First Aston - will I regret it ?
Discussion
I'm very keen on an early v8 vantage convertible for the wife ( well that's what I've told her ) . I've pretty much had German cars forever ( M5's in the main and a couple of Porsches ) . These have been bullet proof and I've had no surprises at services and no breakdowns ( until I said that ... ) .
I have this niggle that Aston's just aren't as well engineered or built as the more mass produced cars I'm used to and I don't need the hassle of "surprises" .
So , are early v8 vantages reliable ? What should I look for / avoid ?
Also , do you think that depreciation on these has bottomed out ? My bullet proof M cars like depreciation ...
Thanks
I have this niggle that Aston's just aren't as well engineered or built as the more mass produced cars I'm used to and I don't need the hassle of "surprises" .
So , are early v8 vantages reliable ? What should I look for / avoid ?
Also , do you think that depreciation on these has bottomed out ? My bullet proof M cars like depreciation ...
Thanks
As reliable as any other modern car, ive done over 100k miles in the last 10 years . Just a few niggles and component failure, consumables to replace. Nothing major and most service bills at an indy are no different to running a big engined M or RS Audi.
Buy the bible aka Grants book, it will be the best £20 you can spend and save you days of trawling on here
http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/
Buy the bible aka Grants book, it will be the best £20 you can spend and save you days of trawling on here
http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/I came from 5.5 years with a 996 turbo to the Vantage. Not really noticed any difference regarding reliability. Check out my thread which summarises my ownership over the last 2 years including problems I've had.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Any surprises will probably be modules or the LEDs in the front headlights if your car is fitted with them. These are expensive when they go, which is usually just before MOT time
My 7yr old Vantage has been superb mechanically. Faults I've experienced include a tyre pressure sensor, two parking sensors and three headlight units, one of which was replaced under warranty the other by AM free of charge.
My Merc was a lot less reliable and used to cost a fortune every year, which is the main reason I got rid. My Z4 needs a couple modules and then an engine hydro-lock resulting in £2500 rebuild. Again I got rid.
All cars can have faults of course,
My 7yr old Vantage has been superb mechanically. Faults I've experienced include a tyre pressure sensor, two parking sensors and three headlight units, one of which was replaced under warranty the other by AM free of charge.
My Merc was a lot less reliable and used to cost a fortune every year, which is the main reason I got rid. My Z4 needs a couple modules and then an engine hydro-lock resulting in £2500 rebuild. Again I got rid.
All cars can have faults of course,
Build quality will not be as good as the German built cars but in recent years, these have suffered badly by ramming in as much electronics as possible causing reliability issues.
An early Vantage should not be loaded with unnecessary gadgets so should prove reliable enough.
Servicing on a premium brand always have the dealer's rubbing their hands in glee but find a good independent and service costs should be manageable.
Whilst performance and handling may be a little below the BMW "M" or Porsche cars, the beauty and how it makes you feel special driving it will far outway the need to prove anything.
Special cars these Aston Martins.
An early Vantage should not be loaded with unnecessary gadgets so should prove reliable enough.
Servicing on a premium brand always have the dealer's rubbing their hands in glee but find a good independent and service costs should be manageable.
Whilst performance and handling may be a little below the BMW "M" or Porsche cars, the beauty and how it makes you feel special driving it will far outway the need to prove anything.
Special cars these Aston Martins.
Mine is a 2012 V8Vs with 14k under her belt now. I was just reviewing all the service history and thought I'd list all the repairs that have been done. It's been pretty reliable so far. Interestingly, the most costly repair (but done under warranty) was the left rear tail light assembly, which has been replaced TWICE. So far so good.
Dec 14; 7678 miles
Replace left rear tail light assembly
March 14, 6149 miles
Replace docking station bezal (coming apart)
Replace leather on drivers seat
Feb 14, 5615 miles
Replace heater control (HVAC switch)
Oct 13, 5050 miles
Replace clock assembly
June 13, 4256 miles
Leather trim separating from doors; repaired
Feb 13, 3340 miles
Replace interior rear view mirror (garage door opener inop)
March 12, 1115 miles
Replace left rear taillight assembly
Dec 14; 7678 miles
Replace left rear tail light assembly
March 14, 6149 miles
Replace docking station bezal (coming apart)
Replace leather on drivers seat
Feb 14, 5615 miles
Replace heater control (HVAC switch)
Oct 13, 5050 miles
Replace clock assembly
June 13, 4256 miles
Leather trim separating from doors; repaired
Feb 13, 3340 miles
Replace interior rear view mirror (garage door opener inop)
March 12, 1115 miles
Replace left rear taillight assembly
Edited by dalecan on Friday 14th April 22:26
Edited by dalecan on Friday 14th April 22:26
My 2013 registered SP10 Vantage roadster has now done 29k miles including track days, hoons around Wales, Alps, Pyrenees etc. 1 coil pack replaced and brake pads that's all. Easily kept up with spiritedly driven M things, Porkers and everything else. 8TEC you underestimate how they perform.
Had a Boxster S in the past. Broke down, needed new disks at 12k crap dealer experience (You must be driving it too hard sir !!)
Buy an Aston. You won't look back
Had a Boxster S in the past. Broke down, needed new disks at 12k crap dealer experience (You must be driving it too hard sir !!)
Buy an Aston. You won't look back
I just went out to check the tyres on my Vantage and it was looking particularly good this evening despite the beads of water on it. My neighbours must think I'm a proper muppet admiring my own car on my own driveway. It's the only car I've owned that still irritates me when it gets dirty. I've had it 28 months. Favoured daily driver, it was my only car for the first 8 months.
It's hand built, you have to accept they aren't as well put together as a German car built by Japanese robots.
Tempting fate, but so far it's been as reliable as a Volkswagen. MY15 V8, coming up to 18k miles.
It's hand built, you have to accept they aren't as well put together as a German car built by Japanese robots.
Tempting fate, but so far it's been as reliable as a Volkswagen. MY15 V8, coming up to 18k miles.
bogie said:
As reliable as any other modern car, ive done over 100k miles in the last 10 years . Just a few niggles and component failure, consumables to replace. Nothing major and most service bills at an indy are no different to running a big engined M or RS Audi.
Buy the bible aka Grants book, it will be the best £20 you can spend and save you days of trawling on herehttp://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/
I've just bought the book!Buy the bible aka Grants book, it will be the best £20 you can spend and save you days of trawling on here
http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/Another step closer! Very excited!
Happy Easter all
Johnny42 said:
Can you still get back in the car if someone parks next to you? (Serious question! I'm considering getting one...)
OP, sorry for 'jacking your thread
It's a question every mac owner (me included) asked before purchase. In reality you need almost the same space as a normal door (maybe a teeny bit more) to be able to get in and out. The only slight drawback is the door will not stop opening part way - the hydraulics make it want to open all the way. No big deal, just keep hold of the door or rest it carefully against the car next door. OP, sorry for 'jacking your thread
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