AMOC does it work for you?

[mikey k]

I've had my V8VR a week now and have put 700 miles on it!
My insurance is with Locktons and I get 12 months free AMOC membership.
I'm not fussed about the "goodies pack"
What other benefits are there?
How many of you have joined?
Do you find it worth while?

[steve_amv8]

I've been a member for 3+ years and assistant area rep for one. AMOC membership is what you make it to be honest.

I know of a number of areas that have a pretty full social calendar - Areas 3 and 5 (East/West Midlands for example so I guess it depends upon what you feel you will use it for.

Since you've got it free for 12 months, why not go a long to a few monthly meetings and social events to see what you think? Details are in "AM News" which you get monthly with subscription...

[mikey k]

Thanks Steve
I will do
I use to be a director of the S2000 owners club so agree on the social thing
Just curious what other people have found

[don4l]

I've been a member for almost two years. The monthly meets are very friendly (areas 1 & 21). Some of the events are great days out, and you meet some fascinating people. They also do the odd track day.

The AMOC forum is a bit of a dissapointment, but apart from that it's all good.

Good value IMHO.


Don
--

[mikey k]

Thanks Don
Good to hear
I've put 700 miles on it in a week so a few meets should add a few more

[oblio]

I let my membership lapse after 2 years of being a member. I found it expensve and didnt really do anything for me. We went to one or two events but usually found most events to be either not what we liked or expensive for what they were.

Just my tuppence worth for balance

All IMHO obviously!

[f328nvl]

oblio said:

I let my membership lapse after 2 years of being a member. I found it expensve and didnt really do anything for me. We went to one or two events but usually found most events to be either not what we liked or expensive for what they were.

Just my tuppence worth for balance

All IMHO obviously!

Had Astons for a decade and also let AMOC lapse after 2 years for exactly the same reasons: Now I have an old car I actually would rejoin but I can't be bothered with all the forms and the online join function still isn't available. IMHO the forum is actually the best thing about it (esp if you have an old car), I've had instant help solving problems on a number of occassions.

[GPM3D]

I did join - but also let my membership expire. I found that the club was too 'old car' focused.
The Cheshire group's meeting place does have cheap beer and reasonable food though! Suppose it would be better if a gaggle of 'new' V8's turned up - they have a strong DB7 following who arrange their own social meets and drive outs independent of the AMOC.
If you're interested, we could arrange an AM ~ PH get together to coincide? 1st wednesday in August at the Whipping Stocks, between Holmes Chapel and Knutsford!
Graham

[mikey k]

I like that idea

[steve_amv8]

We (Area 3) have quite a high proportion of Gaydon cars (I own one myself) so it is fair to say that different areas have very different ideas as far a meets go!

[apotek]

Sounds good to me too.Whipping Stocks Wed 4th Aug.
It will be good to see you again Graham

[GPM3D]

Likewise John - wonder how many other V8's we can drag out?
Graham

[cjt]

It works for me - Area 20 - deep South West, a good mixture of old and new (cars and people!) We have met some very good folk, enjoyed their company, their cars and the occasions organised by the AMOC reps.

The AMOC website/forum could do with a complete rebuild but otherwise I am a supporter.

As has been said above - AMOC is what you make of it.

We all love the cars, the driving experience - why not make the owners club reflect this ?

Personally I believe it does a good job - but at the risk of starting a first class flame war I ask those who think otherwise to tell all how they would do it ?

Chris

[GTDB7]

I'd like to attend a meeting but the closest one would mean at least a 120-mile round trip :-(

Finding the time and at the present moment the extra fuel negates me from attending.

I might plan my own meeting.. hehe

If I can't get to the mountain..... :-)

Preston / Blackpool area would be ideal for me,, it's a shame they don't hold meetings at varying venues, to allow different folk to gain easier access.

[997GT3]

GTDB7 said:

I might plan my own meeting.. hehe

If I can't get to the mountain..... :-)

Preston / Blackpool area would be ideal for me,, it's a shame they don't hold meetings at varying venues, to allow different folk to gain easier access.

I'll turn up to your meeting as i'm Blackburn! I need to see as many cars and speak with lots of owners as i'm looking to change my GT3 for an AM.

[keitheva]

AMOC is the most expensive car club by an order of magnitude compared to other clubs I have joined (Porsche, BMW. MBZ), with so far the lowest rate of return in terms of events and quality of the club magazines. I'm sure it varies by locale, but here on the left coast of the US it's not worth the $$$.

[silverspeed]

I think it does a good job and opens doors to opportunities that you may not get if you weren't a member.

As you have the first years membership try going along and see what you think. If you dont go you wont know!

[RichB]

keitheva said:

...with so far the lowest rate of return in terms of events and quality of the club magazines...

Interesting comment because in my opinion the quality of the publications we get from the AMOC are far better than those I receive from other clubs. For those that are not members these are; AM News a monthly newsletter/update/regional round-up/adverts magazine in B&W A5 format, AM Quarterly as it says a glossy colour A4 sized magazine with articles relating to the cars and club and Aston an annual journal, A4 sized soft covered book published by AM Heritage Trust containing high quality articles about personalities, history and cars etc. Plus of course the members directory, car register etc. I don't see how these can be faulted. http://www.amoc.org/content/view/57/98/

Following on; the web site forum is frequented by some highly knowledgeable people who can provide a mine of information about most cars, the events range from monthly pub meets not dissimilar to any other car club to drives out and concours events at national trust type locations. It depends what you are into but essentially there is something for everyone.

[Speedraser]

I've found it very worthwhile so far (Northeast US). I joined in January, have done three events so far, and enjoyed all of them. I've been made to feel very welcome, and my new (MY09) car has been very well received -- in fact, people seemed to appreciate that the new car owners add to the club's strength (perhaps it helps that I LOVE the old Aston also). FWIW, the Lime Rock event was absolutely superb! I also find the forum and the publications quite good.

[sherrow]

Apotek, Mikey K, GPM3D. Guys it would be good to meet you, next area 9 meet is for a change at the Swettenham Arms, Swettenham next Tuesday 13th July(it's not far from the Whipping Stocks). The reason for the change is that we are meeting up with the Bristol Owners, Jensen Owners and Austin Healey Owners Clubs. The DB7 crowd will certainly be there - just look out for the noisiest group and my Tungsten Vantage Volante!

By the way it's not all sprockets and widgets we bring wives and girlfriends (not at the same time!) along.

We have also got a different venue lined up for August to see and hear some really exotic machines.

Roger