Someone Please Help Get Me Off the V8V Fence!
Discussion
UPDATE: I DID IT!!! See latest reply at the bottom of the thread.
Hi, I have been window shopping for V8 Vantages for a little while now, and I have been waiting for a house sale to complete prior to purchase as the source of funds. This is now very close to happening and my dream of owning an Aston is becoming a potential reality! Which is very exciting, but I do have a couple of hesitations...
1) I have a Boxster S 987 at the moment which I do very much enjoy. I won't be able to squeeze the budget to a Roadster in the V8V. I'm worried I'll miss the roof off (budget is approx 32-35k tops.)
2) My race car currently occupies the garage and that won't change, so the V8V would have to live outside under a cover. Is this realistic?
3) The area I live in gets a lot of footfall on the ouskirts of town, and the car will be quite prominent on the driveway. I am slightly concerned about envious people causing damage.. Is this something that has happened to many owners?
I've spent a lot of time researching common faults, maintenance items, and I now feel like I know Rich from Redpants almost personally..! (What a great guy he seems!) and I'm not really worried about the car or its small foibles at all, just more my circumstances I guess.. My alternative option is to get something like an M4 for now and forego the Aston for another few years until I move into somewhere a little quieter, but that seems a bit.. boring! Any input or help greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt
Hi, I have been window shopping for V8 Vantages for a little while now, and I have been waiting for a house sale to complete prior to purchase as the source of funds. This is now very close to happening and my dream of owning an Aston is becoming a potential reality! Which is very exciting, but I do have a couple of hesitations...
1) I have a Boxster S 987 at the moment which I do very much enjoy. I won't be able to squeeze the budget to a Roadster in the V8V. I'm worried I'll miss the roof off (budget is approx 32-35k tops.)
2) My race car currently occupies the garage and that won't change, so the V8V would have to live outside under a cover. Is this realistic?
3) The area I live in gets a lot of footfall on the ouskirts of town, and the car will be quite prominent on the driveway. I am slightly concerned about envious people causing damage.. Is this something that has happened to many owners?
I've spent a lot of time researching common faults, maintenance items, and I now feel like I know Rich from Redpants almost personally..! (What a great guy he seems!) and I'm not really worried about the car or its small foibles at all, just more my circumstances I guess.. My alternative option is to get something like an M4 for now and forego the Aston for another few years until I move into somewhere a little quieter, but that seems a bit.. boring! Any input or help greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt
Edited by ShadFx on Wednesday 13th July 11:23
Id save up for the Roadster, because I would miss the roof down aspect too much.
My roadster lives outdoors just fine, once a year after winter I give the roof a thorough clean and re-proof it. I use a cover during longer periods of inactivity during winter. Otherwise its used as an every day car for 5-6k miles a year.
My roadster lives outdoors just fine, once a year after winter I give the roof a thorough clean and re-proof it. I use a cover during longer periods of inactivity during winter. Otherwise its used as an every day car for 5-6k miles a year.
I also spent ages 'window-shopping' and missed several suitable cars at damn good prices.
It was only when I finally found the car I wanted that I ran out of excuses and parted with my cash - if I'd bought 12 months earlier, I would probably have got my car for £5k less, but that's the weird state of secondhand prices for you.
Anyway - that was last October and I wish I'd done it ages ago. Every journey is an event and it's truly a special place to be. Yes, the fuel consumption is awful if you like making noise (which is utterly addicitive). However, my average of 2,500 miles is about 19mpg and my other toy (a 2-litre Zetec Westfield) is only about 3mpg better,so I can't complain too much.
Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to have an F355 GTS for a couple of years. It was a great car, but I was constantly worried about it (it broke, a LOT). For some reason, the V8V doesn't worry me anywhere near as much. It also feels nicer to drive and I definitely think it's more satisfying to own.
Just do it... ;-)
It was only when I finally found the car I wanted that I ran out of excuses and parted with my cash - if I'd bought 12 months earlier, I would probably have got my car for £5k less, but that's the weird state of secondhand prices for you.
Anyway - that was last October and I wish I'd done it ages ago. Every journey is an event and it's truly a special place to be. Yes, the fuel consumption is awful if you like making noise (which is utterly addicitive). However, my average of 2,500 miles is about 19mpg and my other toy (a 2-litre Zetec Westfield) is only about 3mpg better,so I can't complain too much.
Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to have an F355 GTS for a couple of years. It was a great car, but I was constantly worried about it (it broke, a LOT). For some reason, the V8V doesn't worry me anywhere near as much. It also feels nicer to drive and I definitely think it's more satisfying to own.
Just do it... ;-)
Thanks for the prompt replies. I'm not worried about miles per gallon, surely these need to be measured in smiles per mile instead? In all seriousness, this'll be a second car; I've a leased electric mini via my company for short distance and the van which pulls the race car for anything that needs a big loading area, so all good there.
My only concern was keeping it outside but sounds like these survive this quite well.. I've called about a couple which I'll hopefully get to view next week, away racing the '5 at Brands this weekend!
