V8 Vantage - Buying Advice
Discussion
Hi Everyone,
With the V8 starting to drop below £30k they are starting to become realistic for someone like me - I have lusted after one ever since they first came out, but £80k is not yet within my means!
I currently drive an M2 (PCP) and (I think) I know to expect more of a GT experience with AM. I'm hoping some people could help me with key watch outs, common faults, anything to look for. So far, I have the rough things on my list:
• Budget for extreme maintenance costs - can anyone give an idea of what sort of £ we are talking?
• Clutches - I read lots of things about them eating the clutch every 30k miles - is that true?
• Bamford Rose upgrades - it seems a lot of people do BR clutch, flywheel and exhaust - any views on how much of a "must" these are, and rough prices? Looking at BR website it looks like the exhaust upgrade is around £6k (yikes), but I am unsure on the rest!
All other advice welcome
Thanks,
SE
With the V8 starting to drop below £30k they are starting to become realistic for someone like me - I have lusted after one ever since they first came out, but £80k is not yet within my means!
I currently drive an M2 (PCP) and (I think) I know to expect more of a GT experience with AM. I'm hoping some people could help me with key watch outs, common faults, anything to look for. So far, I have the rough things on my list:
• Budget for extreme maintenance costs - can anyone give an idea of what sort of £ we are talking?
• Clutches - I read lots of things about them eating the clutch every 30k miles - is that true?
• Bamford Rose upgrades - it seems a lot of people do BR clutch, flywheel and exhaust - any views on how much of a "must" these are, and rough prices? Looking at BR website it looks like the exhaust upgrade is around £6k (yikes), but I am unsure on the rest!
All other advice welcome
Thanks,
SE
I have owned a 4.7 for 8 years. The only non-scheduled maintenance cost has been a clutch at 17,000 miles. You might have seen the BR video about clutches, giving various reasons for failure. I now have the twin plate, so that should last much longer.
Mine is a low mileage 'toy', so easy to keep in very good condition and therefore servicing laterly has not been every year. Scheduled maintenance on that basis is probably only £1,000 every eighteen months, or two years.
If you intend to use every day, the upkeep costs could obviously be much higher than that. Just depends on luck and condition of the car.
Rather than spend on upgrades, would a 4.7 be within your budget? The extra torque (over the 4.3) does make it feel quick enough for a car on UK roads.
Certainly wonderful cars to own. Do your homework, decide what specification you want, then try to find the best condition car possible. I had to wait a year to find mine. Prices have dropped during the past two years, after a long period of being remarkably steady, so that helps buyers.
Good luck finding what you want.
Sweet spot is the 4.7 manual, around 2008/2009.
Having watched prices for 14 or so years I reckon we’re pretty much close to the bottom.
Nothing massive to watch out for mechanically or bodywork. A great all round car in 4.3 or 4.7 guise.
Buy an early one, stick 10,000 miles on it and enjoy it. Depreciation won’t hurt you too much. You may need a clutch, but check the history and buy/price accordingly.
Nothing else in the price range will make your heart race as much just by looking at it.
They’re just beautiful
Having watched prices for 14 or so years I reckon we’re pretty much close to the bottom.
Nothing massive to watch out for mechanically or bodywork. A great all round car in 4.3 or 4.7 guise.
Buy an early one, stick 10,000 miles on it and enjoy it. Depreciation won’t hurt you too much. You may need a clutch, but check the history and buy/price accordingly.
Nothing else in the price range will make your heart race as much just by looking at it.
They’re just beautiful
They are pretty robust
Typical issues are rear lights getting condensation in them and they are £1k each , timing chain gaskets leaking and the clutch . I don’t think there is any way of telling if a clutch is on its way out until it starts slipping . Brakes can be changed cheaply ( parts for 4 discs and pads can be bought for £700 ) . Otherwise all good .
Do it !
Typical issues are rear lights getting condensation in them and they are £1k each , timing chain gaskets leaking and the clutch . I don’t think there is any way of telling if a clutch is on its way out until it starts slipping . Brakes can be changed cheaply ( parts for 4 discs and pads can be bought for £700 ) . Otherwise all good .
Do it !
I have the 4.3.
It's 380bhp and moves along just great .I can't comment on the 4.7 which I'm sure is more torquey but the 4.3 is fine.
Your turbo M2 will feel different anyway than either of them.
At least you can enjoy the revs and noise in the Vantage without necessarily doing silly speeds.
Not sure if the AM is more GT. You might find it surprisingly sporty.
I don't like driving mine over rough roads.
It's 380bhp and moves along just great .I can't comment on the 4.7 which I'm sure is more torquey but the 4.3 is fine.
Your turbo M2 will feel different anyway than either of them.
At least you can enjoy the revs and noise in the Vantage without necessarily doing silly speeds.
Not sure if the AM is more GT. You might find it surprisingly sporty.
I don't like driving mine over rough roads.
SE24 said:
Hi Everyone,
With the V8 starting to drop below £30k they are starting to become realistic for someone like me - I have lusted after one ever since they first came out, but £80k is not yet within my means!
I currently drive an M2 (PCP) and (I think) I know to expect more of a GT experience with AM. I'm hoping some people could help me with key watch outs, common faults, anything to look for. So far, I have the rough things on my list:
• Budget for extreme maintenance costs - can anyone give an idea of what sort of £ we are talking?
• Clutches - I read lots of things about them eating the clutch every 30k miles - is that true?
• Bamford Rose upgrades - it seems a lot of people do BR clutch, flywheel and exhaust - any views on how much of a "must" these are, and rough prices? Looking at BR website it looks like the exhaust upgrade is around £6k (yikes), but I am unsure on the rest!
All other advice welcome
Thanks,
SE
3 years in, late 2008 manual 4.3.With the V8 starting to drop below £30k they are starting to become realistic for someone like me - I have lusted after one ever since they first came out, but £80k is not yet within my means!
I currently drive an M2 (PCP) and (I think) I know to expect more of a GT experience with AM. I'm hoping some people could help me with key watch outs, common faults, anything to look for. So far, I have the rough things on my list:
• Budget for extreme maintenance costs - can anyone give an idea of what sort of £ we are talking?
• Clutches - I read lots of things about them eating the clutch every 30k miles - is that true?
• Bamford Rose upgrades - it seems a lot of people do BR clutch, flywheel and exhaust - any views on how much of a "must" these are, and rough prices? Looking at BR website it looks like the exhaust upgrade is around £6k (yikes), but I am unsure on the rest!
All other advice welcome
Thanks,
SE
Servicing around £1k, plus bits another £1k-1.5k average, call it £2-2.5k pa).
Insurance is £6-700 (31 7ncb)
MOT, in my ownership its never had an advisory, 2 in the past for a cracked windscreen and corroded rear brake pipes which is a common issue and let’s we’re about £50.
I found main dealers pretty useless and expensive, find a good Indy, if you are in the north west I can recommend one.
Change the Bridgestones for MPSS.
I love mine
Depreciation, appx £10k in three years / 6000 miles.
Thanks for all the replies so far - I swear by good indy's rather than dealers (many bad BMW experiences in the past!) so would be taking that route for sure
Regarding the 4.7's, there is something about the sound of the 4.3, at least from all the clips I've seen - the 4.7 sound slightly throatier if I can describe it that way, but he 4.3 to me just sounds like perfection! Not sure if any one else has noticed / could confirm this?
I also seem to find the early models (without the facelifts, larger side sills etc) just have a nicer look to me - beauty in the eye of the beholder of course
Starting to get excited
Regarding the 4.7's, there is something about the sound of the 4.3, at least from all the clips I've seen - the 4.7 sound slightly throatier if I can describe it that way, but he 4.3 to me just sounds like perfection! Not sure if any one else has noticed / could confirm this?
I also seem to find the early models (without the facelifts, larger side sills etc) just have a nicer look to me - beauty in the eye of the beholder of course
Starting to get excited
I’ve used indies for years but an absence of independents near me meant I used Aston Leeds for my last service. They do a fixed price service and it was competitively priced against the indies and I was left quite impressed I must say. The comprehensive walk around video by the technician was a nice touch too. I wouldn’t discount the main dealers - you might be surprised.
I did, however, source my own brake discs and pads as they quoted a daft sum to replace them at the service.
I did, however, source my own brake discs and pads as they quoted a daft sum to replace them at the service.
Shnozz said:
I’ve used indies for years but an absence of independents near me meant I used Aston Leeds for my last service. They do a fixed price service and it was competitively priced against the indies and I was left quite impressed I must say. The comprehensive walk around video by the technician was a nice touch too. I wouldn’t discount the main dealers - you might be surprised.
I did, however, source my own brake discs and pads as they quoted a daft sum to replace them at the service.
I have always found them as being excellent too.I did, however, source my own brake discs and pads as they quoted a daft sum to replace them at the service.
HWM in Walton-on-Thames equally so.
There are some excellent main dealers out there.
SE24 said:
I also seem to find the early models (without the facelifts, larger side sills etc) just have a nicer look to me - beauty in the eye of the beholder of course
Starting to get excited
Starting to get excited
Sorry if this might be tempting you to spend more.
The 4.7 up to Model Year 2012 does have the original bodywork, although quite a number of those cars were ordered with optional side sills, which stick out. A PHer recently fitted original sills to his V12 Vantage. It can therefore be reversed, if you find what is otherwise the car of your choice.
The later 4.7s had secondary cats, which made them quieter by default than a 4.3. These can be replaced for £500 if you wish to do so.
I bought my first Vantage in 2007 and did 83k miles in it over 9 years before trading in for a 2012 4.7 Roadster which has 60k on it now, used as a 2nd car for 3-4k miles fun miles per year.
Running costs are well documented on here, you can get a fixed price service for £650, but then allow for tyres/brakes now and then can add a grand or so to those years. A bad year could include the clutch going, also had a few wheel bearings go over the years at £500 a corner fitted. My worse year on the first Vantage was clutch, service, couple of bearings making it a £5k year for running costs ....plus insurance/fuel obviously.
If you bought one to run for a year or two for fairly low miles, then theres not much to lose in depreciation now, just the buy and sell margin if you buy from a trader. You may get lucky and get away with a £650 service each year. Older 4.3s or 4.7s likely have already had a clutch.
They are nice to drive, and special to own. For £30k a bargain as far as luxury cars go, I wouldnt change mine for anything other than a V12 perhaps
I bought my first Vantage in 2007 and did 83k miles in it over 9 years before trading in for a 2012 4.7 Roadster which has 60k on it now, used as a 2nd car for 3-4k miles fun miles per year.
Running costs are well documented on here, you can get a fixed price service for £650, but then allow for tyres/brakes now and then can add a grand or so to those years. A bad year could include the clutch going, also had a few wheel bearings go over the years at £500 a corner fitted. My worse year on the first Vantage was clutch, service, couple of bearings making it a £5k year for running costs ....plus insurance/fuel obviously.
If you bought one to run for a year or two for fairly low miles, then theres not much to lose in depreciation now, just the buy and sell margin if you buy from a trader. You may get lucky and get away with a £650 service each year. Older 4.3s or 4.7s likely have already had a clutch.
They are nice to drive, and special to own. For £30k a bargain as far as luxury cars go, I wouldnt change mine for anything other than a V12 perhaps
I’ve just had a look on AT. There are some cheap ones ,like always with any marque but there isn’t necessarily a cheap one that looks like a must have
There could be of course but I always wonder why no interior shots etc
If it’s a great car, let’s see the pics
Some of the ones with a few miles on might be a good buy I suppose
I know the OP didn’t ask about this side of things but I was just curious as to what prices were being asked.
I convinced my self last year when buying that I wasn’t going to lose loads lol
There could be of course but I always wonder why no interior shots etc
If it’s a great car, let’s see the pics
Some of the ones with a few miles on might be a good buy I suppose
I know the OP didn’t ask about this side of things but I was just curious as to what prices were being asked.
I convinced my self last year when buying that I wasn’t going to lose loads lol
milu said:
I’ve just had a look on AT. There are some cheap ones ,like always with any marque but there isn’t necessarily a cheap one that looks like a must have
There could be of course but I always wonder why no interior shots etc
If it’s a great car, let’s see the pics
Some of the ones with a few miles on might be a good buy I suppose
I know the OP didn’t ask about this side of things but I was just curious as to what prices were being asked.
I convinced my self last year when buying that I wasn’t going to lose loads lol
That was depressing. I’ve just had a look. Peanuts. There could be of course but I always wonder why no interior shots etc
If it’s a great car, let’s see the pics
Some of the ones with a few miles on might be a good buy I suppose
I know the OP didn’t ask about this side of things but I was just curious as to what prices were being asked.
I convinced my self last year when buying that I wasn’t going to lose loads lol
The car offers so much more than the money I could get for it. No point in selling it for such a paltry amount to be honest.
I think a decent early V8 Vantage looks good VFM at the moment & a lot of car for the £s. If I didn’t have a 996 Porsche, it’d be something I’d be looking at. It’s just something “about” an Aston I guess & the 007 connection.
I’d suggest OP that you try & find a low owner car as I’m normally sceptical about cars that have passed through numerous owners as it often implies possible issues & lower levels of TLC.. Also a car that’s got all the service invoices to support any service stamps is good. If it’s a low mileage car, it’s good to see the car being serviced annually rather than on mileage as the owner will have technically over serviced it rather than as per the manufacturers’ schedule.
Keep us posted......
I’d suggest OP that you try & find a low owner car as I’m normally sceptical about cars that have passed through numerous owners as it often implies possible issues & lower levels of TLC.. Also a car that’s got all the service invoices to support any service stamps is good. If it’s a low mileage car, it’s good to see the car being serviced annually rather than on mileage as the owner will have technically over serviced it rather than as per the manufacturers’ schedule.
Keep us posted......
bogie said:
The later 4.7s had secondary cats, which made them quieter by default than a 4.3. These can be replaced for £500 if you wish to do so.
I bought my first Vantage in 2007 and did 83k miles in it over 9 years before trading in for a 2012 4.7 Roadster which has 60k on it now, used as a 2nd car for 3-4k miles fun miles per year.
Running costs are well documented on here, you can get a fixed price service for £650, but then allow for tyres/brakes now and then can add a grand or so to those years. A bad year could include the clutch going, also had a few wheel bearings go over the years at £500 a corner fitted. My worse year on the first Vantage was clutch, service, couple of bearings making it a £5k year for running costs ....plus insurance/fuel obviously.
If you bought one to run for a year or two for fairly low miles, then theres not much to lose in depreciation now, just the buy and sell margin if you buy from a trader. You may get lucky and get away with a £650 service each year. Older 4.3s or 4.7s likely have already had a clutch.
They are nice to drive, and special to own. For £30k a bargain as far as luxury cars go, I wouldnt change mine for anything other than a V12 perhaps
When you say later 4.7 models had secondary cats, which model year, or did mean all 4.7's?I bought my first Vantage in 2007 and did 83k miles in it over 9 years before trading in for a 2012 4.7 Roadster which has 60k on it now, used as a 2nd car for 3-4k miles fun miles per year.
Running costs are well documented on here, you can get a fixed price service for £650, but then allow for tyres/brakes now and then can add a grand or so to those years. A bad year could include the clutch going, also had a few wheel bearings go over the years at £500 a corner fitted. My worse year on the first Vantage was clutch, service, couple of bearings making it a £5k year for running costs ....plus insurance/fuel obviously.
If you bought one to run for a year or two for fairly low miles, then theres not much to lose in depreciation now, just the buy and sell margin if you buy from a trader. You may get lucky and get away with a £650 service each year. Older 4.3s or 4.7s likely have already had a clutch.
