Swap to a V8V?
Discussion
I've always had a hankering for a V8 Vantage ('05 - '17) as the sense of occasion and theatre with every trip I think needs to be experienced and I've never had a V8 of any flavour and I've the means to get one now.
I've got a 2023 GR86 which I could easily sell for £30k ish which could be swapped for a nice 4.3 or even a 4.7 if I read Autotrader carefully.
I currently have a 2016 Focus RS from new which is the garage queen if you like with the GR86 being the everyday commuting car. This could be swapped around and the Focus used everyday and the V8V for weekend fun.
I'm aware of the single plate / twin plate clutch discussion and the near £1k annual servicing for the V8V but I feel it's a itch I need to scratch. I've poured over my copy of "The Definitive Guide - to new Gaydon era - Aston Martin" by Grant Neal for years wondering "what if"
Am I mad to even think this is a viable scenario? Is it going to be a money pit? Am I not going to get much more fun with the V8V (bar the noise which is a major draw) compared to the "fun at low speed" GR86?
I've got a 2023 GR86 which I could easily sell for £30k ish which could be swapped for a nice 4.3 or even a 4.7 if I read Autotrader carefully.
I currently have a 2016 Focus RS from new which is the garage queen if you like with the GR86 being the everyday commuting car. This could be swapped around and the Focus used everyday and the V8V for weekend fun.
I'm aware of the single plate / twin plate clutch discussion and the near £1k annual servicing for the V8V but I feel it's a itch I need to scratch. I've poured over my copy of "The Definitive Guide - to new Gaydon era - Aston Martin" by Grant Neal for years wondering "what if"
Am I mad to even think this is a viable scenario? Is it going to be a money pit? Am I not going to get much more fun with the V8V (bar the noise which is a major draw) compared to the "fun at low speed" GR86?
Interesting conundrum and welcome to the AM corner of PH.
The standard advice with exotics like AM is to buy the best you can afford - it helps avoid hidden big bills down the line. You are after all considering a near 20yr old exotic where parts prices and service/repair costs have the ability to make your eyes water compared to what you may be used to. An initial concern is that you appear used to relatively modern stuff, early 4.3 V8V (especially unmodified) while given you the sonic swagger, might ultimately end up being a little bit of a let down for you, especially dynamically. The raw material is there, but money does have to be spent to get the earlier Vantages performing properly, especially for a spirited driver.
In your position…
If you want the best V8V, I’d sell both current cars, while they command a reasonable value and get into the best and most special and latest V8V you can. Post 12.25 or N430/S. Then just buy anything for the commute..
If it is a hard 30k budget, don’t expect that going for the cheaper end of the 4.7 market will yield you anything other than something that is likely to need cash spent before you even getting into the usual clutch/suspension/exhaust upgrades to make them perform as they should.
Just remember it’s a different world to what you are used to. Many of us (including me) learn the hard way that there really is no such thing as a cheap Aston.
As a newbie to the marque a PPI on any potential purchase will be money well spent. Best of luck to you.
The standard advice with exotics like AM is to buy the best you can afford - it helps avoid hidden big bills down the line. You are after all considering a near 20yr old exotic where parts prices and service/repair costs have the ability to make your eyes water compared to what you may be used to. An initial concern is that you appear used to relatively modern stuff, early 4.3 V8V (especially unmodified) while given you the sonic swagger, might ultimately end up being a little bit of a let down for you, especially dynamically. The raw material is there, but money does have to be spent to get the earlier Vantages performing properly, especially for a spirited driver.
In your position…
If you want the best V8V, I’d sell both current cars, while they command a reasonable value and get into the best and most special and latest V8V you can. Post 12.25 or N430/S. Then just buy anything for the commute..
If it is a hard 30k budget, don’t expect that going for the cheaper end of the 4.7 market will yield you anything other than something that is likely to need cash spent before you even getting into the usual clutch/suspension/exhaust upgrades to make them perform as they should.
Just remember it’s a different world to what you are used to. Many of us (including me) learn the hard way that there really is no such thing as a cheap Aston.
As a newbie to the marque a PPI on any potential purchase will be money well spent. Best of luck to you.
Edited by Calinours on Wednesday 15th May 23:00
Dal3D said:
Am I mad to even think this is a viable scenario? Is it going to be a money pit? Am I not going to get much more fun with the V8V (bar the noise which is a major draw) compared to the "fun at low speed" GR86?
