Are They An 'Old Man's Car'?
Discussion
I've owned my Vantage for a few months now (absolutely love it, but don't get to drive it much), and I had another comment today from someone today confused as to why I went for it it as "it's an old man's car". That now makes it a total of three (all from people I loosely know) when they've discovered my choice of transport.
I think it's probably because of my recent history with various lairy(ish)-looking hot hatches and a Vantage is obviously a departure from this, but it's not exactly an old, wood-lined Jaaaaag or something.
I suppose the demographic of the average Aston Martin is an older gentleman, but I guess the reason for this is simply that they're relatively expensive and very few older ladies are into cars enough to buy something interesting. Perhaps many of those younger folk who are in a position to buy one would go for something faster or flasher that can be had for the same money?
Now just to be clear, I don't care what others think; it is merely an observation! Have others experienced similar? If you are indeed an older man with an Aston Martin, I expect not.
I think it's probably because of my recent history with various lairy(ish)-looking hot hatches and a Vantage is obviously a departure from this, but it's not exactly an old, wood-lined Jaaaaag or something.
I suppose the demographic of the average Aston Martin is an older gentleman, but I guess the reason for this is simply that they're relatively expensive and very few older ladies are into cars enough to buy something interesting. Perhaps many of those younger folk who are in a position to buy one would go for something faster or flasher that can be had for the same money?
Now just to be clear, I don't care what others think; it is merely an observation! Have others experienced similar? If you are indeed an older man with an Aston Martin, I expect not.
Whats "old" ? ....50 is the new 40...and 60 the new 50 ...apparently. Certainly i still hope to be driving an Aston when im "old" 
Many expensive cars are driven by older people, its not like you see many 20 year olds doing laps of the town centre in them, as few have the means at such an age.
Many expensive cars are driven by older people, its not like you see many 20 year olds doing laps of the town centre in them, as few have the means at such an age.
I was 36 when I had my first Aston. A Stunning Lightning silver DB9. I have always had nothing but positive responses from the younger generations. Now in a DB11 and they are even more enthusiastic about it. I think there has been a very big image turnaround over the past 10 years or so.
That said, I always care very little about what others think or say. It usually comes down to envy. Enjoy it while it lasts.
That said, I always care very little about what others think or say. It usually comes down to envy. Enjoy it while it lasts.
I'm 38 and recently got into my first Aston a V12Vs came from a V10 plus R8...certainly don't consider myself old and car gets a huge amount of positive attention especially from younger people. I'd imagine the avg age of new Aston buyers is a bit higher than my age given the cost but who cares I'm glad they're around so that I can pick up such a wonderful car three yrs in at almost half the new price!
I'm on Aston number 3 now (I'm 35) and have never had a comment like that, so I don't get the impression it's a common view, not even in the DB7 which probably is more of an old-man car than the Vantage or DB9. Even before I was an Aston owner I don't remember that being the view among my car enthusiast mates. I think they are considered a mature car, more so than a hot hatch or Porsche, but it's hard to call that a bad thing.
Like most here my experience has been a universally positive reaction towards the Aston. If anyone thinks a DB9 Volante is an old mans' car then they must think that old men have impeccably good taste
Of course people can think what they like, I'm too busy enjoying the sound of the V12 engine to worry about it.
Like most here my experience has been a universally positive reaction towards the Aston. If anyone thinks a DB9 Volante is an old mans' car then they must think that old men have impeccably good taste
Of course people can think what they like, I'm too busy enjoying the sound of the V12 engine to worry about it.
Edited by murphyaj on Monday 25th June 09:25
Most of the time comments of the nature of "that's an old man's car" can be dealt with by offering a passenger ride... that normally dispels the myth that things like a V8VS are slow, luxurious and designed for seniors.
For a long long time, the brand has stood for understated elegance, sophistication whilst being traditional, and high quality. Understated is rarely something a young car enthusiast goes for, hence why despite early Vantages being less expensive than a high-end hot hatch, they're not as popular.
Much of it depends on upbringing I suppose; I grew up around hot rods, old school American V8's, race cars and the like, and Bond films. For that reason, it was always a goal to own an Aston before I turned 30. I missed that mark by 2 years, but there was a sense of satisfaction having spent 10 years beavering away to afford to take the plunge.
On the general perception of age and Aston Martin in regard to both the cars and owners; it speaks volumes that the new Vantage is vocally known as being a car aimed at 'the younger' generation. It's almost an admission that they were never targeted at younger buyers before.
My happiest moment with the Vanquish has to be last weekend; I returned to my car having paid for my fuel, to find an old boy stood by it, waiting for me - he wanted to have a chat about it, where the engine was built, what it was like to drive etc. He was in his 70's, drove a mauve Honda Jazz and couldn't have been more complimentary. Astons are special cars, and they have the ability to bring people together for positive reasons. Few marques can still do that.
For a long long time, the brand has stood for understated elegance, sophistication whilst being traditional, and high quality. Understated is rarely something a young car enthusiast goes for, hence why despite early Vantages being less expensive than a high-end hot hatch, they're not as popular.
Much of it depends on upbringing I suppose; I grew up around hot rods, old school American V8's, race cars and the like, and Bond films. For that reason, it was always a goal to own an Aston before I turned 30. I missed that mark by 2 years, but there was a sense of satisfaction having spent 10 years beavering away to afford to take the plunge.
On the general perception of age and Aston Martin in regard to both the cars and owners; it speaks volumes that the new Vantage is vocally known as being a car aimed at 'the younger' generation. It's almost an admission that they were never targeted at younger buyers before.
My happiest moment with the Vanquish has to be last weekend; I returned to my car having paid for my fuel, to find an old boy stood by it, waiting for me - he wanted to have a chat about it, where the engine was built, what it was like to drive etc. He was in his 70's, drove a mauve Honda Jazz and couldn't have been more complimentary. Astons are special cars, and they have the ability to bring people together for positive reasons. Few marques can still do that.
designforlife said:
i wouldn't even entertain owning one until i hit my 40s...same with jags, porches, maseratis, bentleys etc.
You are very lucky (hard working) to even be able to entertain such a thought.
Many current Aston Martin owners now possibly in their more 'senior' years, were no doubt preoccupied with paying for homes, children's upbringing etc. when younger.
Jon39 said:
designforlife said:
i wouldn't even entertain owning one until i hit my 40s...same with jags, porches, maseratis, bentleys etc.
You are very lucky (hard working) to even be able to entertain such a thought.
Many current Aston Martin owners now possibly in their more 'senior' years, were no doubt preoccupied with paying for homes, children's upbringing etc. when younger.
I also have the mis/fortune to live in an affluent area of south herts, and seeing these cars every day, along with the people who drive them has done my automotive leanings no favours at all.
I would be putting my money into a tommi mak evo or a GTR skyline long before entertaining the idea of a luxury marque, but that's just personal preference.
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