V8 Vantage buying advice please
Discussion
I'm looking to purchase my first AM, I've wanted one since I was a child. I've lusted after a 1988 era V8 Vantage but prices have made them way out om my reach.
I'm looking at around the 30-35k price range the only stipulation is it must be an automatic. I thought the best place to start was to get the advice from owners, hence me asking the PH owners for your your thoughts. I've seen an 09 Volante but it has over 90k on the clock. Its on AT I haven't physically looked at it as I don't want to rush out and buy the first one I see. Should I dismiss milage and buy on condition instead.( 4.3 or 4.7 ? )Its a minefield out there.. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Is it worth me downloading the "Definitive Guide to new Gaydon Era Aston Martin" ?
I live in Norwich if there are any owners local to me..
Thank you. Phil
I'm looking at around the 30-35k price range the only stipulation is it must be an automatic. I thought the best place to start was to get the advice from owners, hence me asking the PH owners for your your thoughts. I've seen an 09 Volante but it has over 90k on the clock. Its on AT I haven't physically looked at it as I don't want to rush out and buy the first one I see. Should I dismiss milage and buy on condition instead.( 4.3 or 4.7 ? )Its a minefield out there.. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Is it worth me downloading the "Definitive Guide to new Gaydon Era Aston Martin" ?
I live in Norwich if there are any owners local to me..
Thank you. Phil
999gsi said:
V8 Vantage buying advice please
Hi Phil, You should, you definitely should 
999gsi said:
I'm looking to purchase my first AM, I've wanted one since I was a child. I've lusted after a 1988 era V8 Vantage but prices have made them way out om my reach.
I'm looking at around the 30-35k price range the only stipulation is it must be an automatic. I thought the best place to start was to get the advice from owners, hence me asking the PH owners for your your thoughts. I've seen an 09 Volante but it has over 90k on the clock. Its on AT I haven't physically looked at it as I don't want to rush out and buy the first one I see. Should I dismiss milage and buy on condition instead.( 4.3 or 4.7 ? )Its a minefield out there.. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Having dismissed the 5.3 Newport Pagnell Vantage in your post, I assume you're looking at the Gaydon VH cars. (I, too, would love an Oscar India I'm looking at around the 30-35k price range the only stipulation is it must be an automatic. I thought the best place to start was to get the advice from owners, hence me asking the PH owners for your your thoughts. I've seen an 09 Volante but it has over 90k on the clock. Its on AT I haven't physically looked at it as I don't want to rush out and buy the first one I see. Should I dismiss milage and buy on condition instead.( 4.3 or 4.7 ? )Its a minefield out there.. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
). Firstly, you may be aware, but the VH Vantage isn't an automatic in the traditional sense - it's an automated manual gearbox, called a "SportShift" in Aston Martin parlance. I'm not being pedantic here, as the driving experience between the two is completely different.
My personal advice would be always buy on condition - especially bodywork, interior trim and, for a Roadster, (only DB9 and above are "Volante") the hood. The mechanicals are relatively simple and can be fixed more easily than tatty bodywork, but the price of spares can be high. A good old 'un with higher mileage would probably be a better bet than a ratty newer car with lower mileage.
There are volumes on this site about 4.3 vs 4.7, but that mainly comes down to budget. Personally I prefer the increased torque from the 4.7 but there are others that love the characteristics of the 4.3 engine. The cars were generally improved over their life, with improvements to suspension, seating, interior and tech, although none of these cars are particularly up-to-date in electronic technology terms - definitely analogue cars in a digital world.
999gsi said:
Is it worth me downloading the "Definitive Guide to new Gaydon Era Aston Martin" ?
I live in Norwich if there are any owners local to me..
Thank you. Phil
Many people have good things to say about The Guide, but I didn't get a copy when I bought my V8V 4.7 SSII. I live in Norwich if there are any owners local to me..
Thank you. Phil
Sadly, I'm nowhere near Norwich, but I'm sure there will be others who are. Hope this helps a bit and good luck with the search.
Edited by LTP on Monday 23 January 19:38
I can help with a few points.
Yes the Guide will certainly be of great use.
First terminology - Convertible Vantage is called Roadster. Volante is the name of the bigger brother convertible models.
Automatic on a Vantage is called Sportshift. It is not a conventional torque shift automatic, but a manual gearbox with computer controlled gear changing. Be certain to drive a Sportshift in various conditions, because they are not to everyones taste. A delight at higher speeds, but manoeuvring and slow traffic has been criticised.
I have a manual 4.7 which I adore, but the 4.7 is probably slightly above the figure that you mention, unless high mileage.
Always the case, but especially with these cars, buy the best condition one you can find. Many are pampered, so really good ones are around.
Do your research and take your time to find a good one.
Some AM specialists will do vehicle inspections. Sometimes money very well spent, because surprise problems can be costly to deal with.
Hello and welcome - take your time and do your research. It sounds like you need to first decide which model you want.
Your budget will get you into almost any DB7, and into the early VH V8 vantages and the early DB9
So you have a choice of, in terms of increasing ‘sportiness’ 94-04 DB7, 04-08(ish) DB9 or 05-08(ish) V8 Vantage.
If you want a laid back cruiser, maybe DB7 will suit. The ones with the V12 are a lot of car for the money. Be prepared for high maintenance costs and stuff going wrong.
If you want Something more modern, but still clearly a GT, it’s DB9. These are brilliant cars, all with the V12, can get kids in the back and nothing less than amazing value for the money, but as with any exotic you have to be careful when buying not to buy something that needs a bunch of cash spending to make it right.
If you want a much more sporty car, and to my eye at least the best looking ‘normal’ car Aston have ever made, then it has to be a V8 Vantage. Be aware though, the 2000’s VH Vantage (unlike your old Newport Pagnell V8/Vantage) is strictly a 2 seater, and for your budget you will probably only access the earliest 4.3 V8, though £35k should be enough for a good one, and even maybe a slightly ropey 4.7.
As others have said, the V8 Vantage in ‘auto’ (sportshift) form it is not a real automatic. It’s an automated manual. I have one and I love it, it’s cool and quirky and with time you can learn to drive it as smoothly as any car, but it must be ‘learned’. If genuine slush boxes are what you are used to, it may not be your thing, and you may prefer the smooth majesty of the V12 DB9 2+2 with its reasonably modern 6 speed auto.
I’m a fan of the Vantage, and I must mention that almost all aspects of the V8 vantage (including the gear change) can be improved dramatically to make it a far better sports car - but that’s for much later in your quest if that’s the direction you take. I also have an old OI V8, and can freely tell you that in terms of driving experience, the VH V8 Vantages are light years ahead, they were simultaneously a proper modern car and also among the last true ‘analogue’ sports cars. Beautiful as they are, the Newport Pagnell cars were products of the 50s and 60s.
Either way, as long as you aren’t too precious about spending a fair bit of cash even after purchase (because you probably will) - you won’t regret it. The VH in particular are great cars, with race winning cars derived from both versions of the platform, are utterly beautiful and stuffed with character.
Best advice? buy Grants book and spend a couple of weeks just absorbing it all. It won’t change what you can afford, but you will be going in knowing much more clearly what you actually want.
Good luck !
Your budget will get you into almost any DB7, and into the early VH V8 vantages and the early DB9
So you have a choice of, in terms of increasing ‘sportiness’ 94-04 DB7, 04-08(ish) DB9 or 05-08(ish) V8 Vantage.
If you want a laid back cruiser, maybe DB7 will suit. The ones with the V12 are a lot of car for the money. Be prepared for high maintenance costs and stuff going wrong.
If you want Something more modern, but still clearly a GT, it’s DB9. These are brilliant cars, all with the V12, can get kids in the back and nothing less than amazing value for the money, but as with any exotic you have to be careful when buying not to buy something that needs a bunch of cash spending to make it right.
If you want a much more sporty car, and to my eye at least the best looking ‘normal’ car Aston have ever made, then it has to be a V8 Vantage. Be aware though, the 2000’s VH Vantage (unlike your old Newport Pagnell V8/Vantage) is strictly a 2 seater, and for your budget you will probably only access the earliest 4.3 V8, though £35k should be enough for a good one, and even maybe a slightly ropey 4.7.
