The search for an AMV8 begins...

[Dav_s]

Over the last month or two I've been looking desperately for a new car (every few days I've had my heart set on a different model, from 911 Turbo's, to M6's, SL55 AMG's, F360's and GT-R's, amongst others!!)


Today I've decided once and for all that a V8 Vantage is definitley the way forward, and I won't be changing my mind this time. Looking for a 4.3 with SportShift and as many extras as possible, FAMSH, and relatively low mileage (warranty would be nice too!)

Couple of quick questions:

1) How, other than it being stated, would I know if a car has the Sport pack/power upgrade? Not 100% sure there is such a thing, so apologies if I'm talking nonsense!

2) Prices are all well above £50k - has anyone recently bought one from a dealer, if so how flexible did you find them at the moment?

3) Would a car such as the one shown in the link below be frowned upon in AM circles due to the aftermarket wheels? (thinking resale more than anything else) http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1643122.htm

4) Anything in particular I should be aware of when buying one - common problems? Options that are an absolute must?


Cheers,

Dav

[Neil1300R]

Dav_s said:

Over the last month or two I've been looking desperately for a new car (every few days I've had my heart set on a different model, from 911 Turbo's, to M6's, SL55 AMG's, F360's and GT-R's, amongst others!!)


Today I've decided once and for all that a V8 Vantage is definitley the way forward, and I won't be changing my mind this time. Looking for a 4.3 with SportShift and as many extras as possible, FAMSH, and relatively low mileage (warranty would be nice too!)

Couple of quick questions:

1) How, other than it being stated, would I know if a car has the Sport pack/power upgrade? Not 100% sure there is such a thing, so apologies if I'm talking nonsense!

2) Prices are all well above £50k - has anyone recently bought one from a dealer, if so how flexible did you find them at the moment?

3) Would a car such as the one shown in the link below be frowned upon in AM circles due to the aftermarket wheels? (thinking resale more than anything else) http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1643122.htm

4) Anything in particular I should be aware of when buying one - common problems? Options that are an absolute must?


Cheers,

Dav

Hi Dav,

Generally sports packs easy to spot by the wheels! But obviously not in the case of the one you showed. Power upgrade from Aston has a black inlet plenum - top of the engine, could be a poewer upgrade post intial purchase. However, if it was me I would want to see original receipts ets, cars are only going to be 2-4 years old, so would expect full documentation to still be with the car.

Not bought one for a year, but reading posts up here, doesn't seem to be a great deal of movement from Aston dealers in prices. Having said that, from Aston authorised dealer they should be immaculate, be picky, get any minor fault / blemish fixed. Get free extended warranty on anyhing over 3 years old and see if they will chuck in an Aston driving day.

Personally not convinced by the wheels but they dont make it look like a minger! Looks a little pricy IMO - doesn't have the upgraded stereo or parking sensors (really need the rears at least as you can't see the corners, as you sit so low in it

Saw your profile, Aston's are a little different to Lambos (nothing wrong with them!), people will let you out at junctions!

Welcome (hopefully) to Aston ownership - make sure fuse 22 is out from the start

[Murph7355]

Dav_s said:

1) How, other than it being stated, would I know if a car has the Sport pack/power upgrade? Not 100% sure there is such a thing, so apologies if I'm talking nonsense!

Sportpack - As mentioned above, the wheels are typically different on Sportpack cars. Other than that, you'd really need to have been told unless you're intimate with the way they handle.

Power upgrade - If it's the Aston one, the intake plenum's black. Otherwise, you'll need to be told, and *know* what a non-upgraded car feels like.

Dav_s said:

2) Prices are all well above £50k - has anyone recently bought one from a dealer, if so how flexible did you find them at the moment?

Can't help on this really - usual rules apply with haggling. Just because someone else got a few quid off, doesn't mean you will (or won't achieve more off!). It ALL depends on the full circumstances. They can always say "no"

Dav_s said:

3) Would a car such as the one shown in the link below be frowned upon in AM circles due to the aftermarket wheels? (thinking resale more than anything else) http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1643122.htm

Those wheels are frickin hideous! I'd be concerned what additional stresses they may have placed on other parts of the car, how much the tyres would be to replace and getting strip searched and the car turned inside out every time I passed a border checkpoint.

