(Fairly) New Owner
Discussion
Just registered after owning my V8 Vantage for 8 months or so. It’s a 2007 4.3 in Onyx black with Obsidian interior, possibly the most common combination but the only one I wanted at the time. Not a great day to introduce myself with ‘The non-black-non-grey-non-silver thread’ running!
It’s interesting to note that the issues that I have had to date seem to be pretty common:
Outside temperature sensor not working – sensor replaced under warranty
TPMS constantly going off – replaced under warranty
Loose chrome window trim - replaced under warranty
Corrosion on doors in the usual places – reported to AM but will leave if it doesn’t worsen
Repeated warnings ‘Emissions System Service Required’ – sensor replaced under warranty
Diver’s seat belt frayed – replaced under warranty
Rear number plate mounts corroded – replaced under warranty
Screeching front brakes – AM service bulletin fix applied FOC
This sounds like a lot of trouble but it was all put right with no fuss by Stratstone AM Derby. Well worth the extra cost of buying through a dealer in my case. I even had a Cygnet as a loan car for one visit which was a laugh. It attracted lots of attention but was dire to drive on dual carriageways/motorways (OK around town though).
Fuse 22 – stayed in for 2 months, then out for 2 months, then went in again for a while. I loved the sound but was worried it sounded a bit uncouth. I no longer worry so it’s currently out and will probably stay out until the annual service is due in April.
SatNav – just not worth the effort using – my TomTom is set up permanently just to the right of the dash and is so much easier to use.
iPod/Bluetooth – mine didn’t come with either set-up and I really missed them so I got Stratstone Derby to fit a basic iPod interface. I’d previously had a Dension Gateway in an Audi A6 and this worked well with the larger MMI screen but I couldn’t see how it would work with the Aston’s very small screen. The basic solution is OK but you have to use the iPod itself to navigate the menu system which is not ideal. I wrongly thought GSM phone in the spec meant Bluetooth so made a mistake there. I have a pay-as-you-go SIM card in the car permanently and divert my phone to that number on longer journeys. It works perfectly for incoming calls – if you remember to divert.
Final barrier to posting was mastering the posting of pictures – hopefully I’ve cracked it now!
It’s interesting to note that the issues that I have had to date seem to be pretty common:
Outside temperature sensor not working – sensor replaced under warranty
TPMS constantly going off – replaced under warranty
Loose chrome window trim - replaced under warranty
Corrosion on doors in the usual places – reported to AM but will leave if it doesn’t worsen
Repeated warnings ‘Emissions System Service Required’ – sensor replaced under warranty
Diver’s seat belt frayed – replaced under warranty
Rear number plate mounts corroded – replaced under warranty
Screeching front brakes – AM service bulletin fix applied FOC
This sounds like a lot of trouble but it was all put right with no fuss by Stratstone AM Derby. Well worth the extra cost of buying through a dealer in my case. I even had a Cygnet as a loan car for one visit which was a laugh. It attracted lots of attention but was dire to drive on dual carriageways/motorways (OK around town though).
Fuse 22 – stayed in for 2 months, then out for 2 months, then went in again for a while. I loved the sound but was worried it sounded a bit uncouth. I no longer worry so it’s currently out and will probably stay out until the annual service is due in April.
SatNav – just not worth the effort using – my TomTom is set up permanently just to the right of the dash and is so much easier to use.
iPod/Bluetooth – mine didn’t come with either set-up and I really missed them so I got Stratstone Derby to fit a basic iPod interface. I’d previously had a Dension Gateway in an Audi A6 and this worked well with the larger MMI screen but I couldn’t see how it would work with the Aston’s very small screen. The basic solution is OK but you have to use the iPod itself to navigate the menu system which is not ideal. I wrongly thought GSM phone in the spec meant Bluetooth so made a mistake there. I have a pay-as-you-go SIM card in the car permanently and divert my phone to that number on longer journeys. It works perfectly for incoming calls – if you remember to divert.
Final barrier to posting was mastering the posting of pictures – hopefully I’ve cracked it now!
PDC V8V said:
Just registered after owning my V8 Vantage for 8 months or so. It’s a 2007 4.3 in Onyx black with Obsidian interior, possibly the most common combination but the only one I wanted at the time. Not a great day to introduce myself with ‘The non-black-non-grey-non-silver thread’ running!
It’s interesting to note that the issues that I have had to date seem to be pretty common:
Outside temperature sensor not working – sensor replaced under warranty
TPMS constantly going off – replaced under warranty
Loose chrome window trim - replaced under warranty
Corrosion on doors in the usual places – reported to AM but will leave if it doesn’t worsen
Repeated warnings ‘Emissions System Service Required’ – sensor replaced under warranty
Diver’s seat belt frayed – replaced under warranty
Rear number plate mounts corroded – replaced under warranty
Screeching front brakes – AM service bulletin fix applied FOC
This sounds like a lot of trouble but it was all put right with no fuss by Stratstone AM Derby. Well worth the extra cost of buying through a dealer in my case. I even had a Cygnet as a loan car for one visit which was a laugh. It attracted lots of attention but was dire to drive on dual carriageways/motorways (OK around town though).
Fuse 22 – stayed in for 2 months, then out for 2 months, then went in again for a while. I loved the sound but was worried it sounded a bit uncouth. I no longer worry so it’s currently out and will probably stay out until the annual service is due in April.