As others have said, the V8 Vantage in ‘auto’ (sportshift) form it is not a real automatic. It’s an automated manual. I have one and I love it, it’s cool and quirky and with time you can learn to drive it as smoothly as any car, but it must be ‘learned’. If genuine slush boxes are what you are used to, it may not be your thing, and you may prefer the smooth majesty of the V12 DB9 2+2 with its reasonably modern 6 speed auto.
I’m a fan of the Vantage, and I must mention that almost all aspects of the V8 vantage (including the gear change) can be improved dramatically to make it a far better sports car - but that’s for much later in your quest if that’s the direction you take. I also have an old OI V8, and can freely tell you that in terms of driving experience, the VH V8 Vantages are light years ahead, they were simultaneously a proper modern car and also among the last true ‘analogue’ sports cars. Beautiful as they are, the Newport Pagnell cars were products of the 50s and 60s.
Either way, as long as you aren’t too precious about spending a fair bit of cash even after purchase (because you probably will) - you won’t regret it. The VH in particular are great cars, with race winning cars derived from both versions of the platform, are utterly beautiful and stuffed with character.
Best advice? buy Grants book and spend a couple of weeks just absorbing it all. It won’t change what you can afford, but you will be going in knowing much more clearly what you actually want.
Good luck !
Edited by Calinours on Monday 23 January 20:53
Current prices and recommendations from Bamford Rose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqXtylVibmE
The "Definitive guide ..." shows the differences of the various models, technical & interior changes and available options over the production period.
A too limited budget can become a huge problem with an Aston in the worst case. At least 10k should be available for repairs in case of need.
As Calinours wrote: first find out which car really fits. So test drive a Vantage 4.3, test drive a Vantage 4.7, test drive a DB9 and a Rapide.
The differences of the Vantage SportShift and the DB9/Rapide ZF 6 speed gearbox is described in "the book". Tip for the DB9/Rapide: be sure to select Sport mode when driving in 'D'. Also ride for a while with just the paddles throughout the whole rpm range.
The DB7 is based on an old Jag and technical from another century (not recommended).
The maintenance costs of the V12 are of course higher than for the V8.
To make the investment as safe as possible I would have the car inspected by a reputable AM shop before buying. There is a 140-point inspection list from AM. The cost of this is nothing compared to costs that can arise if the car has defects.
In addition, the good workshops should also be able to give a real assessment of the vehicle and recognize repairs or repainting.
Enjoy the search (part of the fun) and choose wisely!
The "Definitive guide ..." shows the differences of the various models, technical & interior changes and available options over the production period.
A too limited budget can become a huge problem with an Aston in the worst case. At least 10k should be available for repairs in case of need.
As Calinours wrote: first find out which car really fits. So test drive a Vantage 4.3, test drive a Vantage 4.7, test drive a DB9 and a Rapide.
The differences of the Vantage SportShift and the DB9/Rapide ZF 6 speed gearbox is described in "the book". Tip for the DB9/Rapide: be sure to select Sport mode when driving in 'D'. Also ride for a while with just the paddles throughout the whole rpm range.
The DB7 is based on an old Jag and technical from another century (not recommended).
The maintenance costs of the V12 are of course higher than for the V8.
To make the investment as safe as possible I would have the car inspected by a reputable AM shop before buying. There is a 140-point inspection list from AM. The cost of this is nothing compared to costs that can arise if the car has defects.
In addition, the good workshops should also be able to give a real assessment of the vehicle and recognize repairs or repainting.
Enjoy the search (part of the fun) and choose wisely!
Edited by Mr.X on Monday 23 January 21:04
Thankyou for taking the time to reply. A bit of background. In 2018 I was knocked off my motorcycle and as a result my right foot/ is paralysed ( I explained it in “ show us your crash”. On PH ) .This is why I need an automatic. My current cars are fitted with a left foot accelerator and I know can get a V8v adapted.
Re the gearbox is it any different to driving a generic auto box.
I spend my life at Stratton Motor Company. They are an incredibly nice bunch of people.
Re the gearbox is it any different to driving a generic auto box.
I spend my life at Stratton Motor Company. They are an incredibly nice bunch of people.
999gsi said:
<snip>
Re the gearbox is it any different to driving a generic auto box.
No and yes. You can put it in “D” and it’ll drive and change gears automatically for you and get you from A to B, but the quality of the change can be quite poor, and you can get a “nodding dog” change. Low speed is worse than on the move. However, if you use the paddles and lift off the throttle just slightly the changes can be excellent, and it’s very rewarding when you get it right - only one foot required. You have to learn to drive it round carparks and such, as the drivetrain can get itself into a transmission shunt, bouncing back and forward off the slack in the driveline. Again, a bit of practice and it becomes second nature.Re the gearbox is it any different to driving a generic auto box.
If you think I’m painting a bad picture then I bought an SSII car over a manual, and I wouldn’t go manual now. I will, however, eventually get a twin-plate clutch fitted - not something an AML dealer can do, so needs an independent specialist.
Like many I had the twin plate clutch fitted to my Vantage. To be clear, this just improves the shift quality in the Automated Shift Manual (ASM) or Sportshift system by adding a clutch plate, and usually also lightening the flywheel. It is not a different gearbox (ie dual clutch).
When this upgrade is done, the Sportshift is improved, though the fundamental characteristics described above do remain and still have to be learned.
Most if not all of us with sportshift drive most if not all of the time on the paddles, where the added control allows the driver, in time, to overcome 95% of the challenges presented by the sportshift system in certain (low speed) circumstances, especially with the twin plate clutch fitted.
The sportshift system is quite subjective and a bit marmite. Some love it, some hate it. The only way you would know is to take one for an extended test drive, with someone in the passenger seat who can explain how to get the best out of the system. I’d recommend using the handbrake for hill starts.
In the end it boils down to how you like to drive much of the time, ‘spirited’ as Aston used to say or slow. The sportshift system means much faster, positive and more dynamic changes when pressing on, at high speed it feels way more positive and faster than the DB9’s slusher, whereas at low speed, no sportshift can compete with the smoothness of a true torque converter automatic.
The twin plate lightened flywheel really can improve things in the hinterland, medium speed normal driving space, it does this be allowing the system to shift faster under moderate loads and speeds thus reducing the nodding rod syndrome as described.
Note that what is described as ‘nodding dog’ syndrome is universal to all manual gearbox cars - as power must be removed to enable the gear change before being reapplied. if you are a passenger wearing a blindfold in any fast manual car (and thus not aware of an imminent change) you will also nod. As a driver you would nod the same or less in a sportshift (because the shift is faster) than in a conventional manual car when in the paddles - because you are ‘aware’ that you are about to command a shift, allowing the same subconscious ‘brace’ you would naturally do in any conventional manual.
As a result, ‘nodding dog’ syndrome is often misunderstood and/or exaggerated. The sportshift is fundamentally a manual, and the dynamics of a gear change are the same as any other manual - just faster
I love my upgraded ASM. The way it can change down multiple gears in an instant when you floor it, or absolutely smash through an upshift at 7000rpm is intoxicating. You as the driver still have control of the gearbox (via the paddles) just not the clutch.
What sort of cars do you normally prefer? This is usually a good indication as to whether someone may prefer Vantage or DB9.
When this upgrade is done, the Sportshift is improved, though the fundamental characteristics described above do remain and still have to be learned.
Most if not all of us with sportshift drive most if not all of the time on the paddles, where the added control allows the driver, in time, to overcome 95% of the challenges presented by the sportshift system in certain (low speed) circumstances, especially with the twin plate clutch fitted.
The sportshift system is quite subjective and a bit marmite. Some love it, some hate it. The only way you would know is to take one for an extended test drive, with someone in the passenger seat who can explain how to get the best out of the system. I’d recommend using the handbrake for hill starts.
In the end it boils down to how you like to drive much of the time, ‘spirited’ as Aston used to say or slow. The sportshift system means much faster, positive and more dynamic changes when pressing on, at high speed it feels way more positive and faster than the DB9’s slusher, whereas at low speed, no sportshift can compete with the smoothness of a true torque converter automatic.
The twin plate lightened flywheel really can improve things in the hinterland, medium speed normal driving space, it does this be allowing the system to shift faster under moderate loads and speeds thus reducing the nodding rod syndrome as described.
Note that what is described as ‘nodding dog’ syndrome is universal to all manual gearbox cars - as power must be removed to enable the gear change before being reapplied. if you are a passenger wearing a blindfold in any fast manual car (and thus not aware of an imminent change) you will also nod. As a driver you would nod the same or less in a sportshift (because the shift is faster) than in a conventional manual car when in the paddles - because you are ‘aware’ that you are about to command a shift, allowing the same subconscious ‘brace’ you would naturally do in any conventional manual.
As a result, ‘nodding dog’ syndrome is often misunderstood and/or exaggerated. The sportshift is fundamentally a manual, and the dynamics of a gear change are the same as any other manual - just faster
I love my upgraded ASM. The way it can change down multiple gears in an instant when you floor it, or absolutely smash through an upshift at 7000rpm is intoxicating. You as the driver still have control of the gearbox (via the paddles) just not the clutch.
What sort of cars do you normally prefer? This is usually a good indication as to whether someone may prefer Vantage or DB9.
Edited by Calinours on Tuesday 24th January 09:05
Edited by Calinours on Tuesday 24th January 09:22
Some great advice here already.
I would add that you should not discount the independent Aston garages especially if you heed the advice and get a car inspected pre purchase. There is a quite comprehensive list of the better indie garages on this forum link below.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The only other advice would be to go drive a few different cars, I did just this as well as spoke to a few owners and garages for general advice. Keep you whits about you as it's very easy to fall in love with a car that has the colour you want or interior you would like but it's as much about the condition of the bits you cant see and making sure it drives well and has been maintained correctly. I drove a few, some high some low mileage ... the difference between was quite alarming, most notably how they steered, some felt very sloppy others like they had just rolled off the production line.
I would add that you should not discount the independent Aston garages especially if you heed the advice and get a car inspected pre purchase. There is a quite comprehensive list of the better indie garages on this forum link below.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The only other advice would be to go drive a few different cars, I did just this as well as spoke to a few owners and garages for general advice. Keep you whits about you as it's very easy to fall in love with a car that has the colour you want or interior you would like but it's as much about the condition of the bits you cant see and making sure it drives well and has been maintained correctly. I drove a few, some high some low mileage ... the difference between was quite alarming, most notably how they steered, some felt very sloppy others like they had just rolled off the production line.
I’d buy a good 4.3 over a entry 4.7
Mileage wouldn’t bother me, buy on condition.
Without sounding like a stuck record, every specialist I’ve spoken with has mentioned that these cars need to be driven and that the low mileage ones can be problematic.
I would say it’s worth getting one under warranty although the cars seem to be pretty solid in fairness. But it is an Aston Martin and some things can be reassuringly expensive
Mileage wouldn’t bother me, buy on condition.
Without sounding like a stuck record, every specialist I’ve spoken with has mentioned that these cars need to be driven and that the low mileage ones can be problematic.
I would say it’s worth getting one under warranty although the cars seem to be pretty solid in fairness. But it is an Aston Martin and some things can be reassuringly expensive
Edited by Finding Neutral on Tuesday 24th January 11:32
LordBretSinclair said:
Sorry to hear of your injury.
You will obviously have to go with Sportshift then.
Beware though there is a world of difference between SSI and SSIII - SSI was very clunky whereas the latest version (as on my V12S) is sublime once you get used to it.
Happy hunting !!!!!
Pedantry alert! The SSIII was only available on the V12, and came with the twin-plate clutch. The V8 had the 6-speed SSI and the 7-speed SSII, both having single-plate clutches. There are numerous operational and feature differences between SSI and SSII, whereas SSII and V12 SSIII are largely (if not actually) the same.You will obviously have to go with Sportshift then.
Beware though there is a world of difference between SSI and SSIII - SSI was very clunky whereas the latest version (as on my V12S) is sublime once you get used to it.
Happy hunting !!!!!
edited to fix late-spotted typo
Edited by LTP on Tuesday 24th January 22:53
Thank you, the comments/information you have all supplied is the reason I have come on this forum.
I'm in the initial stages, my retirement pot isn't making any money and my partner states I don't need to justify the purchase ( I hate spending money).
To clarify a few points. I'd love a DBS or Vanquish (mk2 as i call it) but that would make a massive dent in my savings and atm I cannot and will not spend that amount. The DB7 is growing on me, I've always like the look of the Vantage but hand on heart id prefer the aforementioned.
As a child living in Bedford in the early Eighties when we visited Milton Keynes (it has a big shopping centre) my Father would always drive through Newport Pagnell and that is where I saw my first V8V and I always said own one ( it was 1984 and i was 12.)
obviously the VH platform is more affordable hence my interest. I did a drive experience at Silverstone in 2009 in a V8V and I loved it
The gearbox information is very interesting and again thank your replies. The biggest issue I have is that I cannot test drive one. My wonderful partner is more than happy to take one out on my behalf ,she even said that she would happily chauffer me about in it..
I'm sure ill be able to master it when push come to shove.
Someone mentioned indies.. I'd far rather deal with these dealers as i imagine they will be substantially cheaper.. Stratton Motor Company is on my doorstep hence why they are my go to garage..
I'm taking all the comments on board and defiantly wont be rushing out and buying the first one I see. I will be buying one in the next six months and will be posting it all on here...
I'm in the initial stages, my retirement pot isn't making any money and my partner states I don't need to justify the purchase ( I hate spending money).
To clarify a few points. I'd love a DBS or Vanquish (mk2 as i call it) but that would make a massive dent in my savings and atm I cannot and will not spend that amount. The DB7 is growing on me, I've always like the look of the Vantage but hand on heart id prefer the aforementioned.
As a child living in Bedford in the early Eighties when we visited Milton Keynes (it has a big shopping centre) my Father would always drive through Newport Pagnell and that is where I saw my first V8V and I always said own one ( it was 1984 and i was 12.)
obviously the VH platform is more affordable hence my interest. I did a drive experience at Silverstone in 2009 in a V8V and I loved it
The gearbox information is very interesting and again thank your replies. The biggest issue I have is that I cannot test drive one. My wonderful partner is more than happy to take one out on my behalf ,she even said that she would happily chauffer me about in it..
I'm sure ill be able to master it when push come to shove.
Someone mentioned indies.. I'd far rather deal with these dealers as i imagine they will be substantially cheaper.. Stratton Motor Company is on my doorstep hence why they are my go to garage..
I'm taking all the comments on board and defiantly wont be rushing out and buying the first one I see. I will be buying one in the next six months and will be posting it all on here...
Well, it sounds like you really do need to do some test drives if you are mentioning V8V and DB7 in the same breath, then also NP V8 and DBS… these cars are pretty far apart!
I can pretty much guarantee that if you let your mrs drive an early, unmodified ASM Vantage she won’t like it….
Most in this forum are VH owners, and will steer towards DB9 and especially Vantage as you have seen.
Given that you are so open to all manner of AM, and seem to be perhaps a little flexible with your budget, it’s going to be hard for any of us to advise.
You seem to me to purely be buying because you have an itch that needs to be scratched. I would simply say, go for what your heart tells you to. That way you will gain maximum pleasure from your purchase. Just make sure, even after you have fallen in love, to force your head back on get a professional opinion/inspection!
I can pretty much guarantee that if you let your mrs drive an early, unmodified ASM Vantage she won’t like it….
Most in this forum are VH owners, and will steer towards DB9 and especially Vantage as you have seen.
Given that you are so open to all manner of AM, and seem to be perhaps a little flexible with your budget, it’s going to be hard for any of us to advise.
You seem to me to purely be buying because you have an itch that needs to be scratched. I would simply say, go for what your heart tells you to. That way you will gain maximum pleasure from your purchase. Just make sure, even after you have fallen in love, to force your head back on get a professional opinion/inspection!
999gsi said:
Thank you, the comments/information you have all supplied is the reason I have come on this forum.
I'm in the initial stages, my retirement pot isn't making any money and my partner states I don't need to justify the purchase ( I hate spending money).
To clarify a few points. I'd love a DBS or Vanquish (mk2 as i call it) but that would make a massive dent in my savings and atm I cannot and will not spend that amount. The DB7 is growing on me, I've always like the look of the Vantage but hand on heart id prefer the aforementioned.
As a child living in Bedford in the early Eighties when we visited Milton Keynes (it has a big shopping centre) my Father would always drive through Newport Pagnell and that is where I saw my first V8V and I always said own one ( it was 1984 and i was 12.)
obviously the VH platform is more affordable hence my interest. I did a drive experience at Silverstone in 2009 in a V8V and I loved it
The gearbox information is very interesting and again thank your replies. The biggest issue I have is that I cannot test drive one. My wonderful partner is more than happy to take one out on my behalf ,she even said that she would happily chauffer me about in it..