Still, there could be a few k of coke left secreted in the boot that would at least go some way to paying for some standard wheels to be put back on!

Seriously - wheels can always be changed. But unless you really love these ones, just keep looking. There are plenty of cars out there to preclude needing to look at ones that have been messed with.

Dav_s said:

4) Anything in particular I should be aware of when buying one - common problems? Options that are an absolute must?

Do a good bit of searching/reading on here. It's been covered many, many times - everything you need and more is on here

[Dav_s]

Murph7355 said:

Those wheels are frickin hideous! I'd be concerned what additional stresses they may have placed on other parts of the car, how much the tyres would be to replace and getting strip searched and the car turned inside out every time I passed a border checkpoint.

Still, there could be a few k of coke left secreted in the boot that would at least go some way to paying for some standard wheels to be put back on!

Seriously - wheels can always be changed. But unless you really love these ones, just keep looking. There are plenty of cars out there to preclude needing to look at ones that have been messed with.

Ha ha! Point taken regarding the wheels (they looked ok on my iPhone, but just had a proper look now on my computer ...oops!)

Hardly any of the cars I've seen advertised mention the Sports Pack, so I think I just need to delve a little deeper.

Quite excited now!! :-)

[rick-derby-]

Hi and good luck with your search, The sports pack can be retro fitted so factoring in the cost of fitting this to a car hat has all the other features you would like may give many more options to choose from,

[Dav_s]

Sounds like something I'd definitely be interested in. Any ideas on costs? What exactly would be included? And would it need to be carried out by AM themselves?

[rick-derby-]

prices vary between dealers and specialists either would be able to carry out the upgrade so best to check with who you would intend to use also if buyig from a dealer this may be negotiable as part of the sale, the sports pack includes the light weight wheels, different front lower arms, rear antiroll bar and bushes and all the shockers and springs are replaced,

[alphonso]

have you had a look at this one...

http://pistonheads.com/sales/1735879.htm

I know it's a great car because it's mine! I just put it up yesterday... Feel free to pm me if it's the spec you're looking for

[mikey k]

I'm in the same boat but looking for a roadster.
I'm basing it on a 2.5 year old car to get ALL the warrant work done before it's 3 yrs.
Dealers do seem to be alot happier sorting niggles.
A few things I've spotted;
bumps in the rear bumper
binding handbrake calipers
chunks out of door trim from deat belt
Passenger door not opening from inside

My advise - buy on condition not mileage, there are some tatty low milers out there!
Get DMS to inspect if it is close to Derby

[Dav_s]

Quick question regarding AM warranty - is it fairly straight forward to extend once the car has hit three years? Approximate cost?
And can the AM warranty be purchased after a short period of the car being outside of its original three year warranty?

[Neil1300R]

Dav_s said:

Quick question regarding AM warranty - is it fairly straight forward to extend once the car has hit three years? Approximate cost?
And can the AM warranty be purchased after a short period of the car being outside of its original three year warranty?

From memory, extended warranty is £1100 per annum + £250 inspection cost - although some dealers waive the inspection cost if they are servicing the car as well.
Best to phone an Aston dealer for confirmation, but you used to be able to buy the extended warranty even if there was a break from the 3 year warranty.
The extended warranty is different from the original 3 year warranty - doesn't cover everything e.g. in car entertainment etc

[alxce]

Not sure if you are still looking but having closed on mine yesterday with Stratstone I had a call from Lancaster Reading about another one this morning. It's an 08 MY 08 car, Sportshift, Meteorite with Sandstorm interior and will be early 60's in price. If you are interested then give Philip James a call on 0118 9658500.

[Dav_s]

Thanks, and congrats on the new toy!
I'm leaning towards a black car, so on the hunt now for a good example.
Hopefully view a couple by the end of this week!