V8V vs F-Type vs Mustang 5.0
Discussion
I'm just posting this here for now as i'm looking for informed opinions from owners.
for a significant birthday i've been granted some V8 GT pleasure. My wife loves the idea of an Aston, especially a V12 an acquaintance has. i've managed to reign her in to a more nimble V8.
my normal preference is for lightness and handling, and i have a good fleet that reflects that. this car won't be competing with those but will add some aural pleasure and experience of big engines. It should be a convertible, certainly have a good ride and handle reasonably well. it'll be used for long road trips for 2 people. 5 - 10k miles pa.
VERY strong preference for British. Mustang gets the nod as the hire one we had was very comfortable (in truth most cars are comfortable compared to my cars). No Porsche for various reasons.
No fixed budget, but i'm thinking of a 2 year project that costs around 15k+ in depreciation and repairs.
Really interested in those who've had ownership experiences of more than one of the cars.
my thoughts:
V8V: the positives i get, i really do. the negatives are around cost and hassle. although i can probably take the hit, the time & money would damage my ability to negotiate future projects with the boss! the answer to this i suspect is to buy quality from a dealer with annual warranty of 1.5k. front load the cost to avoid any shocks.
F-Type: a lot car for the cash, still noisy and fun. reliability also an issue.
Mustang: it may have niggles but it's more likely to not to have major/costly issues.
Wanted: comfortable GT with sense of occasion and drama.
Not wanted: repeated trips to dealer to empty my wallet.
i should be able to do this with AM. 3 -5 yr old car with warranty. 2014 cars should be quite well honed and shaken down.
Any feedback on Stratstone Western Av? or recommend an alternative west of London?
for a significant birthday i've been granted some V8 GT pleasure. My wife loves the idea of an Aston, especially a V12 an acquaintance has. i've managed to reign her in to a more nimble V8.
my normal preference is for lightness and handling, and i have a good fleet that reflects that. this car won't be competing with those but will add some aural pleasure and experience of big engines. It should be a convertible, certainly have a good ride and handle reasonably well. it'll be used for long road trips for 2 people. 5 - 10k miles pa.
VERY strong preference for British. Mustang gets the nod as the hire one we had was very comfortable (in truth most cars are comfortable compared to my cars). No Porsche for various reasons.
No fixed budget, but i'm thinking of a 2 year project that costs around 15k+ in depreciation and repairs.
Really interested in those who've had ownership experiences of more than one of the cars.
my thoughts:
V8V: the positives i get, i really do. the negatives are around cost and hassle. although i can probably take the hit, the time & money would damage my ability to negotiate future projects with the boss! the answer to this i suspect is to buy quality from a dealer with annual warranty of 1.5k. front load the cost to avoid any shocks.
F-Type: a lot car for the cash, still noisy and fun. reliability also an issue.
Mustang: it may have niggles but it's more likely to not to have major/costly issues.
Wanted: comfortable GT with sense of occasion and drama.
Not wanted: repeated trips to dealer to empty my wallet.
i should be able to do this with AM. 3 -5 yr old car with warranty. 2014 cars should be quite well honed and shaken down.
Any feedback on Stratstone Western Av? or recommend an alternative west of London?
"No fixed budget, but i'm thinking of a 2 year project that costs around 15k+ in depreciation and repairs."
I've had my V8V for 6 years - I bought at just under 2 years old and I estimate depreciation at around £5k a year (half what my previous BMWs lost) against that I have paid £1500 to £2000 per annum for warranty which has covered all repairs (not that many have been needed) one set of tyres, lots of petrol (worth every penny) and 30,000 miles of very enjoyable motoring. Hope that helps, Dave.
I've had my V8V for 6 years - I bought at just under 2 years old and I estimate depreciation at around £5k a year (half what my previous BMWs lost) against that I have paid £1500 to £2000 per annum for warranty which has covered all repairs (not that many have been needed) one set of tyres, lots of petrol (worth every penny) and 30,000 miles of very enjoyable motoring. Hope that helps, Dave.
Cost and hassle? OK, there is a cost but it's been predictable and affordable. No shocks or surprises when you have a warranty. Hassle? Nope, dunno what you are on about 
They are pretty damn reliable cars for their class and bits don't always cost as much as you fear. They really don't suffer from being driven and enjoyed.
They are pretty damn reliable cars for their class and bits don't always cost as much as you fear. They really don't suffer from being driven and enjoyed.
Different horses, different courses. Mustang will be very inexpensive to repair and keep and will likely cost what the aston martin will depreciate in and go 200k miles without breaking a sweat.
It won't be built anywhere near as nice, but that's because it's cheap and why so many parents buy them for their kids as first cars.
Aston Martin is going to be very exclusive, yet understated. My biggest issue with them is non franchised parts availability so that I can do my own services. Information is very light on the ground. If that's not a concern for you then don't worry about it.
It won't be built anywhere near as nice, but that's because it's cheap and why so many parents buy them for their kids as first cars.
Aston Martin is going to be very exclusive, yet understated. My biggest issue with them is non franchised parts availability so that I can do my own services. Information is very light on the ground. If that's not a concern for you then don't worry about it.
I was looking forward to driving the "new" Mustang but was left feeling it was typically American in that it drove like a boat. Admittedly I drove the automatic but massive throttle delay and then lurching all over the place. Didn't seem any more european than the american cars of old.
The F-Type will probably be cheaper to run, looks great still and sounds superb. If you are nervous of running costs its probably the one to go for. Heart v head I guess between the V8V and the F-Type and I don't think you can make a bad choice between the two.
The F-Type will probably be cheaper to run, looks great still and sounds superb. If you are nervous of running costs its probably the one to go for. Heart v head I guess between the V8V and the F-Type and I don't think you can make a bad choice between the two.
murphyaj said:
I'm sure plenty of other owners will agree that you are overestimating the unreliability of a V8V. They are reliable cars that really aren't prone to throwing up big bills.
well, i'm only posting the q on the Aston thread so you guys can nudge me along...I'm no AM expert as it's not my normal style of car. one of the longest threads in the AM section was started by davek_964. his early hopes, purchase, joy, leading to some sorrow and considering selling was a roller-coaster read.
i'm thinking 2014-2016 should be good years. depreciation more stable and cars manufactured then would be better than early models.
CABC said:
well, i'm only posting the q on the Aston thread so you guys can nudge me along...
I'm no AM expert as it's not my normal style of car. one of the longest threads in the AM section was started by davek_964. his early hopes, purchase, joy, leading to some sorrow and considering selling was a roller-coaster read.
i'm thinking 2014-2016 should be good years. depreciation more stable and cars manufactured then would be better than early models.
Ah, but I still have it - and currently love it. I was thinking yesterday that it seems to be the car of choice at the moment.I'm no AM expert as it's not my normal style of car. one of the longest threads in the AM section was started by davek_964. his early hopes, purchase, joy, leading to some sorrow and considering selling was a roller-coaster read.
i'm thinking 2014-2016 should be good years. depreciation more stable and cars manufactured then would be better than early models.
I would get in this order:
Vantage V12S - brilliant car. I've owned a 2014 MY from 3 months old to date. All niggles sorted within first 18 months. No issues since.
Vantage V8S - great car bit not even close to the above. Had it for 6 month prior to the V12S. Same niggles as above. (Misting lights and paint bubbles).
Jag - look OK, but not an Aston, and might depreciate much more than the above in your time frame?
Ford Mustang
Vantage V12S - brilliant car. I've owned a 2014 MY from 3 months old to date. All niggles sorted within first 18 months. No issues since.
Vantage V8S - great car bit not even close to the above. Had it for 6 month prior to the V12S. Same niggles as above. (Misting lights and paint bubbles).
Jag - look OK, but not an Aston, and might depreciate much more than the above in your time frame?
Ford Mustang
I guess I’m just going to echo above. Park the Mustang to one side. It’s in a different (lower) division, and I love muscle cars
The Vantages are far more reliable than I think you think. As others have said there’s some annoyances (paint bubbling). But major mechanical problems are few and far between (but as with any car manufacturer not zero probability).
I’d drive both the V12 and the V8S. V12 goes like a rocket but the turn-in isn’t quite as sharp as the V8. So it’s horses for courses.
F-Type? You can get massive discounts off new ones (think: 25%). So that knocks on to used values. Very nice cars, fast, makes a decent noise, spent a day at Millbrook driving them, but it’s never crossed my mind to buy one; they just aren’t “special”. Not helped by the switchgear being from the XF (my wife has one of those). But again it’s a personal choice. Make sure you check out the boot space if you’re going to tour in it
The Vantages are far more reliable than I think you think. As others have said there’s some annoyances (paint bubbling). But major mechanical problems are few and far between (but as with any car manufacturer not zero probability).
I’d drive both the V12 and the V8S. V12 goes like a rocket but the turn-in isn’t quite as sharp as the V8. So it’s horses for courses.
F-Type? You can get massive discounts off new ones (think: 25%). So that knocks on to used values. Very nice cars, fast, makes a decent noise, spent a day at Millbrook driving them, but it’s never crossed my mind to buy one; they just aren’t “special”. Not helped by the switchgear being from the XF (my wife has one of those). But again it’s a personal choice. Make sure you check out the boot space if you’re going to tour in it
Did look seriously at F Type before buying a V8V a couple of years ago.
F Type had no interior space for coats etc and used to have a cheap panel between seats which I usually managed to displace in showrooms. Also didn't gel with auto and noise levels depending on which buttons you pressed as F Type was only available in lowest V6 manual when I looked.
Do love the V8V manual coupe - did take a second test drive to like it. Got bored with V6 AWD F Type during a 24 hour test drive. F type do look good though.
If want to just get in and drive and make loads of noise the F Type was fine but engine notes on different settings a bit tiring.
Ex's boyfriend (now ex-boyfriend) had a Mustang so haven't tried one.
F Type had no interior space for coats etc and used to have a cheap panel between seats which I usually managed to displace in showrooms. Also didn't gel with auto and noise levels depending on which buttons you pressed as F Type was only available in lowest V6 manual when I looked.
Do love the V8V manual coupe - did take a second test drive to like it. Got bored with V6 AWD F Type during a 24 hour test drive. F type do look good though.
If want to just get in and drive and make loads of noise the F Type was fine but engine notes on different settings a bit tiring.
Ex's boyfriend (now ex-boyfriend) had a Mustang so haven't tried one.
I'm doing research on a similar subject with primary use being weekends/holidays away so in addition to all the things mentioned by others I started with something more practical and looked at boot capacity! That struck the F-type convertible off the list straight away and also the V8 Vantage which at 144 litres could only take 2 soft bags or one big case.
Only Aston option is to get a 2+2 like a DB9/Virage/DBS so you get a back seat/ big shelf too, The Vantage roadster loses the narrow shelf the coupe has behind the seats.
I imagine the Mustang is a clear leader on this front but the best option I have found is a last of the line 2013/14 Jaguar XK 5.0 convertible which not only has a great V8 and looks beautiful but the boot can be made larger when the roof is up (over 300 litres so twice the size of the 144 litres Vantage roadster) and you get a flat back seat with no transmission tunnel box which is really annoying in Astons and a pain if you have a dog or want to carry another big suitcase.
Good luck with the decision
Only Aston option is to get a 2+2 like a DB9/Virage/DBS so you get a back seat/ big shelf too, The Vantage roadster loses the narrow shelf the coupe has behind the seats.
I imagine the Mustang is a clear leader on this front but the best option I have found is a last of the line 2013/14 Jaguar XK 5.0 convertible which not only has a great V8 and looks beautiful but the boot can be made larger when the roof is up (over 300 litres so twice the size of the 144 litres Vantage roadster) and you get a flat back seat with no transmission tunnel box which is really annoying in Astons and a pain if you have a dog or want to carry another big suitcase.
Good luck with the decision
GPH said:
I'm doing research on a similar subject with primary use being weekends/holidays away so in addition to all the things mentioned by others I started with something more practical and looked at boot capacity! That struck the F-type convertible off the list straight away and also the V8 Vantage which at 144 litres could only take 2 soft bags or one big case.
