On the lookout for my first Aston
Discussion
Hi all
Long time lurker, first time poster. I'm male, late thirties, live in the south UK and work as a senior civil servant.
After coming from a family where my Dad had Aston after Aston whilst I was growing up, I vowed that I myself would get one at some point.
I've currently got a top of the range Jag, which although lovely, isn't an Aston Martin.
I now find myself in the position of being able to afford to buy, run and maintain one so i'm in the market to find something suitable. I'm in no immediate rush; in fact I fully intend my search to take me a good few months as I want to do this right, not rush into anything and therefore find the right car.
I'm after a V8 Vantage, late model from August 07 onwards (due to the options available thanks to an informative thread I found on here), in either white, silver leading up to mid grey, or black with either grey or black interior (or a mixture of the two). I may consider other colours but I think i'd prefer not to unless the colour was truly stunning. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, so you never know. I'm not a fan of the very dark silver/grey colour.
I need it to have satnav, cruise, bluetooth, ipod connector, heated/memory seats, HIDs, battery conditioner and premium audio. I'd like it to have Powerfold mirrors, heated screen and front PDC too and i'm sure i've missed something from my list though. I'm not bothered if it's sportshift or manual and i've arranged to take test drives in both over the coming weeks, work allowing, to see which one I prefer. My list is quite extensive, hence waiting for the right car to come along. I'm going to need at least a month anyway to get my Jag detailed and sold and i'm out of the country for three weeks too, so this isn't going to be a quick purchase.
I doubt i'll post much until I actually get the car and it's likely that my posts will probably be the damn fool questions you've come to expect a newbie to ask. However, I promise that I will do my utmost to search the forums thoroughly first before posting anything up, just in case.
Long time lurker, first time poster. I'm male, late thirties, live in the south UK and work as a senior civil servant.
After coming from a family where my Dad had Aston after Aston whilst I was growing up, I vowed that I myself would get one at some point.
I've currently got a top of the range Jag, which although lovely, isn't an Aston Martin.
I now find myself in the position of being able to afford to buy, run and maintain one so i'm in the market to find something suitable. I'm in no immediate rush; in fact I fully intend my search to take me a good few months as I want to do this right, not rush into anything and therefore find the right car.
I'm after a V8 Vantage, late model from August 07 onwards (due to the options available thanks to an informative thread I found on here), in either white, silver leading up to mid grey, or black with either grey or black interior (or a mixture of the two). I may consider other colours but I think i'd prefer not to unless the colour was truly stunning. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, so you never know. I'm not a fan of the very dark silver/grey colour.
I need it to have satnav, cruise, bluetooth, ipod connector, heated/memory seats, HIDs, battery conditioner and premium audio. I'd like it to have Powerfold mirrors, heated screen and front PDC too and i'm sure i've missed something from my list though. I'm not bothered if it's sportshift or manual and i've arranged to take test drives in both over the coming weeks, work allowing, to see which one I prefer. My list is quite extensive, hence waiting for the right car to come along. I'm going to need at least a month anyway to get my Jag detailed and sold and i'm out of the country for three weeks too, so this isn't going to be a quick purchase.
I doubt i'll post much until I actually get the car and it's likely that my posts will probably be the damn fool questions you've come to expect a newbie to ask. However, I promise that I will do my utmost to search the forums thoroughly first before posting anything up, just in case.
The only thing I will say is that Black looks great out of the show room but is a bugger to keep looking that good. The great is wonderful, but it is a personal choice.
Whichever way round a wonderful choice, take your time and get the car you want, don't compromise, you wll regret the optioins it doesn't have if you wanted tehm!
Whichever way round a wonderful choice, take your time and get the car you want, don't compromise, you wll regret the optioins it doesn't have if you wanted tehm!
Welcome and good luck in your search!
I have a suspicion you might not find your search quite as hard as you think - sounds like you want a silvery grey Vantage with the usual spec list, should be a good few for you to have a look at!
Are you looking at 4.3 or a 4.7 car? This will be dictated purely on budget as if you *can* get a 4.7, you *do* get a 4.7! However, nothing wrong with a 4.3 and they sound wonderful.
Good plan to test sportshift and manual, coming from Jag and the J-gate (do they still have that or gone to paddles now?) the Sportshift will seem more familiar but give the manual a chance, it's a lovely box when warmed up fully, nice muscle-car throw to it, very Aston! Which Jag by the way, XK, XJ or XF?
As echoed above, I strongly recommend you come to Hever Castle this Sunday, a cornucopia of Aston Martins awaits you with plenty of friendly people to give you the real-life low down on the cars.
Out or interest, did you/have you consider(ed) the DB9? They cost the same to buy, pretty much the same to own and the V12 is a thing of wonder...
I have a suspicion you might not find your search quite as hard as you think - sounds like you want a silvery grey Vantage with the usual spec list, should be a good few for you to have a look at!
Are you looking at 4.3 or a 4.7 car? This will be dictated purely on budget as if you *can* get a 4.7, you *do* get a 4.7! However, nothing wrong with a 4.3 and they sound wonderful.
Good plan to test sportshift and manual, coming from Jag and the J-gate (do they still have that or gone to paddles now?) the Sportshift will seem more familiar but give the manual a chance, it's a lovely box when warmed up fully, nice muscle-car throw to it, very Aston! Which Jag by the way, XK, XJ or XF?
As echoed above, I strongly recommend you come to Hever Castle this Sunday, a cornucopia of Aston Martins awaits you with plenty of friendly people to give you the real-life low down on the cars.
Out or interest, did you/have you consider(ed) the DB9? They cost the same to buy, pretty much the same to own and the V12 is a thing of wonder...
Edited by yeti on Tuesday 21st June 23:11
Hi and welcome. Just a litle intrigued - how will it be received in your role as senior civil servant buying and running something that is so much against the prevailing ideology of buying "green" cars - will there be raised eyebrows in the corridors of power or really, when it comes down to it, do they not really care?
Asking because I work in the public sector a lot as part of my business and I have to hide the fact I have one or I've been told it may go against me when in for tenders!
Best of luck in your search
Asking because I work in the public sector a lot as part of my business and I have to hide the fact I have one or I've been told it may go against me when in for tenders!
Best of luck in your search
[quote=steveatesh]Hi and welcome. Just a litle intrigued - how will it be received in your role as senior civil servant buying and running something that is so much against the prevailing ideology of buying "green" cars - will there be raised eyebrows in the corridors of power or really, when it comes down to it, do they not really care?
Green...did someone mention Green..!!!!
Green...did someone mention Green..!!!!
"I'm after a V8 Vantage, late model from August 07 onwards (due to the options available thanks to an informative thread I found on here), in either white, silver leading up to mid grey, or black with either grey or black interior (or a mixture of the two). I may consider other colours but I think i'd prefer not to unless the colour was truly stunning. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, so you never know. I'm not a fan of the very dark silver/grey colour.
I need it to have satnav, cruise, bluetooth, ipod connector, heated/memory seats, HIDs, battery conditioner and premium audio. I'd like it to have Powerfold mirrors, heated screen and front PDC too and i'm sure i've missed something from my list though. I'm not bothered if it's sportshift or manual and i've arranged to take test drives in both over the coming weeks,"
Hi there, - apologies for the poor formatting with the quote, first time on a forum! It sounds like the darkest you want to go is Tungsten Silver (the Bond Colour) although there are a couple of similar colours with a "hue" of either blue,green(Mercury) and even a pinky/red (Oyster Silver) - not the most popular choice)Another great choice was the Copper Bronze (almost Black with a Copper mica in the paint) Avoid Silver Ice if you can as it's a bugger to match if you ever scratch/damage it. I'd also encourage you to be a little more adventurous with the interior colour - Black & Grey are great in any mainstream car, but Aston's leather quality and colours allow you to be more creative. iPod connectivity will come with the 4.7's and wasn't a factory option in the 4.3. The rest should be easy enough to get. Early Sportshift's were a little clunky when changing into 2nd and this was improved as the model years progressed. You might prefer the manual if you're city driving as you won't need to change out of 2nd. Stating the obvious, but check for a main dealer history adn make sure you get the factory warranty or none at all (worth less than the paper they're written on). Happy shopping. Keep us posted on what you choose.
