Potential V8 Vantage

[Andyt25]

Hi all, have always hankered after a Vantage and just have a couple of question for the informed on here.....

Has anyone had experience of the Prodrive V8 Vantage with the power upgrade, exhaust and suspension changes and how does it compare to a N400.....I really like the Prodrive car at Nicholas Mee at 43k but there are a couple of N400's at around 46k. Would the N400 be the better bet financially as I notice that limit edition Astons are rising in price....Will the Prodrive with its extra power feel more exciting and a better drivers car.......

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...

I did toy with the idea of a roadster as well......Well the sun came out and a few caught my eye....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162062396921?ssPageName=...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...

Thanks for you help.......

Edited by Andyt25 on Thursday 19th May 06:01

Edited by Andyt25 on Thursday 19th May 06:02

[Herbs]

The ebay one isn't an n400 (or i would be very surprised if it is).

It's missing the ring stitching on the centre console (can be deleted)
It's missing the rear badge again could be taken off)
The big give away is the red lights instead of clear so it may have an upgraded engine but it is not an official N400.
The picture is dim but i'm pretty sure it doesn't have the side skirts either.

Obviously the other roadster isn't either and it's the prefacelight model so if you can i'd hold out for an n400 roadster if you can find one (took me 4 months before i found mine a couple of months ago)

[Andyt25]

Yes, sorry should have been clearer..Realise the two roadster aren't N400. The eBay one has the 400bhp upgrade but the dealer one is standard. Does the 20 bhp make a big difference or would you only notice driving a 380bhp and 400bhp one back to back.

[jakesmith]

I'd be astonished if you can feel the 20BHP that this pack is supposed to give. From memory it isn't very tweaked. I'd save your money for a 4.7 and then maybe get the sills & wheels at a later date. And the BR exhaust.

[Herbs]

jakesmith said:

I'd be astonished if you can feel the 20BHP that this pack is supposed to give. From memory it isn't very tweaked. I'd save your money for a 4.7 and then maybe get the sills & wheels at a later date. And the BR exhaust.

The difference between a 4.3 and the N400 is massive (i've owned both), but it's the overall package with the tweaks to engine, suspension etc adding up to a much better drive rather than outright pace. Not much faster on paper but it loses the lethargic element that is leveled at the 4.3 normally.

Both lovely cars and you will be delighted with either, but with your budget looking to be top end 4.3 money, personally I would wait to find the right one.

If you are anywhere near Dorset, you are more than welcome to have a nose around mine. Good luck with the search

[petop]

Herbs said:

The difference between a 4.3 and the N400 is massive (i've owned both), but it's the overall package with the tweaks to engine, suspension etc adding up to a much better drive rather than outright pace. Not much faster on paper but it loses the lethargic element that is leveled at the 4.3 normally.

Both lovely cars and you will be delighted with either, but with your budget looking to be top end 4.3 money, personally I would wait to find the right one.

If you are anywhere near Dorset, you are more than welcome to have a nose around mine. Good luck with the search

Dorset...you anywhere near Verwood, i think i have seen you drive around there?

[Andyt25]

jakesmith said:

I'd be astonished if you can feel the 20BHP that this pack is supposed to give. From memory it isn't very tweaked. I'd save your money for a 4.7 and then maybe get the sills & wheels at a later date. And the BR exhaust.

To be honest on the roadster I prefer the car without the N400 sills......Like the wheels though. Those BR exhaust a tad pricey if I remember right....

[Andyt25]

Herbs said:

The difference between a 4.3 and the N400 is massive (i've owned both), but it's the overall package with the tweaks to engine, suspension etc adding up to a much better drive rather than outright pace. Not much faster on paper but it loses the lethargic element that is leveled at the 4.3 normally.

Both lovely cars and you will be delighted with either, but with your budget looking to be top end 4.3 money, personally I would wait to find the right one.

If you are anywhere near Dorset, you are more than welcome to have a nose around mine. Good luck with the search

Thanks that is a great help. I thought the 20 bhp wouldn't make a huge difference but when you add the other bits that's when it makes sense. I remember the reviews raving about the N400 and how it should have been like that from the start. I did think that 4.7's start at this sort of price and if this was the better route......

