New chapter...To be continued...
Discussion
Well, after 3 fantastic summers with the Virage, it's gone to a new home.
Simply, it's been a great car to own, both from a marque perspective - everyone loves an Aston and from a driving experience - it's been fun, fast and reliable. Just great.
Regarding the driving experience, coming from a 996 911, I would say that it's just so much quicker and more powerful than the 911, which I found (comparatively) gutless over certain speeds. Of course, the 911 being the smaller, lighter car is much nimbler, but the Virage can certainly stop (much) better, can hustle it's way round the roads (and the occasional track) in a very satisfying way and when the wheels are in a straight line can go rather quickly!
The ownership experience has been excellent also. Harwoods have always been very good and reasonable with their prices and the work always good. Again, my cost of ownership has been comparable to the 911. Where the Virage blows the 911 away is just how it makes you and others feel. The general public loves it as much as me and it's made many people's day across the country and also Europe - the road trips have been very special. The highlight has been meeting the other Aston owners who delight in their cars. You've all been great to meet...
The next car was meant to be a McLaren (a volcano red one - thanks to Bob!). Sadly, 72 hours after completing the sale of the Virage and a week before collecting the new car, I had some very upsetting family health issues to deal with and have subsequently decided to put supercars on ice to sort that out.
So I am unexpectedly supercar-less for the time being. It maybe a blessing in disguise a it leaves me with an opportunity to see what Aston will bring next.
A 600+ bhp V12 Aston with decent traction control to be able to lay that power down plus the 'usual' Aston style and class...That would be a nice surprise in the spring...and one I really hope for!
Alternatively I might go for that red original Virage. Will see how things go.
Glad to see everyone is still enjoying their cars and will continue to follow the forum!
Simply, it's been a great car to own, both from a marque perspective - everyone loves an Aston and from a driving experience - it's been fun, fast and reliable. Just great.
Regarding the driving experience, coming from a 996 911, I would say that it's just so much quicker and more powerful than the 911, which I found (comparatively) gutless over certain speeds. Of course, the 911 being the smaller, lighter car is much nimbler, but the Virage can certainly stop (much) better, can hustle it's way round the roads (and the occasional track) in a very satisfying way and when the wheels are in a straight line can go rather quickly!
The ownership experience has been excellent also. Harwoods have always been very good and reasonable with their prices and the work always good. Again, my cost of ownership has been comparable to the 911. Where the Virage blows the 911 away is just how it makes you and others feel. The general public loves it as much as me and it's made many people's day across the country and also Europe - the road trips have been very special. The highlight has been meeting the other Aston owners who delight in their cars. You've all been great to meet...
The next car was meant to be a McLaren (a volcano red one - thanks to Bob!). Sadly, 72 hours after completing the sale of the Virage and a week before collecting the new car, I had some very upsetting family health issues to deal with and have subsequently decided to put supercars on ice to sort that out.
So I am unexpectedly supercar-less for the time being. It maybe a blessing in disguise a it leaves me with an opportunity to see what Aston will bring next.
A 600+ bhp V12 Aston with decent traction control to be able to lay that power down plus the 'usual' Aston style and class...That would be a nice surprise in the spring...and one I really hope for!
Alternatively I might go for that red original Virage. Will see how things go.
Glad to see everyone is still enjoying their cars and will continue to follow the forum!
Best of luck with the health issues Selon and great to hear of your three years with the Virage, I think we can all empathise with your comments about how the cars make you feel (and the love of the public for them).
I too am watching this space with regard to the new DB11 next year. Maybe we can get a bulk discount from AML if Pistonheads get together to buy a job lot
I too am watching this space with regard to the new DB11 next year. Maybe we can get a bulk discount from AML if Pistonheads get together to buy a job lot
Mike, what a post,,,a lot going on there! I going to be utterly selfish and say I hope the DB11 wins you over (volcano red the way to go. Actually there are 3 things I hope for, the 1st is the family issue is just a blip/scare and gets sorted tout suite, the 2nd is the DB11 and the 3rd that we meet up again at a track day, now that would be a result! 
Actually there are 3 things I hope for, the 1st is the family issue is just a blip/scare and gets sorted tout suite, the 2nd is the DB11 and the 3rd that we meet up again at a track day, now that would be a result! Sorry to hear about the family health issues and I hope all are fit and well again soon.
Sometimes it's nice to be without a special car for a while, it lets the memory (occasional worries... where do I park why is there a petrol tanker parked outside my house
) and thoughts settle ready for the next choice and looking is part of the fun.. happy browsing
Sometimes it's nice to be without a special car for a while, it lets the memory (occasional worries... where do I park why is there a petrol tanker parked outside my house
) and thoughts settle ready for the next choice and looking is part of the fun.. happy browsing Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff