Vantage Coupe to Roadster

[johnnyBv8]

I'm thinking of changing my 2009 4.7 Vantage for a 4.7 Roadster (probably around 2010/2011). Has anyone else made this change, and if so, is there much difference to how tha car feels in terms of handling and performance?

There also seem tio be very few manual roadsters around - nearly all Sportshift (which isn't what I want). Not sure why this would be!

[johnnyBv8]

Haha, I guess not then! I'll aim to line up a test drive.

[johnnyBv8]

Ok, thanks for that. I'll have a closer look at the newer models. I suppose I should dust off my Aston bible too!

[johnnyBv8]

Well, I've sadly just watched my Vantage being driven off by the new owner - hoping I haven't made the wrong decision as it was such a nice example. However, onwards and topless, I'm now starting to keep an eye out for Vantage No.3....a manual roadster!

[johnnyBv8]

leerandle said:

LordBretSinclair said:

Two lovely examples and shows just how manual roadsters are keeping their value.
Both those 2011 cars (same year as mine) are priced more, with higher mileages, than I paid for mine 3 years ago

Don't say that.................

The counter to that is that the used car market seems to be particularly slow - more so than would be usual even allowing for time of year, and main dealers have been dropping their prices noticeably over the past few months with quite a few cars hanging around. I had lots of people interested in mine, but it took a while for the firm offers, even though it was priced low (and probably £4-5k less than it would've been earlier in the year).

Edited by johnnyBv8 on Tuesday 24th October 16:18

[johnnyBv8]

Just to update this thread with my latest purchase - pic below from earlier today. It's a late 2010 4.7 manual, in midnight blue, caspian blue interior with sandstorm seats. Just serviced at AM, and in lovely condition. Lots of options on it compared to my previous two Vantages - N400 sills, graphite DT alloys, sportspack, clear rear lights, premium audio etc.

I'm really pleased with it...perhaps it's the novelty of a convertible but it feels a bit more of an occasion at the moment. I think it's also helped by a bit of colour to the interior instead of the black of my previous two Astons. It drives really nicely - I found the ride quite hard on my 2009 4.7 (harder than my 4.3), so wasn't sure about having the sportspack on this - but it actually feels better.

I've taken the front plinth off, and put some retrofit thinner wipers on it, but that's it so far. Still trying to decide whether I prefer the clear or red rear lights - it's got clear ones; do you think red would age it (I have a set in the garage!). Are there many 2010 or newer cars with red lights?

Edited by johnnyBv8 on Wednesday 3rd January 16:36

[johnnyBv8]

Thanks! It looks quite dark there (not the sunniest of days today), but in the sunshine it's a really nice blue.

[johnnyBv8]

Interesting - I've also found it quieter/less boomy with the roof up, but think I prefer it; I can still hear the exhaust nicely on a spirited run, but it's quieter on the motorway. My roadster has fewer dash rattles than my coupe, but I think it's luck of the draw; I never managed to hunt the rattles on my last one down!

[johnnyBv8]

This pic shows the colour a bit better