SatNav – just not worth the effort using – my TomTom is set up permanently just to the right of the dash and is so much easier to use.
iPod/Bluetooth – mine didn’t come with either set-up and I really missed them so I got Stratstone Derby to fit a basic iPod interface. I’d previously had a Dension Gateway in an Audi A6 and this worked well with the larger MMI screen but I couldn’t see how it would work with the Aston’s very small screen. The basic solution is OK but you have to use the iPod itself to navigate the menu system which is not ideal. I wrongly thought GSM phone in the spec meant Bluetooth so made a mistake there. I have a pay-as-you-go SIM card in the car permanently and divert my phone to that number on longer journeys. It works perfectly for incoming calls – if you remember to divert.
Final barrier to posting was mastering the posting of pictures – hopefully I’ve cracked it now!
Been there, done that, got that T shirt. Still love the ownership experience though It’s interesting to note that the issues that I have had to date seem to be pretty common:
Outside temperature sensor not working – sensor replaced under warranty
TPMS constantly going off – replaced under warranty
Loose chrome window trim - replaced under warranty
Corrosion on doors in the usual places – reported to AM but will leave if it doesn’t worsen
Repeated warnings ‘Emissions System Service Required’ – sensor replaced under warranty
Diver’s seat belt frayed – replaced under warranty
Rear number plate mounts corroded – replaced under warranty
Screeching front brakes – AM service bulletin fix applied FOC
This sounds like a lot of trouble but it was all put right with no fuss by Stratstone AM Derby. Well worth the extra cost of buying through a dealer in my case. I even had a Cygnet as a loan car for one visit which was a laugh. It attracted lots of attention but was dire to drive on dual carriageways/motorways (OK around town though).
Fuse 22 – stayed in for 2 months, then out for 2 months, then went in again for a while. I loved the sound but was worried it sounded a bit uncouth. I no longer worry so it’s currently out and will probably stay out until the annual service is due in April.
SatNav – just not worth the effort using – my TomTom is set up permanently just to the right of the dash and is so much easier to use.
iPod/Bluetooth – mine didn’t come with either set-up and I really missed them so I got Stratstone Derby to fit a basic iPod interface. I’d previously had a Dension Gateway in an Audi A6 and this worked well with the larger MMI screen but I couldn’t see how it would work with the Aston’s very small screen. The basic solution is OK but you have to use the iPod itself to navigate the menu system which is not ideal. I wrongly thought GSM phone in the spec meant Bluetooth so made a mistake there. I have a pay-as-you-go SIM card in the car permanently and divert my phone to that number on longer journeys. It works perfectly for incoming calls – if you remember to divert.
Final barrier to posting was mastering the posting of pictures – hopefully I’ve cracked it now!
PDC V8V said:
It does seem a fairly common experience but once you get in and drive it its all forgotten.
By the way, is that Stratstone Derby's DBS in your profile picture? I've been lusting after that for months - you haven't bought it have you?
I actually bought the one from Stratsone Cardiff as it was a year younger with less miles. Same colour though. I see the Derby one is now sold as well. I still haven't taken a decent pic of mine since I bought it...just this one!!! By the way, is that Stratstone Derby's DBS in your profile picture? I've been lusting after that for months - you haven't bought it have you?
I have spent far too many hours in the garage with Autoglyms High Definition Wax! It's part of the bonding process.
I bought it with 18000 miles on so, like you, would have expected the niggles to have been sorted. Stratstone Derby fixed them all though with no issues so fair play to them. It's now running beautifully so I'm looking forward to the weather improving and getting around a bit more.
I bought it with 18000 miles on so, like you, would have expected the niggles to have been sorted. Stratstone Derby fixed them all though with no issues so fair play to them. It's now running beautifully so I'm looking forward to the weather improving and getting around a bit more.
PDC V8V said:
I have spent far too many hours in the garage with Autoglyms High Definition Wax! It's part of the bonding process.
I bought it with 18000 miles on so, like you, would have expected the niggles to have been sorted. Stratstone Derby fixed them all though with no issues so fair play to them. It's now running beautifully so I'm looking forward to the weather improving and getting around a bit more.
Me again. Is there any reason you use Derby not Stuorbridge? I had my old V8V looked after at works service which was OK but would rather use the supplying dealerI bought it with 18000 miles on so, like you, would have expected the niggles to have been sorted. Stratstone Derby fixed them all though with no issues so fair play to them. It's now running beautifully so I'm looking forward to the weather improving and getting around a bit more.
Aston Martin Hagley is about 5 minutes from where I live and was the first port of call when I was looking to buy. They didn't quite have what I was looking for and Stratstone Derby had a couple of V8 Vantages that looked just right. I ended up buying the higher mileage one of the 2 as it was in much better condition (18K vs 10K if I remember).
As I bought from Derby I went back to them with the issues but suspect that I could have made life easier by going to Hagley. However, I quite enjoy the longer drive to Derby; sometimes you need an excuse for a journey.
So, no mysterious reason not to use AM Hagley, just haven't needed to yet. Reading this board over the last few months I haven't seen any feedback on Hagley which probably means they're fine (no news is good news).
As I bought from Derby I went back to them with the issues but suspect that I could have made life easier by going to Hagley. However, I quite enjoy the longer drive to Derby; sometimes you need an excuse for a journey.
So, no mysterious reason not to use AM Hagley, just haven't needed to yet. Reading this board over the last few months I haven't seen any feedback on Hagley which probably means they're fine (no news is good news).
LukeyLikey said:
Requoted your op, without the words! That picture just deserves it, I mean, look at it - it's absolutely gorgeous! Aston paint finishes are exceptional and your pic shows it. 
At the risk of upsetting the black/grey/silver nay-sayers you can't beat black for a good shine! Its the reason I had to have mine in Onyx Black despite seeing some lower mileage/higher spec examples in other colours. That and a 30 year history of only buying blue or black cars - OK it is a bit boring.That car is actually quite dirty and in need of a wash - I think the light is flattering it.
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