They are nice to drive, and special to own. For £30k a bargain as far as luxury cars go, I wouldnt change mine for anything other than a V12 perhaps
geresey said:
bogie said:
The later 4.7s had secondary cats, which made them quieter by default than a 4.3. These can be replaced for £500 if you wish to do so.
I bought my first Vantage in 2007 and did 83k miles in it over 9 years before trading in for a 2012 4.7 Roadster which has 60k on it now, used as a 2nd car for 3-4k miles fun miles per year.
Running costs are well documented on here, you can get a fixed price service for £650, but then allow for tyres/brakes now and then can add a grand or so to those years. A bad year could include the clutch going, also had a few wheel bearings go over the years at £500 a corner fitted. My worse year on the first Vantage was clutch, service, couple of bearings making it a £5k year for running costs ....plus insurance/fuel obviously.
If you bought one to run for a year or two for fairly low miles, then theres not much to lose in depreciation now, just the buy and sell margin if you buy from a trader. You may get lucky and get away with a £650 service each year. Older 4.3s or 4.7s likely have already had a clutch.
They are nice to drive, and special to own. For £30k a bargain as far as luxury cars go, I wouldnt change mine for anything other than a V12 perhaps
When you say later 4.7 models had secondary cats, which model year, or did mean all 4.7's?I bought my first Vantage in 2007 and did 83k miles in it over 9 years before trading in for a 2012 4.7 Roadster which has 60k on it now, used as a 2nd car for 3-4k miles fun miles per year.
Running costs are well documented on here, you can get a fixed price service for £650, but then allow for tyres/brakes now and then can add a grand or so to those years. A bad year could include the clutch going, also had a few wheel bearings go over the years at £500 a corner fitted. My worse year on the first Vantage was clutch, service, couple of bearings making it a £5k year for running costs ....plus insurance/fuel obviously.
If you bought one to run for a year or two for fairly low miles, then theres not much to lose in depreciation now, just the buy and sell margin if you buy from a trader. You may get lucky and get away with a £650 service each year. Older 4.3s or 4.7s likely have already had a clutch.
They are nice to drive, and special to own. For £30k a bargain as far as luxury cars go, I wouldnt change mine for anything other than a V12 perhaps
I had a very early 2006 car, and now have 2012 regular vantage.
I found there were many small changes that made the 2011 and onward 'S' and the 2012 and onward Vantage (essentially and 's' with no carbon) that made the car feel and drive far better. The biggest of which were the notably improved 4.7 engine, but also the improved brakes, suspension and mostly the quicker steering rack.
I think the price difference has been compressed so much between early and late models i dont really know why you would buy an earlier car, unless you really dont like the new styling, as well as the developments as the model aged, you are also simply getting a newer car. Maybe looking up the price of anew set of OEM shocks for an early car may highlight some of the value of a newer car, for example.
I found there were many small changes that made the 2011 and onward 'S' and the 2012 and onward Vantage (essentially and 's' with no carbon) that made the car feel and drive far better. The biggest of which were the notably improved 4.7 engine, but also the improved brakes, suspension and mostly the quicker steering rack.
I think the price difference has been compressed so much between early and late models i dont really know why you would buy an earlier car, unless you really dont like the new styling, as well as the developments as the model aged, you are also simply getting a newer car. Maybe looking up the price of anew set of OEM shocks for an early car may highlight some of the value of a newer car, for example.
geresey said:
When you say later 4.7 models had secondary cats, which model year, or did mean all 4.7's?
I believe there was a change around 2010. The original 4.7 just has the primary cats but also has the EGR valve to meet Euro4 emissions, so a good way to tell the difference is to look for the EGR system on the front left of the intake manifold. Mine is a 2009 4.7 and I've just had the stage 1 upgrade at BR, this includes N400 airbox mod, 200cell cats, 3-way exhaust valve, EGR bypass and ECU remap. It now sounds super throaty with the exhaust valves closed and darn rude with them open. 
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