New to Aston Martin and Pistonheads
Discussion
I thought i'd introduce myself on here after an owner of a lovely 2015 Vantage suggested I do so, rather than continue on another image posting board for more civilised conversation. I have used posts on PH for miscellaneous guidance with previous cars but decided to actually join as there seems to be very knowledgeable and enthusiastic people on here.
I'm Oli, i'm 34. I've always massively enjoyed my cars from most backgrounds and I just enjoy driving. But I am a large fan of British cars having owned 1 MG and 3 Jags. After selling my F-type last year due to getting married I started to yearn for its replacement. While growing up watching top gear, for me there was only 1 car I lusted after. The DB9.
I started seriously started looking into them, plus a few other cars. However the only stipulation was from my new wife was rear seats that could fit a baby and place pram in the boot for future proofing. She shot down many cars, and we got to the DB9. Which she knew it was the one I wanted. We watched the Dadcars review and found a rear facing baby seat was not going to happen. My wife even tried to compromise since she knew it was the one I wanted. So instead I made a slight change to compromise so she could get what she was after. So I started hunting Rapides.
My only problem was, I wanted something with colour as I'm bored of seeing Black, White, Silver and Grey everywhere. After missing out on some nice examples I found one in Almond Green with 40-50k miles on it with a dark brown interior at the top end of our budget, after much discussion with the wife. By the time I went to properly investigate it had gone. I thought bugger I won't see that again in that colour as it's rare on the Rapide. A month later on a late saturday evening on eBay of all places an Almond Green Rapide appeared with a light ivory interior + a moss green. The luck was incredible because apparently only 4 Rapides were painted in Almond Green and only 2 are RHD.
I was the 3rd to view it on there and immediately jumped on it. By monday I had it reserved. 2 weeks later I went to view it with a friend and I was stunned by it. A folder thick of receipts and services, barely a mark on it and only 34k miles on it. It was a touch over our top end we wanted to spend. We went for a test drive and I knew I had to have it. We listened for the "dreaded tick", with no issues I bought it. And I couldn't be happier. I've done 900 miles in it, in 3 weeks despite the cold, wet, ice and thick fog.
I am looking for a bit of advice. I have looked up a few places for services. I live in north Kent however I don't mind traveling. There is a main dealer in Sevenoaks. However there is a specialist in maidstone Quantum Works. There's Trinity in Guildford and Phoenix in Basingstoke. Are there any recommendations for which would be the best to go to full stop or go to 1 for 1 thing and another for something else? Do I need to take it to a main dealer to get that mighty Aston Martin service stamp in my book as it's filled with them? I'm not familiar with the protocol.
The only 2 things I do have as a question about the car as it's the only thing that annoys me and I hear it's common. When you go to fill up with fuel. As it likes to consume it like George Best in a pub, how do I fill it up without the pump cutting out every few seconds? Or is the fuel vapour valve a bit dodgy?
The other is, I made a silly mistake and it got a bit frozen over, I defrosted it slowly to get in and let the engine run for a while to defrost it. However when I tried to access the boot I pressed the boot button, it didn't open due to the cold and I had to thaw it out. However since then pressing the button on the boot lid and the button in the cabin (glows when pressed) no longer open the boot, however the key does? Does anyone have an idea what's happened? Is it a battery reset possibly or have I damaged something?
I would post obligatory photo's but as a new member I cannot for 14 days it seems.
I'm Oli, i'm 34. I've always massively enjoyed my cars from most backgrounds and I just enjoy driving. But I am a large fan of British cars having owned 1 MG and 3 Jags. After selling my F-type last year due to getting married I started to yearn for its replacement. While growing up watching top gear, for me there was only 1 car I lusted after. The DB9.
I started seriously started looking into them, plus a few other cars. However the only stipulation was from my new wife was rear seats that could fit a baby and place pram in the boot for future proofing. She shot down many cars, and we got to the DB9. Which she knew it was the one I wanted. We watched the Dadcars review and found a rear facing baby seat was not going to happen. My wife even tried to compromise since she knew it was the one I wanted. So instead I made a slight change to compromise so she could get what she was after. So I started hunting Rapides.
My only problem was, I wanted something with colour as I'm bored of seeing Black, White, Silver and Grey everywhere. After missing out on some nice examples I found one in Almond Green with 40-50k miles on it with a dark brown interior at the top end of our budget, after much discussion with the wife. By the time I went to properly investigate it had gone. I thought bugger I won't see that again in that colour as it's rare on the Rapide. A month later on a late saturday evening on eBay of all places an Almond Green Rapide appeared with a light ivory interior + a moss green. The luck was incredible because apparently only 4 Rapides were painted in Almond Green and only 2 are RHD.
I was the 3rd to view it on there and immediately jumped on it. By monday I had it reserved. 2 weeks later I went to view it with a friend and I was stunned by it. A folder thick of receipts and services, barely a mark on it and only 34k miles on it. It was a touch over our top end we wanted to spend. We went for a test drive and I knew I had to have it. We listened for the "dreaded tick", with no issues I bought it. And I couldn't be happier. I've done 900 miles in it, in 3 weeks despite the cold, wet, ice and thick fog.
I am looking for a bit of advice. I have looked up a few places for services. I live in north Kent however I don't mind traveling. There is a main dealer in Sevenoaks. However there is a specialist in maidstone Quantum Works. There's Trinity in Guildford and Phoenix in Basingstoke. Are there any recommendations for which would be the best to go to full stop or go to 1 for 1 thing and another for something else? Do I need to take it to a main dealer to get that mighty Aston Martin service stamp in my book as it's filled with them? I'm not familiar with the protocol.
The only 2 things I do have as a question about the car as it's the only thing that annoys me and I hear it's common. When you go to fill up with fuel. As it likes to consume it like George Best in a pub, how do I fill it up without the pump cutting out every few seconds? Or is the fuel vapour valve a bit dodgy?
The other is, I made a silly mistake and it got a bit frozen over, I defrosted it slowly to get in and let the engine run for a while to defrost it. However when I tried to access the boot I pressed the boot button, it didn't open due to the cold and I had to thaw it out. However since then pressing the button on the boot lid and the button in the cabin (glows when pressed) no longer open the boot, however the key does? Does anyone have an idea what's happened? Is it a battery reset possibly or have I damaged something?
I would post obligatory photo's but as a new member I cannot for 14 days it seems.
Edited by Blitzuk on Monday 20th January 19:09
Well, as the owner of a lovely black 2015 Vantage welcome to one of the more civilised corners of PH.
I can’t help with your specific question, but congratulations on acquiring your Rapide and I look forward to you being out of posting jail so we can see some pictures and your impressions when you get some miles on it You can also add yourself to the “Roll Call” sticky at the top of p1 if you want - you’d be the only green Rapide
I can’t help with your specific question, but congratulations on acquiring your Rapide and I look forward to you being out of posting jail so we can see some pictures and your impressions when you get some miles on it You can also add yourself to the “Roll Call” sticky at the top of p1 if you want - you’d be the only green Rapide
Congrats on your purchase!
Rapide is to my eyes just that bit more special than a DB9 and when I did my Millbrook Aston Performance Driving Course back in 2016, the instructors told me the Rapide was one of their favourite and best handling Aston’s.
I love the shape, I’ve sat in the back of a friend’s Rapide during a short journey but felt quite comfortable and snug. Your kid will love it back there while you’re enjoying the drive. Perfect man maths!
Rapide is to my eyes just that bit more special than a DB9 and when I did my Millbrook Aston Performance Driving Course back in 2016, the instructors told me the Rapide was one of their favourite and best handling Aston’s.
I love the shape, I’ve sat in the back of a friend’s Rapide during a short journey but felt quite comfortable and snug. Your kid will love it back there while you’re enjoying the drive. Perfect man maths!
Welcome! Sounds like a lovely car.
On the refuelling issue, is this at all petrol stations or just some?
I had the same problem with my DB9 at a few (especially in Switzerland) and the solution was simply to squeeze the trigger a bit less to slow the rate down.
Most of the time it was fine though.
On the refuelling issue, is this at all petrol stations or just some?
I had the same problem with my DB9 at a few (especially in Switzerland) and the solution was simply to squeeze the trigger a bit less to slow the rate down.
Most of the time it was fine though.
Thank you for the welcome, good to see you there LTP. I'll get photo's up post haste when i've been released from posting jail. I'll also report back later this year when i've put more joysome miles on it.
Sebastian Tombs said:
Welcome! Sounds like a lovely car.
On the refuelling issue, is this at all petrol stations or just some?
I had the same problem with my DB9 at a few (especially in Switzerland) and the solution was simply to squeeze the trigger a bit less to slow the rate down.
Most of the time it was fine though.
This is every petrol station. I've given it the full hokey cokey trying all the o'clocks and every different trigger pressure. Sometimes it will take a good amount before just cutting out then continues to keep cutting out. Sometimes it's from the offset. On the refuelling issue, is this at all petrol stations or just some?
I had the same problem with my DB9 at a few (especially in Switzerland) and the solution was simply to squeeze the trigger a bit less to slow the rate down.
Most of the time it was fine though.
Welcome to the club Oli, you'll have a smile every time you take it for a drive.
Another service option for you is Chicane Aston Martin, they have looked after my current and last Vantage and I can't speak more highly about thier service. Have a chat with Dan here is thier website https://chicane.am
Another service option for you is Chicane Aston Martin, they have looked after my current and last Vantage and I can't speak more highly about thier service. Have a chat with Dan here is thier website https://chicane.am
Welcome Oli and congratulations on the purchase. I too wanted a colourful car, having recently acquired a Flugplatz Blue V12VSM, so I think you made the right decision. Look forward to photos!
For what it’s worth, I’ve used AM Sevenoaks for some warranty items and found them very helpful & pleasant to deal with. Although if I didn’t have the Timeless warranty I would use an independent.
For what it’s worth, I’ve used AM Sevenoaks for some warranty items and found them very helpful & pleasant to deal with. Although if I didn’t have the Timeless warranty I would use an independent.
That's a very colourful Aston you have there then Mrburgers, and good on you for getting something different.
Thank you for the information and suggestions gents. I had no idea Hook had any AM specialists, and I grew up in Fleet.
Since i'm not familiar with the protocol, do I need to chase that almighty stamp or would going to a specialist be the way forward?
Any other advice is greatly welcome.
Thank you for the information and suggestions gents. I had no idea Hook had any AM specialists, and I grew up in Fleet.
Since i'm not familiar with the protocol, do I need to chase that almighty stamp or would going to a specialist be the way forward?
Any other advice is greatly welcome.
Blitzuk said:
That's a very colourful Aston you have there then Mrburgers, and good on you for getting something different.
Thank you for the information and suggestions gents. I had no idea Hook had any AM specialists, and I grew up in Fleet.
Since i'm not familiar with the protocol, do I need to chase that almighty stamp or would going to a specialist be the way forward?
Any other advice is greatly welcome.
My Aston was 10 years old when I bought it. First six services were with Leeds AM who supplied it, then an English specialist with the next three being done by Martin's Aston Services in Scotland. Martin's have such a tremendous reputation it reassured me that they and the previous owner will have cared for the car. Thank you for the information and suggestions gents. I had no idea Hook had any AM specialists, and I grew up in Fleet.
Since i'm not familiar with the protocol, do I need to chase that almighty stamp or would going to a specialist be the way forward?
Any other advice is greatly welcome.
Having dealt with them myself for over a year, two services, couple of other minor jobs I wouldn't go anywhere else.
Some people will undoubtedly prefer main dealer history only, but from doing research before buying mine I think as Aston owners we are lucky that there are several excellent independents. So don't fear going indy.
skyebear said:
Some people will undoubtedly prefer main dealer history only, but from doing research before buying mine I think as Aston owners we are lucky that there are several excellent independents. So don't fear going indy.
But take recommendations first. As I discovered 3 years ago, at least one indy is manned by chimpanzees.Welcome to the club BlitzUK!
I'm new myself, having too fallen for a DB9, and not needing to contemplate baby seats in the back! I did manage to get one of my children in the back, for a short run to Oulton Park, but at 6'1" we probably couldn't have gone much further!
With regard to Indys, I'm looking for recommendations around Manchester. Found a good one in Macclesfield, but it isn't too convenient if I need to leave it there...
Enjoy your new car!
I'm new myself, having too fallen for a DB9, and not needing to contemplate baby seats in the back! I did manage to get one of my children in the back, for a short run to Oulton Park, but at 6'1" we probably couldn't have gone much further!
With regard to Indys, I'm looking for recommendations around Manchester. Found a good one in Macclesfield, but it isn't too convenient if I need to leave it there...
Enjoy your new car!
Hi Oli and congratulations!
I followed much the same path as you (albeit a few years slower
) and still can’t quite believe I have an Aston.
As for service, I found that although the independents are often highly rated by their customers (I’m Hampshire so was looking at Chicane) they are not necessarily a saving. I went to Works for my first service as my Rapide S is only turning 10 this year. Also I figured they are so much rarer than the DB9 or Vantage of the same age, the guys who built them in the first place will know how to do things best?
I followed much the same path as you (albeit a few years slower
) and still can’t quite believe I have an Aston.As for service, I found that although the independents are often highly rated by their customers (I’m Hampshire so was looking at Chicane) they are not necessarily a saving. I went to Works for my first service as my Rapide S is only turning 10 this year. Also I figured they are so much rarer than the DB9 or Vantage of the same age, the guys who built them in the first place will know how to do things best?
I managed to sort the problem out with my boot after 10 minutes of having to apply logical and critical thinking from my brain. Turns out the emergency boot release handle had come from its position. Causing the boot to either not release when using the boot lid or the interior button and only from the key fob, or it wouldn't lock/constantly open. It was also twisted the wrong way so it wouldn't stay in either. So luckily that is not something I need to have investigated any more.
I appreciate the extra votes for Chicane, has anyone used them and Trinityaston? I'm currently leaning towards trinity due to what i've seen people say about them.
I appreciate the extra votes for Chicane, has anyone used them and Trinityaston? I'm currently leaning towards trinity due to what i've seen people say about them.
That's a very nice colour combo, really suits the car. Wood appears to be in excellent condition and an unusual type.
My DB9 found itself at Phoenix for diagnosis when the supplying dealer didn't believe the torque converter had gone. I had a few chats with Andrew; he seemed perfectly competent and efficient, and has AMDS. However it's too far from home for me to use.
PS Which bit is Moss Green? Has your camera turned it grey?
My DB9 found itself at Phoenix for diagnosis when the supplying dealer didn't believe the torque converter had gone. I had a few chats with Andrew; he seemed perfectly competent and efficient, and has AMDS. However it's too far from home for me to use.
PS Which bit is Moss Green? Has your camera turned it grey?
Edited by Simpo Two on Tuesday 4th February 13:30
LTP said:
Now that does look nice - and pretty unique too - wouldn't surprise me if that's a one of one. I quite like the veneer waterfall - "bird's eye" maple?
What are the colourways of the interior?
I would be willing to bet it is a one of one as well, since only 4 in Almond Green were made and the only other in the UK has a dark brown interior. What are the colourways of the interior?
Unfortunately I don't know the exact interior colours as I do not have the build sheet. Might be something I have to request from AM, i'm assuming it's something easily requested?
Simpo Two said:
That's a very nice colour combo, really suits the car. Wood appears to be in excellent condition and an unusual type.
My DB9 found itself at Phoenix for diagnosis when the supplying dealer didn't believe the torque converter had gone. I had a few chats with Andrew; he seemed perfectly competent and efficient, and has AMDS. However it's too far from home for me to use.
PS Which bit is Moss Green? Has your camera turned it grey?
I do love the wood finish it does set it off.My DB9 found itself at Phoenix for diagnosis when the supplying dealer didn't believe the torque converter had gone. I had a few chats with Andrew; he seemed perfectly competent and efficient, and has AMDS. However it's too far from home for me to use.
PS Which bit is Moss Green? Has your camera turned it grey?
Edited by Simpo Two on Tuesday 4th February 13:30
I have found the trio in that area (trinity, phoenix, chicane) are all highly spoken of. Will have to personally visit and find out when the time comes.
The camera does make it look grey, I thought it was as well when I was sent a walk around video, until I saw it in person. Hopefully you can see this a bit better.
Blitzuk said:
I would be willing to bet it is a one of one as well, since only 4 in Almond Green were made and the only other in the UK has a dark brown interior.
Unfortunately I don't know the exact interior colours as I do not have the build sheet. Might be something I have to request from AM, i'm assuming it's something easily requested?
You used to be able to get the build sheet details from the AML Technical Hub hereUnfortunately I don't know the exact interior colours as I do not have the build sheet. Might be something I have to request from AM, i'm assuming it's something easily requested?
https://technicalhub.astonmartin.com/login
You can register for some information for free - you'll need your VIN. A few months back a PH'er built an automated build sheet extractor which I think used access to this site - when AML realised they kicked him out and stopped access for his tool, so they may have changed what you can see. Worth a punt, though.
Apologies I deleted my original post you replied to - I realised you'd already answered the colours question
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff