Aston Newbie in need of some advice

[AstonNewbieUK]

Hi everyone, really lovely to join and meet you all. I'm based in wiltshire, full time single dad to a very full on but fun 4 year old. I'm going to become an AM owner in the next few months, having wanted one since I was 12 (I'm 40 now). But I have a slight worry I'd like some advice on. I've read this forum extensively which has helped me get to this point, but I can't put my finger on the answer to this but (perhaps because it's very subjective)

I'll have an AM as a second car, to my 2017 Volvo XC60 (which will handle winter, bad weather, and toddler duties!). So I'm landing in a Vantage Coupe (probably c. 2010-2015) as "the car" but I'm unsure on spec. I have a good understanding of the options, but I'm slightly worried it could be "too much" car for me. I'm a confident driver, and have driven high performance, smaller engined cars (Golf GTI, Cayman etc), but the Vantage is a (beautiful) big beast.

So I guess I'm questioning whether I should go for a base model, or even a slightly older 4.3, vs a newer S. Does it make much of a difference, and is it possible to drive one as more of a comfortable cruiser than full on, all the time (although I'll clearly do a bit of that).

Sorry, incredibly vague question, but any thoughts greatly appreciated

[AstonNewbieUK]

Ale_72 / Mark, thank you so much. That's really reassuring to hear. I'm definitely in love with the idea of a Vantage and based on this, shouldn't be overly worried about it (barring the usual "new car orientation").

[AstonNewbieUK]

Dewi 2 said:

AstonNewbieUK said:

Hi everyone, really lovely to join and meet you all.

I'll have an AM as a second car, to my 2017 Volvo XC60 (which will handle winter, bad weather, and toddler duties!). So I'm landing in a Vantage Coupe (probably c. 2010-2015) as "the car" but I'm unsure on spec. I have a good understanding of the options, but I'm slightly worried it could be "too much" car for me. I'm a confident driver, and have driven high performance, smaller engined cars (Golf GTI, Cayman etc), but the Vantage is a (beautiful) big beast.

So I guess I'm questioning whether I should go for a base model, or even a slightly older 4.3, vs a newer S. Does it make much of a difference, and is it possible to drive one as more of a comfortable cruiser than full on, all the time (although I'll clearly do a bit of that).

I am sure that it won't be 'too much' car for you.
I have a 4.7 manual which is a delight and it is quite happy to be driven slowly, or quickly. Plenty of engine torque, so can potter along in a higher gear than might be expected.

Plenty of room inside and the boot is a surprisingly generous size for a sports car.
I think the size is just right. Here is a comparison.

I would choose one of the 4.7 models, because a large number of improvements were introduced for that model.
Make sure you know all about Sportshift, if considering that gear change.
Suggest the SportsPack cars (harder suspension) (think the S models also have that suspension) might be too bumpy on our now dreadful road surfaces.
Your reference to 'comfortable cruiser'. Well, it is not Mercedes S class comfortable. The standard suspension is quite firm, which would be expected of a sports car. It is wonderful to drive which makes ever journey an occasion, and I still say that after 13 years of ownership.

Take your time selecting a car and go for the best condition possible. Many are fairly lightly used, so there are some magnificent cars appearing for sale sometimes. If the interior looks brand new, that is one good indication.

Edited by Dewi 2 on Sunday 1st December 21:30

Thank you Dewi, that's a super useful isual. I kno what you mean about the UK roads. Out here in "the wilds" of wiltshire seems to be pohole city so I'll definitely be careful on the suspension options

[AstonNewbieUK]

Calinours said:

Thank you so much! Really appreciated

[AstonNewbieUK]

DBA086 said:

I bought mine (V12V) when my daughter was 4, and she loves it! Always asks if she can go in the racing car.

I can’t comment on the choice of V8, but I think the size of the vantage is wonderful - it doesn’t feel any bigger than my old Cayman.

My lad loves all cars and vehicles, and especially racing cars. I'm really excited to have something exciting for him to go in. We have had a tough year (his mum/my wife is currently in end of life care with MND) so I feel like we both deserve something fantastic next year

[AstonNewbieUK]

Simpo Two said:

Sounds like an expectant father!

I feel like one to be honest!

Thanks for your other guidance, I'm definitely in agreement that it Has To Be Done, especially after all the comments on this thread

[AstonNewbieUK]

The V12 Way said:

where abouts in wiltshire are you, i am north dorset so could help with questions, 7 year owner of 2010 V12V and 2015 V12S

I'm in Chippenham. Grew up in Dorset actually, on the coast in West Dorset, so know your neck of the woods too. One thing I have been wondering is if there is a decent indie specialist who would be able to service etc somewhere in this neck of the woods?