Only Aston option is to get a 2+2 like a DB9/Virage/DBS so you get a back seat/ big shelf too, The Vantage roadster loses the narrow shelf the coupe has behind the seats.
I imagine the Mustang is a clear leader on this front but the best option I have found is a last of the line 2013/14 Jaguar XK 5.0 convertible which not only has a great V8 and looks beautiful but the boot can be made larger when the roof is up (over 300 litres so twice the size of the 144 litres Vantage roadster) and you get a flat back seat with no transmission tunnel box which is really annoying in Astons and a pain if you have a dog or want to carry another big suitcase.
Good luck with the decision
Only Aston option is to get a 2+2 like a DB9/Virage/DBS so you get a back seat/ big shelf too, The Vantage roadster loses the narrow shelf the coupe has behind the seats.
I imagine the Mustang is a clear leader on this front but the best option I have found is a last of the line 2013/14 Jaguar XK 5.0 convertible which not only has a great V8 and looks beautiful but the boot can be made larger when the roof is up (over 300 litres so twice the size of the 144 litres Vantage roadster) and you get a flat back seat with no transmission tunnel box which is really annoying in Astons and a pain if you have a dog or want to carry another big suitcase.
Good luck with the decision
well, luggage space with roof down is crucial as this will be a tourer. thanks for the f/b.
Having spent 3 weeks over 4k kms in a trad Morgan we're pretty good at packing light! However, we'd certainly like a few more changes of clothes. i guess bespoke luggage would greatly help here.
the old XK is a good thought too.
thanks for all the f/b and encouragement for AM.
I've driven many types of car but my own fleet includes Lotus, Morgan and MX5. i know i prefer light and nimble over power (and comfort). This car is a conscious deviation to enjoy large capacity nasp before they're extinct. (Jag is SC'd, which i can forgive!). So while i might test a V12, i really do think the V8V will be my preference. i know mpg shouldn't figure in this, but it looks eye watering...
I'll look at a DB9 as well, but strongly suspect i'm a Vantage guy.
davek_964, i'll follow pages 20-30 to follow the journey! good to hear the positivity.
I've driven many types of car but my own fleet includes Lotus, Morgan and MX5. i know i prefer light and nimble over power (and comfort). This car is a conscious deviation to enjoy large capacity nasp before they're extinct. (Jag is SC'd, which i can forgive!). So while i might test a V12, i really do think the V8V will be my preference. i know mpg shouldn't figure in this, but it looks eye watering...
I'll look at a DB9 as well, but strongly suspect i'm a Vantage guy.
davek_964, i'll follow pages 20-30 to follow the journey! good to hear the positivity.
CABC said:
So while i might test a V12, i really do think the V8V will be my preference.
You're playing dangerous games 
I'm yet to find a single person who took out a V12 Vantage and didn't want one. Like many others on here I went from a V8, to a V8S then to a V12. The V8 and V8S are absolutely fantastic cars, no arguments on that front, but as most will say the V12 is a bit different.
For what it's worth, I reckon the MPG on my V12 was about 10% different to the V8S.
CABC said:
well, luggage space with roof down is crucial as this will be a tourer. thanks for the f/b.
Having spent 3 weeks over 4k kms in a trad Morgan we're pretty good at packing light! However, we'd certainly like a few more changes of clothes. i guess bespoke luggage would greatly help here.
the old XK is a good thought too.
If you have toured in a Morgan you will have no problem in the Vantage. We do a 10/14 day European tour most years and you just need to be clever with your packing and choose fabrics that don’t crease. In fact when we only go for 7 days even have some room left over Having spent 3 weeks over 4k kms in a trad Morgan we're pretty good at packing light! However, we'd certainly like a few more changes of clothes. i guess bespoke luggage would greatly help here.
the old XK is a good thought too.
We get four bags in the boot (27” wheeler bag, costmetics case and two small duffle bags - all from the Jump Uppsala collection) and then pack shoes and coats around them. Then there is a document case plus a car cleaning bag in the cabin and we get four suit carriers on double coat hooks behind the seats. We actually get more in the Vantage than we got in our DB9 Volante.
Hope that helps
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