If you don't want to be instantly convinced, look away now.
I have owned a 2009 4.7 Vantage for 12 years.
It has always been a keeper and is used as an occasional enjoyable drive car.
Bi-annual servicing (£500 ish per year)
It sleeps during the winter, so half cost road tax.
Insurance last year £268.
The only out of service parts required:- twin plate clutch; air con radiator; door damper.
Depreciation has been surprisingly modest.
4.7 had many improvements, importantly, more torque and better dampers.
An up to 2010 car enables the possibility of more exhaust sound (can be muted at all engine speeds) with no visible alterations.
20 years after launch, they still look so beautiful.
Have a look through recent posts. An owner was contemplating selling a 2010, 30,000 miles.
I would describe myself as an ultra cautious person, and entered the world of Aston Martin exactly 2 years and 2 days ago. As Calinours has stated there is no such thing as a cheap Aston Martin. I drive mine every weekend, I think the longest period has been 10 days when it didn't stop raining.
I bought from franchise dealer, and still have the Timeless warranty, but the costs have been quite amazing over the last 2 years, however a lot of my work has been advisory, but with the way I am I like to get everything sorted and be in tip top shape, so I tend to get things resolved as soon as they are identified rather than postpone.
For example, I scratched the piano black dashboard, and hated it every time I got in the car, so that has been replaced, at £1,100.
I now budget £6k per year, for servicing and maintenance, after 2 years of ownership, some may think that is excessive, but you only need one big ticket item to blow that away such as a clutch or brakes etc. Even the parcel shelf if you need a new one is £1800. Last year I had the clutch done, and this year all the disc rotors and pads.
On top of that, VED is just short of £700, and insurance generally £400 a year.
Don't forget the other items, such as battery conditioner, or oil needed for the top up, and then you get into other areas, such as t shirts or magazines, or even the owners club, all optional, but it does add up.
However, owning an Aston Martin is a wonderful thing, and all the costs get blown away when you get in, and turn on the engine, its just wonderful, I love that car so much, and all that it brings. Even the wife loves it, and we have such great times, and the Aston community is really friendly.
As I say when the huge bill comes in, if they were cheap to run everyone would have one!!
Kev
I bought from franchise dealer, and still have the Timeless warranty, but the costs have been quite amazing over the last 2 years, however a lot of my work has been advisory, but with the way I am I like to get everything sorted and be in tip top shape, so I tend to get things resolved as soon as they are identified rather than postpone.
For example, I scratched the piano black dashboard, and hated it every time I got in the car, so that has been replaced, at £1,100.
I now budget £6k per year, for servicing and maintenance, after 2 years of ownership, some may think that is excessive, but you only need one big ticket item to blow that away such as a clutch or brakes etc. Even the parcel shelf if you need a new one is £1800. Last year I had the clutch done, and this year all the disc rotors and pads.
On top of that, VED is just short of £700, and insurance generally £400 a year.
Don't forget the other items, such as battery conditioner, or oil needed for the top up, and then you get into other areas, such as t shirts or magazines, or even the owners club, all optional, but it does add up.
However, owning an Aston Martin is a wonderful thing, and all the costs get blown away when you get in, and turn on the engine, its just wonderful, I love that car so much, and all that it brings. Even the wife loves it, and we have such great times, and the Aston community is really friendly.
As I say when the huge bill comes in, if they were cheap to run everyone would have one!!
Kev
Edited by kevin_cambs_uk on Thursday 16th May 08:35
Buy one. You've had the itch for this long, you need to scratch it. There is your answer.
Right, now that is out of the way you can keep reading if you want to.
I had my early 4.3 V8V for 2 years and used it as a daily, and it was perfectly suitable for those duties. It was one of the more reliable exotic cars I have had; there were niggles and I did spend money on maintainance but it was a fundamentally reliable car. I replaced it with a DB9 which was a significant step up in terms of running costs.
If you take it to a good independant, are prepared to source some parts yourself or, better still, do some of the small jobs yourself, then it really need not be especially expensive to run one. "Especially" being relative of course, I'd still assume 4 figures each year with a decent pot for any big repairs. The thread on here for alternative parts is a goldmine of useful information.
I have owned three Astons for a cumulative total of 6 years. I haven't taken any to a main dealer very often, but when I have they have lived up to their reputation for finding a shopping list of things to charge eye watering amounts for. My Astons were expensive but not ruinous to run, but had I taken them to a main dealer every year and just accepted everything they suggested I would have been bankrupt. Some examples; the sat nav screen lifter gears went which is a common fault. They wanted almost £400, but I bought the replacement myself for £25 and fitted in an hour after watching a youtube video. They tried to charge me £100 for a cabin air filter that can be bought for £10 and fitted in under 5 minutes, literally just slipping the old one out and sliding in the new one. They also tried to charge me a hours labour for changing a set of wheel nuts when the wheels were already off the car for replacement brake pads. I could go on, but the point is don't get caught up looking at repair costs from anyone who goes to a main dealer, as they operate on another planet.
Right, now that is out of the way you can keep reading if you want to.
I had my early 4.3 V8V for 2 years and used it as a daily, and it was perfectly suitable for those duties. It was one of the more reliable exotic cars I have had; there were niggles and I did spend money on maintainance but it was a fundamentally reliable car. I replaced it with a DB9 which was a significant step up in terms of running costs.
If you take it to a good independant, are prepared to source some parts yourself or, better still, do some of the small jobs yourself, then it really need not be especially expensive to run one. "Especially" being relative of course, I'd still assume 4 figures each year with a decent pot for any big repairs. The thread on here for alternative parts is a goldmine of useful information.
I have owned three Astons for a cumulative total of 6 years. I haven't taken any to a main dealer very often, but when I have they have lived up to their reputation for finding a shopping list of things to charge eye watering amounts for. My Astons were expensive but not ruinous to run, but had I taken them to a main dealer every year and just accepted everything they suggested I would have been bankrupt. Some examples; the sat nav screen lifter gears went which is a common fault. They wanted almost £400, but I bought the replacement myself for £25 and fitted in an hour after watching a youtube video. They tried to charge me £100 for a cabin air filter that can be bought for £10 and fitted in under 5 minutes, literally just slipping the old one out and sliding in the new one. They also tried to charge me a hours labour for changing a set of wheel nuts when the wheels were already off the car for replacement brake pads. I could go on, but the point is don't get caught up looking at repair costs from anyone who goes to a main dealer, as they operate on another planet.
Dewi 2 said:
Dal3D said:
Am I mad to even think this is a viable scenario? Is it going to be a money pit? Am I not going to get much more fun with the V8V (bar the noise which is a major draw) compared to the "fun at low speed" GR86?
If you don't want to be instantly convinced, look away now.
I have owned a 2009 4.7 Vantage for 12 years.
It has always been a keeper and is used as an occasional enjoyable drive car.
Bi-annual servicing (£500 ish per year)
It sleeps during the winter, so half cost road tax.
Insurance last year £268.
The only out of service parts required:- twin plate clutch; air con radiator; door damper.
Depreciation has been surprisingly modest.
4.7 had many improvements, importantly, more torque and better dampers.
An up to 2010 car enables the possibility of more exhaust sound (can be muted at all engine speeds) with no visible alterations.
20 years after launch, they still look so beautiful.
Have a look through recent posts. An owner was contemplating selling a 2010, 30,000 miles.
You should be able to pick up a higher mileage 4.7 for your budget. Don’t be scared of higher miles, many posts on here attest to these cars being better if used often! I’ve had mine between 50 and 60k miles and over 4 years to date haven’t had much in the way of maintenance expense except oil services and tyres
Edited by geresey on Thursday 16th May 10:55
Thanks everyone for you contributions in twisting my arm further up my back to wanting one!
I guess it's just the unknown of a new marque that's put me off and the scare stories of big bills. But if a well looked after example is there with obvious care and attention to detail in it's servicing history then there should be little to worry about. (With an emergency fund in place)
This one looks good to me with it's Bamford Rose stamped service book and honest advert;
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16262368
I guess it's just the unknown of a new marque that's put me off and the scare stories of big bills. But if a well looked after example is there with obvious care and attention to detail in it's servicing history then there should be little to worry about. (With an emergency fund in place)
This one looks good to me with it's Bamford Rose stamped service book and honest advert;
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16262368
I’d suggest a “2012.25” MY car, S or non-S from an AM main dealer or reputable independent who will give a genuine 1 year warranty matching AM’s Timeless warranty (which is typically very much worth the paper it’s written on).
Both S and non-S can be spec’d with Sports or Comfort suspension (I’d recommend the latter on poorly surfaced UK roads).
You’re not going to notice the extra 10bhp of the S. Get a secondary de-cat (it remains legal, even MD’s in the UK offer it) and you get that power back and a much better exhaust note. With the secondary decat, I personally prefer the burble of the standard non-S exhaust.
The 2012.25 update happened on both the S and non-S models with improved steering column rigidity and lots of other minor tweaks that headlined on the S model.
Don’t dismiss the SportShift II gearbox. I had both and I prefer the SS ‘box over the manual. Just don’t think it’s a full auto. And it’s cheaper due to the media hammering an ill judged narrative for years.
Don’t necessarily go for the cheapest, but don’t fear higher mileage cars (40k miles or more). They can easily take it if maintained and they’ve proven to be robust cars. Just ensure it’s got reputable service history and it has that initial year warranty. Things can and do slip by inspections.
Good luck - a good move, I’d say!
Both S and non-S can be spec’d with Sports or Comfort suspension (I’d recommend the latter on poorly surfaced UK roads).
You’re not going to notice the extra 10bhp of the S. Get a secondary de-cat (it remains legal, even MD’s in the UK offer it) and you get that power back and a much better exhaust note. With the secondary decat, I personally prefer the burble of the standard non-S exhaust.
The 2012.25 update happened on both the S and non-S models with improved steering column rigidity and lots of other minor tweaks that headlined on the S model.
Don’t dismiss the SportShift II gearbox. I had both and I prefer the SS ‘box over the manual. Just don’t think it’s a full auto. And it’s cheaper due to the media hammering an ill judged narrative for years.
Don’t necessarily go for the cheapest, but don’t fear higher mileage cars (40k miles or more). They can easily take it if maintained and they’ve proven to be robust cars. Just ensure it’s got reputable service history and it has that initial year warranty. Things can and do slip by inspections.
Good luck - a good move, I’d say!
Dal3D said:
Thanks everyone for you contributions in twisting my arm further up my back to wanting one!
I guess it's just the unknown of a new marque that's put me off and the scare stories of big bills. But if a well looked after example is there with obvious care and attention to detail in it's servicing history then there should be little to worry about. (With an emergency fund in place)
This one looks good to me with it's Bamford Rose stamped service book and honest advert;
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16262368
Good choice. The owner of this was posting in this very forum about this car (mods must have deleted or removed the thread - ‘4.7 Vantage values’. I think he wanted 38k so it looks like he has dropped to a lower price post the advice from the wise heads on the forum.I guess it's just the unknown of a new marque that's put me off and the scare stories of big bills. But if a well looked after example is there with obvious care and attention to detail in it's servicing history then there should be little to worry about. (With an emergency fund in place)
This one looks good to me with it's Bamford Rose stamped service book and honest advert;
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16262368
As you say, an honest advert. Budget for a BR twin plate clutch upgrade at some point (c3k) and you won’t go far wrong with this.
Looking at what else is for sale that looks like a very good deal. Some nice cosmetic and mechanical mods too. I guess mods may not increase price by much (if anything) but that does seem like a very good price for the year/mileage. And it's a manual - which is of course the one to have 
Lots of 4.3s up for similar money of a couple of k less but they do seem to be hanging around so may be overpriced.
Probably means my 2007 car is probably worth a lot less than I would hope!
Lots of 4.3s up for similar money of a couple of k less but they do seem to be hanging around so may be overpriced.
Probably means my 2007 car is probably worth a lot less than I would hope!
Dal3D said:
Thanks everyone for you contributions in twisting my arm further up my back to wanting one!
I guess it's just the unknown of a new marque that's put me off and the scare stories of big bills. But if a well looked after example is there with obvious care and attention to detail in it's servicing history then there should be little to worry about. (With an emergency fund in place)
This one looks good to me with it's Bamford Rose stamped service book and honest advert;
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16262368
I guess it's just the unknown of a new marque that's put me off and the scare stories of big bills. But if a well looked after example is there with obvious care and attention to detail in it's servicing history then there should be little to worry about. (With an emergency fund in place)
This one looks good to me with it's Bamford Rose stamped service book and honest advert;
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16262368
OP
I am certain that this must be the Vantage owned by an AM PHer, who posted here recently.
I have the feeling that you will find this is a very well cared for car. BR are amongst the best for maintaining AMs (very thorough) and the asking price is a 'steal' in this soft market. Don't worry about clutches. Some here have reached 85,000 miles on the original clutch, mine unusually went at 15,000. There is not a pattern of early failure.
I see from the wheel type, that this car originally had the harder Sports suspension, but you will probably find that the suspension on this car is adjustable, an excellent (expensive) option. Perfect for the (now) dreadful UK road surfaces.
Edited by Dewi 2 on Friday 17th May 08:10
@OP - Just do it. There WILL be times when you regret it and there WILL be times when your wallet will be emptied.
However, every time you park it and look back as you walk away, every time you start it, every time some random other driver waves, every time a little kid points and every time you clean its gorgeous shape, you'll forgive it all the cost and hassle.
For reference, I bought a car at the cheap end of the market with high(ish) miles (just under 60k) and I knew that it would need new suspension and a subframe refurb at some point. The funds were already put aside, but after two years, I thought I'd got away with it. However a poor experience at a well-known specialist prompted me to go to a different specialist where I was eventually relieved of a five-figure sum...
If you want all the details, including the good, bad and downright ugly aspects of V8V ownership, have a look at my thread in Reader's Cars
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Obligatory photo to assist your decision-making process... ;-)
A bridge too far? by Nigel Ogram, on Flickr
However, every time you park it and look back as you walk away, every time you start it, every time some random other driver waves, every time a little kid points and every time you clean its gorgeous shape, you'll forgive it all the cost and hassle.
For reference, I bought a car at the cheap end of the market with high(ish) miles (just under 60k) and I knew that it would need new suspension and a subframe refurb at some point. The funds were already put aside, but after two years, I thought I'd got away with it. However a poor experience at a well-known specialist prompted me to go to a different specialist where I was eventually relieved of a five-figure sum...
If you want all the details, including the good, bad and downright ugly aspects of V8V ownership, have a look at my thread in Reader's Cars
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Obligatory photo to assist your decision-making process... ;-)
A bridge too far? by Nigel Ogram, on FlickrI’m afraid that all I’m really going to do is echo the very good points already made.
I had a 4.3 about 12 years ago and I loved it. It’s was a stunning car, as they all are. However, I did find the low down RPM slightly lacking, but not terrible. The interior is nice but not as nice as the post 2009 models. One thing I hated about my old 4.3 was the dated and tacky car key. You can get them revised in a new case with a flip key now, which isn’t as bad. However, the post 2009 glass key and updated interior both look beautiful. There’s such a sense of occasion as you fumble the glass key in to the ignition and feel that solid and purposeful push as it engages the slot, shortly followed by that almighty roar as the V8 bursts in to life and then settles down to a burble.
My current car is a 2012 V8V S. I suckered myself in to the S because after seeing the carbon front and rear, I couldn’t bring myself to have black plastic instead. I no doubt paid a bit more for it and have slightly harder suspension. However, she is beautiful. I’ve done 5000 miles in 6 months. I don’t believe in parking cars up. I personally have always found they are more reliable when driven. To date, the only thing I’ve replaced fault wise is the headlight, due to a blown LED. However, I had it repaired for £450, so not the end of the world. I also changed a squeaky belt, which cost me £95.
It’s already been mentioned that you should buy the best you can for the money you have, that’s exactly what I did. Don’t just buy one with a stamped up book. Get copies of the invoices so you can actually see what work has been done. Otherwise come service time you may end up paying for things that have already been done or having to take the car in later to have things done that could and should have been done during a service.
If you can’t see tin the paperwork that the engine air filters have been changed, definitely inspect and change them if required. Look on you tube for Bamford Rose air filter bingo. My car had full history and yet the filters had never been changed!
I spenta bit more than my original budget. However, the car I bought had just 2000 miles previously had new tyres, new pads and discs and a new clutch. So all the big ticket service items were already done. So far it’s made life and ownership a lot easier. I’ve had smiles for miles. So a 2012 V8VS, 44,000 miles with all those big ticket service items and it cost me 40k. Personally I think it was a bloody good deal and worth spending more than I intended.
My throw around car is a little Renault Megane GT 1.5 DCI. it cost me £1,600 and has heated seats, nav, parking sensors, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers. It’s just passed its MOT with no advisories. That cheap little thing saves me huge amounts on fuel and pays for itself, while also being a nice and easy drive. It also makes the Aston feel even more special. So maybe selling both of your cars, increasing your budget with an emergency fund tucked away, is the way to go. Just have a little run around car for every day use. It’s liberating having a cheap car that you are happy to park anywhere and not panic every time a bird dumps a load on the bonnet! lol.
Well they’re my thoughts anyway. Good luck in your search and enjoy. Keep us posted.
I had a 4.3 about 12 years ago and I loved it. It’s was a stunning car, as they all are. However, I did find the low down RPM slightly lacking, but not terrible. The interior is nice but not as nice as the post 2009 models. One thing I hated about my old 4.3 was the dated and tacky car key. You can get them revised in a new case with a flip key now, which isn’t as bad. However, the post 2009 glass key and updated interior both look beautiful. There’s such a sense of occasion as you fumble the glass key in to the ignition and feel that solid and purposeful push as it engages the slot, shortly followed by that almighty roar as the V8 bursts in to life and then settles down to a burble.
My current car is a 2012 V8V S. I suckered myself in to the S because after seeing the carbon front and rear, I couldn’t bring myself to have black plastic instead. I no doubt paid a bit more for it and have slightly harder suspension. However, she is beautiful. I’ve done 5000 miles in 6 months. I don’t believe in parking cars up. I personally have always found they are more reliable when driven. To date, the only thing I’ve replaced fault wise is the headlight, due to a blown LED. However, I had it repaired for £450, so not the end of the world. I also changed a squeaky belt, which cost me £95.
It’s already been mentioned that you should buy the best you can for the money you have, that’s exactly what I did. Don’t just buy one with a stamped up book. Get copies of the invoices so you can actually see what work has been done. Otherwise come service time you may end up paying for things that have already been done or having to take the car in later to have things done that could and should have been done during a service.
If you can’t see tin the paperwork that the engine air filters have been changed, definitely inspect and change them if required. Look on you tube for Bamford Rose air filter bingo. My car had full history and yet the filters had never been changed!
I spenta bit more than my original budget. However, the car I bought had just 2000 miles previously had new tyres, new pads and discs and a new clutch. So all the big ticket service items were already done. So far it’s made life and ownership a lot easier. I’ve had smiles for miles. So a 2012 V8VS, 44,000 miles with all those big ticket service items and it cost me 40k. Personally I think it was a bloody good deal and worth spending more than I intended.
My throw around car is a little Renault Megane GT 1.5 DCI. it cost me £1,600 and has heated seats, nav, parking sensors, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers. It’s just passed its MOT with no advisories. That cheap little thing saves me huge amounts on fuel and pays for itself, while also being a nice and easy drive. It also makes the Aston feel even more special. So maybe selling both of your cars, increasing your budget with an emergency fund tucked away, is the way to go. Just have a little run around car for every day use. It’s liberating having a cheap car that you are happy to park anywhere and not panic every time a bird dumps a load on the bonnet! lol.
Well they’re my thoughts anyway. Good luck in your search and enjoy. Keep us posted.
Dewi 2 said:
Dal3D said:
Thanks everyone for you contributions in twisting my arm further up my back to wanting one!
I guess it's just the unknown of a new marque that's put me off and the scare stories of big bills. But if a well looked after example is there with obvious care and attention to detail in it's servicing history then there should be little to worry about. (With an emergency fund in place)
This one looks good to me with it's Bamford Rose stamped service book and honest advert;
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16262368
I guess it's just the unknown of a new marque that's put me off and the scare stories of big bills. But if a well looked after example is there with obvious care and attention to detail in it's servicing history then there should be little to worry about. (With an emergency fund in place)
This one looks good to me with it's Bamford Rose stamped service book and honest advert;
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16262368
OP
I am certain that this must be the Vantage owned by an AM PHer, who posted here recently.
I have the feeling that you will find this is a very well cared for car. BR are amongst the best for maintaining AMs (very thorough) and the asking price is a 'steal' in this soft market. Don't worry about clutches. Some here have reached 85,000 miles on the original clutch, mine unusually went at 15,000. There is not a pattern of early failure.
I see from the wheel type, that this car originally had the harder Sports suspension, but you will probably find that the suspension on this car is adjustable, an excellent (expensive) option. Perfect for the (now) dreadful UK road surfaces.
Edited by Dewi 2 on Friday 17th May 08:10
Good luck with the new motor!
I've had mine for just over 5 years. It's a Jan 2007 4.3, I'm the second owner, the first having had it from new for 12 odd years.
Only 23k miles and very well looked after and no bills to speak of until last year when I snapped a front suspension spring. It has a lot of AM fitted upgrades including the sports pack wheels and suspension. AM wouldn't supply just a spring for the sports pack damper so I have to have a full new one at over £1500. I have the old damper and it's a piece of piss to replace the spring, literally one nut. And you can get springs made to spec for about £400 a pair.
It's needed some paintwork for stone chips and bubbling around the door handles (common issue). One headlamp ballast died but a ford part for less than £30 sorted it.
Header tank level sensor failed. Land Rover/Jag part for £13 and DIY fit.
Rear pads now need replacing. AM quoted £670. I bought Porterfield pads for £195 inc. postage. They are very easy to fit. Much simpler than my daily driver.
My AC condenser was leaking. AM only part. £428 and fitted myself. Local AC specialist tested a re-gassed for £60. AM wanted £922.
Servicing and road tax are expensive. When I bought the car it had a full amin dealer history except one service at a specialist. I used that specialist for a full service when I bought the car and then used Aston Engineering in Derby for the next 2 services. They then stopped servicing 'new era' Astons and I had to look for an alternative. All the specialist were more expensive than AM's fixed price so ended up at AM Nottingham for the next 3 services.
How HM Gov can charge me almost £700 for 12 months road tax is beyond me. I can drive the daily 30k miles and pay £30 and drive the Aston 1-2k miles and pay over 20 times more.....
I'm still on the original clutch and it's very heavy. I think a twin plate replacement might be on the cards. Not cheap but should transform the car with the lighter flywheel.
Sometimes I question the cost but then I just look at it, and listen to it and I decide to keep it.
Only 23k miles and very well looked after and no bills to speak of until last year when I snapped a front suspension spring. It has a lot of AM fitted upgrades including the sports pack wheels and suspension. AM wouldn't supply just a spring for the sports pack damper so I have to have a full new one at over £1500. I have the old damper and it's a piece of piss to replace the spring, literally one nut. And you can get springs made to spec for about £400 a pair.
It's needed some paintwork for stone chips and bubbling around the door handles (common issue). One headlamp ballast died but a ford part for less than £30 sorted it.
Header tank level sensor failed. Land Rover/Jag part for £13 and DIY fit.
Rear pads now need replacing. AM quoted £670. I bought Porterfield pads for £195 inc. postage. They are very easy to fit. Much simpler than my daily driver.
My AC condenser was leaking. AM only part. £428 and fitted myself. Local AC specialist tested a re-gassed for £60. AM wanted £922.
Servicing and road tax are expensive. When I bought the car it had a full amin dealer history except one service at a specialist. I used that specialist for a full service when I bought the car and then used Aston Engineering in Derby for the next 2 services. They then stopped servicing 'new era' Astons and I had to look for an alternative. All the specialist were more expensive than AM's fixed price so ended up at AM Nottingham for the next 3 services.
How HM Gov can charge me almost £700 for 12 months road tax is beyond me. I can drive the daily 30k miles and pay £30 and drive the Aston 1-2k miles and pay over 20 times more.....
I'm still on the original clutch and it's very heavy. I think a twin plate replacement might be on the cards. Not cheap but should transform the car with the lighter flywheel.
Sometimes I question the cost but then I just look at it, and listen to it and I decide to keep it.
Edited by LPH on Saturday 18th May 22:55
LPH said:
I've had mine for just over 5 years. It's a Jan 2007 4.3, I'm the second owner, the first having had it from new for 12 odd years.
It has a lot of AM fitted upgrades including the sports pack wheels and suspension.
It has a lot of AM fitted upgrades including the sports pack wheels and suspension.
How difficult was it, for you to find a set of SportsPack wheels, Leigh?
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