Keep thinking of a V8 Vantage
Discussion
Hi everyone
My wife and I keep toying with the idea of a V8 Vantage convertible. Seen a few for sale around the £30k mark (4.3). Read plenty of used buying articles and they seem fairly bomb proof if serviced regularly - tappety engine noise at idle aside.
Does anyone have any specific suggestions of items I should be extra careful to check please? Also does anyone know if it’s still possible to buy the Aston warranty (think it’s about £2,000?) and is it worth it? Appreciate it’s buying insurance but interested in whether others have bothered or taken the risk without it ?
Really just after suggestions here please.
Thanks so much.
My wife and I keep toying with the idea of a V8 Vantage convertible. Seen a few for sale around the £30k mark (4.3). Read plenty of used buying articles and they seem fairly bomb proof if serviced regularly - tappety engine noise at idle aside.
Does anyone have any specific suggestions of items I should be extra careful to check please? Also does anyone know if it’s still possible to buy the Aston warranty (think it’s about £2,000?) and is it worth it? Appreciate it’s buying insurance but interested in whether others have bothered or taken the risk without it ?
Really just after suggestions here please.
Thanks so much.
I've had my 4.3 for 13 months. Hasn't cost me much at all. I had it serviced and checked over after purchase..had a couple of small bits done and that's it.
I've only done 2k miles though which is a bit frustrating.
I suppose the one thing that always comes up is the clutch.. £3k for a new one so it's worth investigating that.
Not sure on the warranty but in my case it would have been unnecessary this past year.
I think the tappety engine is more prevalent on 4.7 than 4.3.
Go for it!
I've only done 2k miles though which is a bit frustrating.
I suppose the one thing that always comes up is the clutch.. £3k for a new one so it's worth investigating that.
Not sure on the warranty but in my case it would have been unnecessary this past year.
I think the tappety engine is more prevalent on 4.7 than 4.3.
Go for it!
Hi. I have a 4.3 with 75,000 miles on it, my daily driver over the last 11 years. In that time,
One clutch
One fuel pump
Two batteries
Brake pads
New shocks and springs
Nothing out of the ordinary really for any car with that sort of mileage. No rattles or squeaks and drives very well. I switched from a Tuscan and the 4.3 is slow by comparison, but offset by the overall experience.
One thing to check are the rear lights. Sealed units and prone to moisture getting in. £1,000 a pair new! Lots of threads on here about fixing them.
Also wing mirror arms corode but that's a pretty easy fix.
In terms of simple upgrades you will have heard about pulling the fuse that controls the exhaust valves, 22 I think. You can get a simple kit that allows you to switch between always open and normal function.
I also had Carplay fitted which transforms the ICE.
When I had the clutch done I went for the OEM. Big mistake I hear the twin plate option transforms the car. Much lighter flywheel which allows it to rev more freely. Also much lighter on the foot. Having said that compared to the Tuscan the Aston clutch felt feather light!
When my shocks went I had Nitrons fitted. Cheaper and better than the originals.
I get the car looked after by David Appleby. Much cheaper than a dealer and probably better for an older car. On a recent service they fabricated a part for the heat shield for £50. A main dealer would likely have replaced the whole thing at £500.
They also can retune the 4.3 chip so that you get a more immediate throttle response. For a big torquey engine its very slow to pick up speed.
Last thing I did a couple of years ago was to get it wrapped. Couldn't afford a new one so decided to freshen it up. Had the alloys and grill done black. Very happy with the result and the colour gets lots of positive comments.
All in all great cars and if you are careful you don't need to spend a fortune running them. Good luck!
One clutch
One fuel pump
Two batteries
Brake pads
New shocks and springs
Nothing out of the ordinary really for any car with that sort of mileage. No rattles or squeaks and drives very well. I switched from a Tuscan and the 4.3 is slow by comparison, but offset by the overall experience.
One thing to check are the rear lights. Sealed units and prone to moisture getting in. £1,000 a pair new! Lots of threads on here about fixing them.
Also wing mirror arms corode but that's a pretty easy fix.
In terms of simple upgrades you will have heard about pulling the fuse that controls the exhaust valves, 22 I think. You can get a simple kit that allows you to switch between always open and normal function.
I also had Carplay fitted which transforms the ICE.
When I had the clutch done I went for the OEM. Big mistake I hear the twin plate option transforms the car. Much lighter flywheel which allows it to rev more freely. Also much lighter on the foot. Having said that compared to the Tuscan the Aston clutch felt feather light!
When my shocks went I had Nitrons fitted. Cheaper and better than the originals.
I get the car looked after by David Appleby. Much cheaper than a dealer and probably better for an older car. On a recent service they fabricated a part for the heat shield for £50. A main dealer would likely have replaced the whole thing at £500.
They also can retune the 4.3 chip so that you get a more immediate throttle response. For a big torquey engine its very slow to pick up speed.
Last thing I did a couple of years ago was to get it wrapped. Couldn't afford a new one so decided to freshen it up. Had the alloys and grill done black. Very happy with the result and the colour gets lots of positive comments.
All in all great cars and if you are careful you don't need to spend a fortune running them. Good luck!
I have had my V8 Vantage Roadster 4.3 for nearly 8 years now (2008 MY) purchased in 2012 at 5 years old.
Most early 4.3 Roadsters tended to be fitted with the sportshift gearbox, so they are more available than a manual 4.3
My car is a sportshift and by far the best mechanical improvement I have done is to fit a newer style twin plate clutch and associated parts, which really improves the gearbox operation (I would highly recommend this improvement as it transforms the car)
The sportshift gearbox got a bad press, but in actual fact it is the same gearbox as the 6 speed manual, the real culprit is the single plate clutch fitted at the factory is not up to the job.
Mechanically the car has been very sound, just needing consumable parts replaced (tyres, brake pads, discs etc) and these can be replaced with OEM parts at a reasonable cost.
I have had to replace some modules, roof module and door modules, but this is very much dependant on the car and not consistent with all Roadsters.
First deliveries of the 4.3 Roadster were circa mid 2007, early cars had the older style arm rest and seats (2007 MY spec), my car has the later style arm rest and seats (2008 MY spec). 2008 MY also has a more modern Bluetooth system and music streaming is possible with a third party adapter at circa £80
A great car and I really like mine even after 8 years, but bear in mind an early 4.3 Roadster could be 13 years old now and will require some age related TLC.
I have never purchased an extended warranty.
Most early 4.3 Roadsters tended to be fitted with the sportshift gearbox, so they are more available than a manual 4.3
My car is a sportshift and by far the best mechanical improvement I have done is to fit a newer style twin plate clutch and associated parts, which really improves the gearbox operation (I would highly recommend this improvement as it transforms the car)
The sportshift gearbox got a bad press, but in actual fact it is the same gearbox as the 6 speed manual, the real culprit is the single plate clutch fitted at the factory is not up to the job.
Mechanically the car has been very sound, just needing consumable parts replaced (tyres, brake pads, discs etc) and these can be replaced with OEM parts at a reasonable cost.
I have had to replace some modules, roof module and door modules, but this is very much dependant on the car and not consistent with all Roadsters.
First deliveries of the 4.3 Roadster were circa mid 2007, early cars had the older style arm rest and seats (2007 MY spec), my car has the later style arm rest and seats (2008 MY spec). 2008 MY also has a more modern Bluetooth system and music streaming is possible with a third party adapter at circa £80
A great car and I really like mine even after 8 years, but bear in mind an early 4.3 Roadster could be 13 years old now and will require some age related TLC.
I have never purchased an extended warranty.
Edited by Manwhoneverwas on Saturday 25th April 08:47
Thank you so much for the suggestions and feedback, I have seen a 2008 Meteorite grey auto one advertised that looks nice, under 50k miles and £30k. I will take a look at it as soon as the lockdown permits the travel.
I notice it has white rear lights - I wonder if they were changed due to the originals failing. Looks nice with them I must admit.
Aware it’s a 12 year old car that will need some TLC but we have a family car as well so this really is just to have some fun with.
Fingers crossed it’s a nice one !
I notice it has white rear lights - I wonder if they were changed due to the originals failing. Looks nice with them I must admit.
Aware it’s a 12 year old car that will need some TLC but we have a family car as well so this really is just to have some fun with.
Fingers crossed it’s a nice one !
I have just jumped ship from a TVR Tuscan to a 4.7.... As said above, it’s not a fast as the Tuscan or as involving and scary, but it’s a much much better car all round.
Guess it depends why you are buying a Vantage, if it’s pure speed then I’d look elsewhere. If it’s more than that, then do it. Buy as newer as you can afford. I went in with a budget of £30k after selling the Tuscan, but ended up paying a lot more for a 13plate (previously looking at older cheaper cars) with such low interest rates, man maths said it was the right thing to do. Lol.
I bought from a dealer with a timeless warranty, and have a list of niggles to be sorted once the country opens up again. Nothing major though.
It the few miles I’ve driven since picking it up a month ago, I’m liking it more and more and I’d plenty quick enough for me now.
Life’s short..... Just do it.
Guess it depends why you are buying a Vantage, if it’s pure speed then I’d look elsewhere. If it’s more than that, then do it. Buy as newer as you can afford. I went in with a budget of £30k after selling the Tuscan, but ended up paying a lot more for a 13plate (previously looking at older cheaper cars) with such low interest rates, man maths said it was the right thing to do. Lol.
I bought from a dealer with a timeless warranty, and have a list of niggles to be sorted once the country opens up again. Nothing major though.
It the few miles I’ve driven since picking it up a month ago, I’m liking it more and more and I’d plenty quick enough for me now.
Life’s short..... Just do it.
It’s a cracking car. Like many others I came from a list of TVRs (Griffith 500, Tuscan) and jumped into a vantage - it’s not as quick as it probably should be with that engine but the noise is immense and it’s a wonderful place to be.
On a car of that age I’d check the wing mirrors for corrosion and any condensation on the lights. The clear ones came in later and I think they look better and more modern although the old ones look better on certain pain colours.
Prodrive did a conversion on the 4.3 which made it feel more like a 4.7 but the conversions mentioned with the twin clutch transforms the car. I upgraded to a later 4.7 to take advantage of the power and updated interior as the originals feel a little dated but it remains a fabulous drive and relatively cheap to maintain.
Drive a few to get a feel - they are supremely addictive and special cars and I imagine this will be only your first of many!
On a car of that age I’d check the wing mirrors for corrosion and any condensation on the lights. The clear ones came in later and I think they look better and more modern although the old ones look better on certain pain colours.
Prodrive did a conversion on the 4.3 which made it feel more like a 4.7 but the conversions mentioned with the twin clutch transforms the car. I upgraded to a later 4.7 to take advantage of the power and updated interior as the originals feel a little dated but it remains a fabulous drive and relatively cheap to maintain.
Drive a few to get a feel - they are supremely addictive and special cars and I imagine this will be only your first of many!
Thanks again for the new replies - I hadn’t really thought of low interest rates to get a newer car, was just going to pay cash for an older one but I can see the advantage now listening to the replies.
For the reason as to why we are looking, it’s not to have the fastest car in the world, we love the look, the noise and the style of the car. We don’t drive many miles each year and don’t scream around at top speed, we just want to have something that is fun.
The other option was an F Type, but the Aston is our first choice by a long way.
Really pleased to hear so many positive comments from owners, that’s just what we were hoping.
For the reason as to why we are looking, it’s not to have the fastest car in the world, we love the look, the noise and the style of the car. We don’t drive many miles each year and don’t scream around at top speed, we just want to have something that is fun.
The other option was an F Type, but the Aston is our first choice by a long way.
Really pleased to hear so many positive comments from owners, that’s just what we were hoping.
I ran a MY07 meteorite coupe for three years from 2012, bought with 28k on the clock and sold at 38k. Costs were annual service (main dealer) at around £800 from memory and a set of tyres. It did have c£3k if warranty work in the first year. Depreciation over that period (bought and sold privately through this forum!) was c£5k. Thought it was a great car, a real occasion (largely due to the sound) and very usable. It’s not a fast car by modern standards but it offered so much as an experience. At some point I’d like to buy another which would be a keeper.
Get an inspection, a warranty if you’re a worrier (as much so you enjoy without fear as the financial cover) and enjoy!
Get an inspection, a warranty if you’re a worrier (as much so you enjoy without fear as the financial cover) and enjoy!
livinginasia said:
Thanks again for the new replies - I hadn’t really thought of low interest rates to get a newer car, was just going to pay cash for an older one but I can see the advantage now listening to the replies.
For the reason as to why we are looking, it’s not to have the fastest car in the world, we love the look, the noise and the style of the car. We don’t drive many miles each year and don’t scream around at top speed, we just want to have something that is fun.
The other option was an F Type, but the Aston is our first choice by a long way.
Really pleased to hear so many positive comments from owners, that’s just what we were hoping.
I even managed to convince the wife it was the right thing to do. For the reason as to why we are looking, it’s not to have the fastest car in the world, we love the look, the noise and the style of the car. We don’t drive many miles each year and don’t scream around at top speed, we just want to have something that is fun.
The other option was an F Type, but the Aston is our first choice by a long way.
Really pleased to hear so many positive comments from owners, that’s just what we were hoping.
As for the F type I didn’t feel that it felt special enough, it’s just a mass produce JLR product, and having a Velar I didn’t want two JLR cars.
And it’s not an Aaassstoooooon
Milky400 said:
I even managed to convince the wife it was the right thing to do.
As for the F type I didn’t feel that it felt special enough, it’s just a mass produce JLR product, and having a Velar I didn’t want two JLR cars.
And it’s not an Aaassstoooooon
Well done in convincing the wife! I actually wanted to get a Velar and it’s my wife who wants the Aaaaaaaatoooooon. 😀😀As for the F type I didn’t feel that it felt special enough, it’s just a mass produce JLR product, and having a Velar I didn’t want two JLR cars.
And it’s not an Aaassstoooooon
I’ve had a vantage roadster in meteorite for 18 months now, to echo others great car, great sense of occasion and plenty of favourable comments when out and about in it.
Mines a 4.3 with a new clutch when purchased and so far no issues at all, check the comments on corrosion especially around wing mirror stems and door handles, buy wisely and you will not regret it.
Mines a 4.3 with a new clutch when purchased and so far no issues at all, check the comments on corrosion especially around wing mirror stems and door handles, buy wisely and you will not regret it.
OP, I suggest whatever you ultimately buy that you negotiate hard as it’s a buyers market currently. Dealers will have cars to sell and if you can find a slightly newer one that you have some finance on they will get the finance commission to don’t be afraid to make a cheeky offer as you might be surprised. I too was surprised at home affordable the Vantages are now.
I bought my 08 tungsten manual roadster just over 3 years ago, funnily enough I was going to sell her about 2 months ago then one day driving back home from work (in my ford transit!) I saw a low sporty looking car coming towards me and it was exactly the same as I have got, it looked fantastic, changed my mind on selling and will be keeping for some time yet. They're quick enough to loose your licence, sound like the dogs danglies and look stunning, especially with the roof down. Create a check list of desirability- colour (interior/exterior), gearbox, premium sound system, service history, owner numbers etc...and take it from there. Joe public all appreciate an Aston and you will too!
livinginasia said:
Thank you so much for the suggestions and feedback, I have seen a 2008 Meteorite grey auto one advertised that looks nice, under 50k miles and £30k. I will take a look at it as soon as the lockdown permits the travel.
I notice it has white rear lights - I wonder if they were changed due to the originals failing. Looks nice with them I must admit.
Aware it’s a 12 year old car that will need some TLC but we have a family car as well so this really is just to have some fun with.
Fingers crossed it’s a nice one !
Just a follow up from my earlier post, you mentioned a "2008 Meteorite grey auto one advertised that looks nice".I notice it has white rear lights - I wonder if they were changed due to the originals failing. Looks nice with them I must admit.
Aware it’s a 12 year old car that will need some TLC but we have a family car as well so this really is just to have some fun with.
Fingers crossed it’s a nice one !
The sportshift gearbox is NOT a true auto box, it is the same 6 speed Graziano gearbox that is also fitted to the manual gearbox Vantage.
I drive mine 100% of the time using the paddles and it is great fun, not necessarily driving fast, but it is just involving.
If you are looking for a true auto car too poodle about in then the sportshift is not designed for that, it is designed to be driven as a manual car, but using the paddles instead of a gear stick.
Sportshift is an actuated manual gearbox and IMHO should only be driven using the paddles.
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