Thanks for the offer and if I am ever your way I may well take you up on that......

[DaveV8V]

The one on e-bay is mis-represented as an N400. When looking other than the visual cues listed previously, one other huge clue to note would be a plaque on the doorsill stating that it is a N400 and the no. out of 240.

I have also noticed that you have got both manual and ‘Auto’. Just in case you were not aware as it can catch you out. The ‘Auto’ isn’t an automatic in the conventional terms. Aston Martin call it the Sports Shift, the best way I can describe it is a Manual (without a gear stick) with assisted gear selection and/or paddle select. I’m sure someone will be along to give a far better description than I have.

Also there was a change in the seats from the earliest models, which personally I found made a huge difference in comfort. In the end you pays your money and you take your biscuit. Test drive a few Coupe/Roadster, Manual/Sports Shift and see how you get on and what you think of the overall experience. Then once you have determined what you like you’ll be in a better position to narrow your search.

Hope that all helps

Edited by DaveV8V on Thursday 19th May 17:06

[Andyt25]

Thanks Dave, yes aware of the auto/manual piece....Had an M3 CSL with paddle shift and driven and looked after a number of Maserati with paddle shift. These early semi auto boxes do take a while to get used to unlike the latest double clutch ones......I do think in years to come the manual Vantage will be the ones which will be sort after......You can already see that with prices of the original V12 Vantage.....What a car that is to.

Agree on the seats as well which is what puts me off the early Prodrive one.....but it does look a lovely example.

Edited by Andyt25 on Thursday 19th May 18:29

Edited by Andyt25 on Thursday 19th May 18:31

[DaveV8V]

Hi Andy,

Yup, for some the SportsShift may take a bit of getting used to if you are expecting it to run like an 'Automatic' especially if someone has come from that type of background.

I did originally want a Manual Roadster, but nearly being 2 metres tall there was not enough room to pass my hands from lock to lock without getting them jammed, because my legs would be in the way because of the console. I also found the roadster was a bit smaller than the coupe, I couldn't get the seat back as far as I wanted because of the bulkhead (hence my comment about seats). If you're not freakishly tall then none of this will effect you, but if you need to duck to get through a doorway, then worth considering.

PS They make fabulous daily runners

[Jon39]

The third car on your list (Roadster) £50,000, states Model Year 2009 first registered March 09.

It cannot be MY 2009, because the build date would have been before September 2008.

The upgraded 4.7 litre Vantage began in September 2009, and a few were built before then.

[Andyt25]

DaveV8V said:

Hi Andy,

Yup, for some the SportsShift may take a bit of getting used to if you are expecting it to run like an 'Automatic' especially if someone has come from that type of background.

I did originally want a Manual Roadster, but nearly being 2 metres tall there was not enough room to pass my hands from lock to lock without getting them jammed, because my legs would be in the way because of the console. I also found the roadster was a bit smaller than the coupe, I couldn't get the seat back as far as I wanted because of the bulkhead (hence my comment about seats). If you're not freakishly tall then none of this will effect you, but if you need to duck to get through a doorway, then worth considering.

PS They make fabulous daily runners

Shouldn't have that problem Dave as not that tall....I have in the past had a string of Lotus Elise and Exige as a daily drive so that problems tells you how tall I am ;-)

[Andyt25]

Jon39 said:

The third car on your list (Roadster) £50,000, states Model Year 2009 first registered March 09.

It cannot be MY 2009, because the build date would have been before September 2008.

The upgraded 4.7 litre Vantage began in September 2009, and a few were built before then.

Thanks Jon39, I like the look of the third car but if spending 50 on a 4.3 I would go dealer route I think for that piece of mind.

I know that early 4.7's from non Aston dealers dealers have fallen below 50k but think I would worry about what I was getting where as up to 50k gets you the best 4.3. There is a 4.7 down the road from me that I may just go and look at to see what the difference in performance is......This one......

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

But think I would prefer to hold out if it's the 4.7 route for something like this from a main dealer...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If not buying from a main dealer do you know if I can get an independent inspection on a car outside the dealer network at a main dealer or specialist ?