My only concern was keeping it outside but sounds like these survive this quite well.. I've called about a couple which I'll hopefully get to view next week, away racing the '5 at Brands this weekend!
My DB9 lives outside under a cover, but I don't have pedestrians going past. You'll have to decide if a big grey car cover is going to attract 'interest' or not. On the plus side, it keeps bird poo and debris off.
If you're happy with a Porsche there I don't see an Aston would be any worse.
If you're happy with a Porsche there I don't see an Aston would be any worse.
ShadFx said:
...
1) I have a Boxster S 987 at the moment which I do very much enjoy. I won't be able to squeeze the budget to a Roadster in the V8V. I'm worried I'll miss the roof off (budget is approx 32-35k tops.).
I would. I hate having to drive mine with the roof up! You can’t hear the exhaust so well amongst others things. I was worried about the soft top exposure too, so had to put up a car port to make myself happy to get an Aston with one…. I had a TR6 years ago and used to leave it outside (despite having a garage) and someone set fire to it…luckily just the roof went. If you do get a hard top, give it a couple of years and you’ll probably want another roadster, but so what, you can always go back to one. I’ve thought about going to a “decent” hard top car and getting a cheap roadster…probably makes more sense for practicalities of UK weather and my usage (weekends and longer holiday trips)1) I have a Boxster S 987 at the moment which I do very much enjoy. I won't be able to squeeze the budget to a Roadster in the V8V. I'm worried I'll miss the roof off (budget is approx 32-35k tops.).
I have a 987 Boxster S. Why would you ever want to get rid of it??
I've had mine for close to 15 year. Never given me any hassle. Easy and inexpensive ( relatively) to repair and insure. Small and agile car with great visibility. Plenty of power for twisty backroads but not so much that you can never wind it out. Very old school feel. OK, so it's not "Hey look at me, I have the coolest car on the street" type of car but it is way under rated for a summer fun car, IMO.
I'm not a fan of driving it with the top up though. It is a bit like driving around with a tent over you head.
I still have my TR6 too. Can't part with that car either. I've had that car for over 25 years but it's probably going before the Boxster does. The Triumph is as finicky as the Porsche is dependable.
I've had mine for close to 15 year. Never given me any hassle. Easy and inexpensive ( relatively) to repair and insure. Small and agile car with great visibility. Plenty of power for twisty backroads but not so much that you can never wind it out. Very old school feel. OK, so it's not "Hey look at me, I have the coolest car on the street" type of car but it is way under rated for a summer fun car, IMO.
I'm not a fan of driving it with the top up though. It is a bit like driving around with a tent over you head.
I still have my TR6 too. Can't part with that car either. I've had that car for over 25 years but it's probably going before the Boxster does. The Triumph is as finicky as the Porsche is dependable.
Maybe I got lucky or maybe prices have increased more than I thought but not only did I get a roadster for really not much over that budget but it was (indeed, still is!) a 4.7 - and that was 3 years ago.
Mine lives outdoors most of the summer (because it is in use and at some stage the risk of dragging the cover on and off several times a week outweighs the benefit) and in winter goes into a car port but under a cover as it is open on 2 sides. I wash and wax it regularly and as soon as I see bird muck on it I'm out there with a damp cloth but other than that it is no more hassle and suffers no more than any other car I've had (including Boxsters).
My advice would be to buy on the spec and condition you want for your budget and don't rule out "higher mileage" cars (relative concept - mine is now 53000 miles and 12 years old which frankly I'd consider low mileage but in these circles many would say that's high) so long as they have been obviously well cared for.
Running costs so far have been quite a lot lower than I thought, especially on insurance (I'm clearly even more boring than I thought I was!). No major mechanical / technical issues. It's needed a brake light switch (£12 for the Volvo branded one, £150 for the same part from AM...) and at last MOT new downstream lambda sensors (or possibly O2, can't recall without checking the invoice) but fitted by an independent it still came in at less than £900 for the annual servicing and MOT.
There is a bit of a known issue with hood control modules overheating due to where they are mounted. Plus the mounting makes them hard to get to so it is quite a big job to change them. Worth cycling the hood several times at different temperatures if you can when test driving. Also, all V8Vs are very sensitive to low battery and yet have a high residual drain (especially if trackers are fitted / activated) and, on the Roadster in particular, are a bit of a pain to swap DIY (although perfectly possible if you're careful and methodical). Therefore, for the age of car you're likely looking at it would be nice to see a new battery in the history in the last few years. I just pop the CTEK charger into the boot charge socket as a matter of course when I park up on my driveway as it sometimes gets left for a couple weeks without being driven so at least then I know it will start and won't have thrown all its settings!
I do try and park mine in the shade on hot days - 1. due to the roof control module issue (mine is black so gets very hot) and 2. due to some (not mine) having had issues with the dash leather shrinking as it dries up in the sun. I also carry a sun shade I pop in the window if I can't park in the shade.
Am I glad I bought it? Hell yes! What would I change on it...well more mpg would be nice but if I was really bothered by that I wouldn't have bought it in the first place. I do have sports cats, the air intake box mod and remap (so the sports cats don't throw a CEL) with the 3 way exhaust switch which is a nice addition to the car and really improves the sound. Other than that it is totally stock and there really isn't much I'd change. I have Premium Audio which is nice - but I spend more time listening to the engine!
