Considering early V8 Vantage

[bigfella70]

Hello all,

After running many and varied classics and hobby vehicles over the past 30 years my thoughts have once again turned to a V8 Vantage.

Missed the boat on 70's V8's a few years back when prices started going haywire. Previously been in the AMOC but don't think there's much I'm missing by sticking on this forum from the looks of it.

Thinking of an 05 a 07 manual Vantage in silver or grey with black leather. Budget is circa 30k so pretty much starting point. I've ordered "the book" and just to get me into AM again I've got a DB7 for a couple of days next week.

Any words of wisdom for an early V8 Vantage would be much appreciated. I'd be moving from an R 230 SL auto and relish the thought of the manual box and more driver involvement. I can get handy with the spanners if necessary for some more basic maintenance jobs.

Cheers !

[bigfella70]

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated and PM sent re the above.

Cheers

[bigfella70]

Although I've owned quite a few autos over the years (mainly where there was no other choice such as Jag XK8 etc) I think I would really prefer a manual gearbox in a Vantage. I know the auto would be easier in traffic but this would very much be a hobby car for weekend runs out and fun so not a regular commuter.

[bigfella70]

Would it be worth stretching the budget and going to an AM dealer to source your convertible, you would have the provenance around servicing and their comprehensive warranty.