Any pointers on 2008 Vantage?

[TriLineAR]

Read many threads and covered things like clutch learn, battery conditioner in boot, bovee Bluetooth etc which are being put into action..... so thanks to anyone who has previously contributed. Rather than read threads when problems arise I was wondering if there are any pre-emptive things I should be sorting. Never had an Aston before so not up to speed on the potential quirks and issues that might come my way. It is an N400 Roadster. Hasn't stopped raining and blowing a gale since I bought it so not much time on road yet other than trip home.

[JonnyCJ]

Get a magcode magnetic charger connector rather than using the boot, subframe refurb always worth doing during the winter months, headlight vent kit, caliper rebuild.

Google Aston Martin Pistonheads xxxx (insert name of project)

[TriLineAR]

Thanks. Will read up on the magcode charger first. Had already ordered the Ctek charger but not been delivered yet so can change easy enough. Already got a flat battery as the car had hardly been driven the past 12 months before me buying it. Adjusting the seats and stereo etc seems to have been enough to tip the battery over the edge.

Only likely to keep the car 12 months so not looking at major works...... just what is required to make sure I can enjoy it when I feel like during that time. Plan to put a bit of mileage on and get some use out of it.

Also have a glitch on wing mirror where it moves downward without me doing anything (usually when turn car off) and keeps clicking trying to move further beyond it's natural placement. Trying to work this bit out really didn't helpy battery situation either.

[Finding Neutral]

The latter re the mirror may not be an error for definite.

The vantages mirror glass does drop in reverse for example when the placement of the mirror adjuster is on that mirror.

[TriLineAR]

Will check if the mirror adjustment is on when it happens but the motor that moves it continues to try and move it further down than it can go and continues until I press the mirror adjustment button or lock the car...... can change each time on how to stop it. Car isn't in reverse either and only happens on driver side. Battery power is low so might have something to do with that. Early days, just want this rubbish weather to stop. Rained every day since I bought it.

[Finding Neutral]

Ah yes okay, that is a bit odd.

I’d look at the battery before anything else as AM’s can behave unusually on low voltage

[JonnyCJ]

TriLineAR said:

Thanks. Will read up on the magcode charger first. Had already ordered the Ctek charger but not been delivered yet so can change easy enough.

Stick with the CTEK - the mag code is just an extremely convenient means of connecting the CTEK.

£600+ from the dealer, £50 ish in parts and an hour or so if you DIY

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[TriLineAR]

Thanks for the info. The Ctek seems to work well and easy to use so don't think I will worry on the magcode option. I plan to drive it regularly (couple of times a week) so hopefully the battery will look after itself.

I might have more questions that likely have easy answers as the car hasn't come with an owner's manual unfortunately. Worked out a few things from all the info on here but sure there will be other bits that stump me. Trying to find what is missing from the buttoned in long bag in my boot currently. Guessing it is a cover as don't see what else would be in there. Bit of overkill if it were an umbrella holder

[drt30]

Maybe the wind deflector?

[TriLineAR]

Got the wind deflector....... and made use of it yesterday with the roof down.
All seems to be going well. Vents on headlights as helpfully mentioned earlier is the one job I will be doing. Car is great overall and the sound when the roof is down is incredible.

[geresey]

Yep, can’t wait for some better weather to get out again and hear that glorious sound again, it’s been a couple of weeks now…. Anyway, interested in your view in the difference with and without the wind deflector, is it noticeable?? ( I don’t have one)

[TriLineAR]

Wind deflector does the job. I do lower my seats all the way so keeps my head below and swirling wing when I drive but there is little breeze inside. Haven't driven it without the deflector so couldn't comment the other way. Sun is out today so going out for another run. Would think without the deflector it would have been a lot colder with the roof down this time of year. The sound with the roof down just adds souch more to the driving experience so I would add a deflector for certain if I didn't have one. If you have a drop top, use it when you can.

[geresey]

I rarely drive mine with the top up tbh, (for the sound and the sun) and am usually fine and had assumed given the rear “pods” design ia deflector may not make a lot of difference, but just wondered if it did, as if it did the missus may be more inclined to come for a top down drive, so would be interested in a comparison test, if you can be bothered!

[TriLineAR]

Will take a look at removing it when weather settles next...... I can confirm no complaints from my other half though with the detector in place. Past soft tops I have had the deflector always made a difference so I expect the same result.

[konrad.holl]

TriLineAR said:

Will check if the mirror adjustment is on when it happens but the motor that moves it continues to try and move it further down than it can go and continues until I press the mirror adjustment button or lock the car...... can change each time on how to stop it. Car isn't in reverse either and only happens on driver side. Battery power is low so might have something to do with that. Early days, just want this rubbish weather to stop. Rained every day since I bought it.

Had the same issue on mine when I got it. I replaced the mirror motor with a Volvo one (they are Volvo anyway). Part numbers:

- Left: 30634227
- Right: 30634229

Cheers

Konrad.