V12 Vatage Buyers Guide/Recommendations
V12 Vatage Buyers Guide/Recommendations
Author
Discussion

mattbarb

Original Poster:

4 posts

118 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
Considering buying a 2011 V12 (Carbon Black). What should I be looking of for?

Regards,
Matt

AstonV

1,657 posts

137 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
Low mileage, documented service records. At least a year or two warranty if an AM dealer is selling. Same as any other pre owned Aston high miles really drive down the value. Get the CC brakes inspected, have the clutch inspected.

woodsypedia

871 posts

184 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
Firstly - do it.

Also:

1) Check that all the lamps are working - the daytime running LED's specifically. Check the fronts and rears for condensation. If there's water in there - it's likely you'll need new lamps. Get this done under warranty or agreed in writing. They're not cheap.

2) See if it has the bluetooth streaming module upgrade - I had this done and it's changed my life. It's an optional upgrade that was released a few years ago - so don't worry if it doesn't have it - but I'd get it if not.

3) If you want to be really anal - also check the carbon front splitter for scuffs or splits. Get down and have a look underneath to ensure that it's not cracked. A scuff can be easily repaired with some fresh lacquer - but a split might be costly.

4) Check the age of the tyres. Although they might have plenty of tread - many cars are still running the original tyres as some people crazily trend tread to age. Although they might have tread - if they're the original tyres - the rubber may be pretty solid. Expect a firm ride and perhaps some dodgy handling in the wet if this is the case.

5) Check the air conditioning. Mine has had almost every component replaced in the process of finding a leak that was draining the gas in around 4 months. If it's cold - you're in good stead. If not - it could be that the gas has escaped. Any warranty would cover this work anyway if it doesn't hold its gas following a top-up.

6) Press the sport button. You'll know if this is working by the huge smile on your face. If this works as expected - buy the car

smile

yellow_tang

365 posts

242 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
AstonV said:
Low mileage, documented service records. At least a year or two warranty if an AM dealer is selling. Same as any other pre owned Aston high miles really drive down the value. Get the CC brakes inspected, have the clutch inspected.
Higher mileages wouldn’t put me off a car if it is supported by service history. The cars respond well to usage.

RSbandit

3,070 posts

163 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
Yeah the high mileage thing is so overplayed...I personally wouldn’t buy a 3 yo car with only 2k miles on it never mind pay a premium for that low mileage, cars need to be driven unused cars may develop issues due to lack of use. Defo AM stamps in the log book for servicing but I know there are some well respected specialists out there like Bamford Rose.

cayman-black

13,268 posts

247 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
Paint cracking around door handles is quite common.

Carbon Blacks are very special...

morty1961

379 posts

213 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
cayman-black said:
Paint cracking around door handles is quite common.

Carbon Blacks are very special...
All V12 Manuals are special but the Magma Red editions are more so ;-) ........less of them for a start :-)

cayman-black

13,268 posts

247 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
Lol. yes, Magma is lovely!

Big Ry

1,682 posts

150 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
Agree 100% about the low miles thing not always equating to a good thing.

I've had 4 Vantages now (all variants) and the only one which caused me a pain in the arse was the 3.5k mile 6 year old one (first one I bought)......had leaks and stuff that never got picked up as the previous owner didn't drive the bloody thing.

History and condition all day long..........

cayman-black

13,268 posts

247 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
I should not worry as there is no CB,s for sale with very low miles.

D1FDS

114 posts

135 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
mattbarb said:
Considering buying a 2011 V12 (Carbon Black). What should I be looking of for?

Regards,
Matt
Get it bought! V12 Vantage prices look like they are very reasonable at the moment- IMO best time to buy. Good luck if you purchase one, they are very special cars.

AstonV

1,657 posts

137 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
yellow_tang said:
Higher mileages wouldn’t put me off a car if it is supported by service history. The cars respond well to usage.
I said high mileage on an Aston drives it's price down over lower mileage, it's a fact. I said nothing about avoiding higher mileage.

mattbarb

Original Poster:

4 posts

118 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
Thanks so much some great advice here! I read somewhere, don’t recall where, that it’s a good idea to have the discs taken off and weighed to ensure they have plenty of life left, is that right?

Also...I’m coming from a 911 Turbo, Porsche parts aren’t that expensive but I hear that Aston parts are a fortune, is that right?


AstonV

1,657 posts

137 months

Tuesday 30th April 2019
quotequote all
I have heard the CC rotor cost is eye watering.

phil bird

230 posts

166 months

Wednesday 1st May 2019
quotequote all
Considering buying a 2011 V12 (Carbon Black). What should I be looking of for?

The optional carbon fibre lightweight bucket seats really add to the car and driving enjoyment. A must have if you can find a carbon black with them!

yellow_tang

365 posts

242 months

Wednesday 1st May 2019
quotequote all
AstonV said:
I have heard the CC rotor cost is eye watering.
Front disk and pads £8530 inc vat, rears £7300 inc vat...

morty1961

379 posts

213 months

Wednesday 1st May 2019
quotequote all
or steel alternatives for around £4500 all round

Mako V12V

3,139 posts

245 months

Thursday 2nd May 2019
quotequote all
mattbarb said:
Considering buying a 2011 V12 (Carbon Black). What should I be looking of for?

Regards,
Matt
Does it need to be black, would you consider other colours?

JaseB

930 posts

292 months

Friday 3rd May 2019
quotequote all
yellow_tang said:
AstonV said:
I have heard the CC rotor cost is eye watering.
Front disk and pads £8530 inc vat, rears £7300 inc vat...
Do we know if anyone ventured down the refurb route yet?