Anything else you want to know feel free to ask!
Mine lives outdoors most of the summer (because it is in use and at some stage the risk of dragging the cover on and off several times a week outweighs the benefit) and in winter goes into a car port but under a cover as it is open on 2 sides. I wash and wax it regularly and as soon as I see bird muck on it I'm out there with a damp cloth but other than that it is no more hassle and suffers no more than any other car I've had (including Boxsters).
My advice would be to buy on the spec and condition you want for your budget and don't rule out "higher mileage" cars (relative concept - mine is now 53000 miles and 12 years old which frankly I'd consider low mileage but in these circles many would say that's high) so long as they have been obviously well cared for.
Running costs so far have been quite a lot lower than I thought, especially on insurance (I'm clearly even more boring than I thought I was!). No major mechanical / technical issues. It's needed a brake light switch (£12 for the Volvo branded one, £150 for the same part from AM...) and at last MOT new downstream lambda sensors (or possibly O2, can't recall without checking the invoice) but fitted by an independent it still came in at less than £900 for the annual servicing and MOT.
There is a bit of a known issue with hood control modules overheating due to where they are mounted. Plus the mounting makes them hard to get to so it is quite a big job to change them. Worth cycling the hood several times at different temperatures if you can when test driving. Also, all V8Vs are very sensitive to low battery and yet have a high residual drain (especially if trackers are fitted / activated) and, on the Roadster in particular, are a bit of a pain to swap DIY (although perfectly possible if you're careful and methodical). Therefore, for the age of car you're likely looking at it would be nice to see a new battery in the history in the last few years. I just pop the CTEK charger into the boot charge socket as a matter of course when I park up on my driveway as it sometimes gets left for a couple weeks without being driven so at least then I know it will start and won't have thrown all its settings!
I do try and park mine in the shade on hot days - 1. due to the roof control module issue (mine is black so gets very hot) and 2. due to some (not mine) having had issues with the dash leather shrinking as it dries up in the sun. I also carry a sun shade I pop in the window if I can't park in the shade.
Am I glad I bought it? Hell yes! What would I change on it...well more mpg would be nice but if I was really bothered by that I wouldn't have bought it in the first place. I do have sports cats, the air intake box mod and remap (so the sports cats don't throw a CEL) with the 3 way exhaust switch which is a nice addition to the car and really improves the sound. Other than that it is totally stock and there really isn't much I'd change. I have Premium Audio which is nice - but I spend more time listening to the engine!
Anything else you want to know feel free to ask!
Edited by Manners79 on Monday 4th July 06:34
Edited by Manners79 on Monday 4th July 06:37
So, with the help of my fellow PH'ers....
... I got off the fence and put down my deposit on a 4.3 V8V Coupe, in Tungsten Silver!
My god, the paint looks amazing in the sun and the rear looks so good with the clear updated rear lights!
There's a couple of niggles to fix.. Nav gears are worn, little bit of condensation in the rear left light, sounds like it could do with a new battery, I may treat the leather seats to a retrim.. Other than that though, she's perfect for me! Sadly I can't pick up until the end of the month when a house sale completes to free up funds, but absence makes the heart grow fonder, etc. etc.
Looking forward to contributing more to the community and meeting some of you as time goes by!
... I got off the fence and put down my deposit on a 4.3 V8V Coupe, in Tungsten Silver!
My god, the paint looks amazing in the sun and the rear looks so good with the clear updated rear lights! There's a couple of niggles to fix.. Nav gears are worn, little bit of condensation in the rear left light, sounds like it could do with a new battery, I may treat the leather seats to a retrim.. Other than that though, she's perfect for me! Sadly I can't pick up until the end of the month when a house sale completes to free up funds, but absence makes the heart grow fonder, etc. etc.
Looking forward to contributing more to the community and meeting some of you as time goes by!
Know the feeling - like several above picked my 4.3 up few months ago. Its been amazing and not put a foot wrong. Still remember sitting at the pub on the way home looking at it parked outside the window and the heat haze off the bonnet vents.... magic. Hasn't worn off, and everyone wherever you go loves it.
Enjoy - wait till you wring it all the way out up through to 4th....
Enjoy - wait till you wring it all the way out up through to 4th....
Haha, thanks for all the support!
Those are the pics I've snagged from the prior owner, will take a pic when I go to collect and pop it up here at the end of the month.
To the chap selling the house and gifting the S2000 - I had an S and loved it, one of the hardest cars to part with that I've ever owned I think.. That and the E92 V8 M3 I had have been the top two I reckon, glad you're getting to keep yours!
Those are the pics I've snagged from the prior owner, will take a pic when I go to collect and pop it up here at the end of the month.
To the chap selling the house and gifting the S2000 - I had an S and loved it, one of the hardest cars to part with that I've ever owned I think.. That and the E92 V8 M3 I had have been the top two I reckon, glad you're getting to keep yours!
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