Running costs for an AMV8
Discussion
Seriously looking at a AMV8 as a next purchase. I know the old saying of if you need to ask you can't afford but what is the real running costs of the AMV8?
Insurance is about 490fc so thats actually a lot cheaper than I am paying at present but what about service costs/intervals? My estimated mileage would be 8k tops so probably looking 12 month servicing, what are the typical costs?
Also it appears that although the cars come with 18 inch wheels (my preferred choice) most actually have the 19's. What tyres are the common recommendation for them (sizes etc).
Another question is the bypass valve for the exhaust. I love a noise but at times would prefer to not have the bypass kick in, is this at all possible?
Finally is the premium stereo the basic option? Does the basic stereo sound good?
Insurance is about 490fc so thats actually a lot cheaper than I am paying at present but what about service costs/intervals? My estimated mileage would be 8k tops so probably looking 12 month servicing, what are the typical costs?
Also it appears that although the cars come with 18 inch wheels (my preferred choice) most actually have the 19's. What tyres are the common recommendation for them (sizes etc).
Another question is the bypass valve for the exhaust. I love a noise but at times would prefer to not have the bypass kick in, is this at all possible?
Finally is the premium stereo the basic option? Does the basic stereo sound good?
Wheels - 18" was an option that no one took up as we all new it would just look so wrong! 
In fact, I'm not even sure any were shipped with them!
Premium Stereo - Cost option. No idea what the standard sounds like as I've only ever had the premium setup. Bear in mind that earlier cars have no iPod connection and BT phone was optional too
Exhaust - AM Works Service can fit a switch which turns the valve on and off. Try if without first though as it really isn't that bad
Running costs - Can't remember the service costs but they weren't huge and I still had the same tyres are 2 years / 10k miles so they weren't an issue either. Fuel on the other hand is something else. Expect no better that 21mpg and average around the 18mpg mark
In fact, I'm not even sure any were shipped with them!Premium Stereo - Cost option. No idea what the standard sounds like as I've only ever had the premium setup. Bear in mind that earlier cars have no iPod connection and BT phone was optional too
Exhaust - AM Works Service can fit a switch which turns the valve on and off. Try if without first though as it really isn't that bad
Running costs - Can't remember the service costs but they weren't huge and I still had the same tyres are 2 years / 10k miles so they weren't an issue either. Fuel on the other hand is something else. Expect no better that 21mpg and average around the 18mpg mark
Edited by steve_amv8 on Monday 10th November 19:30
I drive a Monaro at present with full system so used to noise but if I had an option to turn it off at times.... Same goes for fuel that is really not a worry, I get an average 21mpg combined and on the run around 27 to 30 or if just on motorway 30 to 35 so not too worried there.
My point re wheels was just a road noise issue more than anything. What is the boot size in them like? Enough to pack a womans "weekend" sized travel bag? (I'll just put spare boxers in teh glove box.
Same goes for fuel that is really not a worry, I get an average 21mpg combined and on the run around 27 to 30 or if just on motorway 30 to 35 so not too worried there.My point re wheels was just a road noise issue more than anything. What is the boot size in them like? Enough to pack a womans "weekend" sized travel bag? (I'll just put spare boxers in teh glove box.
Enough room in the boot and, unlike a DB9, you get additional storage over the fuel tank because of the hatch. We've had a weekends worth of luggage in, plus laptop bag, etc. The shelf behind the driver is fine for coats too....but if the owners manual is in the glovebox, forget the boxers! Come to think of it, even without the owners manual it'll be a tight sqeeze! 
Road noise doesn't really seem to be an issue to be honest, even with the sport package that my N400 has as standard. My previous AMV8 wasn't particularly noisy either to be honest.
I think the exhaust switch is something like £400 fitted but don't quote me on that!
Road noise doesn't really seem to be an issue to be honest, even with the sport package that my N400 has as standard. My previous AMV8 wasn't particularly noisy either to be honest.
I think the exhaust switch is something like £400 fitted but don't quote me on that!
Edited by steve_amv8 on Monday 10th November 19:45
tryes are Bridgestone RE50 and about £200 a corner ish
servicing depends on dealer as the labour rates vary - £90 cheapest up to £150 in central London dealers and a 10KI service is 5.5 hours ...I avg about £700 and its had 3 now :up
other than that brake pads are £200 a set fitted fronts (Pagids from dealer) and lasted 20K miles
tyres lasted 18-25K miles rear/fronts
thats about it really...if its in warranty and you want to use a main dealer, ask for labour rates before going there - Ive found £60 an hour difference for like 15 miles apart
other than that you could go to an independant that will be cheaper
if you dont want it uncorked all the time just leave the fuse in ...thats how it works as standard...quiet (ish) to 4000rpm, then noisy...its easy enough to pull the fuse in the boot anytime
the standard stereo is very good as far as OEM stereos go ...ive always had aftermarket in most of my cars...but the stock stereo in the Vantage didnt make me rush out and upgrade
servicing depends on dealer as the labour rates vary - £90 cheapest up to £150 in central London dealers and a 10KI service is 5.5 hours ...I avg about £700 and its had 3 now :up
other than that brake pads are £200 a set fitted fronts (Pagids from dealer) and lasted 20K miles
tyres lasted 18-25K miles rear/fronts
thats about it really...if its in warranty and you want to use a main dealer, ask for labour rates before going there - Ive found £60 an hour difference for like 15 miles apart
other than that you could go to an independant that will be cheaper
if you dont want it uncorked all the time just leave the fuse in ...thats how it works as standard...quiet (ish) to 4000rpm, then noisy...its easy enough to pull the fuse in the boot anytime
the standard stereo is very good as far as OEM stereos go ...ive always had aftermarket in most of my cars...but the stock stereo in the Vantage didnt make me rush out and upgrade
thanks! RE050s, they'd have to go straight away never had a good response from the bridgestones tbh. Certainly they were always noisy and not as well performing but thanks for the OEM heads up. Servicing there appears to be a very reputable indi up in Gloucester which is near by so thats good. Current service costs are 300ish for the Ro. For consumables like brakes/pads I'd do myself but the rest sounds good
this truely is shaping up fast to become an investement! I tend to swap every 1 to 2 years but this woul dhave to last a few years longer and I reckon it will!
this truely is shaping up fast to become an investement! I tend to swap every 1 to 2 years but this woul dhave to last a few years longer and I reckon it will!
XXXAngelXXX said:
hmm when bought my Astons - i never asked for the running costs 
i could understand this for a Skoda Octavia compared to an Toyota...
well thats good for you but some of us do like to know the potential upkeep costs. Its hard funding teh car whilst living on benefits and I seriously doubt the council will turn a blind eye when they see the car parked on my driveway. I suffer from idlitis and will be using my motorbility allowance to pay for the cari could understand this for a Skoda Octavia compared to an Toyota...
Stigmundfreud said:
thanks tonto, just wish I was in a ready position now to go for that car advertised but its something to look forward to for early next year, just in time for European road trip season
I'm also thinking of getting an AMV8, this threads been helpful, but I was wondering which car have you got your eye on, there are a lot of 06-07 cars at what seem like silly prices at present (i.e. low compared to a few months ago)but the running costs of the car don't seem too bad at all.Richard.
Saw that one, very low price and has now gone from the classifieds, had black wheels (which I hate, but they can be resprayed) on an '06 plate. Sounds like you're in the same boat as me, I'd love an '07 car for £45ish, only time will tell (Oh, and the cash needs to be released from a badly timed property refurb which is rented out until the market picks up!) fingers crossed and good luck hunting.
Richard.
Richard.
Chris_H said:
RJE1966 said:
Saw that one, very low price and has now gone from the classifieds, had black wheels (which I hate, but they can be resprayed) on an '06 plate.
Richard.
This one is still on AutoTrader @ £39,995.Richard.
RJE1966 said:
Chris_H said:
RJE1966 said:
Saw that one, very low price and has now gone from the classifieds, had black wheels (which I hate, but they can be resprayed) on an '06 plate.
Richard.
This one is still on AutoTrader @ £39,995.Richard.
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff