Vantage 2007 or 2005/2006?

[sukh_m]

Hello

I am thinking of buying a V8 Vantage shortly.

I noticed the 2005/2006 models are fetching below the 40 mark, but are the 2007 models updated in any way? They seem to be not too far off 40 either.

If anyone could let me know what the revisions are and whether it would be worth investing in a 2007 model (as opposed to an 2005/06) I would be grateful :-)

Cheers
Sukh

[Highrisedrifter]

As you would expect, pretty much each year has revisions over the previous ones. The major revision is MY2009 where the engine went from 4.3 to 4.7 and the interior was updated. As the years went on it seems like a lot of equipment that was merely an option on earlier model years became standard on later model years.

There is a book, written by a member of the Pistonheasds forum and featuring input from a number of other members on here that is absolutely invaluable in helping someone decide what car they want. It really opened my eyes and I would heartily recommend it.

The Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin: A Buyer's and Enthusiast's Guide to: Vantage V8 and V12 - DB9 - DBS - Roadster and Volante

[George H]

I think post 07 V8V's have an updated interior, and they definitely have updated seats. Not too sure about anything else, but I'm sure someone will be along soon and point out all the differences

[sukh_m]

My budget is around 40grand, so ideally i'm looking at an '07.

[Murph7355]

If you spend 5 mins with the search function you'll get all the details you need, plus tons of buying tips.

Not a massive amount of difference between an 06 and 07. But possibly enough.

[Ice27]

MY07 had the updated seats which are still in use on current models.
They also had neat LED lights fitted onto the door handles.

[Highrisedrifter]

Yep, there's definitely an upgrade to the seats for MY 2007. Not that the seats were in any way bad before that, you understand.

New standard features for MY2007 were: (some of these were previously optional extras)
Upgraded seats
LED lights in door handles
Key fob boot release
Full leather trim
Tracker system (UK only)

Part way through model year 2007 new gearbox oil was used to combat sticky gear changes and cubby straps added for extra storage in door pockets

Options introduced were
Sportshift transmission
Garage door opener
Three position memory seats
Heated seats now dual stage

MY 2006.5 (April)
standard features now include
rear parking sensors
Tyre monitoring system

Options are
700w premium audio
Voice activated Bluetooth telephone preparation

I added in 2006 to show that the changes from 2006.5 to 2007 aren't ground breaking.

MY2009 is where some really big changes happened, with the introduction of the ECU key, the 4.7 engine and the restyled console (amongst other changes) but those cars are currently upwards of £60k or thereabouts.

All of this info is available in the book I linked to above and i've just summarised some major points (not all changes).

I hope this helps.

[sukh_m]

That's great, I did go to test drive a 2006 model but I found that I slid in the seat around corners hence why I may go for a 2007 (or maybe I didnt adjust the seat enough?).

I dont actually mind a high mile 1 owner 2007, as long as it's been fully maintained.

[Highrisedrifter]

sukh_m said:

I dont actually mind a high mile 1 owner 2007, as long as it's been fully maintained.

From reading the forums here, it seems that people are advocating a higher mileage car instead of a low mileage 'garage queen' as that way any niggles should have already been exposed and rectified.

[vantager]

sukh_m said:

Hello
...whether it would be worth investing in a 2007 model...
Sukh

Much as I love cars, I've never managed to persuade myself I am 'investing'.

[EBruce]

sukh_m said:

That's great, I did go to test drive a 2006 model but I found that I slid in the seat around corners hence why I may go for a 2007 (or maybe I didnt adjust the seat enough?).

I dont actually mind a high mile 1 owner 2007, as long as it's been fully maintained.

I actually found my 06 seats were narrower than 07-on and thus I slid less.

[burntout]

sukh_m said:

That's great, I did go to test drive a 2006 model but I found that I slid in the seat around corners hence why I may go for a 2007 (or maybe I didnt adjust the seat enough?).

I dont actually mind a high mile 1 owner 2007, as long as it's been fully maintained.

I recentley bought an 07 1 owner with 40K on the clock, full history at a main dealer....

May I pass on some advice from my awful experience with my car!!
Read my thread: Complete nightmare.

Which ever car you decide to buy, have it inspected by AM or a good indipendant AM specialist. Get the car fully checked out in every aspect.

Even if an inspection costs £££ it will save you a huge headache or large repair bills if anything isnt right...

I did the same, comparing prices from private to main dealer. In my mind, main dealer prices on second hand models are warranted!!

I hope you find a nice one and enjoy it. Great cars.....

[burntout]

burntout said:

I recentley bought an 07 1 owner with 40K on the clock, full history at a main dealer....

May I pass on some advice from my awful experience with my car!!
Read my thread: Complete nightmare.

Which ever car you decide to buy, have it inspected by AM or a good indipendant AM specialist. Get the car fully checked out in every aspect.

Even if an inspection costs £££ it will save you a huge headache or large repair bills if anything isnt right...

I did the same, comparing prices from private to main dealer. In my mind, main dealer prices on second hand models are warranted!!

I hope you find a nice one and enjoy it. Great cars.....

full history at a main dealer....

I meant the sevice history was all main dealer, the car came from an independant car sale garage...

[sukh_m]

burntout said:

full history at a main dealer....

I meant the sevice history was all main dealer, the car came from an independant car sale garage...

Oh dear, what a nightmare (just read your thread!).
Does really make me think twice about where to purchase it from, my finance company will allow me to buy private as long as I have an inspection done so maybe I might be ok - I was planning to buy privately. However, I might buy from a dealer now and get something with AM Warranty for piece of mind.

In your case, the garage must of known about the clutch and brakes! A lot of people just drive the cars hard and then flog them once the bills come in.

[burntout]

sukh_m said:

Oh dear, what a nightmare (just read your thread!).
Does really make me think twice about where to purchase it from, my finance company will allow me to buy private as long as I have an inspection done so maybe I might be ok - I was planning to buy privately. However, I might buy from a dealer now and get something with AM Warranty for piece of mind.

In your case, the garage must of known about the clutch and brakes! A lot of people just drive the cars hard and then flog them once the bills come in.

Exactly,

But thats not to say that the only place to buy a used Vantage is a main dealer... There are a lot of people on here who really look after theyre cars and would be safe to buy from. It just does make you wonder.

I suppose that that my car has made me more wary and wouldnt want all the hassle of problems again...

I think that as long as you get it checked you will soon find out what you are buying.... Something I should have done!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Car all fixed now by Main dealer and been fully checked over and get it back Friday!!!

Good luck in your search. Dont rush into it......



I looked at 3 before I chose mine!!

[Mike Scott]

burntout said:

Exactly,

But thats not to say that the only place to buy a used Vantage is a main dealer... There are a lot of people on here who really look after theyre cars and would be safe to buy from. It just does make you wonder.

I suppose that that my car has made me more wary and wouldnt want all the hassle of problems again...

I think that as long as you get it checked you will soon find out what you are buying.... Something I should have done!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Car all fixed now by Main dealer and been fully checked over and get it back Friday!!!

Good luck in your search. Dont rush into it......



I looked at 3 before I chose mine!!

Sorry to hear of the bad experiences and I believe buying from a am dealer can be sound advice but treat as you would any other purchase as they are not always as they seem. I have had am main dealers offering to sell my car with a guaranteed value to me without even looking at it. Although you get the piece of mind with the warranty it is still a used car with Aston Martin fronting the sale but making smaller margins due not stocking the car.

Buy a vantage as you will love it but just ensure that all major works have been carried out as the bills can be expensive.

[Grant3]

Highrisedrifter said:

There is a book, written by a member of the Pistonheasds forum and featuring input from a number of other members on here that is absolutely invaluable in helping someone decide what car they want. It really opened my eyes and I would heartily recommend it.

The Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin: A Buyer's and Enthusiast's Guide to: Vantage V8 and V12 - DB9 - DBS - Roadster and Volante

Thanks H.R.D.I wouldn't have mentioned it otherwise but as the 2nd edition is being re-printed Amazon don't have it in stock, best source for the new book is its own website at http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/ or Rick at DMS still has stock I believe.... cheers

[Jockman]

Grant3 said:

Thanks H.R.D.I wouldn't have mentioned it otherwise but as the 2nd edition is being re-printed Amazon don't have it in stock, best source for the new book is its own website at http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/ or Rick at DMS still has stock I believe.... cheers

Perhaps best avoid getting Rick to post it out at the moment, eh ??

[krisdelta]

Grant3 said:

Thanks H.R.D.I wouldn't have mentioned it otherwise but as the 2nd edition is being re-printed Amazon don't have it in stock, best source for the new book is its own website at http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/ or Rick at DMS still has stock I believe.... cheers

Pre-order placed... finished printing yet?

[Highrisedrifter]

Grant3 said:

Thanks H.R.D.I wouldn't have mentioned it otherwise but as the 2nd edition is being re-printed Amazon don't have it in stock, best source for the new book is its own website at http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/ or Rick at DMS still has stock I believe.... cheers

Definite credit where credit is due, Grant. The book is bloody useful for a new buyer or even just someone interested in the new crop of Gaydon Aston Martins.