Have to write an article

[kin1001]

Hi

Having not owned an Aston Martin I am in a bit of dilemma. I need to write an article on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage with the premiss being linked to spare parts of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

I know there are guides out there regarding what to look for when buying a V8 which I will be using and also information related to things I wished I knew before buying a V8.

Would any owners of V8s from 2006 to 2018 kindly offer their advice regarding the above 2 guides - What to look for and what I wished I knew before buying one.

[kevin_cambs_uk]

This was my list, after 4 years of research and some outstanding help from fellow Piston Head LTP, I came up with this list

Smell for smokers
Smell of leather, is it fresh
Steering wheel wear
Dash scratches
Leather condition of seats
Outstanding finance
Service history
Owners manual
Are the callipers properly painted
Status of tracker
Rear boot should be solid
Boot strap and tearing
Paint missing on vents
Wheel condition
Grill, all attached?
Tyre repair kit
Next service under timeless?
MOT when, brought forward?
Door handle corrosion
Paint bubbling windscreen near top
Paint bubbling check
Mirror stalk corrosion
Paint chips on bonnet
All the window chrome is present
Window flock
Filler cap open
Filler cap wire
Pen present
Scuffed sill plates
Dash leather not lifting
Mirrors work
Seats adjust
Boot shelf does not sag
Headlight condensation check
Rear lights and water
Door and bonnet dampers
Tailgate dampers
Number plates match
Folding Mirrors & Car width
Centre caps
Wiper corrosion
Check CD Player
Glass key present
Valet Key
Emergency key

Now I thought I did a good job, however, what did I miss.

Well there is the tiniest of paint bubble on the bit between the roof and the windscreen, and also around the door key on the passenger door. I only noticed this after about 4 month, cleaning it in a particular sunlight, just caught it. After 9 years, its nothing major. It was very small. I also forgot to check the door seals, and they will be done next year.

The biggest thing was I totally forgot that you can get the clutch wear, from the AMDS, and in the giddiness of buying the car it totally slipped my mind, cause I could have had it done before I took it home. That is my biggest cock up.

Anyway, after the dust had settled and the thoughts turned to ownership, I took the car back, had the clutch reading, and found it was 80% worn. I had them replace it a few weeks later with a service, and walked out over 4k lighter! Am I disappointed, no because the car now has a new clutch and since then drives so much better, faster etc.

Overall, I think to me you have to take everything with a pinch of reality. I am the 5th owner, I hope to be its last owner, yes she has faults, my wife does, and she was second hand, but the overall package, the cost and the condition for a car of 9 years old with 48K on the clock was just wonderful, not my perfect colour, but who cares its an Aston Martin.

Kevin

[Dewi 2]

kevin_cambs_uk said:

This was my list, after 4 years of research and some outstanding help from fellow Piston Head LTP, I came up with this list

Smell for smokers
Smell of leather, is it fresh
Steering wheel wear
Dash scratches
Leather condition of seats
Outstanding finance
Service history
Owners manual
Are the callipers properly painted
Status of tracker
Rear boot should be solid
Boot strap and tearing
Paint missing on vents
Wheel condition
Grill, all attached?
Tyre repair kit
Next service under timeless?
MOT when, brought forward?
Door handle corrosion
Paint bubbling windscreen near top
Paint bubbling check
Mirror stalk corrosion
Paint chips on bonnet
All the window chrome is present
Window flock
Filler cap open
Filler cap wire
Pen present
Scuffed sill plates
Dash leather not lifting
Mirrors work
Seats adjust
Boot shelf does not sag
Headlight condensation check
Rear lights and water
Door and bonnet dampers
Tailgate dampers
Number plates match
Folding Mirrors & Car width
Centre caps
Wiper corrosion
Check CD Player
Glass key present
Valet Key
Emergency key

... The biggest thing was I totally forgot that you can get the clutch wear, from the AMDS, and in the giddiness of buying the car it totally slipped my mind, cause I could have had it done before I took it home. That is my biggest cock up.

Anyway, after the dust had settled and the thoughts turned to ownership, I took the car back, had the clutch reading, and found it was 80% worn. I had them replace it a few weeks later with a service, and walked out over 4k lighter! Am I disappointed, no because the car now has a new clutch and since then drives so much better, faster etc.

Overall, I think to me you have to take everything with a pinch of reality. I am the 5th owner, I hope to be its last owner, yes she has faults, my wife does, and she was second hand, but the overall package, the cost and the condition for a car of 9 years old with 48K on the clock was just wonderful, not my perfect colour, but who cares it's an Aston Martin.

Kevin

Wow, that is a long list.
Did you need to spend two days, with overnight camping in the dealer workshop, to check through everything?