[AstonNewbieUK]

ZT260SE said:

Exciting times, OP!

You’re in the right place here for getting the right advice - something I benefitted from earlier last year when returning to the brand.

As others have said, don’t worry about the Vantage’s size. It’s not a long car and whilst it may feel wider than it is, it’s not a big car (certainly compared to more modern products).

I had a 2009 4.7 Manual back in 2009-2011 and now have a 2017 S SSII as my weekender. The SSII is not an automatic and doesn’t compare to something like a PDK. I, like many, really like it. However, it had detractors due to the fact you need to “learn” how to drive it properly.

Whilst not fragile, the one piece of advice I’d give is to keep it on a battery conditioner when not in use (especially as it’s not your daily driver). Happy hunting!

The advice has been amazing! So greatfeuly recieved. And thank you on the battery conditioner point! Noted

[AstonNewbieUK]

alscar said:

ZT260SE said:

Whilst not fragile, the one piece of advice I’d give is to keep it on a battery conditioner when not in use (especially as it’s not your daily driver). Happy hunting!

Keeping it on one is excellent advice - CTEK MSX5 is probably the one to get if a lead battery.

Thank you for that, will get one sorted when the time comes

[AstonNewbieUK]

LTP said:

Think of a Vantage more as a stunning-looking GT car - you'll never keep up with a well-driven Golf 'R', as that's not what a Vantage is about. But it's not slow.

Thank you, this is exactly what I'm after so it sounds like we have a winner!!

[AstonNewbieUK]

Simpo Two said:

LTP said:

as you don't appear to accept PMs.

I think you need to be a member for a certain time before the PM function can be used.

Thank you, that would explain it

[AstonNewbieUK]

tom-4hcey said:

Although I didn’t, I would recommend a pre purchase inspection even if buying from a main dealer. I was aware I needed to carry out a fair amount of work on mine, but didn’t realise the extent of it. Now it is all done I couldn’t be happier.

Thanks for this, really helpul to see that list. I'm very DIY handy aroudn the house, but not on cars. I'm tempted to learn, but should probably try it out on the volvo before the Aston

[AstonNewbieUK]

Apollya said:

I have a two way switch hidden discretely on my steering column (think it’s aftermarket?) so I can switch the exhaust valve to fully open or normal mode where it is quiet until above about 3-3.5k revs that way if I want noise I just set it to open and otherwise leave it as normal. With the valve open it is pretty loud, but it’s a nice roar rather than the popping you get in boy racer cars.

My brother has an M4 which pops like mad and even he commented he like the engine noise and exhaust tone more as it wasn’t over the top, more refined if you like.

Those switches are a great idea. i saw someone else talking about them and an instal video. I have zero issue with it being loud (luckily, I'm rarely in the care before 8am these days) but i love the fact the volume comes in a throaty gutteral roar, and not from a £200 back box someone got from halfords.

[AstonNewbieUK]

Apollya said:

macdeb said:

tom-4hcey said:

Although I didn’t, I would recommend a pre purchase inspection even if buying from a main dealer. I was aware I needed to carry out a fair amount of work on mine, but didn’t realise the extent of it. Now it is all done I couldn’t be happier.

^^^^ This if possible. Don't take main dealers word as mine was delivered by main dealer with big ends knocking. Now, I'm not trying to put anyone off nor cause offence but after all is said and done, both specialists and main dealers are second hand car dealers after all.

I’ll third this, I would’ve had mine inspected by Bamford Rose, but in the end had Pugsley and Lewis do it, was easier for owner and it was already with them for a full service, not sure if recommend them I expected a proper report for the £480 I paid.

Bamford Rose inspection would’ve been cheaper for the inspection but I’d have had to pay transport there too, they even have a logistics guy who can quote to collect and return and he was reasonable as would tag in on to return leg of another job.

Thats great to hear about BR - I have heard great things about them and was wondering how to get a pre purchase inspection done logistically

[AstonNewbieUK]

geresey said:

I’ve used Aston Service Dorset, in Wimborne/Ferndown area since I got my 4.7. Always been good for me, and reasonable (given Aston prices). Always some nice cars in the workshops too, VH and older era’s.

Thank you, that's great

[AstonNewbieUK]

Hey everyone, thanks so much for welcoming me to the forum with open arms, and all your enagement and advice on this post. I have struggled to keep replying to each, but every response is massively appreciated.

At the risk of oversharing, my wife has been moved into paliative care this week (she has a very aggresive form of MND and I have been her primary carere for a year). I'll be supporting her through this, and looking forward to a brighter 2025 with my son. Treating us to our dream car is part of us rebuilding and focusing on fun together, and all of your words will help support that. Thank you