whatever they feel they can get away with (or whatever it owes them) and I've seen used priced higher than a new car after discounts.

There is a market for the diminishing number of manual sports cars, and the early ASM wasn't perfect but not to the point you'd pay more, it's usually a case if the premium for the flappy paddles disappears.

Early 4.7 without the sports pack are the most unpopular in my opinion which may also play a part.
I tried a sportpack car against a standard car and I liked the standard car better. The ride is more compliant on our poor roads yet it still handles well with little roll or float. Every one has their own idea of what they want but I would suggest try both and make your own mind up

Jay_Davis

347 posts

208 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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bentley01 said:
I tried a sportpack car against a standard car and I liked the standard car better. The ride is more compliant on our poor roads yet it still handles well with little roll or float. Every one has their own idea of what they want but I would suggest try both and make your own mind up
I agree. I tried both with and without the SportPack and went with the standard for an everyday road car.

Jon39

14,930 posts

173 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all

Jay_Davis said:
bentley01 said:
I tried a sportpack car against a standard car and I liked the standard car better. The ride is more compliant on our poor roads yet it still handles well with little roll or float. Every one has their own idea of what they want but I would suggest try both and make your own mind up
I agree. I tried both with and without the SportPack and went with the standard for an everyday road car.

Me too.

We are probably considered old softies on this forum though. smile



Jon1967x

8,176 posts

154 months

Saturday 22nd March 2014
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Jon39 said:
Jay_Davis said:
bentley01 said:
I tried a sportpack car against a standard car and I liked the standard car better. The ride is more compliant on our poor roads yet it still handles well with little roll or float. Every one has their own idea of what they want but I would suggest try both and make your own mind up
I agree. I tried both with and without the SportPack and went with the standard for an everyday road car.

Me too.

We are probably considered old softies on this forum though. smile
I didn't mean any offence - perhaps rather than implying 'unloved' I should have said 'the bargain 4.7'!

Jon39

14,930 posts

173 months

Saturday 22nd March 2014
quotequote all

Jon1967x said:
I didn't mean any offence - perhaps rather than implying 'unloved' I should have said 'the bargain 4.7'!

Thank you for that Jon.

As with so many aspects of specification, we all have our personal preferences.

I am happy with the 4.7 standard suspension (which I think is a little stiffer than the 4.3), because having `fun` cornering on public roads is unfortunately a very rare pleasure for me. The ride is fairly firm, but still provides reasonable comfort on our (all too common now) below standard road surfaces.

Another part of the price equation, is the number of 4.3 cars built each year compared with the 4.7. I don't have the number handy, but 2005 and 2006 were the Vantage production peaks. In total, there might still be more 4.3 cars than 4.7s available.



bentley01

1,191 posts

166 months

Saturday 22nd March 2014
quotequote all
Jon39 said:

Me too.

We are probably considered old softies on this forum though. smile
Less of the old!!!

petop

Original Poster:

2,408 posts

196 months

Sunday 30th March 2014
quotequote all
Well thats the 911 sold. Now for a 4.7 Vantage. Had my eye on 2 but one has gone from the Aston dealers approved website. Now down to 1 at a indy. Not many 4.7's about from looks of it. I did consider the 4.3 but ill always be wishing that i should of held out for the bigger engine. My quest begins!

Jon39

14,930 posts

173 months

Sunday 30th March 2014
quotequote all

petop said:
Not many 4.7's about from looks of it.

I expect you already know, that sales of the 4.7 began at the time the spending (debt) boom ended.
In comparison with the 4.3, sales plummeted (even some cancelled orders I have been told).

Hence not so many pre-owned early 4.7 cars on sale, but if you can be patient, I am sure you will find what you want.
I had to wait a year, but that was only because I wanted a rare specification.

Good luck.




petop

Original Poster:

2,408 posts

196 months

Sunday 30th March 2014
quotequote all
Yep, definitely not as many as 4.3. But i have set my heart on one now, just have to see if its available in 2 weeks time.