Yes, I think the clutch wear can be checked on Sportshift cars, but with manuals it is just hope for the best.

My V8V also had a few previous owners, all in the first 3 years and the same dealer had sold it every time since new. One of the owners (to my benefit) made the mistake of going back to the dealer, to ask a question, buy some floor mats, or something. Before he knew what was happening, he had agreed a trade-in for an even more expensive Aston Martin. I bought the car at 8,000 miles and blow me, the clutch went at about 15,000. Hope my driving was not to blame, have never worn out any clutches before. Anyway, it was an early excuse for a twin plate, which makes a noticeable difference on a manual, so quite happy.

I did chuckle at your wife joke. Think there was a song about the subject. To much of a coincidence for your wife's name to be Rose.

[Simpo Two]

Welcome to the madhouse

The obvious way forward would be to ask your employer to buy you an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, such that you can then write knowledgeably upon the subject they asked you to write about...

It seems a bizarre request - are you doing a PhD in Journalism?


(it's premise not premiss)

Edited by Simpo Two on Thursday 3rd November 20:54

[kevin_cambs_uk]

lol!

[BiggaJ]

A fairly exhaustive list Kevin. Not sure my list was as long as that however, I would advocate talking to as many 'in the know' people. Consider, talking to good independents, get the car checked (pre purchase inspection) and remember to consider the big spend items. I know you mention clutch but also timing plate cover seal and rear subframe condition.

I would also add bonnet, boot and door struts, head and tail light condensation and a little one that I had not considered which was side repeater condition, they yellow with age. A cheap fix but one that aesthetically makes a big difference when you see old v new side by side.

[MrB.]

kin1001 said:

Hi

Having not owned an Aston Martin I am in a bit of dilemma. I need to write an article on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage with the premiss being linked to spare parts of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

I know there are guides out there regarding what to look for when buying a V8 which I will be using and also information related to things I wished I knew before buying a V8.

Would any owners of V8s from 2006 to 2018 kindly offer their advice regarding the above 2 guides - What to look for and what I wished I knew before buying one.

I was a salesman at an AML dealer during the life of the V8 Vantage (and cars that came before it) so please feel free to contact me if i can help in any way. Happy to assist.

[AMV8Stuart]

BiggaJ said:

A fairly exhaustive list Kevin. Not sure my list was as long as that however, I would advocate talking to as many 'in the know' people. Consider, talking to good independents, get the car checked (pre purchase inspection) and remember to consider the big spend items. I know you mention clutch but also timing plate cover seal and rear subframe condition.

I would also add bonnet, boot and door struts, head and tail light condensation and a little one that I had not considered which was side repeater condition, they yellow with age. A cheap fix but one that aesthetically makes a big difference when you see old v new side by side.

Interestingly, I bought my 06 this summer and did a check on past history and was pleased to see that the timing case cover work had been done 2 years previously. Now, it hasn't done many miles, only 14k and since the work only 600, and guess what, within a few weeks of using it (I've now put 1,000 miles on it), the bottom of the timing cover was wet, not dripping loads, but enough to know it wasn't right. Luckily as it was purchased through an AM dealer (I have issues about spending that much money privately) I got the Timeless warranty (I know, its just insurance), but it has been repaired and touch wood its dry again. Just proof I guess that these things need to be driven, leaving them standing lets seals dry out so when you do start driving them, problems can occur.

[Jon39]

kin1001 said:

Hi

Having not owned an Aston Martin I am in a bit of dilemma. I need to write an article on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage with the premiss being linked to spare parts of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

I know there are guides out there regarding what to look for when buying a V8 which I will be using and also information related to things I wished I knew before buying a V8.

Would any owners of V8s from 2006 to 2018 kindly offer their advice regarding the above 2 guides - What to look for and what I wished I knew before buying one.

Hi

Have our replies been helpful ?

If the Instagram kin1001 is you, then I see that you like cycling, so here is another useful piece for your article.

Several V8 Vantage owners have been able to fit a bicycle in the boot. Need to remove the front wheel.

Edited by Jon39 on Saturday 5th November 10:47

[oilit]

Crikey
Jon, were you an undercover agent/ investigator in the past ?!!! Lol

[Jon39]

oilit said:

Crikey
Jon, were you an undercover agent/ investigator in the past ?!!! Lol

Easy. Simply did a search for the username.
Jumped to conclusions about the cycle helmet and streamlined sunglasses. Suppose it could be mountaineering, or parachuting.

Are we being set up by this topic?

Can you really believe, someone has been asked to write an article about the V8V and spare parts?
Who knows. Perhaps a work experience person at Gaydon. We could tell them about the lack of engines. Mind you, they would probably have been told to avoid those difficult people on AM Pistonheads. -

[robemcdonald]

Jon39 said:

kin1001 said:

Hi

Having not owned an Aston Martin I am in a bit of dilemma. I need to write an article on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage with the premiss being linked to spare parts of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

I know there are guides out there regarding what to look for when buying a V8 which I will be using and also information related to things I wished I knew before buying a V8.

Would any owners of V8s from 2006 to 2018 kindly offer their advice regarding the above 2 guides - What to look for and what I wished I knew before buying one.

Hi

Have our replies been helpful ?

If the Instagram kin1001 is you, then I see that you like cycling, so here is another useful piece for your article.

Several V8 Vantage owners have been able to fit a bicycle in the boot. Need to remove the front wheel.

.......................................

You may want to check the postings rules. Particularly rule seven.

You should probably remove the picture.

[Simpo Two]

robemcdonald said:

You may want to check the postings rules. Particularly rule seven.

You should probably remove the picture.

Public domain though, no personal information and not done with malice.

I do wish posters would respond when people take time to help though.

[Piston Ted]

kevin_cambs_uk said:

Smell for smokers
Smell of leather, is it fresh
Steering wheel wear
Dash scratches
Leather condition of seats
Outstanding finance
Service history
Owners manual
Are the callipers properly painted
Status of tracker
Rear boot should be solid
Boot strap and tearing
Paint missing on vents
Wheel condition
Grill, all attached?
Tyre repair kit
Next service under timeless?
MOT when, brought forward?
Door handle corrosion
Paint bubbling windscreen near top
Paint bubbling check
Mirror stalk corrosion
Paint chips on bonnet
All the window chrome is present
Window flock
Filler cap open
Filler cap wire
Pen present
Scuffed sill plates
Dash leather not lifting
Mirrors work
Seats adjust
Boot shelf does not sag
Headlight condensation check
Rear lights and water
Door and bonnet dampers
Tailgate dampers
Number plates match
Folding Mirrors & Car width
Centre caps
Wiper corrosion
Check CD Player
Glass key present
Valet Key
Emergency key

That’s a really helpful list, thank you. Window fleck - I’d never have even considered looking at that!

[Jon39]

robemcdonald said:

You should probably remove the picture.

Thank you for your guidance, Robert.
Have done as you advised.





EDIT -
I had a look at your Profile Page.
I do hope that is not categorised as sleuthing (Pistonheads Rule 7).
Do please remember Pistonheads Rule 3. You might have a possible breach.

I did notice that you decided on the smallest engine Austin Allegro. After Top Gear's antics, it has become quite a rare car.
Which colour did you choose? Don't tell me it was beige with a brown velour interior. I am told that colour combination is less popular now.

Are you related to Ronald? What a fantastic business he created, once he gave up farming. - - boom, boom.

[robemcdonald]

Jon39 said:

Thank you for your guidance, Robert.
Have done as you advised.





EDIT -
I had a look at your Profile Page.
I do hope that is not categorised as sleuthing (Pistonheads Rule 7).
Do please remember Pistonheads Rule 3. You might have a possible breach.

I did notice that you decided on the smallest engine Austin Allegro. After Top Gear's antics, it has become quite a rare car.
Which colour did you choose? Don't tell me it was beige with a brown velour interior. I am told that colour combination is less popular now.

Are you related to Ronald? What a fantastic business he created, once he gave up farming. - - boom, boom.

Sorry, I’ll just leave you to your stalking women on the internet thing.

My allegro was Damask Red with a maroon vinyl interior. Deceased spec.

I’m sure your first car was probably a Ferrari.

[kin1001]

Hi the username has been misspelled and no I am not kin100 on Instagram.

I have been asked to write an article and should it be successful I will let you guys know either way.

Your not being setup trust me.

[Jon39]

Obviously I don't know whether this aspect is relevant to your requirements, but the birth of the 2005 Vantage might be of interest.

Following the sales success of the DB7, the Ford Motor Company (owners of Aston Martin at that time), gave the go ahead to develop two new models. A Vantage mid-engine car was designed first. However, a new CEO (Dr. Bez) was appointed and he immediately stopped the mid-engine idea. The Vantage that we know was then created and the concept version was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show early in 2003. Wow was the response and a huge number of orders were received. Some UK dealers, who obviously had a set allocation, stopped accepting new orders. The customers waited patiently more than 2 years for their new cars, but sales records were set, which have never been matched since.

Vantage Concept.

[kin1001]

Simpo Two said:

Public domain though, no personal information and not done with malice.

I do wish posters would respond when people take time to help though.

Hi sorry been busy collating info for the article.

[kin1001]

Thanks for your all your help. It was job but alas did not get it.