I think i bought a Aston....2 weeks in!
Discussion
I thought i would update my original thread with a bit of a update on ownership of my "new" car. Using Pistonheads for the last 3 cars i have bought prior for info etc i thought i would do the same with this one.
Just to backbrief, i work abroad and return to UK periodically so buying a car relies on good word from places like PH and a bit of pot luck. Deciding on AMW to buy from was a worthwhile decision which i would recommend to anyone but of course this is not always possible.
The car i bought was a Fire Red 4.7 08 Manual, which for a colour is pretty rare. When i picked the car up i was told it was actually a Aston Factory car for the 1st 2 years being used on demos and motor exhibitions/shows. With only 24k on the clock when i picked it up, its barely run in as well.
Apologies for the poor photos but Iphone will have to do.
I have so far done around 1000 miles in it already with a couple of long journeys spread amongst a lot of local country road blasts!
Having had a 996 C4S Tip before this i have to put this to bed now, its miles better. I loved the Porsche and was my first "proper" sports car but the experience of driving the Aston beats it hands down. People do let you out, people look at you more if you are into that sort of thing and in the short time i have had it i have had loads of strangers comment on how good it looks. So like me if you are going from a 996/997 bog standard and thinking of a Vantage then go for it.
So what things have i found out.....
Interior is a nice place to be in, the build is i would say better than the Porsche. Heavy feel to the doors and so far, no squeaks. I sold my Porsche on 70,000 miles but still felt fresh so we will see how the Aston gets on.
Seats are very comfy and driving from Bournemouth to Colchester the other day was no dramas, so as a long distance cruiser it fits the bill.
The ergonomics from some people have been given negative comments. Yes, it does require a bit of sitting in the car outside the house to work out what everything does and isnt the most intuitive. You just need to remember that you select the function then use the joystick etc to select what you want.
The driver display panel is smalll i agree but it has what is required to be shown. Not sure about the older 4.3 or non Premium fitted cars but the Ipod intergration works well. But you have to plug in the Iphone/Ipod to play music but phone/bluetooth works well and is easy to setup.
You get USB and Iphone connection with a small cubby hole to put the phone in so its not crashing about, something my 996 didnt have.
Some things which are peculiar to Astons are quaint. Such as the fly-off handbrake..
My missus doesnt like it but once you get used to it, its fine. The picture above is showing it on, but off is in the same position.
You get the famous pen, which i havnt used yet and probably never will but apart from people wanting to listen to you accelerate, it provides a good talking point.
The glass key is nice but to be fair i use the spare "poor mans" one and bring out the glass one on special occasions!!
People mention the clutch a lot and more so on the Sportshift. I actually looked at SS but wasnt too bothered which i got. I have to say i love the manual but it does take getting used to. Yes it heavy and built up traffic can be a pain but once going its a joy to use. When cold, i have found its easier just to let the clutch out with no throttle and when warmed up, get it into 2nd as quick as possible and makes life easier.
My Tyre Pressure Monitoring system is and has been playing up since i picked it up so now AMW have ordered a new module and will fit that soon. I have to mention Works now and say they have been excellent in aftercare service. I had a slight pull to the left and some leather trim bonding came apart but having taken it up to them, they fixed it all with no quibble and have offered to pick the car up on a car transporter when the TPMS module comes in so there is no need to drive up again.
I have had the car detailed using Zymol Royale treatment and really brings up the colour and to give it that bit more protection. If you google Parc Ferme, these are the guys that did it.
All in all no regrets whatsoever with the purchase, glad i managed to get a 4.7 and yes, the fuel gauge seems to move as quick as the rev counter but then dont ask the cost of these vehicles if you cant afford to run them.
As the missus is now badgering me to go out with her, ill leave it there but any potential purchasers who are wondering what its like to own one of these then ask away!
Just to backbrief, i work abroad and return to UK periodically so buying a car relies on good word from places like PH and a bit of pot luck. Deciding on AMW to buy from was a worthwhile decision which i would recommend to anyone but of course this is not always possible.
The car i bought was a Fire Red 4.7 08 Manual, which for a colour is pretty rare. When i picked the car up i was told it was actually a Aston Factory car for the 1st 2 years being used on demos and motor exhibitions/shows. With only 24k on the clock when i picked it up, its barely run in as well.
Apologies for the poor photos but Iphone will have to do.
I have so far done around 1000 miles in it already with a couple of long journeys spread amongst a lot of local country road blasts!
Having had a 996 C4S Tip before this i have to put this to bed now, its miles better. I loved the Porsche and was my first "proper" sports car but the experience of driving the Aston beats it hands down. People do let you out, people look at you more if you are into that sort of thing and in the short time i have had it i have had loads of strangers comment on how good it looks. So like me if you are going from a 996/997 bog standard and thinking of a Vantage then go for it.
So what things have i found out.....
Interior is a nice place to be in, the build is i would say better than the Porsche. Heavy feel to the doors and so far, no squeaks. I sold my Porsche on 70,000 miles but still felt fresh so we will see how the Aston gets on.
Seats are very comfy and driving from Bournemouth to Colchester the other day was no dramas, so as a long distance cruiser it fits the bill.
The ergonomics from some people have been given negative comments. Yes, it does require a bit of sitting in the car outside the house to work out what everything does and isnt the most intuitive. You just need to remember that you select the function then use the joystick etc to select what you want.
The driver display panel is smalll i agree but it has what is required to be shown. Not sure about the older 4.3 or non Premium fitted cars but the Ipod intergration works well. But you have to plug in the Iphone/Ipod to play music but phone/bluetooth works well and is easy to setup.
You get USB and Iphone connection with a small cubby hole to put the phone in so its not crashing about, something my 996 didnt have.
Some things which are peculiar to Astons are quaint. Such as the fly-off handbrake..
My missus doesnt like it but once you get used to it, its fine. The picture above is showing it on, but off is in the same position.
You get the famous pen, which i havnt used yet and probably never will but apart from people wanting to listen to you accelerate, it provides a good talking point.
The glass key is nice but to be fair i use the spare "poor mans" one and bring out the glass one on special occasions!!
People mention the clutch a lot and more so on the Sportshift. I actually looked at SS but wasnt too bothered which i got. I have to say i love the manual but it does take getting used to. Yes it heavy and built up traffic can be a pain but once going its a joy to use. When cold, i have found its easier just to let the clutch out with no throttle and when warmed up, get it into 2nd as quick as possible and makes life easier.
My Tyre Pressure Monitoring system is and has been playing up since i picked it up so now AMW have ordered a new module and will fit that soon. I have to mention Works now and say they have been excellent in aftercare service. I had a slight pull to the left and some leather trim bonding came apart but having taken it up to them, they fixed it all with no quibble and have offered to pick the car up on a car transporter when the TPMS module comes in so there is no need to drive up again.
I have had the car detailed using Zymol Royale treatment and really brings up the colour and to give it that bit more protection. If you google Parc Ferme, these are the guys that did it.
All in all no regrets whatsoever with the purchase, glad i managed to get a 4.7 and yes, the fuel gauge seems to move as quick as the rev counter but then dont ask the cost of these vehicles if you cant afford to run them.
As the missus is now badgering me to go out with her, ill leave it there but any potential purchasers who are wondering what its like to own one of these then ask away!
Edited by petop on Saturday 3rd May 12:27
An interesting write-up. Thank you.
Glad you are enjoying your car and the associated Aston experience.
I was puzzled by your photo of the central 'cubby box'. You appear to have your handbook stowed there behind a strap. I wonder if they subsequently made the handbook longer, because I don't think my book would fit in there. Must have a look, but fairly sure my car does not have the strap fitted either.
Jon39 said:
An interesting write-up. Thank you.
Glad you are enjoying your car and the associated Aston experience.
I was puzzled by your photo of the central 'cubby box'. You appear to have your handbook stowed there behind a strap. I wonder if they subsequently made the handbook longer, because I don't think my book would fit in there. Must have a look, but fairly sure my car does not have the strap fitted either.
The usual extra long handbook is in the glove box. The handbook you see is a quick reference guide. Not having seen inside other cars this maybe a throw back from the fact it was one of the earliest 4.7's and it came with it but im sure someone will confirm.Glad you are enjoying your car and the associated Aston experience.
I was puzzled by your photo of the central 'cubby box'. You appear to have your handbook stowed there behind a strap. I wonder if they subsequently made the handbook longer, because I don't think my book would fit in there. Must have a look, but fairly sure my car does not have the strap fitted either.
petop said:
I stand corrected, but this I was told this by another Aston owner.
Don't worry about it, it's a common misconception/myth.Fly-off handbrakes are set by pushing the button. They are then released by pulling the handbrake (which releases the catch ie the fly off, I'm guessing) then letting the lever go forward. Morgans still have them!
BravoV8V said:
Fly-off handbrakes are set by pushing the button. They are then released by pulling the handbrake (which releases the catch ie the fly off, I'm guessing) then letting the lever go forward. Morgans still have them!
Very suitable for handbrake turns, because there is no need to hold down the button.
We would not do that in an Aston though.
Oh no, we just turn off the whatever it's called button, and use the more than adequate power to slide the tail out. Probably wise not to try this on your own car. ~
Jon39 said:
Very suitable for handbrake turns, because there is no need to hold down the button.
We would not do that in an Aston though.
Oh no, we just turn off the whatever it's called button, and use the more than adequate power to slide the tail out. Probably wise not to try this on your own car. ~
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