Can I afford a V8 Vantage?

[caferaca]

Strange question I know.. let me explain.

I've never owned a modern car, never mind something so special as an Aston in my 34 years. I've always had classics cars / motorcycles as always fell for there charm. I still feel that way about 99% of modern cars, except the V8 Vantage. I'm abolsutely in love it, and have been racking my brain to see if I can afford it, and /or should put the money towards something more sensible like a first house.

I'm presuming you are all better off than my goodself, and apologize if all this seems uncouth. Based on the following what do you think?

earn £80 PA, no mortgage, monthly bills /rent of approx £1K. I could save up the £40-45k for a used 4.3 V8 vantage by next summer. currently no debts, own BMW 635 / new Ducati outright.

I always had the mindset that truely exotic motors are the privalage of the very sucessful... which I certainly don't consider myself to be.

Wishful thinking? Or do-able dream?

[bogie]

I guess most people would have their home sorted first, but sure, in your position, buying a Vantage outright with cash for £40-45K would be easily do-able. Of course if you want to buy a house next year too and put £50K down, then having your savings tied up in a depreciating car is not the right choice IMO

on the other hand lets not forget many people buy them with £5K down PCP deals where they are essentially renting them, then they have to give it back or sell it after 3 years just to pay it off, so if you can afford say £750 per month to rent, then thats another option

there are as many ways of funding cars as there are people buying them, you are in a good position compared to a lot of owners im sure

the Vantage is truly the first Aston that you can use/run daily for similar costs to a premium German saloon, so nothing to worry about there either

go for it - you only live once

[michael gould]

your 34 years of age, make 80k a year income and your asking if you can afford a V8V .........slightly odd thing to ask.........yes you can.....go buy one

Edited by michael gould on Thursday 23 July 16:25

[XXXAngelXXX]

thats what my wife says all the time - *you will sell the house before the AM* - i just quote one of my english friends: You cant drive the house but you can live in the AM - so where is the f****** problem !?

[lady topaz]

You are already talking yourself out of it if you start down the 'can I afford it' route. Deep down you know you can but just want some reassurance its the right thing to do.
Only you can decide. I went £20,000 over what I thought I could afford when I got mine.
All things considered after a couple of months its the best decision I have made. I adore the car and wish I had done it sooner. As was said to me on here. You buy with your heart, not your brain. Go for it, or forever be wondering 'what if'. Hey at the end of the day you can always sell if times get tough, but at least you will have experienced what most only dream of.


Di

[caferaca]

Thanks for the replies..

Logic says buy a house(s).. as a long term investment / pension, but never really had a great desire to own my own home.

I know very little about PCP deals / finance in general, but can see the benefits if you need a reliable car for your work and can't afford it outright. I live and work in central London, so only drive a weekends really, and road trips abroad, so the thought of only renting my dream car for a big monthly outlay wouldn't sit well with me I think. I would want to know I've worked hard, and saved up to have it sat in my garage. Also love the idea of keeping it for many years.

Good news on the running costs. I'm used to running big thirsty German motors so should be okay. Anything over 17mpg I consider economical haven't heard any horror stories like engines going pop which bodes well..

I suppose half the reason I'm having trouble making my up, is that none of friends / family are petrolheads.. they would think I'm insane spending that much on car, two of my friends for example have 50 houses between them and both run around in banger Volvo estates!

.. wise words Lady Topaz, doubt I'll ever regret it.. and can always sell. AM's are never worth nothing

[caferaca]

running costs are a given of course, but £1,000 per month depreciation, on a 3-4 year old one seems a little high..

[caferaca]

Ok I see. Not overly concerned about depreciation as don't chop and change cars often..(unless I have to of course) by the time I get round to selling it might even be a classic

[XXXAngelXXX]

Just think of all the joy the car will give you

[M3RMS]

If you've only got out goings of 1k a month on 80k pa then the world of cars is your oyster my friend. But seriously look into car finance before paying cash! Regardless it actual wealth I think only 5% of buyers use their own cash - it's just not the best place for your money to be sitting.

I'm not an expert though, so best getting some proper advice first.

Either way, live for today and do it!

[Jay_Davis]

My decision came down to something simple:

I might regret buying the car.
I know I'd regret not buying the car.

[michael gould]

[quote=M3RMS]If you've only got out goings of 1k a month on 80k pa then the world of cars is your oyster my friend. But seriously look into car finance before paying cash! Regardless it actual wealth I think only 5% of buyers use their own cash - it's just not the best place for your money to be sitting.

I'm not an expert though, so best getting some proper advice first.

Either way, live for today and do it!

[/quote

Disagree about the finance thing........I always pay cash for my cars and most of my friends do......You'll be telling me you still have a morgage next ]

[AMD1]

In answer to your question...yes, it appears you can afford one, but you know that, don't you.

So I believe you are fighting your conscious. Go with the force my friend and let Astonitos prevail; I promise, you will not regret it. Find a good V8V, enjoy the experience and send us some pics.

[XXXAngelXXX]

+1 and its *Astonidis* Adrian - how often do i have to repeat that ?!

[AMD1]

[M3RMS]

michael gould said:

M3RMS said:

If you've only got out goings of 1k a month on 80k pa then the world of cars is your oyster my friend. But seriously look into car finance before paying cash! Regardless it actual wealth I think only 5% of buyers use their own cash - it's just not the best place for your money to be sitting.

I'm not an expert though, so best getting some proper advice first.

Either way, live for today and do it!

Disagree about the finance thing........I always pay cash for my cars and most of my friends do......You'll be telling me you still have a morgage next ]

Fair enough, each to their own - but I'd hazard a guess you earn more than a paltry 80k pa....

The 5% was from an article in ego a few months back about performance car finance. Oh how i'd love to have that kind of cash sitting about (and no mortgage <starts crying uncontrollably>)

[michael gould]

M3RMS said:

michael gould said:

M3RMS said:

If you've only got out goings of 1k a month on 80k pa then the world of cars is your oyster my friend. But seriously look into car finance before paying cash! Regardless it actual wealth I think only 5% of buyers use their own cash - it's just not the best place for your money to be sitting.

I'm not an expert though, so best getting some proper advice first.

Either way, live for today and do it!

Disagree about the finance thing........I always pay cash for my cars and most of my friends do......You'll be telling me you still have a morgage next ]

Fair enough, each to their own - but I'd hazard a guess you earn more than a paltry 80k pa....



The 5% was from an article in ego a few months back about performance car finance. Oh how i'd love to have that kind of cash sitting about (and no mortgage <starts crying uncontrollably>)

80k is not paltry..........us Liverpool lads would have to do some serious thieving to make that

[Soul Reaver]

caferaca said:

Strange question I know.. let me explain.

I've never owned a modern car, never mind something so special as an Aston in my 34 years. I've always had classics cars / motorcycles as always fell for there charm. I still feel that way about 99% of modern cars, except the V8 Vantage. I'm abolsutely in love it, and have been racking my brain to see if I can afford it, and /or should put the money towards something more sensible like a first house.

I'm presuming you are all better off than my goodself, and apologize if all this seems uncouth. Based on the following what do you think?

earn £80 PA, no mortgage, monthly bills /rent of approx £1K. I could save up the £40-45k for a used 4.3 V8 vantage by next summer. currently no debts, own BMW 635 / new Ducati outright.

I always had the mindset that truely exotic motors are the privalage of the very sucessful... which I certainly don't consider myself to be.

Wishful thinking? Or do-able dream?

If you have to think about it then you dont have the right mindset and are better off with "sensible House purchase" Not that buying an overpriced Uk rabbit hutch is a sensible thing to do mind you (especially as they have another 40% to fall) but I guess we are in the main a brainwashed population. I digress!

You will be dead soon, perhaps tommorow if you're unlucky and as far as I know you're dead longer than you're alive.

Carpe Diem

Mark..

[caferaca]

Wise words all.. thanks for all your thoughts. I'm generally not the cautious careful type, just needed a few assurances from people that own them I guess.. Mind made up!

time to get saving.. black one I reckon
see you in 8 months with pics !!

[Captain Beaky]

In the meantime rent one for the weekend to remind yourself what a good decision you've made.