V8 Vantage 2010/2011

[MrVert]

Evening....

Sorry, probably yet another V8 Vantage thread..

Long time Porsche / Lotus addict, as well as a foray into some Italian exotica, looking to scratch a long held itch for a V8 Vantage to add to the stable.

Seen a few 2010 / 2011 V8 up for sale, just have no idea on the 'must have' spec items on these. Really want the Carbon race seats, nav and upgraded wheels, otherwise not too worried but nice to know what's considered prudent to have.

I'd be buying from an authorised dealer, as I'd want warranty etc, is the AM warranty considered to be good?

Finally, have read a few threads on here re the SS gearbox, drove one way back in 2012 and found it quite jerky, but probably wasn't lifting the throttle slightly which makes the difference? Suppose the question is...for a manual 'box addict, is it involving enough to use, or will I get bored?

Thanks in advance

[MrVert]

Thanks, useful info there re the model year & differences...did not know that.

Gearbox is the main worry for me, especially now!

What's the manual like? I'm used to Porsche 911 manual boxes, pretty slick and precise. Any comparison notes?

[MrVert]

Thanks.

Going to arrange to see a couple this week, one manual and one SS 'box.

One is a 2010 the other 2012 model. One is from a AM dealer, has the carbon seats with good mileage but not a massive spec otherwise, the other is two years newer, standard seats, decent spec.

Looking at the 2012/13 ones, they're only about £5k more, so with the additional kit probably look a better bet.

I also like this slightly older one: https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Not got the lightweight seats though, are they a big improvement? I know seats are a very personal thing, but are the carbon seats worth holding out for, or are the standard seats good anyway?

[MrVert]

Thanks for the input thus far

Drove the manual, however as there's the lure of the 2013 model at not a lot more, decided to bide my time and wait for the car I want, with carbon seats, manual, in the colour I want....which will probably be silver...or grey

Whilst I'm on, can anyone recommended an Indy to service a car in the East Midlands area, or is it just worth servicing at an Authorised Dealership?

I may also need someone to do an inspection if I buy privately. Can you put a warranty on a car after purchasing, assume I'd need a dealer to also inspect prior to issue of a warranty. If yes, anyone know the costs for inspection / warranty?

Thanks again.

[MrVert]

Thread resurrection....

Ended up diving into a Cayman R for a year, which has been great fun, albeit rather far apart from my original intention of a V8 Vantage....

Just sold the R to a fellow PH member so am now definitely on the hunt for a Vantage....can’t shake the thought of owning one..

If anyone looking to sell has a silver / grey coupe with bucket seats, full AMSH, low miles in excellent condition, not worried about manual / SS, please let me know.

Budget around £45k mark for post 2012 car.

Cheers

[MrVert]

Thanks for the info.

I definitely would like the lightweight carbon seats, they've added so much 'theatre' to some of my recent cars (GT3, 458, Cayman R).

If a good spec car with complete history in the right colour comes up with low miles, I may ditch the seat requirement.

Probably going to go main dealer or someone like McGurk I think, peace of mind and all that....

[MrVert]

Ok thanks, you’ve confirmed my thoughts....exactly how I normally describe it for my ‘bucketed’ cars