AM V8

Author
Discussion

porschecaymanS

Original Poster:

18 posts

208 months

Monday 17th September 2007
quotequote all
Advice please...

I'm looking to treat myself to a V8, having owned Porsches over the last few years. I have a few questions:

I'm told the V8 had some minor tweaks sometime in 2006, when and what was changed?
What are AM buyers bidding for 06/07 cars?
When is a facelift model likely to be seen?
The used cars available only have low mileages, are they a practical daily drive?
Will putting 12k miles/year on a V8 be the kiss of death to the residual value?

Many thanks.

bogie

16,615 posts

279 months

Monday 17th September 2007
quotequote all
I'm told the V8 had some minor tweaks sometime in 2006, when and what was changed?

>>Later 07 cars had things like Ipod connection etc and a few other interior tweaks

What are AM buyers bidding for 06/07 cars?

>>>no idea

When is a facelift model likely to be seen?

>>> the N400 limited edition has been announced now

The used cars available only have low mileages, are they a practical daily drive?

>>Yes - Ive done 13K miles since April in mine - will probably do 20K a year in it

Will putting 12k miles/year on a V8 be the kiss of death to the residual value?

>>>12K shouldnt be a problem really...although I would be used to lessen the blow - geta year old one that someones barely run in and save 15-£20K on list ....put 36K on it and by the time its 3-4 years old it will have evened out

SXO

48 posts

277 months

Monday 17th September 2007
quotequote all
There are more informed souls on this site who can comment on the 06 model changes but I've just taken delivery of a 08 model (Roadster) after passing on my 07 Coupe to a work colleague. Apparently one of the first 08 models in the UK per the dealer (I should add normal exceptional sevice from the HWM team in Walton).

No idea about the technical side (suspension etc) other than it feels so much more composed than the 07 model. Trivial things like squealing brakes have been sorted, integrated iPOD connection controlled by hifi unit and an all together tighter feel. Clearly my view may be distorted by the fact I've been driving topless in what has been the best 4 days we've seen since April. I used to get some fantastic looks / comments from passers-by in the Coupe. Doesn't even come close to the reaction the Roadster gets.

Also spent the weekend watching England get thrashed in Paris and saw my first Audi R8 in the flesh. Impressive noise and makes quite a statement but still not convinced it isn't this year's fashion. Think I'll stick with the "No.1 cool brand"!

Murph7355

38,948 posts

263 months

Monday 17th September 2007
quotequote all
Q: I'm told the V8 had some minor tweaks sometime in 2006, when and what was changed?

A: Sept 06 (56 plate) was MY07. Revised seats, revised options such as bluetooth, LEDs that light up in the door handles (the AMOC site has detailed info on all changes). Mostly minor stuff, but I felt them worth it (especially the LEDs!). These later cars also seem less prone to gremlins (as with most low-ish volume cars - the later the car, usually the more reliable as they learn how to glue them together).

I don't believe coupes are coming with iPod connectivity yet - will probably come on stream around September this year.

Q: What are AM buyers bidding for 06/07 cars?

A: How long's a piece of string wink

You're going to be looking aroung 70k absolute min for a good MY07 I reckon, and probably a good few k more. Dealers will obviously offer to buy back at a good chunk less than that, but that's largely irrelevant unless you're a dealer or in a hurry to sell.

Note that you must compare spec carefully when deciding on relative value.

Q: When is a facelift model likely to be seen?

A: The N400 is it effectively IMO. Think deliveries of these start at the end of the year. Expect it to become the std model (again IMO) early next year.

Q: The used cars available only have low mileages, are they a practical daily drive?

A: IMO definitely (unless your last question is key to you). Comfy, drive nicely, mine's been reliable thus far. Oh...fuel. Don't ask, just get a points card with your favourite brand wink

Q: Will putting 12k miles/year on a V8 be the kiss of death to the residual value?

A: Only as much as any high end car (afraid I'm not really including Porsche there as people seem to expect them to be used). Expect 1k per mth as long as you hold onto it for a little while (i.e. >12mths). The cars seem solid and they're eternally beautiful things. Key will be how many they end up making. Also key will be not being in a major rush to sell IMO.

porschecaymanS

Original Poster:

18 posts

208 months

Tuesday 18th September 2007
quotequote all
Many thanks.

Now all I have to do is find one!

Murph7355

38,948 posts

263 months

Tuesday 18th September 2007
quotequote all
porschecaymanS said:
Many thanks.

Now all I have to do is find one!
If you're based in Surrey, check HWM out. Decent dealer IME.

Good luck in the search (a number on here - even an 07 for under 74k).

porschecaymanS

Original Poster:

18 posts

208 months

Wednesday 19th September 2007
quotequote all
Is there anything in particular to watch out for when buying these cars used?
I'm told they are prone to stone chips.

bogie

16,615 posts

279 months

Wednesday 19th September 2007
quotequote all
yeah - they get stone chipped...kinda like most other cars these days with the "modern" ECO friendly paint htey use .....but I doubt you will find one in a main dealer with excessive chipping to be honest


just buy one, get the warranty niggles done (there were a few recalls for gearbox etc) and enjoy it it smile

jus

529 posts

216 months

Wednesday 19th September 2007
quotequote all
All I can say is, do it! cool

rev-erend

21,536 posts

291 months

Wednesday 19th September 2007
quotequote all
SXO said:
There are more informed souls on this site who can comment on the 06 model changes but I've just taken delivery of a 08 model (Roadster) after passing on my 07 Coupe to a work colleague. Apparently one of the first 08 models in the UK per the dealer (I should add normal exceptional sevice from the HWM team in Walton).

No idea about the technical side (suspension etc) other than it feels so much more composed than the 07 model. Trivial things like squealing brakes have been sorted, integrated iPOD connection controlled by hifi unit and an all together tighter feel. Clearly my view may be distorted by the fact I've been driving topless in what has been the best 4 days we've seen since April. I used to get some fantastic looks / comments from passers-by in the Coupe. Doesn't even come close to the reaction the Roadster gets.

Also spent the weekend watching England get thrashed in Paris and saw my first Audi R8 in the flesh. Impressive noise and makes quite a statement but still not convinced it isn't this year's fashion. Think I'll stick with the "No.1 cool brand"!
Don't suppose it was you coming off the A3 at PainsHill the other day .. topless V8 Aston .. very nice.

Murph7355

38,948 posts

263 months

Wednesday 19th September 2007
quotequote all
porschecaymanS said:
Is there anything in particular to watch out for when buying these cars used?
I'm told they are prone to stone chips.
Do some searching here and on the amoc site. Been discussed many times wink

Basically on an 07 there shouldn't be anything. Stone chips are a fact of life on sports cars. Buy a car with stoneguards and it stops the rear getting pepperred too.

They can leak oil from the front of the engine - warranty item.

Similarly the gearbox can be notchy - warranty item.

As with all cars, check all electrics work fine.

Go look at a few. You'll spot any that haven't been cherished, and those are to be avoided.

Great cars.

SCO

206 posts

241 months

Monday 24th September 2007
quotequote all
Sorry to go a bit off topic but at what point does the gearbox issue go from "they always do that when cold" to being a warranty item?

Mine is ok when cold but 1st to 2nd could be a lot smoother, fine when warmed up.

*CQ*

670 posts

215 months

Monday 24th September 2007
quotequote all
SCO said:
Sorry to go a bit off topic but at what point does the gearbox issue go from "they always do that when cold" to being a warranty item?

Mine is ok when cold but 1st to 2nd could be a lot smoother, fine when warmed up.
This is a known issue and addressed by Service Bulletin #236. Take it in to your dealer and make him aware.

Mine is being done whilst I type down at the Works Service.

Steve

SCO

206 posts

241 months

Monday 24th September 2007
quotequote all
Thanks - so does the work completely cure the 1st to 2nd issue - would be interested to hear when you get it back.

Steve

bogie

16,615 posts

279 months

Monday 24th September 2007
quotequote all
SCO said:
Thanks - so does the work completely cure the 1st to 2nd issue - would be interested to hear when you get it back.

Steve
yes- I had mine done a few months ago - much smoother, even from cold

Grant3

3,643 posts

262 months

Monday 24th September 2007
quotequote all
In my experience it improves the gearbox function but doesn't totally cure the problem!

Murph7355

38,948 posts

263 months

Monday 24th September 2007
quotequote all
Grant3 said:
In my experience it improves the gearbox function but doesn't totally cure the problem!
I guess it depends what constitutes a "problem".

The gearbox is meaty and can be notchy. But IME it always shifts quickly and personally I prefer this sort of feel than the sort you get in, say, VWs (i.e. vague and rubbery).

Grant3

3,643 posts

262 months

Monday 24th September 2007
quotequote all
Murph7355 said:
Grant3 said:
In my experience it improves the gearbox function but doesn't totally cure the problem!
I guess it depends what constitutes a "problem".

The gearbox is meaty and can be notchy. But IME it always shifts quickly and personally I prefer this sort of feel than the sort you get in, say, VWs (i.e. vague and rubbery).
Murph, I know where you are coming from & the gear change does rather suit the car, but the one in mine bulked a little too much (1st & second)when cold & even when warm was a touch too clunky for smooth press on driving, having said this I loved the car so much I forgave it totally & simply respected it as "character," so I'm with you really, no car is perfect, but the Aston nearly is from a looks & class perspective! Even Porsche haven't got it right with the GT3 although the box is much more interactive the short shift kit can be pretty crap 2nd-3rd, if you don't get it spot on with a full on change it will bulk like a good un!

Murph7355

38,948 posts

263 months

Monday 24th September 2007
quotequote all
Grant3 said:
...so I'm with you really...
Phew - I was going to have to let you know that even my Mrs thinks the gearbox is easy smile


Grant3 said:
...no car is perfect, ...
Absolutely agree. And being honest I wouldn't say no to another 150bhp, Tubi as standard etc etc...doubt it'd be a "better" car mind.

On Pork, the new GT2 looks like it might be a very, very nice motor...

GlynMo

1,140 posts

256 months

Wednesday 26th September 2007
quotequote all
porschecaymanS said:
Many thanks.

Now all I have to do is find one!
My 8500 mile 06 coupe is being taken in by Grange at Brentwood (against a Roadster) on Saturday. Just done a 2500 mile trip to Italy and back and the car is driving beautifully. Might be worth a look (and no, I'm not on commission!).

Edited by GlynMo on Wednesday 26th September 14:53