More FAQ questions, looking at v8 roadster purchase?...
Discussion
I'm a newbie in the Aston section so please be gentle 
I'm looking at potentially purchasing (privately) 07-09 v8 roadster but I have additional questions as follows -
Is there a central contact number for AM to confirm things like vehicle specification and what dealer visits the car has had for servicing/warranty work etc?
Servicing - I understand servicing is 10k/yearly, but is there a cycle ie minor/major/minor any biggies to look out for?
Warranty - is it bumper to bumper like Porsche, what are the costs for extending, does the car need to be inspected for warrant ext, any important exceptions. I intend to buy a car with existing warranty that I will extend before expiry.
Brakes - roughly when should pads (+ discs) require changing, rough costs? Any disc issues?
Tyres - are they AM specific like porsche N rated items, thus also needed for warranty extension?
Petrol - super unleaded only? Average cost to fill, average no of miles to empty?
Options - any nice things to look out for? Any essentials? Some ads mention N400, I presume these are AM approved upgrades....worth the extra outlay?
Insurance - any issues trying to insure a 50k motor? Is anybody on admiral multicar, any issues?
Day to day - anything else to consider for a car that would be used daily?
I look forward to the answers and appreciate any help.
Cheers
Max
I'm looking at potentially purchasing (privately) 07-09 v8 roadster but I have additional questions as follows -
Is there a central contact number for AM to confirm things like vehicle specification and what dealer visits the car has had for servicing/warranty work etc?
Servicing - I understand servicing is 10k/yearly, but is there a cycle ie minor/major/minor any biggies to look out for?
Warranty - is it bumper to bumper like Porsche, what are the costs for extending, does the car need to be inspected for warrant ext, any important exceptions. I intend to buy a car with existing warranty that I will extend before expiry.
Brakes - roughly when should pads (+ discs) require changing, rough costs? Any disc issues?
Tyres - are they AM specific like porsche N rated items, thus also needed for warranty extension?
Petrol - super unleaded only? Average cost to fill, average no of miles to empty?
Options - any nice things to look out for? Any essentials? Some ads mention N400, I presume these are AM approved upgrades....worth the extra outlay?
Insurance - any issues trying to insure a 50k motor? Is anybody on admiral multicar, any issues?
Day to day - anything else to consider for a car that would be used daily?
I look forward to the answers and appreciate any help.
Cheers
Max
I can't answer most of your questions but I do know a lot of what you ask has already been covered in various threads on here in the not too distant past.
The N400 is the 4.3 engine with the 400BHP power upgrade 'Nurburgring special'. It's certainly a fine car but the overall consensus seems to be that as the N400 is usually a premium over the 4.3, in many cases it brings it into 4.7 MY09 territory, which has a 420BHP engine and pretty much most of the refinements of the N400 plus a lot of upgrades too. The 4.7 seems to be the one to go for if you can stretch to that. Of course, if you like the exclusivity of the N400 then you certainly wont regret that decision; it's a bloody fine car.
Must have options include - Satnav (even though most people think it's rubbish). The Sports pack will bring it closer to the handling of the N400 which I believe already has the 'Sports pack' as standard. Personally, I think Bluetooth and iPod connection are must haves. You may wish to think about heated seats and memory seats too, especially if you like in a cold climate and have different people driving the car.
I would be remiss if I didn't point out the excellent book written by our very own Grant "The Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin'. It will have answers to all your questions and is a damn good read even if you just like the new era Gaydon cars. It has an extensive section on buying and what to check for and even stories from a few PH Aston owners. You won't regret buying that book. Check the sticky thread at the top of the Aston forum.
The N400 is the 4.3 engine with the 400BHP power upgrade 'Nurburgring special'. It's certainly a fine car but the overall consensus seems to be that as the N400 is usually a premium over the 4.3, in many cases it brings it into 4.7 MY09 territory, which has a 420BHP engine and pretty much most of the refinements of the N400 plus a lot of upgrades too. The 4.7 seems to be the one to go for if you can stretch to that. Of course, if you like the exclusivity of the N400 then you certainly wont regret that decision; it's a bloody fine car.
Must have options include - Satnav (even though most people think it's rubbish). The Sports pack will bring it closer to the handling of the N400 which I believe already has the 'Sports pack' as standard. Personally, I think Bluetooth and iPod connection are must haves. You may wish to think about heated seats and memory seats too, especially if you like in a cold climate and have different people driving the car.
I would be remiss if I didn't point out the excellent book written by our very own Grant "The Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin'. It will have answers to all your questions and is a damn good read even if you just like the new era Gaydon cars. It has an extensive section on buying and what to check for and even stories from a few PH Aston owners. You won't regret buying that book. Check the sticky thread at the top of the Aston forum.
max b said:
I'm a newbie in the Aston section so please be gentle
I'm looking at potentially purchasing (privately) 07-09 v8 roadster but I have additional questions as follows -
Is there a central contact number for AM to confirm things like vehicle specification and what dealer visits the car has had for servicing/warranty work etc?
Servicing - I understand servicing is 10k/yearly, but is there a cycle ie minor/major/minor any biggies to look out for?
Warranty - is it bumper to bumper like Porsche, what are the costs for extending, does the car need to be inspected for warrant ext, any important exceptions. I intend to buy a car with existing warranty that I will extend before expiry.
Brakes - roughly when should pads (+ discs) require changing, rough costs? Any disc issues?
Tyres - are they AM specific like porsche N rated items, thus also needed for warranty extension?
Petrol - super unleaded only? Average cost to fill, average no of miles to empty?
Options - any nice things to look out for? Any essentials? Some ads mention N400, I presume these are AM approved upgrades....worth the extra outlay?
Insurance - any issues trying to insure a 50k motor? Is anybody on admiral multicar, any issues?
Day to day - anything else to consider for a car that would be used daily?
I look forward to the answers and appreciate any help.
Cheers
Max
Service - do a search on here it is a 4 year cycle - inspection, minor, inspection, major IIRC. Free issue your oil and if the car is older than 3 years consider an indie.I'm looking at potentially purchasing (privately) 07-09 v8 roadster but I have additional questions as follows -
Is there a central contact number for AM to confirm things like vehicle specification and what dealer visits the car has had for servicing/warranty work etc?
Servicing - I understand servicing is 10k/yearly, but is there a cycle ie minor/major/minor any biggies to look out for?
Warranty - is it bumper to bumper like Porsche, what are the costs for extending, does the car need to be inspected for warrant ext, any important exceptions. I intend to buy a car with existing warranty that I will extend before expiry.
Brakes - roughly when should pads (+ discs) require changing, rough costs? Any disc issues?
Tyres - are they AM specific like porsche N rated items, thus also needed for warranty extension?
Petrol - super unleaded only? Average cost to fill, average no of miles to empty?
Options - any nice things to look out for? Any essentials? Some ads mention N400, I presume these are AM approved upgrades....worth the extra outlay?
Insurance - any issues trying to insure a 50k motor? Is anybody on admiral multicar, any issues?
Day to day - anything else to consider for a car that would be used daily?
I look forward to the answers and appreciate any help.
Cheers
Max
Warranty - upto 3 years is a very good factory warrtany. Beyond that is a "badged" 3rd part waranty with a fair few exclusions.
Brakes - pads & discs don't seem to get changed too often! Rear handbrake pads can drag causing noise and premature wear. Steel discs get some surface rust across the unswept areas.
Tyres - Bridgstone RE050 AM9 fitment, had them on both mine and other cars - good all round tyre, change at 3mm wear as they lose grip quick after that. Valves & sensors are £120 each from AM so don't break them or switch the TPMS off and go back to normal valves!
Petrol - with the knock control the V8 runs fine on anything. I only put 95 in my last one I've always put 98 in the S unless I couldn't find it. I still cannot feel a difference between the two! ~£90 a tank and 250 miles!
Options - most have SatNav though it is an option, leave it off
Premium audio is good, HID's are nice on early cars. Sports Pack is a must if you want to throw it around. Other than that they are icing on the cake! Many like clear lights and N400 sills but they can be retrofitted. If you are going to mod it talk to Bamford Rose first Insurance - Admiral multicar has converted a fair few of us from Locktons the AMOC approved insurer.
Day to day - don't reverse too much especially not uphill the gear is too tall (more like 2nd) be prepared for the noise and every journey taking ALOT longer
Thaks for the info so far
4.7 I think is going to out of my price range and sport models seem very thin on the ground, looking at prices a 08 plate should be achievable.
Do we know what the cost of extending the warranty is on a car that already has it? And the cost of the 140 check?
Looking at the main AM site it suggests a 140 point check would be required and a premium warranty should be available until vehicle is 5 years of age, after that you go to a named component warranty.
Also is the service cycle irrespective of mileage, ie 07 plate cars should have had the major service done based on time (4 years) or is servicing based on mileage?
And is there a central number anywhere to call with AM to validate any individual car info about specs the car left the factory with and when/where dealerships the car has visited for servicing/warranty work?
Thanks again
4.7 I think is going to out of my price range and sport models seem very thin on the ground, looking at prices a 08 plate should be achievable.
Do we know what the cost of extending the warranty is on a car that already has it? And the cost of the 140 check?
Looking at the main AM site it suggests a 140 point check would be required and a premium warranty should be available until vehicle is 5 years of age, after that you go to a named component warranty.
Also is the service cycle irrespective of mileage, ie 07 plate cars should have had the major service done based on time (4 years) or is servicing based on mileage?
And is there a central number anywhere to call with AM to validate any individual car info about specs the car left the factory with and when/where dealerships the car has visited for servicing/warranty work?
Thanks again
I've only just got mine, so can't answer the running questions, but in terms of options, best bet is to guy Grant's book, and see which ones you'd like. He describes them all in detail.
For insurance, I found Lockton's to be really, really good. Almost £1000 cheaper than my previous insurer (who were the best for Porsches), with better terms, and extremely helpful. The Aston is my only car, so Admiral Multicar wouldn't make much sense
- Steve
For insurance, I found Lockton's to be really, really good. Almost £1000 cheaper than my previous insurer (who were the best for Porsches), with better terms, and extremely helpful. The Aston is my only car, so Admiral Multicar wouldn't make much sense
- Steve
For insurance I would try A Plan, £600 pa, which was considerably cheaper than Lockton's. I have just had my 4.7 sports pack and sportshift for a month. I found one from Grange Brentwood with less than 5,000 miles on the clock, I paid £53.5K in the end which included 12 months warranty. I suggest you look hard, identify the spec/model you want and then when the car doesn't sell very quickly start the discussion with the dealer. I didn't get a Teddy Bear though!, It has been a great month with some terrific drives, I came down the Fosse from Leicester to Gaydon, with a huge smile! Although today I drove my '36 Lagonda with just the aero screens and slightly damp B Roads, that was fun too, it makes rather more noise that the Aston but in a more gruff and aggressive way 
, It has been a great month with some terrific drives, I came down the Fosse from Leicester to Gaydon, with a huge smile! Although today I drove my '36 Lagonda with just the aero screens and slightly damp B Roads, that was fun too, it makes rather more noise that the Aston but in a more gruff and aggressive way I just thought I'd bring my post up to date for anybody else considering buying who might have questions. Thanks to everybody that has replied with help. Mods you may want to add this info to the FAQ section?
Is there a central contact number for AM to confirm things like vehicle specification and what dealer visits the car has had for servicing/warranty work etc?
I haven't manage to confirm this yet but on dealer cars most seem happy to confirm servicing and warranty background.
Servicing - I understand servicing is 10k/yearly, but is there a cycle ie minor/major/minor any biggies to look out for?
yes, every 10k or 12 months, some cars seem to have had a running in service at 3 months but I haven't managed to confirm if there is a mileage limit on this
Warranty - is it bumper to bumper like Porsche, what are the costs for extending, does the car need to be inspected for warrant ext, any important exceptions. I intend to buy a car with existing warranty that I will extend before expiry.
you have to pay for a 140 point inspection, circa 2 hours labour, correct any items that need rectifying and then warranty extension is about £1300
Brakes - roughly when should pads (+ discs) require changing, rough costs? Any disc issues?
not managed to confirm
Tyres - are they AM specific like porsche N rated items, thus also needed for warranty extension?
I think for warranty purposes you need to have 'AM' rated tyres
Petrol - super unleaded only? Average cost to fill, average no of miles to empty?
super preferred, circa £80 to fill, 250 miles
Options - any nice things to look out for? Any essentials? Some ads mention N400, I presume these are AM approved upgrades....worth the extra outlay?
n400 items are factory upgrades, which can include engine, body parts etc. 4.3 power is uplifted to circa 400 bhp but with lots more torque
The above are just answers I managed to find out, please do your own research and not rely on the above information exclusively.
Max (soon to be v8v roadster owner hopefully)
Is there a central contact number for AM to confirm things like vehicle specification and what dealer visits the car has had for servicing/warranty work etc?
I haven't manage to confirm this yet but on dealer cars most seem happy to confirm servicing and warranty background.
Servicing - I understand servicing is 10k/yearly, but is there a cycle ie minor/major/minor any biggies to look out for?
yes, every 10k or 12 months, some cars seem to have had a running in service at 3 months but I haven't managed to confirm if there is a mileage limit on this
Warranty - is it bumper to bumper like Porsche, what are the costs for extending, does the car need to be inspected for warrant ext, any important exceptions. I intend to buy a car with existing warranty that I will extend before expiry.
you have to pay for a 140 point inspection, circa 2 hours labour, correct any items that need rectifying and then warranty extension is about £1300
Brakes - roughly when should pads (+ discs) require changing, rough costs? Any disc issues?
not managed to confirm
Tyres - are they AM specific like porsche N rated items, thus also needed for warranty extension?
I think for warranty purposes you need to have 'AM' rated tyres
Petrol - super unleaded only? Average cost to fill, average no of miles to empty?
super preferred, circa £80 to fill, 250 miles
Options - any nice things to look out for? Any essentials? Some ads mention N400, I presume these are AM approved upgrades....worth the extra outlay?
n400 items are factory upgrades, which can include engine, body parts etc. 4.3 power is uplifted to circa 400 bhp but with lots more torque
The above are just answers I managed to find out, please do your own research and not rely on the above information exclusively.
Max (soon to be v8v roadster owner hopefully)
re pads n discs - not many cars out there to be statistically significant, but im on my 2nd set of discs n pads
front pads lasted until 30k miles on first set
rears lasted 35K
hand brake pads done at 35k
discs at 35K
still on 2nd set at 61K miles with plenty left ....but havnt done any trackdays in it over last few years and I did 2 full days in the first 30K miles
so not too bad IME for a car of this size....
front pads lasted until 30k miles on first set
rears lasted 35K
hand brake pads done at 35k
discs at 35K
still on 2nd set at 61K miles with plenty left ....but havnt done any trackdays in it over last few years and I did 2 full days in the first 30K miles
so not too bad IME for a car of this size....
max b said:
n400 items are factory upgrades, which can include engine, body parts etc. 4.3 power is uplifted to circa 400 bhp but with lots more torque
FWIW, the torque peak only rises 7 lbs/ft. (from 302 to 309 at the same rpm), though many people report that the difference feels like more than that.Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff