Preparing to pull the trigger
Discussion
Guys and Gals,
I have been lurking on these forums for some months now, working my way back through the various topics and trying to get up to speed on various issues and topics and I thought the time was right for my first substantive post. Firstly, it must be said that this is one of the most highly informative and helpful forums I have come across on almost any topic. Congratulations must go to all of the people who are regular contributors and who take the time and effort to respond to queries and generally add to the wealth of knowledge on these forums. You are a credit to the brand.
However, not all is rosy. Your topics and postings have now put me in the difficult (but exciting) position where all I can think about is owning one of these vehicles and I am now at that point where I think I may be ready to take the plunge. The sheer joy which is expressed by members of this forum has been the short, sharp push i needed to fall over the edge.
Ever since I was a child, I have dreamt about owning cars like these and I always had the arbitrary age of '27' in my mind as to when I wanted to be in a position to make my move. My initial dream was a F355 and that is still a car which i would one day love to own, however given its age and other factors, I know that this is a car which will take a great deal of looking after, a large slush fund and a garage at the very least. At this stage, that dream is on hold.
Since then, I have looked at R8's, 911's, 360's etc but nothing really 'spoke' to me like the Vantage. Thats a phrase most people would laugh at, but i'm hoping that a few PH'ers can relate... Everything about it, including my own (no doubt warped) perception of how it fits with my personality has now got me to the stage where I am now convinced that nothing else will do. Even at the expense of doing the 'sensible thing' and using that money as a deposit for a house rather than continuing to rent...
Anyhow, having said all of that, I have over the past few months come to a few thoughts about the car and other practicalities on which I would really appreciate the thoughts/comments of you knowledgeable people:
1. Colour. I know this is purely personal. Having first poo-pooed all the silvers/greys out there, I have since realised why there are so many. I love how the meteorite greys show the lines. My own view is that the darker colours look better although I am loving the vesuvius orange in the classifieds. After a trip to the dealer, I was shown a 'pentland green' slab and I have to say I loved it. Almost black in darker light and a very dark green in bright light with a nice 'flake' to it - however trying to find one second-hand will probably be nigh on impossible. Does anyone have any experience of this colour or any views as to whether or not it will have the same difficulties of trying to clean pristine such as is the common complaint about the Onyx Black??
2. Engine Size. I have read the many topics dealing with the whole 4.3 v 4.7 issue. Unfortunately, I really do not have that much of a choice, given the current differences in price and will probably be limited to a 4.3. Also, considering that this will be my first 'proper' car (I drive a Lexus is200 as a runaround) I do not think I will really feel that it is underpowered. Interestingly, I have seen that the prodrive engine enhancements/modifications are now around the 3k mark when they used to be around the 6k mark? Does anyone have any experience of these? Also does anyone have any views of this vs the Aston Martin Works engine enhancement which appears to be similar in price but has on paper, less horsepower?
3. Transmission. I always thought I would get a manual, but now realising that I will be doing a lot of city driving (I live in central london) I am now wondering whether sportshift would be a more sensible option.I will take both for a test drive, but again considering this is my first sportscar, I am wondering whether I am over/under estimating the heaviness of the clutch for short drives. I appreciate this is likely to be wholly subjective.
4. Dealer. Does anyone have any first hand experience of Aston Martin Park Lane? They are my local dealer and seem to be good......?
5. Parking. I am constantly changing my mind about whether or not leaving a Vantage on the street would be a good idea. I am currently thinking about the secured garage option although at 200pcm it is not cheap... I would appreciate the views of any London-based PH'ers, I am based in N1..
Apologies for the long post. Any comments would be very helpful to me as a 'newbie'.
Warmest regards,
OS
I have been lurking on these forums for some months now, working my way back through the various topics and trying to get up to speed on various issues and topics and I thought the time was right for my first substantive post. Firstly, it must be said that this is one of the most highly informative and helpful forums I have come across on almost any topic. Congratulations must go to all of the people who are regular contributors and who take the time and effort to respond to queries and generally add to the wealth of knowledge on these forums. You are a credit to the brand.
