Persuade Me to buy an Aston
Discussion
Ive been out of the Prestige car game for a while, concentrating on building up my business. However, now being a bit more comfortable, Im ready to get back into the game. Truth be told, prestige car wouldnt describe my last vehicle - an M3 convertible over a year ago. But now Im looking to take a step up.
I was initially lookin at a Porsche 997 but have turned my attention to Astons. Mainly because Ive always loved the way they look and I just realised that they may just be within my grasp for an easly example of the current models.
Im looking at either the V8 or the DB9. 60k is really max in terms of what I was wanting to spend so its only really the earliest of these models that may be accessible to me - with my choice limited.
A bit of background on me and my tastes. I am more into aesthetics and need a car that looks good and sounds great. But it has to drive well too, although Im not a racing driver by any means. I loved the Porsche when I drove it (and it sounded good with the sports exhaust) but I dont think it is outstanding enough on the road to look at. I also think the DB9 is probably the most beautiful car available today.
So, my question is (to get the discussion moving) - with a budget of 60kish, are these cars accessible to me? Which model would be advised? Im looking to do a road trip wound Europe when I get the car so want something that will do well on that sort of distance.
I was initially lookin at a Porsche 997 but have turned my attention to Astons. Mainly because Ive always loved the way they look and I just realised that they may just be within my grasp for an easly example of the current models.
Im looking at either the V8 or the DB9. 60k is really max in terms of what I was wanting to spend so its only really the earliest of these models that may be accessible to me - with my choice limited.
A bit of background on me and my tastes. I am more into aesthetics and need a car that looks good and sounds great. But it has to drive well too, although Im not a racing driver by any means. I loved the Porsche when I drove it (and it sounded good with the sports exhaust) but I dont think it is outstanding enough on the road to look at. I also think the DB9 is probably the most beautiful car available today.
So, my question is (to get the discussion moving) - with a budget of 60kish, are these cars accessible to me? Which model would be advised? Im looking to do a road trip wound Europe when I get the car so want something that will do well on that sort of distance.
V8 Vantage if I were you!
There are a few under 60k now and unlike Fezzas they are all demendable colours. Black/Grey etc...
IMO, The V8 looks and sounds equal to the DB9 but it's more of a sports car.
How about a Ferrari 360?
Get a good one for your budget!
Or is it too ' in your face and flash '???
Personally, I would take the Aston over the 360.
There are a few under 60k now and unlike Fezzas they are all demendable colours. Black/Grey etc...
IMO, The V8 looks and sounds equal to the DB9 but it's more of a sports car.
How about a Ferrari 360?
Get a good one for your budget!
Or is it too ' in your face and flash '???
Personally, I would take the Aston over the 360.
TonyStark said:
Anything specific I would need to look out for when searching for a decent 2nd hand example?
Quite a few threads on the topic on here.Depends which model year you buy. Later the model, the less likely you'll get niggles. But even early cars should be reliable now as long as they've had the known factory fixes done.
Cars that are used tend to have less faults than low mileage ones too (no empirical evidence, just seems to be the way from posts I've read).
Other than that, you look for the normal stuff when buying a car.
Do a search on here and you'll get all the low down you need.
TonyStark said:
Whats the expected depreciation on these cars? Budget for 15k-20k over 2 years?
What about on the DB9? TBH, its more about how much Id expect to lose over 1-2 years rather than the initial outlay.
If depreciation bothers you then don't forget that an F355 - already a classic but still modern and fast enough to fulfill the roles you mentioned - won't actually cost much more than twice that £20k depreciation budget you mention. And it'll still be worth what you paid for it two years hence.What about on the DB9? TBH, its more about how much Id expect to lose over 1-2 years rather than the initial outlay.
Two questions for the original poster and a quote:
Do you really consider a 997 a prestige car?
Do you really need persuading to purchase an Aston?
Ferris Buller: "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
Do you really consider a 997 a prestige car?
Do you really need persuading to purchase an Aston?
Ferris Buller: "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
Edited by friscorays on Thursday 12th June 01:04
friscorays said:
Two questions for the original poster and a quote:
Do you really consider a 997 a prestige car?
Do you really need persuading to purchase an Aston?
Ferris Buller: "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
Of course a 997 is a 'prestige' car and to suggest otherwise is nonsense. Just because many of us on here are lucky enough to be able to enjoy these kinds of cars never forget that we form a TINY minority of the car owning - and indeed non owning - population and 99% or more of people who see a 997 will regard it as a 'prestige' (horrible phrase IMO) car. In fact the OP is almost apologetic for running an M3. WHY? To most people - including myself - it's a fabulous car. Time to remember how lucky you are mate - although I can't tell from your profile what cars you own.Do you really consider a 997 a prestige car?
Do you really need persuading to purchase an Aston?
Ferris Buller: "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
Edited by friscorays on Thursday 12th June 01:04
Edited by Pugsey on Thursday 12th June 09:30
Pugsey, I don't think the OP was being disparaging about the M3; it sounded more like a self-deprecating comment whilst posting on the forum of a marque with arguably more "prestige" than BMW. It's all relative.
I think of prestige as the amount of respect something generates and having driven both I'm sure that you'll agree that Astons get much more respect from the general public (if not Pistonheads) than do M3s.
Prestige is not everything though. I'm probably going to sell my V8 Vantage because I recently bought a 135i convertible to replace my daily driver and found that I prefer driving that to the Aston. Over the recent sunny spell when I fancied a drive I looked at both cars and plumped for the new one. In comparison with the Aston it's not particularly pretty and gets almost the opposite type of attention, but it's just as fun to drive and it's a convertible (which tipped the balance given the weather). I'll miss all the friendly responses that the "prestige" of an Aston generates: the pointing and smiling; the frequent thumbs up signs; and even one "we're not worthy" bow from a jogger. However the moment I chose the BMW for an afternoon blat then the Aston had to go (after one last Hurrah down to the Italian Lakes later this Summer).
I'm going to be seriously tempted by a 4.7 litre Roadster next Spring though. Even more fun, open-topped, and plenty of prestige...
I think of prestige as the amount of respect something generates and having driven both I'm sure that you'll agree that Astons get much more respect from the general public (if not Pistonheads) than do M3s.
Prestige is not everything though. I'm probably going to sell my V8 Vantage because I recently bought a 135i convertible to replace my daily driver and found that I prefer driving that to the Aston. Over the recent sunny spell when I fancied a drive I looked at both cars and plumped for the new one. In comparison with the Aston it's not particularly pretty and gets almost the opposite type of attention, but it's just as fun to drive and it's a convertible (which tipped the balance given the weather). I'll miss all the friendly responses that the "prestige" of an Aston generates: the pointing and smiling; the frequent thumbs up signs; and even one "we're not worthy" bow from a jogger. However the moment I chose the BMW for an afternoon blat then the Aston had to go (after one last Hurrah down to the Italian Lakes later this Summer).
I'm going to be seriously tempted by a 4.7 litre Roadster next Spring though. Even more fun, open-topped, and plenty of prestige...
Ian67 said:
Pugsey, I don't think the OP was being disparaging about the M3; it sounded more like a self-deprecating comment whilst posting on the forum of a marque with arguably more "prestige" than BMW. It's all relative.
I think of prestige as the amount of respect something generates and having driven both I'm sure that you'll agree that Astons get much more respect from the general public (if not Pistonheads) than do M3s.
Prestige is not everything though. I'm probably going to sell my V8 Vantage because I recently bought a 135i convertible to replace my daily driver and found that I prefer driving that to the Aston. Over the recent sunny spell when I fancied a drive I looked at both cars and plumped for the new one. In comparison with the Aston it's not particularly pretty and gets almost the opposite type of attention, but it's just as fun to drive and it's a convertible (which tipped the balance given the weather). I'll miss all the friendly responses that the "prestige" of an Aston generates: the pointing and smiling; the frequent thumbs up signs; and even one "we're not worthy" bow from a jogger. However the moment I chose the BMW for an afternoon blat then the Aston had to go (after one last Hurrah down to the Italian Lakes later this Summer).
I'm going to be seriously tempted by a 4.7 litre Roadster next Spring though. Even more fun, open-topped, and plenty of prestige...
I didn't think he did - which is why I said "ALMOST apologetic" and I think you're right about what he meant. I was more picking up the other poster's comments re a 997 not being a 'prestige' car which - if we must use that term - was, IMHO, rubbish.I think of prestige as the amount of respect something generates and having driven both I'm sure that you'll agree that Astons get much more respect from the general public (if not Pistonheads) than do M3s.
Prestige is not everything though. I'm probably going to sell my V8 Vantage because I recently bought a 135i convertible to replace my daily driver and found that I prefer driving that to the Aston. Over the recent sunny spell when I fancied a drive I looked at both cars and plumped for the new one. In comparison with the Aston it's not particularly pretty and gets almost the opposite type of attention, but it's just as fun to drive and it's a convertible (which tipped the balance given the weather). I'll miss all the friendly responses that the "prestige" of an Aston generates: the pointing and smiling; the frequent thumbs up signs; and even one "we're not worthy" bow from a jogger. However the moment I chose the BMW for an afternoon blat then the Aston had to go (after one last Hurrah down to the Italian Lakes later this Summer).
I'm going to be seriously tempted by a 4.7 litre Roadster next Spring though. Even more fun, open-topped, and plenty of prestige...
Funnily enough my g/f has just got a 135Msport convertible. What an awesome little car. Great chassis and with +300bhp pretty much as quick as an E46 M3! Great FUN due to not being over tyred etc too. Like you, now the summer's here (sort of), I'm jumping in it more often than I like to admit to! In fact I've ordered a new MK2 997S to tide me over until my California comes next year but am seriously wondering if I should bother with the outlay.
Never been one to worry about 'prestige' tbo. In fact get more of a giggle thowing the keys to our six year old Defender to the doorman of our fave hotel than one of my more 'obvious' beasts.
S1MMA][Better way to start this thread said:
Aston Martin DB9.
TALK TO ME.
DB9 sounds good to me. Always thought it was most beautiful car you can buy.TALK TO ME.
BTW. Re. the prestige comment - your right. Its all relative. I quite enjoyed my M3 and got alot of attention in it too - but its far from the same class as an Aston.
Ill choose my words more carefully next time.
TonyStark said:
S1MMA][Better way to start this thread said:
Aston Martin DB9.
TALK TO ME.
DB9 sounds good to me. Always thought it was most beautiful car you can buy.TALK TO ME.
BTW. Re. the prestige comment - your right. Its all relative. I quite enjoyed my M3 and got alot of attention in it too - but its far from the same class as an Aston.
Ill choose my words more carefully next time.
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