Aston Martin Vantage 4.7 V8 Roadster Sportshift 2dr

[dunk7]

I'm looking at one of these, just searching around to see if
they have any costly dramas like it seems everything else
i've looked at has

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Any input appreciated

[bogie]

looks like a nice car and good VFM

Lots of info in the faq on here on running costs etc.

I have a similar car, a 2012 model, bought with 30k miles on the clock at 3 1/2 years old for £60k. Now its near 7 years old and 55k miles. Its had a set of tyres, some brake pads but most expensive was the clutch went at 52k miles which is £3k ish fitted.

Otherwise no issues, its a fantastic car and relatively low depreciation now . Pretty much just the buy/sell margin to lose if you keep it in good condition ..

[LordBretSinclair]

I have a 2011 4.7 Manual roadster.
Nothing out of the ordinary (touch wood) with reliability so far.
Clutch is always the weak spot on the Sportshift - check if it has been replaced.
The car you are looking at is a private sale so presumably no warranty - only you can decide if you are happy with that.
Take the plunge though - the 4.7 roadster is a great drive

[nickv8]

Presumably, with the first photo, it was recently-ish purchased from AM Bristol. It may therefore have also been serviced there since. Not sure under GDPR they can or are willing to say, but might be some additional insight.

[South tdf]

Had my 10 plate a good few years now, tyres lasted over 20k and still on original brakes now at 28k. I keep mine under warranty so hopefully no nasty surprises.

From experience of trying to sell last year private sellers have their work cut out so I would expect a good deal to be had on the white car, bonus if it has remaining warranty as implied in the advert.

[dunk7]

Thanks for the replies guys, really helpful and dare i say it sounds like
they don't have major issues if looked after.

I do like the White one but a private sale does put me off somewhat.

I think this is more the ticket and very local to me

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Just spotted its a manual so no good for me, has to be an auto

Edited by dunk7 on Saturday 16th March 14:48

[dunk7]

Been reading through FAQ's and also looking through a service history book and see AM say the airbag units must be replaced at 10 years old

So pretty much now on the years im looking at.

I'll have to see what that costs to do as it sounds potentially rather expensive

[davek_964]

dunk7 said:

Been reading through FAQ's and also looking through a service history book and see AM say the airbag units must be replaced at 10 years old

So pretty much now on the years im looking at.

I'll have to see what that costs to do as it sounds potentially rather expensive

Pretty much all manufacturers say that. I think you'll be in a small minority if you bother.

[IanV12VSRs]

You probably know so apologies if you do. These transmissions are not automatic but an automated manual. They are very different. Didn’t want you to waste your time if you thought it was an auto

[johnnyBv8]

dunk7 said:

Been reading through FAQ's and also looking through a service history book and see AM say the airbag units must be replaced at 10 years old

So pretty much now on the years im looking at.

I'll have to see what that costs to do as it sounds potentially rather expensive

Aston Martin themselves advise this isnt necessary (as do pretty much any manufacturer - it's a standard thing). The private car you initially posted about is very well priced - the only difference on private sale (unless you need finance) is lack of come-back, but you can get an aftermarket warranty. The second link is to a very well respected dealer - the car is only a 4.3 though so not really comparable to the white 4.7.

Definitely worth test driving the sportshift - not universally liked by any means, hence the sportshift cars being cheaper, like for like. I test drove and really couldn't gel with it.

[dunk7]

IanV12VSRs said:

You probably know so apologies if you do. These transmissions are not automatic but an automated manual. They are very different. Didn’t want you to waste your time if you thought it was an auto

Thanks but yes i new that and no need for apologies but i thought they could be driven either using the paddle change or like you would a modern auto and the box would change for itself

[South tdf]

Don’t think I have ever pressed the D button on mine, just comes naturally to use the paddles.

Would not be put off by a private sale, I tried to sell mine last year (right colours, high spec, annual AM services, AM warranty etc so pretty risk free) as I could not really use it due to a back injury, I offered it to the main dealer I use but they were not really interested unless it was super cheap due to being over 6 years old. In the end the time wasters made me decide to keep it and use it when I am able.

Have you checked to see if the white car has any remaining warranty, if a cars in Aston Martin warranty it can be extended without inspections etc.

[SFTWend]

I'm looking at Vantage's but a manual coupe for me. I suggest the white car is actually a little bullishly priced for a Sportshift, via a private sale, compared to others with those miles.

I prefer to buy via a private sale and make a judgement on the owner as well as how good the car appears. Trouble is many private sellers are asking pretty much same money as main dealers and the latter, with a fully prepared car and timeless warranty, gives a lot of comfort to us buyers.

[IanV12VSRs]

dunk7 said:

Thanks but yes i new that and no need for apologies but i thought they could be driven either using the paddle change or like you would a modern auto and the box would change for itself

There are a few who say driving using D is ok but I never got used to it. I’ve had two V8 and a V12 SS cars so have driven a few miles. If you are using D you have to anticipate when the car is going to change and slightly lift the accelerator to avoid jerky progress. Very different from a traditional automatic. Mind you I love driving on the paddles so I am quite happy with mine.

[dunk7]

IanV12VSRs said:

There are a few who say driving using D is ok but I never got used to it. I’ve had two V8 and a V12 SS cars so have driven a few miles. If you are using D you have to anticipate when the car is going to change and slightly lift the accelerator to avoid jerky progress. Very different from a traditional automatic. Mind you I love driving on the paddles so I am quite happy with mine.

Sadly due to a bad crash i had on a motorbike i lost the use of my left arm
hence i have to drive auto's, perhaps the DB9 would be a better choice as
that if i'm correct in thinking has a true auto box and not a manual with mods

[IanV12VSRs]

Sorry to hear about your accident and the DB9 does have an automatic box that would suit your needs.

[dunk7]

IanV12VSRs said:

Sorry to hear about your accident and the DB9 does have an automatic box that would suit your needs.

I think the DB9 then if i go for an AM is the way to go, i'll keep searching and see whats about.

Thanks everyone for all the input, been very helpful

[David W.]

dunk7 said:

I think the DB9 then if i go for an AM is the way to go, i'll keep searching and see whats about.

Thanks everyone for all the input, been very helpful

In my quest to find a Aston I liked the late DB9 was the best of the bunch. Didn’t get to try a GT which are rarer and found the Virage still wasn’t quite sorted compared to the 9 MkII.

[CSK1]

Sorry to hear about your accident.
I would definitely go for a torque converter automatic if you are not able to use the gearbox as a manual with the paddles.
I love my SportshiftIII gearbox but I never used the D button and only use the paddles.

[macdeb]

Bloody hell, well I never. Thought you'd keep that Toyota forever! How are ya bloke?