[petop]

Amazing isnt it. Dealers were selling manual 4.7's, 25k mileage for £48k 2 years ago now it seems they are hitting the £52k mark.

[Bincenzo]

Andyt25 said:

Thanks Jon39, I like the look of the third car but if spending 50 on a 4.3 I would go dealer route I think for that piece of mind.

I know that early 4.7's from non Aston dealers dealers have fallen below 50k but think I would worry about what I was getting where as up to 50k gets you the best 4.3. There is a 4.7 down the road from me that I may just go and look at to see what the difference in performance is......

But think I would prefer to hold out if it's the 4.7 route for something like this from a main dealer...


If not buying from a main dealer do you know if I can get an independent inspection on a car outside the dealer network at a main dealer or specialist ?

Andy,
Don't discount a private sale. As long as the car is fully researched and an independent inspection done properly by a trusted company, if everything stacks up then it's often a much cheaper option - I certainly bought my first one privately and had absolutely no bother at all, I loved it. With regards to 4.3 vs 4.7..........I'd certainly opt for the 4.7. The 4.3 has to be worked pretty hard to keep up and it lacks torque which is of course what actually gives you the feeling of acceleration - it's still a very quick car but if you're on the cusp, get the 4.7. Failing that, which is another option, get an early 4.3 and have BR work their magic on it. That provides 4.7 performance for a reduced cost. That was going to be my next move but I was seduced by something else. BR are also very good for independent inspections as well, as are other competent indies.
Good luck with the search, it's part of the fun, but as I say, don't discount the private sale, as most AM owners are pretty fastidious in looking after their cars.
All the best, Bins

[mjk1]

Jon39 said:

The third car on your list (Roadster) £50,000, states Model Year 2009 first registered March 09.

It cannot be MY 2009, because the build date would have been before September 2008.

The upgraded 4.7 litre Vantage began in September 2009, and a few were built before then.

Jon, MY09 starts in Sept 08 not ends. It is hence highly likely if registered in March 09 it will be MY 09.

[Andyt25]

Bincenzo said:

Andy,
Don't discount a private sale. As long as the car is fully researched and an independent inspection done properly by a trusted company, if everything stacks up then it's often a much cheaper option - I certainly bought my first one privately and had absolutely no bother at all, I loved it. With regards to 4.3 vs 4.7..........I'd certainly opt for the 4.7. The 4.3 has to be worked pretty hard to keep up and it lacks torque which is of course what actually gives you the feeling of acceleration - it's still a very quick car but if you're on the cusp, get the 4.7. Failing that, which is another option, get an early 4.3 and have BR work their magic on it. That provides 4.7 performance for a reduced cost. That was going to be my next move but I was seduced by something else. BR are also very good for independent inspections as well, as are other competent indies.
Good luck with the search, it's part of the fun, but as I say, don't discount the private sale, as most AM owners are pretty fastidious in looking after their cars.
All the best, Bins

Thanks John, that's a great help. I have been thinking about the BR upgrades. They do seem pricey when I looked at the exhaust system. May have to dig deeper and see what bhp upgrades they do as it may be an option as you say.

[Mr.Tremlini]

Andyt25 said:

Thanks John, that's a great help. I have been thinking about the BR upgrades. They do seem pricey when I looked at the exhaust system. May have to dig deeper and see what bhp upgrades they do as it may be an option as you say.

I was at BR recently having a chat with Mike about amping up my own 4.3 and was pleased to discover that the exhaust headers/cats package price also includes what is essentially the Aston Martin Power Upgrade and ECU remap, so much better value than it might at first appear!

[Herbs]

petop said:

Herbs said:

The difference between a 4.3 and the N400 is massive (i've owned both), but it's the overall package with the tweaks to engine, suspension etc adding up to a much better drive rather than outright pace. Not much faster on paper but it loses the lethargic element that is leveled at the 4.3 normally.

Both lovely cars and you will be delighted with either, but with your budget looking to be top end 4.3 money, personally I would wait to find the right one.

If you are anywhere near Dorset, you are more than welcome to have a nose around mine. Good luck with the search

Dorset...you anywhere near Verwood, i think i have seen you drive around there?

Used to live there until January for 6 years - maybe with my previous one