I need it to have satnav, cruise, bluetooth, ipod connector, heated/memory seats, HIDs, battery conditioner and premium audio. I'd like it to have Powerfold mirrors, heated screen and front PDC too and i'm sure i've missed something from my list though. I'm not bothered if it's sportshift or manual and i've arranged to take test drives in both over the coming weeks,"
Hi there, - apologies for the poor formatting with the quote, first time on a forum! It sounds like the darkest you want to go is Tungsten Silver (the Bond Colour) although there are a couple of similar colours with a "hue" of either blue,green(Mercury) and even a pinky/red (Oyster Silver) - not the most popular choice)Another great choice was the Copper Bronze (almost Black with a Copper mica in the paint) Avoid Silver Ice if you can as it's a bugger to match if you ever scratch/damage it. I'd also encourage you to be a little more adventurous with the interior colour - Black & Grey are great in any mainstream car, but Aston's leather quality and colours allow you to be more creative. iPod connectivity will come with the 4.7's and wasn't a factory option in the 4.3. The rest should be easy enough to get. Early Sportshift's were a little clunky when changing into 2nd and this was improved as the model years progressed. You might prefer the manual if you're city driving as you won't need to change out of 2nd. Stating the obvious, but check for a main dealer history adn make sure you get the factory warranty or none at all (worth less than the paper they're written on). Happy shopping. Keep us posted on what you choose.
Hi all
Thanks for the welcome. Sorry for the long post but there’s a few good points in your replies that I’d like to answer.
Funnily enough, my boss is on the lookout for a DB9 as we speak and I know that in the department we have another Aston, a Ferrari, about three of four 911s and a couple of Audi R8s. A high performance car isn't a detriment to career progression here (fortunately). I’ve currently got an XF with all the toys and the steering wheel paddles automatic gearbox. I ‘downgraded’ from my Porsche a couple of years back when the dealer gave me such a good deal on a new top line XF, and with a suspected family on the way at the time, it made sense to get away from the sports car. However, family is not on the way (I won’t go into details) so it’s back to a sports car for me.
I briefly considered the DB9 but then discounted it as I thought it would be a tad bit too big for what I want. I'm more interested in a two seater sports car than a two plus two GT. But it could be worth considering I guess. I certainly won't discount it now. My Audi S5 was a 2+2 GT and that was fine, so I’m not averse to a DB9. On paper, I prefer the looks and size of the Vantage but never having seen them side by side I won’t swear to this opinion.
Of course, I could have done a comparison at Hever Castle on Sunday but unfortunately we fly off abroad on Saturday and my good lady may well take a dim view if I say "sorry darling but this holiday I know you've been looking forward to for about six months will have to be put back a few days whilst I go and have a look at some cars that you're not particularly interested in." Blesser! To be honest, as long as it's got four wheels, has a roof to keep the rain from ruining her hair, enough boot space for some shopping and goes when you press the correct pedal, she isn't remotely interested in cars and hasn’t been interested in driving any of the cars I’ve bought over the last few years.
I’ve been looking at colours and on other forums and although I do like black cars, many others both here and elsewhere have reported the black as being high maintenance, so perhaps not. The colour I seem to be most intrigued by at the moment is Morning Frost White. I love the slight blue tinge to the white paint so I’m hoping to find one of those to look at. I think it might go quite well with the Caspian Blue interior. I like the sound of the blue/silver mix that Vanquish6 mentioned too. That might be worth a look.
I’d love the 4.7 rather than the 4.3 but I’ve set myself an upper limit on my budget with a ten percent increase for the right car, if needed. If I don’t stick to my budget, I just know I’ll go out and buy a new one instead, which I don’t want to do as most of my recent cars have been new and I just can’t stomach the depreciation hit any more. I’m more interested in the overall driver aesthetic and to be honest, my life has been leading up to an Aston. I fully hope that I will just stay with the marque from here on in as I truly believe they are the most beautiful cars on the road today. Full of character, poise, elegance and charm, without being a ‘penis extension’ like some cars. I’m in no rush to get anything so I shall just take it easy and find the right car.
As long as I buy the car from a reputable Aston dealer and it has an extended warranty and I can get the option to purchase a servicing plan (makes my life so much easier when budgeting at the start of the month and covers any servicing costs), I’m not bothered if it’s a 4.3 or a 4.7 but I imagine I will be after driving each of them though. Part of me actually wants the 4.3 as I can then get the various upgrades over time as and when I want them. I expect the power of the 4.3 will be reasonably similar to the 4.2 V8 Audi S5 I had some time back. The Audi was 375BHP but I can’t remember what the Nm were though.
I tend to keep cars three years from new then get rid of them when just before the Mot is due. The Aston marque is, for me at least, not just a ‘car’ so even if I get one that will need an MOT within a year of purchase, I fully intend to keep this car for a good many years to come, or if I do decide to get rid of it, it will only be to upgrade to another newer Aston.
Thanks for the welcome. Sorry for the long post but there’s a few good points in your replies that I’d like to answer.
Funnily enough, my boss is on the lookout for a DB9 as we speak and I know that in the department we have another Aston, a Ferrari, about three of four 911s and a couple of Audi R8s. A high performance car isn't a detriment to career progression here (fortunately). I’ve currently got an XF with all the toys and the steering wheel paddles automatic gearbox. I ‘downgraded’ from my Porsche a couple of years back when the dealer gave me such a good deal on a new top line XF, and with a suspected family on the way at the time, it made sense to get away from the sports car. However, family is not on the way (I won’t go into details) so it’s back to a sports car for me.
I briefly considered the DB9 but then discounted it as I thought it would be a tad bit too big for what I want. I'm more interested in a two seater sports car than a two plus two GT. But it could be worth considering I guess. I certainly won't discount it now. My Audi S5 was a 2+2 GT and that was fine, so I’m not averse to a DB9. On paper, I prefer the looks and size of the Vantage but never having seen them side by side I won’t swear to this opinion.
Of course, I could have done a comparison at Hever Castle on Sunday but unfortunately we fly off abroad on Saturday and my good lady may well take a dim view if I say "sorry darling but this holiday I know you've been looking forward to for about six months will have to be put back a few days whilst I go and have a look at some cars that you're not particularly interested in." Blesser! To be honest, as long as it's got four wheels, has a roof to keep the rain from ruining her hair, enough boot space for some shopping and goes when you press the correct pedal, she isn't remotely interested in cars and hasn’t been interested in driving any of the cars I’ve bought over the last few years.
I’ve been looking at colours and on other forums and although I do like black cars, many others both here and elsewhere have reported the black as being high maintenance, so perhaps not. The colour I seem to be most intrigued by at the moment is Morning Frost White. I love the slight blue tinge to the white paint so I’m hoping to find one of those to look at. I think it might go quite well with the Caspian Blue interior. I like the sound of the blue/silver mix that Vanquish6 mentioned too. That might be worth a look.
I’d love the 4.7 rather than the 4.3 but I’ve set myself an upper limit on my budget with a ten percent increase for the right car, if needed. If I don’t stick to my budget, I just know I’ll go out and buy a new one instead, which I don’t want to do as most of my recent cars have been new and I just can’t stomach the depreciation hit any more. I’m more interested in the overall driver aesthetic and to be honest, my life has been leading up to an Aston. I fully hope that I will just stay with the marque from here on in as I truly believe they are the most beautiful cars on the road today. Full of character, poise, elegance and charm, without being a ‘penis extension’ like some cars. I’m in no rush to get anything so I shall just take it easy and find the right car.
As long as I buy the car from a reputable Aston dealer and it has an extended warranty and I can get the option to purchase a servicing plan (makes my life so much easier when budgeting at the start of the month and covers any servicing costs), I’m not bothered if it’s a 4.3 or a 4.7 but I imagine I will be after driving each of them though. Part of me actually wants the 4.3 as I can then get the various upgrades over time as and when I want them. I expect the power of the 4.3 will be reasonably similar to the 4.2 V8 Audi S5 I had some time back. The Audi was 375BHP but I can’t remember what the Nm were though.
I tend to keep cars three years from new then get rid of them when just before the Mot is due. The Aston marque is, for me at least, not just a ‘car’ so even if I get one that will need an MOT within a year of purchase, I fully intend to keep this car for a good many years to come, or if I do decide to get rid of it, it will only be to upgrade to another newer Aston.
Highrisedrifter said:
As long as I buy the car from a reputable Aston dealer and it has an extended warranty and I can get the option to purchase a servicing plan (makes my life so much easier when budgeting at the start of the month and covers any servicing costs),
You will get a 1 year warranty from a dealer purchase.Do not sign up to the Servicing Plan until you have had alternative quotes - my experience is that they do not represent great value for money.
How the heck did you get the word 'p***s past the Moderator ?
Highrisedrifter said:
...to be honest, my life has been leading up to an Aston. I fully hope that I will just stay with the marque from here on in as I truly believe they are the most beautiful cars on the road today. Full of character, poise, elegance and charm, without being a ‘penis extension’ like some cars. .
What an excellent remark! I did the same as you, had an XKR 4.2 and S-Type Jag 4.0, but then relaised I only had them as I 'couldn't afford' an Aston in my head. I then worked out that an Aston wouldn't be much more money so went DB7 and now DB9.Sounds like the Vantage is the car for you, I always think of the DB9 as being 'more car for the money' but for many that's not an issue. The Vantage is a true 2-seat sports car with great GT credentials. I wish you luck in your search, enjoy your holiday!
Highrisedrifter said:
I should have mentioned (and I knew i'd forget something), that i'm looking for a coupe.
It's odd that putting things down in writing for the whole world to see really crystallises your viewpoint on certain options. I definitely want to find a Morning Frost White car now.
Don't get too hung up on colourIt's odd that putting things down in writing for the whole world to see really crystallises your viewpoint on certain options. I definitely want to find a Morning Frost White car now.
The majority of morning Frost cars are late 4.7's
Couple of quick ones iPOD connection came out on the 08MY, the outside aerial was also deleted (makes the exterior look cleaner) and the aerial was then set in the front screen, so you couldn't have the heated front screen as an option. So unless you find an earlier car that has had the retro-fit iPOD conversion, you can't have both, in honesty the heated front screen isn't really that useful.
The 4.7 IS worth the extra, keep your eyes out for an N400 if you are looking for the best of the 4.3's (but must be a lot cheaper than 4.7).
Best of luck..
The 4.7 IS worth the extra, keep your eyes out for an N400 if you are looking for the best of the 4.3's (but must be a lot cheaper than 4.7).
Best of luck..
Thanks Grant, that's useful info. I would prefer the ipod connection to the heated screen I think. I certainly don't want an external aerial if I can get away with it and I can definitely see what you mean about the cleaner lines of the car.
My recent hunts within the budget I have set myself have turned up cars around MY 07/08 at the moment anyway. The problem is, the more I look, the more I find i'm suffering from 'budget creep'!
I've ordered the Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin book which will hopefully turn up tomorrow so I can take it on holiday with me and annoy the hell out of my good lady by the side of the pool when I start billing and cooing over pictures/options.
I've already bored her silly whilst showing her pictures of various colours and asking her opinion!
If MF White is going to be so hard to find, and indeed it is proving next to impossible finding it on a MY-07/08, then my next choice would be Tungsten. A real shame I can't be with you chaps (and chapesses) at Hever this weekend, it would have given me even more food for thought.
My recent hunts within the budget I have set myself have turned up cars around MY 07/08 at the moment anyway. The problem is, the more I look, the more I find i'm suffering from 'budget creep'!
I've ordered the Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin book which will hopefully turn up tomorrow so I can take it on holiday with me and annoy the hell out of my good lady by the side of the pool when I start billing and cooing over pictures/options.
I've already bored her silly whilst showing her pictures of various colours and asking her opinion!
If MF White is going to be so hard to find, and indeed it is proving next to impossible finding it on a MY-07/08, then my next choice would be Tungsten. A real shame I can't be with you chaps (and chapesses) at Hever this weekend, it would have given me even more food for thought.
Highrisedrifter said:
...suffering from 'budget creep'!
I've ordered the Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin book which will hopefully turn up tomorrow so I can take it on holiday with me and annoy the hell out of my good lady by the side of the pool when I start billing and cooing over pictures/options.
Common problem. My budget last year was £70K. Ended up spending £91K.I've ordered the Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin book which will hopefully turn up tomorrow so I can take it on holiday with me and annoy the hell out of my good lady by the side of the pool when I start billing and cooing over pictures/options.
If it can happen to a Jock, then it can happen to anyone.
The book is excellent. You will get served quicker at the poolside bar when people notice it.
Make sure you pack your Aston Martin crotchless speedos.
They will also get you served quicker at the poolside bar
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