However, not all is rosy. Your topics and postings have now put me in the difficult (but exciting) position where all I can think about is owning one of these vehicles and I am now at that point where I think I may be ready to take the plunge. The sheer joy which is expressed by members of this forum has been the short, sharp push i needed to fall over the edge.
Ever since I was a child, I have dreamt about owning cars like these and I always had the arbitrary age of '27' in my mind as to when I wanted to be in a position to make my move. My initial dream was a F355 and that is still a car which i would one day love to own, however given its age and other factors, I know that this is a car which will take a great deal of looking after, a large slush fund and a garage at the very least. At this stage, that dream is on hold.
Since then, I have looked at R8's, 911's, 360's etc but nothing really 'spoke' to me like the Vantage. Thats a phrase most people would laugh at, but i'm hoping that a few PH'ers can relate... Everything about it, including my own (no doubt warped) perception of how it fits with my personality has now got me to the stage where I am now convinced that nothing else will do. Even at the expense of doing the 'sensible thing' and using that money as a deposit for a house rather than continuing to rent...
Anyhow, having said all of that, I have over the past few months come to a few thoughts about the car and other practicalities on which I would really appreciate the thoughts/comments of you knowledgeable people:
1. Colour. I know this is purely personal. Having first poo-pooed all the silvers/greys out there, I have since realised why there are so many. I love how the meteorite greys show the lines. My own view is that the darker colours look better although I am loving the vesuvius orange in the classifieds. After a trip to the dealer, I was shown a 'pentland green' slab and I have to say I loved it. Almost black in darker light and a very dark green in bright light with a nice 'flake' to it - however trying to find one second-hand will probably be nigh on impossible. Does anyone have any experience of this colour or any views as to whether or not it will have the same difficulties of trying to clean pristine such as is the common complaint about the Onyx Black??
2. Engine Size. I have read the many topics dealing with the whole 4.3 v 4.7 issue. Unfortunately, I really do not have that much of a choice, given the current differences in price and will probably be limited to a 4.3. Also, considering that this will be my first 'proper' car (I drive a Lexus is200 as a runaround) I do not think I will really feel that it is underpowered. Interestingly, I have seen that the prodrive engine enhancements/modifications are now around the 3k mark when they used to be around the 6k mark? Does anyone have any experience of these? Also does anyone have any views of this vs the Aston Martin Works engine enhancement which appears to be similar in price but has on paper, less horsepower?
3. Transmission. I always thought I would get a manual, but now realising that I will be doing a lot of city driving (I live in central london) I am now wondering whether sportshift would be a more sensible option.I will take both for a test drive, but again considering this is my first sportscar, I am wondering whether I am over/under estimating the heaviness of the clutch for short drives. I appreciate this is likely to be wholly subjective.
4. Dealer. Does anyone have any first hand experience of Aston Martin Park Lane? They are my local dealer and seem to be good......?
5. Parking. I am constantly changing my mind about whether or not leaving a Vantage on the street would be a good idea. I am currently thinking about the secured garage option although at 200pcm it is not cheap... I would appreciate the views of any London-based PH'ers, I am based in N1..
Apologies for the long post. Any comments would be very helpful to me as a 'newbie'.
Warmest regards,
OS
Hi,
2. Engine - nothing wrong with a 4.3 just less torquey, but if you've not compared one against the other the 4.3 is brilliant as is. The AM performance upgrade allows you to have an Aston warranty on it and the engine. Tthe Prodrive upgrade is not covered by the Aston Warranty and could cause an issue with any warranty issue on the rest of the engine. Pretty big IF I know but could be hassle - not that I know of anyone having major engine issues.
3. Transmission - early 4.3 only available as a manual sportshift not out until 2007 if I remember correctly.
Good luck, happy hunting.
2. Engine - nothing wrong with a 4.3 just less torquey, but if you've not compared one against the other the 4.3 is brilliant as is. The AM performance upgrade allows you to have an Aston warranty on it and the engine. Tthe Prodrive upgrade is not covered by the Aston Warranty and could cause an issue with any warranty issue on the rest of the engine. Pretty big IF I know but could be hassle - not that I know of anyone having major engine issues.
3. Transmission - early 4.3 only available as a manual sportshift not out until 2007 if I remember correctly.
Good luck, happy hunting.
Old Skool said:
2. Engine Size. ...and will probably be limited to a 4.3.
...
2) Life's a b...
h eh 
Don't stress over it. On public roads, it'll mostly come down to the style of the drive - whether you want to rev it or not. On track, the driver will be by far the bigger limiting factor IMO.3) I'm not convinced the Sportshift would be nicer than the manual round town, unless you have particularly weedy legs. Worth getting an extended drive of a manual around town to see how you go.
4) No experience. HWM are easy enough to get to though if you want choice, and are excellent.
5) No different to any other car left on the street. Not idea, but not a problem either IMO.
Cant really add much value here but my 2 pennies....Colour is always personal. Its easier to be put off the norm (greys and blacks) but the lines generally do look better in the darker colours, I think the likes of lambos can carry of the more vivacious colours, im not sure they Astons personally. Although the 4.7 is streets ahead in more ways than one, if all you do is test drive a 4.3, i dont think a hint of unhappiness will creep in. That said, as soon as you become accustomed to the 4.3 engine, you will want more, then perhaps the Prodrive upgrade may be the way forward. I also thought the sports pack on the 4.7 made a hell of difference too. As for transmission, I would go manual manual manual, all the way when buying the Vantage, I think you remain more involved that way. If it was a DB9, I would say auto. Cant help on the last 2 other to say a friend of mine keeps his Vanquish on the streets of london and bar one small knock has not regretted it. Just hope it doesnt come down to sods law!
Good luck with your search, given how long you have waited for this purchase, no need to rush in, time to hunt for that 4.3 gem and i would imagine you shouldnt have to look too hard!
Good luck with your search, given how long you have waited for this purchase, no need to rush in, time to hunt for that 4.3 gem and i would imagine you shouldnt have to look too hard!
Cant really add much value here but my 2 pennies....Colour is always personal. Its easier to be put off the norm (greys and blacks) but the lines generally do look better in the darker colours, I think the likes of lambos can carry of the more vivacious colours, im not sure they Astons personally. Although the 4.7 is streets ahead in more ways than one, if all you do is test drive a 4.3, i dont think a hint of unhappiness will creep in. That said, as soon as you become accustomed to the 4.3 engine, you will want more, then perhaps the Prodrive upgrade may be the way forward. I also thought the sports pack on the 4.7 made a hell of difference too. As for transmission, I would go manual manual manual, all the way when buying the Vantage, I think you remain more involved that way. If it was a DB9, I would say auto. Cant help on the last 2 other to say a friend of mine keeps his Vanquish on the streets of london and bar one small knock has not regretted it. Just hope it doesnt come down to sods law!
Good luck with your search, given how long you have waited for this purchase, no need to rush in, time to hunt for that 4.3 gem and i would imagine you shouldnt have to look too hard!
Good luck with your search, given how long you have waited for this purchase, no need to rush in, time to hunt for that 4.3 gem and i would imagine you shouldnt have to look too hard!
1. Colour: buy what you like, you will want to keep any of them looking perfect, I can never make my mind up on colour, so my last 6 cars have been black, it saves me thinking about it 
2. Engine: we ought to have threads on the engine question on a sticky at the top of the forum. Its discussed nearly daily. MOst of this is thanks to car magazine reviews and armchair experts opinions repeating said reviews, for a car that does 60 in sub 5 and a ton in 11secs ish, as "being slow" and a car that does it .3sec faster and a ton in 10secs being "fast". What they mean is the original 4.3 wasnt "fast enough " for its price point compared to hot German saloons I guess, which get more power each revision, as thats what they need to sell them. Dont worry about it, and dont waste your cash on power upgrades expecting 20bhp to be particularly noticable on a 1.6 ton car....its mostly noticeable in the mind...and wallet
3. Transmission - if you are a healthy male you should enjoy the excercise the manual will give your left leg....thanks to an accident in 2008, I have a hip replacement and feet/ankles held together by wires....so it was a pleasure for me when I had built up the strength to drive my manual Vantage again, I will get an auto when im old
4. Dealer - sorry cant help on that one, have only used Grange in Brentwood and Stratstones Amersham, good experience at both
5. Parking - no different to any other premium car, although they dont seem to attract as much negative attention...completely up to you and your assessment of where you live, likely you will need a track for insurance, and it will be insured, so the risk is just of scrotes damaging the car...they can do that anywhere, you cant keep it locked away all the time...use it and enjoy it and dont worry, thats what insurance is for
2. Engine: we ought to have threads on the engine question on a sticky at the top of the forum. Its discussed nearly daily. MOst of this is thanks to car magazine reviews and armchair experts opinions repeating said reviews, for a car that does 60 in sub 5 and a ton in 11secs ish, as "being slow" and a car that does it .3sec faster and a ton in 10secs being "fast". What they mean is the original 4.3 wasnt "fast enough " for its price point compared to hot German saloons I guess, which get more power each revision, as thats what they need to sell them. Dont worry about it, and dont waste your cash on power upgrades expecting 20bhp to be particularly noticable on a 1.6 ton car....its mostly noticeable in the mind...and wallet
3. Transmission - if you are a healthy male you should enjoy the excercise the manual will give your left leg....thanks to an accident in 2008, I have a hip replacement and feet/ankles held together by wires....so it was a pleasure for me when I had built up the strength to drive my manual Vantage again, I will get an auto when im old
4. Dealer - sorry cant help on that one, have only used Grange in Brentwood and Stratstones Amersham, good experience at both
5. Parking - no different to any other premium car, although they dont seem to attract as much negative attention...completely up to you and your assessment of where you live, likely you will need a track for insurance, and it will be insured, so the risk is just of scrotes damaging the car...they can do that anywhere, you cant keep it locked away all the time...use it and enjoy it and dont worry, thats what insurance is for
Having recently been through this process (June 2010) I can give you my views on 1, 2 and 3.
1) I test drove a Black 4.3 and a Tungsten 4.7 with Sportshift. Based on what I was seeing on the forecourts and adverts I set the AM dealers looking for either a Meteorite or Tungsten car with black interior. The first one that came up was a Titanium one and although I had reservations because of having too many previous silver cars I went off to see it and guess what, I bought it. I am afraid I have to disagree with the statements about the darker colour doing more for the shape/lines, but then I would
2) I will admit to limited experience here having only done a test drive in the 4.7 but I have the AM power upgrade on my 4.3 and 3 months down the road of ownership I am more than satisfied with what is at my disposal. If I were inclined to go to the track or have the availability of open, non-limited roads I might be persuaded that things could be better but as most of my driving gets done around Surrey/Hampshire that isn't likely to happen.
3) My first test drive was a manual and I was a little concerned about the heaviness of the clutch but I still enjoyed it. But then I tried the S/shift and I was sold within minutes. I love the ease of use and the noise on downchange is very addictive. You get the best of both worlds as the auto mode is great for traffic and cruising with the paddle shift there for more spirited driving.
HTH and good luck with the search.
1) I test drove a Black 4.3 and a Tungsten 4.7 with Sportshift. Based on what I was seeing on the forecourts and adverts I set the AM dealers looking for either a Meteorite or Tungsten car with black interior. The first one that came up was a Titanium one and although I had reservations because of having too many previous silver cars I went off to see it and guess what, I bought it. I am afraid I have to disagree with the statements about the darker colour doing more for the shape/lines, but then I would
2) I will admit to limited experience here having only done a test drive in the 4.7 but I have the AM power upgrade on my 4.3 and 3 months down the road of ownership I am more than satisfied with what is at my disposal. If I were inclined to go to the track or have the availability of open, non-limited roads I might be persuaded that things could be better but as most of my driving gets done around Surrey/Hampshire that isn't likely to happen.
3) My first test drive was a manual and I was a little concerned about the heaviness of the clutch but I still enjoyed it. But then I tried the S/shift and I was sold within minutes. I love the ease of use and the noise on downchange is very addictive. You get the best of both worlds as the auto mode is great for traffic and cruising with the paddle shift there for more spirited driving.
HTH and good luck with the search.
Edited by alxce on Tuesday 17th August 13:55
Old Skool said:
Thank you for all the comments so far
Murph7355 - probably not the time nor the forum, but I see that you owned an F355 - how was that?! Obviously can't get enough of those lovely crackly V8's...
Epic. A word well suited to it. One of the best cars ever made IMO, and I still miss mine when I see one on the roads (which isn't that often).Murph7355 - probably not the time nor the forum, but I see that you owned an F355 - how was that?! Obviously can't get enough of those lovely crackly V8's...
V8V replaced it. 99% of the time haven't regretted it...
Glad it lived up to what every one says about them. At some point, I hope to go the other way, although it seems a good GTB are cropping up even less and far between now. More than just being a super weekend car, its hardly going to start depreciating heavily from this point on so they are looking like super buys if you can handle the upkeep.
Agree with what everyone is saying about the 4.3, i mean if all we cared about was 0-60, we'd have nissan gt-r's right?
I think once you accept that buying something like this is a 90-100% emotional purchase, all of those issues begin to melt away
Agree with what everyone is saying about the 4.3, i mean if all we cared about was 0-60, we'd have nissan gt-r's right?
I think once you accept that buying something like this is a 90-100% emotional purchase, all of those issues begin to melt away
2. Regarding the Prodrive upgrade, I don't think there are many on here who have it. I picked up my car only a few weeks back and took it straight to Nicholas Mee for the Prodrive kit. I had done nearly a thousand miles in the car before having it done so I am well aware of how it was originally and I can tell you it does make a noticable difference. It's not shockingly different but at the upper end of the rev range there is quite a bit more punch. In addition the throttle response seems more urgent and the exhaust note is more fruity. One thing that's often overlooked on this upgrade is the switchable exhaust. Many have got a switch fitted to do away with fiddling with fuse22 and that's a good idea. With the prodrive kit though, you get a nice aluminium button with a light around it that goes light, dim, or pulses depending on the mode. You have three "volume" modes to use and I mention the button to show that it's really a well thought out mod and has that little finishing touch. It's 3.5 grand now and in my opinion well worth it, if you are buying an Aston then 3.5 at some stage shouldn't really break the bank.
Someone mentioned the warranty issue, it does void the Aston warranty for the affected parts only, but you get a full warranty from Prodrive for the duration of your existing one. They put some extra pages in your handbook as a guide to the kit and this includes a new warranty document for the affected systems. I wouldn't worry. It's a nearly official upgrade (not commisioned but sanctioned) from the people that run Aston Martin racing and it id better than the 400bhp upgrade. Only downside is, you need to use Shell V-power wherever possible, other super is okay but 95 ron is not. Sates as much in the new handbook pages.
Someone mentioned the warranty issue, it does void the Aston warranty for the affected parts only, but you get a full warranty from Prodrive for the duration of your existing one. They put some extra pages in your handbook as a guide to the kit and this includes a new warranty document for the affected systems. I wouldn't worry. It's a nearly official upgrade (not commisioned but sanctioned) from the people that run Aston Martin racing and it id better than the 400bhp upgrade. Only downside is, you need to use Shell V-power wherever possible, other super is okay but 95 ron is not. Sates as much in the new handbook pages.
Edited by cathalm on Tuesday 17th August 19:13
Hi OS
Having read your thread a couple of times I think I know where you are at.
Colour is a totally personal thing although some, shall we say more unusual colours might be harder to shift on re-sale. Silver/grey will always sell but some of the others as shown in the photo thread are gorgeous. To me its a matter of buying what you like not what others say. ( obviously Grigio Titanio is the best :-) )
I test drove the 4.3 but did prefer the face lifted 4.7. I drive it every day in rush hour traffic and its fine. Personally I prefer a manual but that is for you to decide after trying both.
Whatever car you decide on make sure you have an extended warranty. Things can go wrong. My gearbox was replaced after 7,000 miles but this I believe is an exception and hasn't altered my regard for my car one iota.
Out of warranty we have our own saint in Rick at DMS who will sort you out.
And yes my purchase was entirely ruled by my heart. A lifelong dream with not one minute of regret.
Final words... Its an Aston Martin
Having read your thread a couple of times I think I know where you are at.
Colour is a totally personal thing although some, shall we say more unusual colours might be harder to shift on re-sale. Silver/grey will always sell but some of the others as shown in the photo thread are gorgeous. To me its a matter of buying what you like not what others say. ( obviously Grigio Titanio is the best :-) )
I test drove the 4.3 but did prefer the face lifted 4.7. I drive it every day in rush hour traffic and its fine. Personally I prefer a manual but that is for you to decide after trying both.
Whatever car you decide on make sure you have an extended warranty. Things can go wrong. My gearbox was replaced after 7,000 miles but this I believe is an exception and hasn't altered my regard for my car one iota.
Out of warranty we have our own saint in Rick at DMS who will sort you out.
And yes my purchase was entirely ruled by my heart. A lifelong dream with not one minute of regret.
Final words... Its an Aston Martin
I've got a Titanium Silver 06 plate 4.3 V8, 13,800 miles, full AMSH, garaged, never tracked, about to go on sale or return. If you are a potential buyer send me a PM. I'm based in N6, so not far from you at all....
Feels like I am chopping off my right arm to write this (I love that car) but I've gotta take one for the team...
Feels like I am chopping off my right arm to write this (I love that car) but I've gotta take one for the team...
Edited by JohnG1 on Wednesday 18th August 07:45
on the 4.3 vs. 4.7 debate. I have a 4.3 N400 (with the factory power upgrade and Sports pack). Yesterday I drove the 4.7 N420 as part of the V8 Homecoming. (a fantastic event btw)
I agree with alxce, I'm more than happy with my current car. I was surprised to discover how similar the cars are, I can't say I noticed much (if anything) of difference between the two. Obviously this was only a short test drive and I'm not an expert/racing driver, so I'm sure the drive was fairly tame in comparison to what the cars are capable of, but it was somewhat representative of the kind of driving I usually do. If anything it re-enforced my opinion of my own car, rather than making me lust after an upgrade as I had envisaged.
I also got to drive the V12 vantage. That was an entirely different experience. If I had the means, I'd fear for my licence. It is epic...
...in any gear, at almost any speed.
I agree with alxce, I'm more than happy with my current car. I was surprised to discover how similar the cars are, I can't say I noticed much (if anything) of difference between the two. Obviously this was only a short test drive and I'm not an expert/racing driver, so I'm sure the drive was fairly tame in comparison to what the cars are capable of, but it was somewhat representative of the kind of driving I usually do. If anything it re-enforced my opinion of my own car, rather than making me lust after an upgrade as I had envisaged.
I also got to drive the V12 vantage. That was an entirely different experience. If I had the means, I'd fear for my licence. It is epic...
...in any gear, at almost any speed.
JohnG1 said:
I've got a Titanium Silver 06 plate 4.3 V8, 13,800 miles, full AMSH, garaged, never tracked, about to go on sale or return. If you are a potential buyer send me a PM. I'm based in N6, so not far from you at all....
Feels like I am chopping off my right arm to write this (I love that car) but I've gotta take one for the team...
I've probably seen you around then, given that we share a postcode (not that Astons are exactly uncommon in N6 - two DB9s on my road alone).Feels like I am chopping off my right arm to write this (I love that car) but I've gotta take one for the team...
Edited by JohnG1 on Wednesday 18th August 07:45
PS I now keep my DB9 in the garage because it was keyed on the street last year.
Edited by Zod on Wednesday 18th August 17:11
JohnG1 said:
I've got a Titanium Silver 06 plate 4.3 V8, 13,800 miles, full AMSH, garaged, never tracked, about to go on sale or return. If you are a potential buyer send me a PM. I'm based in N6, so not far from you at all....
Feels like I am chopping off my right arm to write this (I love that car) but I've gotta take one for the team...
Thanks for the offer, however I am looking for a slightly different spec.Feels like I am chopping off my right arm to write this (I love that car) but I've gotta take one for the team...
Zod said:
PS I now keep my DB9 in the garage because it was keyed on the street last year.
Ouch. Nightmare. And in N6 as well. Is no where and nothing sacred?Thank you very much for all the comments guys (and Lady Topaz).
Very helpful and much appreciated. Will keep you all informed...
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