Vantage S Coupe 2-Month's Ownership Update

[as10guy]

Hi All!

Wanted to share my 60 day experience of my 2012 V8 Vantage S Coupe!

Been dailying (about 2500km!) my new(ish) baby for the past 2-months or so, and it's been an amazing experience thus far!

Pro's:
- As a self-proclaimed car-nut, it's hard to say I've ever bought a car I didn't enjoy or appreciate, but this thing is truly fing beautiful
- Blessed by youth (won't get specific , but feel free to pass judgement based on my use of smilies) I actually find it more than comfortable enough as a daily vehicle.
- This forum/community is great!

Con's:
- Not unexpected, but turns out daily driving a 4.7L V8 can rack up a pretty fat gas bill
- My local dealership's Part's Department wants to bleed me dry on accessories (details below)
- Piano Black trim in the interior REALLY wants to hold onto dust
- Have yet to discover any other local AM owners/groups who share my enthusiasm for the brand

Tips:
- I went in to the dealer for a new iPod cable, which I was quoted $330 CAD for! I asked the parts guy if I would be able to use a same-gen Jag/Land Rover part, to which he ASSURED me I could not. I ended up taking my chances, and ordering a $12 or Jag/LR cable off Ebay, and it fits the MMI jack perfectly . Definitely recommend it to anyone who needs one and doesn't mind saving $300+!

Questions:
- Recently, and only on occasion, on cold start, I can hear a very slight "squeeking" noise that seems to be coming from a belt. It disappears after 2-3 minutes of warming up. Has anyone dealt with this before? I plan to bring it in to check out if it continues.
- Has anyone done a black vinyl wrap of the roof? If so, I'd love to see photos! I'm thinking to gloss black the roof & mirrors of my Titanium Silver Vantage for a bit of contrast.
- Looking to do the switch to glass buttons in the dash, I have an idea of the parts cost, but does anyone have a price estimate for the labor? (it would be 10 glass switches to install including glove box/seat-tilt)
- Seems the battery on my glass key is getting a bit weak, do I have to replace the battery at the dealer? How much did you pay?

Shameless Flaunt in graphic form below!

[yvr]

Great looking car

If you're close to Vancouver (or Victoria), there's a local AMOC group that has a few get-togethers. PM me if you want contacts.

[rovcallum]

Lovely looking car there.
Have you considered having the chrome window trim wrapped in black?
I did mine last year and it changes the look somewhat.