Buying an Aston for the first time

[Happy D]

Hi All

I am planning on buying a used Vantage V8 in the next month or two.

I am upgrading from a Porsche 911.

Was hoping for some advice from the people who know??

Was looking at buying an 55 to 07 plate! Anything I should be on the look out for?

Any preferred places to purchase?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Highrisedrifter]

Good choice

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Get this. Don't ask why, just get it, it's amazing - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Lots of threads over the last few months on the topic of purchasing too.

[JaseB]

One of the very few bad things is check for bubbling paint round the door handle!

[LordBretSinclair]

Happy D said:

Hi All

I am upgrading from a Porsche 911.

Good choice of language, you'll do well on this forum

[Greenslade]

Watch out for a failing thermostat / and that the door locking modules work

[SL500UK]

Have you test driven a 4.3? They are different to 996s and 997s, a little less responsive on the throttle but certainly no slug, especially if driven hard. If after your test drive, you're still interested then you won;t look back.

Personally, I would pay the extra and buy from a main dealer as they prepare their cars pretty well and should address any issues that you might come across in your first year's ownership.

[nw28840]

I did this in Feb , went from a 996 C4S Cab to a 55 plate V8V.

Just had to experience ownership of an Aston and at the prices you can get them for now , I couldn't resist !!

Bought privately, no warranty with the car and it's been a very positive experience so far.
Gonna miss Rick at DMS though...........

Although i do miss open top driving and will own another 911 in the future.

[Happy D]

Hi Guys

Thanks for all the responses.

I will certainly be purchasing the book and aim to be driving some Aston's in the next couple of weeks.

Hopefully ending in a late xmas present to myself!

[alxce]

I am another who went from a 996C4S to a V8V (via an M3) and trust me, you won't regret it. Just sit in one and you will very quickly see a world of difference between 996/997 interiors and that of the V8V, and let's face it that's where you should be spending most of your time. And you get a soundtrack that is unmatched by most cars on the UK roads until you get into the world of 360CS and Gallardo.

[Cipo]

PM sent!

[cayman-black]

LordBretSinclair said:

Good choice of language, you'll do well on this forum

Ha was thinking the same! Hope the Porsche boys dont read this!

[paddy328]

If mr cipo still has his car up for sale, buy that one. No need to shop around, job done and welcome to the forum....

[bogie]

not much difference in model years really from Jan 06 to 07, so if you can find a low mile good nick car the earlier the better, for cheaper

no point spending £5K more for a year off the reg in an identical car ..especially when pre March 2006 road tax is nearer £200 than the £400 of a later model

so get a good early one, and save your cash for upgrades later, or a 4.7 in a few years

best bet is to buy Grants book here http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/

£20 well spent - you will be an expert and know what you are looking for after reading that

[burntout]

Make sure you have your new car inspected 1st, there are people out there who will go and look at the car for you.

Look for something with an extended warranty or buy from a main dealer..

You could buy one and it be fine, but trust me, if you buy one with a failing clutch, or some other hidden nasties it could end up costing you.

Most important is getting the vehicle inspected. I wish I had done so when buying mine.

Read this.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Highrisedrifter]

Happy D said:

I will certainly be purchasing the book and aim to be driving some Aston's in the next couple of weeks.

Good lad, it's an absolute goldmine of information and the best way of finding all about the new era Aston range. Well worth £20.

The first 1000 cars had slightly higher quality parts fitted to them I believe (before the finance department intervened) so an early one might be a good idea. The main revisions between 06 and 07 was the introduction of roadster, Sportshift transmission and a change in seats. So if you're looking for a manual coupe, the seats are the only major change, and the older seats are still perfectly fine.

[Happy D]

Book has been purchased and now waiting for delivery.....

Might spend the weekend visiting Aston's to get a feel for them!
Although to be honest I am worried as soon as I get in one I am just going to buy it!

Then the week reading the book!

Before making that purchase in the January sales!

If anybody has any more information please keep it coming....

Thanks

[julian1963]

Great choice!
Check the paint around door handles and also the chrome on the side strakes. Replaced by the dealer before purchase on my car.
History is crucial and can be checked by the dealers in a few seconds on their computer.
Fuel trap had seized on mine too.
Can't part with my old 993 but V8V is a different car.
Definitely an upgrade!

Happy D said:

Hi All
.I am planning on buying a used Vantage V8 in the next month or two.

I am upgrading from a Porsche 911.

Was hoping for some advice from the people who know??

Was looking at buying an 55 to 07 plate! Anything I should be on the look out for?

Any preferred places to purchase?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Slarti]

LordBretSinclair said:

Good choice of language, you'll do well on this forum

I moved from a 997 c2 cab to a 4. V8v in September. Very different experience. Not as sharp or as responsive as my 997 was so probably less fun to drive but I'm shallow and like way I looks. Oh, much thirstier than a 997 too - watch out for that.