I'm sure ill be able to master it when push come to shove.
Someone mentioned indies.. I'd far rather deal with these dealers as i imagine they will be substantially cheaper.. Stratton Motor Company is on my doorstep hence why they are my go to garage..
I'm taking all the comments on board and defiantly wont be rushing out and buying the first one I see. I will be buying one in the next six months and will be posting it all on here...
I mentioned Indies, I did this more to say they will give your car as much if not better care than a franchised dealer when it comes to keeping your chosen car on the road and also from a pre purchase inspection. Not many Indies sell vast amounts of second hand Astons but some do however, most are not near you to go look at cars. I would say thought, it's worth travelling (widening your search).I'm in the initial stages, my retirement pot isn't making any money and my partner states I don't need to justify the purchase ( I hate spending money).
To clarify a few points. I'd love a DBS or Vanquish (mk2 as i call it) but that would make a massive dent in my savings and atm I cannot and will not spend that amount. The DB7 is growing on me, I've always like the look of the Vantage but hand on heart id prefer the aforementioned.
As a child living in Bedford in the early Eighties when we visited Milton Keynes (it has a big shopping centre) my Father would always drive through Newport Pagnell and that is where I saw my first V8V and I always said own one ( it was 1984 and i was 12.)
obviously the VH platform is more affordable hence my interest. I did a drive experience at Silverstone in 2009 in a V8V and I loved it
The gearbox information is very interesting and again thank your replies. The biggest issue I have is that I cannot test drive one. My wonderful partner is more than happy to take one out on my behalf ,she even said that she would happily chauffer me about in it..
I'm sure ill be able to master it when push come to shove.
Someone mentioned indies.. I'd far rather deal with these dealers as i imagine they will be substantially cheaper.. Stratton Motor Company is on my doorstep hence why they are my go to garage..
I'm taking all the comments on board and defiantly wont be rushing out and buying the first one I see. I will be buying one in the next six months and will be posting it all on here...
999gsi said:
Thank you, the comments/information you have all supplied is the reason I have come on this forum.
I'm in the initial stages, my retirement pot isn't making any money and my partner states I don't need to justify the purchase ( I hate spending money).
I'm in the initial stages, my retirement pot isn't making any money and my partner states I don't need to justify the purchase ( I hate spending money).
Regarding the money side of Aston Martin ownership, you might like to tell your partner about my experience.
Bought a V8 Vantage when it was just under 3 years old.
40% below the original new price.
Now 10 years later, the depreciation is probably about £15,000 and in the future, the value might possibly increase.
The only major expenses have been clutch and tyres.
Thinking that a 10 year old, £35,000 everyday car, may have now lost nearly all its value, my Aston Martin seems quite cheap motoring really.
Obviously not everyones experience would be that favourable (although for a few, it would have been much better), but happy days.
Hope that you can find what you want.
Dewi 2 said:
Bought a V8 Vantage when it was just under 3 years old.
40% below the original new price.
Now 10 years later, the depreciation is probably about £15,000 and in the future, the value might possibly increase.
SL500UK said:
Cheap motoring for sure and the longer you keep it the flatter the depreciation curve will be. However, there will be a big difference in the price of what your one is advertised at compared to the price a buyer is willing to pay for it. I would hazzard a guess that if a simlar model of your AM was advertised c £35k, the dealer would offer £25k maybe less.
In my experience, AM main dealers work on a minimum of £10 between the part-ex value they offer compared to the price they sell at. Given any problems that need to be solved, the cost of preparation, and the cost of a 12-month warranty, this is not too bad for cars costing over £50kSL500UK said:
I would hazzard a guess that if a simlar model of your AM was advertised c £35k, the dealer would offer £25k maybe less.
Similar is the tricky part, but you are right, someone would get a good bargain at £25,000.
As new condition 4.7; 19,000 miles; manual with twin plate; PS4S; obligatory exhaust and inlet mod; 1 of 7 in UK.
No worries though. It became another of my keepers on the first day of purchase.
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff