Budget Vantage?
Discussion
50th bday is fast approaching and after years of hard work Im finally able, willing and wanting to buy a weekender all be it with a small budget of 30k
I would like to buy something special and understand that is subjective but keep focusing on AM Vantage from around the early 2000's.
Would i be buying a mess of problems / expense or what should the reality be ? Am i better to give up now ? Appreicate running costs will be significantly higher than a bogo standard car.
Would love to know other peoples experiences ...
I would like to buy something special and understand that is subjective but keep focusing on AM Vantage from around the early 2000's.
Would i be buying a mess of problems / expense or what should the reality be ? Am i better to give up now ? Appreicate running costs will be significantly higher than a bogo standard car.
Would love to know other peoples experiences ...
Generally recognised as relatively bulletproof, but they do get alloy corrosion and many age in dog years.
I’ve been to buy one twice and both times come back with a v8 FType.
Beautiful car, suspect they are at the bottom of their depreciation curve, it’s the old adage buy strictly on condition and service history.
There are definitely some dogs out there, as ever buy on mileage and condition, you know when a car has been loved, Aston history is nice but really at cars of a certain age it’s not a deal breaker for me, I have an 08 I paid £32k for last year with 37k miles and a special colour and apart from the tpms going haywire and sat nav not popping up every time it’s been an absolute joy, as above, they’re reliable and never understood the negative comments online in that regard. Parts are expensive for them, my tax will also be £760 from April, but I love it and have no regrets.
Running an Aston Martin is not cheap, I speak as an owner of just under 3 years, clutch 4k, a front brake disc rotor is near on 900 quid for one!, without fitting!
So do your homework, don’t rush and get the best you can
Mine has cost a small fortune but is now in a beautiful condition although the rear sub frame I think will be my next bill bill, around 4 k , so you need deep pockets!
However when get in and start it all that cost becomes insignificant cause there is nothing like owning an Aston Martin
Kev
So do your homework, don’t rush and get the best you can
Mine has cost a small fortune but is now in a beautiful condition although the rear sub frame I think will be my next bill bill, around 4 k , so you need deep pockets!
However when get in and start it all that cost becomes insignificant cause there is nothing like owning an Aston Martin
Kev
An early Vantage from 2006 is nearly 20 years old and if the last owners have not taken care of it and fixed everything as they went along, you could easily put £5-10k into one just replacing consumables and tarting up corroded bits to a nearly new standard.
On the other hand, If you are lucky and find a well maintained car, you could drive 6k miles a year for a few years, just with yearly service at £700-900, own it for 3 years and sell it on, whilst proclaiming how affordable they are to run
There is such a varied selection of cars out there, the cheap ones are usually cheap for a reason, whilst mint, well maintained cars always command a premium....then you get a bit of scope creep as for the price of a well maintained 2008 car you might find a cheap 2009 on 4.7 etc etc
Im on my 3rd Vantage since 2007, over 160k miles to date, first car was on its 2nd clutch when I traded in at 83k miles, next car was on its 3rd clutch when I traded in at 73k miles. You never can tell. Current car on its first clutch at 18k miles. If you find a car with a twin plate clutch upgrade, its well worth it and should last your ownership.
Out of warranty fixes during that time:
door window regulator £450
wheel bearings x3 at £500 a corner fitted
AC compressor £650
coolant sensor £30
thermostat - £400
finish issues fixed - doors resprayed, mirror arms resprayed, corroding side strakes, grilles painted black, wheels refurbed twice
Other than the expensive clutch (lots of labour involved) then running a Vantage is no different to running a big engined German car. I have friends with hot Audis that always seem to have a more expensive yearly service bills than I do on my Vantage. For a niche luxury performance car they are relatively affordable to run, especially when you compare them to anything Italian
On the other hand, If you are lucky and find a well maintained car, you could drive 6k miles a year for a few years, just with yearly service at £700-900, own it for 3 years and sell it on, whilst proclaiming how affordable they are to run
There is such a varied selection of cars out there, the cheap ones are usually cheap for a reason, whilst mint, well maintained cars always command a premium....then you get a bit of scope creep as for the price of a well maintained 2008 car you might find a cheap 2009 on 4.7 etc etc
Im on my 3rd Vantage since 2007, over 160k miles to date, first car was on its 2nd clutch when I traded in at 83k miles, next car was on its 3rd clutch when I traded in at 73k miles. You never can tell. Current car on its first clutch at 18k miles. If you find a car with a twin plate clutch upgrade, its well worth it and should last your ownership.
Out of warranty fixes during that time:
door window regulator £450
wheel bearings x3 at £500 a corner fitted
AC compressor £650
coolant sensor £30
thermostat - £400
finish issues fixed - doors resprayed, mirror arms resprayed, corroding side strakes, grilles painted black, wheels refurbed twice
Other than the expensive clutch (lots of labour involved) then running a Vantage is no different to running a big engined German car. I have friends with hot Audis that always seem to have a more expensive yearly service bills than I do on my Vantage. For a niche luxury performance car they are relatively affordable to run, especially when you compare them to anything Italian
oldskoolgent said:
50th bday is fast approaching and after years of hard work Im finally able, willing and wanting to buy a weekender all be it with a small budget of 30k
I would like to buy something special and understand that is subjective but keep focusing on AM Vantage from around the early 2000's.
Would i be buying a mess of problems / expense or what should the reality be ? Am i better to give up now ? Appreciate running costs will be significantly higher than a bogo standard car.
Would love to know other peoples' experiences ...
I would like to buy something special and understand that is subjective but keep focusing on AM Vantage from around the early 2000's.
Would i be buying a mess of problems / expense or what should the reality be ? Am i better to give up now ? Appreciate running costs will be significantly higher than a bogo standard car.
Would love to know other peoples' experiences ...
You say early 2000s, but I presume you are referring to the model that we now call VH, announced in 2003 with deliveries begining in 2005. Aston Martin had an earlier V8 Vantage.
The 2005 4.3 model was in production until deliveries of the 4.7 model in September 2008, when there were a considerable number of revisions.
To have the best chance of minimising subsequent expense, you might have to be patient and find a cosseted low mileage example.
There are quite a few that exist, which are seen advertised occasionally.
As for costs I might have been lucky, but in 14 years; twin-plate clutch and lightened flywheel, (about £3,500); door damper (about £60); air con radiator and 4 tyres. Very modest annual mileage, so bi-annual servicing (about £1,000). Insurance £340 ish and road tax (far too much, but the wasters never get the full annual amount from me, because of winter hibernation).
Expect you already know some of what I have said, but hope there might be something of help.
I have tried to encourage you. They are magnificent cars to own, the like of which will never be made again. Every drive is a special and enjoyable occasion.
Best of luck finding your perfect car.
Edited by Dewi 2 on Saturday 1st March 17:49
I bought a sub 30k V8V Manual N400 roadster (2008 56k miles) last June.
As others have said, they often suffer with paint corrosion, you’ll see little bubbling areas and need to check especially near door handles, under wing mirrors, around filler cap, along panel gaps lift the bonnet and boot and check around there too..
The rear sub-frame is steel so check to make sure it’s not suffering rot. Check wing mirror supports there the powder coat can flake off.
Best bet is to have an Aston specialist do a pre-purchase inspection report for you (£380-480).
I’d also recommend making sure it’s just had its service for the year with a reputable specialist, mine had just had £4K spent on it the week before I bought it, saved me that large bill at least.
As others have said, they often suffer with paint corrosion, you’ll see little bubbling areas and need to check especially near door handles, under wing mirrors, around filler cap, along panel gaps lift the bonnet and boot and check around there too..
The rear sub-frame is steel so check to make sure it’s not suffering rot. Check wing mirror supports there the powder coat can flake off.
Best bet is to have an Aston specialist do a pre-purchase inspection report for you (£380-480).
I’d also recommend making sure it’s just had its service for the year with a reputable specialist, mine had just had £4K spent on it the week before I bought it, saved me that large bill at least.
oldskoolgent said:
50th bday is fast approaching and after years of hard work Im finally able, willing and wanting to buy a weekender all be it with a small budget of 30k
I would like to buy something special and understand that is subjective but keep focusing on AM Vantage from around the early 2000's.
Would i be buying a mess of problems / expense or what should the reality be ? Am i better to give up now ? Appreicate running costs will be significantly higher than a bogo standard car.
Would love to know other peoples experiences ...
I bought mine for my 60th, at exactly your budget. They are definitely available at that price, but you need to buy with care and have it checked by someone that knows what they are looking for.I would like to buy something special and understand that is subjective but keep focusing on AM Vantage from around the early 2000's.
Would i be buying a mess of problems / expense or what should the reality be ? Am i better to give up now ? Appreicate running costs will be significantly higher than a bogo standard car.
Would love to know other peoples experiences ...
The ‘biggies’ are:
Clutch - £4k
Suspension- £4k
Rear subframe - £3k
Front main oil seal - £3k
Paintwork- sky’s the limit, but £5k+ for a respray- more like £8k for someone with Aston experience
Brakes - as low as £500 per axle, but as much as £1k a corner using main dealers
Lights (condensation issues) £500 each for rears and £1000 each for fronts
Another problem you’ll find is that for many of the above jobs, the garage will no doubt find other stuff that needs sorting while they are working on the main job. My subframe and suspension last year cost £11k with all the extra bits that were found as the car came apart.
Go in with your eyes open and inspect the car properly and you’ll be fine
Maintenance records may be the most important requirement IMO. Look for a car currently with a good owner who has taken care for many years (with receipts and able to walk you through the car). Yes there are known vulnerabilities (front timing cover seeping, tail/headlight moisture, etc) but the Vantage is not fragile nor particularly exotic. Have a good idea of where you will have the car serviced. And, if you are inclined to dip your toe in the water, consider doing some of the work on the car yourself. There are countless items that require little mechanical expertise and not the least bit intimidating to at least consider doing yourself. Parts are readily available and often interchangeable with less "prestige" brands (Ford,Jaguar,Volvo,Mazda,Land Rover,VW). This and other Aston enthusiast communities are great sources for DIY ownership. You will save money, and be more comfortable both owning the car and taking longer trips with it. There is also the tangible satisfaction of taking care of such a special automobile and not being totally dependent on someone else to handle everything. There are limits of course but I suggest that your ownership experience can be enhanced quite a bit by going down that path. For reference, I bought my 4.7 manual roadster new in 2014 and have not been to a shop or dealer (except for the occasional part) in at least five years. I have logged 53,000 miles and the car has the original clutch. I take my scanner and basic tools with me in the trunk....plenty of room and my wife has learned to pack light. Bottom line, these are beautifully designed and constructed cars that are intoxicating in many ways. Choose carefully and learn as much as you can while on the hunt!
Don’t be put off, go for it. You won’t regret it. I had a 2007 4.3 about 10 years ago and had 3 years of trouble free motoring with it, usual service costs etc. in fact I actually sold it for slightly more than I paid for it. Only reason i sold it was my first daughter came along so 2 seats wasn’t practical. I missed it so much I ended up buying a 4.7 Vantage S a few years back. I stretched my budget and I bought a full service history car privately without any warranty etc. There were jobs that needed doing on it but I was aware of the common issues. I have carried out everything that needed doing and a shed load more. The additional work was purely me being so particular so not necessarily essential work. I’ve currently got the front suspension stripped down, had the arms and hubs vapour blasted and all the nuts and bolts zinc plated to match the rear that i done the same with when the sub frame was off. Hopefully all back together and the geometry set up again over the next few weeks so I can get it back on the road for the spring.
Good luck I’m sure you will find a nice example.
Good luck I’m sure you will find a nice example.
Echoing other comments, the consumables are expensive but they're fundamentally solid cars. I had a 4.3 that I paid around £26k for almost 10 years ago, I had to do a few bits to it and did get stung for discs and pads (my fault for not picking up that they were so low prior to buying) but it wasn't horrendously expensive buying parts myself and using specialists.
There are plenty of cars out there within your budget, the main thing to remember is that (although sellers don't always see it this way) a car with new brakes, clutch, all niggles taken care of during annual servicing isn't really worth any more than a car that has been neglected and run on a shoestring, with an annual stamp in the book but only for the bare minimum fluid/filter change. If you get the former, it could be (relatively) cheap to run and you'll hopefully get loads of enjoyment out of it. The latter will cost a fortune to bring back up to standard.
Cosmetically, it depends how picky you are. Very common issues include the regularly mentioned corrosion around the door handles and mirror stalks (mine had both), but mine also developed corrosion of the wiper arms, the rear bumper grill and front bumper lower grill. Also, some of the earlier cars didn't have the factory applied PPF in front of the rear wheel, this area is a magnet for road rash and on the darker colours can be really obvious and unsightly.
Inside, the leather is great quality and seats are easy to clean up, but the dashboard leather is well known for peeling - mine also had this! It can be repaired, however removing some of the substrates can be a pain.
That list sounds quite negative, but it's just my real world experience. It will still look and sound like an Aston, and with some of these cars now getting on for 20 years old it's not surprising that they're no longer perfect - I'd definitely take a car that has been mechanically pampered that needs some cosmetic stuff doing over the other way round!
There are plenty of cars out there within your budget, the main thing to remember is that (although sellers don't always see it this way) a car with new brakes, clutch, all niggles taken care of during annual servicing isn't really worth any more than a car that has been neglected and run on a shoestring, with an annual stamp in the book but only for the bare minimum fluid/filter change. If you get the former, it could be (relatively) cheap to run and you'll hopefully get loads of enjoyment out of it. The latter will cost a fortune to bring back up to standard.
Cosmetically, it depends how picky you are. Very common issues include the regularly mentioned corrosion around the door handles and mirror stalks (mine had both), but mine also developed corrosion of the wiper arms, the rear bumper grill and front bumper lower grill. Also, some of the earlier cars didn't have the factory applied PPF in front of the rear wheel, this area is a magnet for road rash and on the darker colours can be really obvious and unsightly.
Inside, the leather is great quality and seats are easy to clean up, but the dashboard leather is well known for peeling - mine also had this! It can be repaired, however removing some of the substrates can be a pain.
That list sounds quite negative, but it's just my real world experience. It will still look and sound like an Aston, and with some of these cars now getting on for 20 years old it's not surprising that they're no longer perfect - I'd definitely take a car that has been mechanically pampered that needs some cosmetic stuff doing over the other way round!
I bought a 2008 4.3 30k miles a year and a half ago and it is the most enjoyable thing I have done for years! Mine had been well looked after cosmetically but the last 2 years of services (and one in covid) were missing. It is a fabulous machine and gets surprisingly positive reactions from people.
I had a few items:
- replace the TPMS sensors with Autel sensors. I had tyre TPMS warnings every drive (the batteries of the original sensors run out) but I read the thread here on PH, bought an Autel TS508WF plus sensors and reprogrammed them. The TPMS system now works well.
- Emission Warning Light - this comes up for seemingly random events. I switched to VPower Shell petrol and it lit up. Buy a diagnostic (I got the Foxwell NT530 with Aston Martin s/w) and read the codes, record them for your specialist at the next service and then delete them...
- Tyres - I had 10 year old Bridgestones RE050s and changed them for Michelin Sport Contact 5's. The ride was transformed.
- Fuel flap strut replacement - mine had lost its umph! HWM parts sorted me out with one and it was 10 mins to fit.
- I took the front wheels off, opened the headlights panel and packed them with desiccant. Works so far but I am sure not as good as the ventilated solutions.
Otherwise I had a brake pedal sensor go (£395), squeaky roller on startup (£560), outside air temp sensor (£100), Ipod charger socket and sat nav cog from Aston Installations (they are fantasticl) and two services from Pugsley and Lewis (who are also excellent). I also switched my calipers to yellow (from HWM parts and remarkably reasonable £900) but this was my birthday present to myself
They are just great cars and as long as they are maintained they are very reliable in my view...
Ditto comments above. Bought my 2008 roadster in 2014 with 14000 miles on it, it now has 61000 miles. I had a clutch fitted at 20,000 miles but that was more as a precaution, current one is fine. Changed the original battery as a precaution when it was 13 years old and even that seems ok as I still use it to jump other things off!
Discs and pads are £1k if you do it yourself with Pagid pads and Brembo discs (as per oe).
Roof module failed which I changed myself, no need for a dealer reflash
Definitely a good idea to swap Bridgestone to Michelin PS4 or 5. It transforms the car with no downside.
I’ve known people who have M4s and 911s and their bills are far higher and more numerous.
It gets serviced every year at AM Nottingham who are excellent.
Hope to keep it till I’m very old…..
Discs and pads are £1k if you do it yourself with Pagid pads and Brembo discs (as per oe).
Roof module failed which I changed myself, no need for a dealer reflash
Definitely a good idea to swap Bridgestone to Michelin PS4 or 5. It transforms the car with no downside.
I’ve known people who have M4s and 911s and their bills are far higher and more numerous.
It gets serviced every year at AM Nottingham who are excellent.
Hope to keep it till I’m very old…..
As above… JFDI !! Good luck
I was on a similar budget 4-5 years ago and got a higher mileage 09 4.7 from a well known specialist Aston trader. I would have gone Aston dealer for first one but they were out of budget really. Full service history etc. not 100% perfect cosmetically, but I’d waited a while for the right colour/manual/roadster combo so ended up paying a bit more than budget still (as you do..). Servicing costs have been reasonable at an Aston Indy , certainly no more than Porsche / M car. There is always the possibility of a big bill though. And more car tax increases…But I still have it! Often this time of year I think, should I sell it this spring? Then I go out on a sunny day with the top down and that thought soon goes away ….
I was on a similar budget 4-5 years ago and got a higher mileage 09 4.7 from a well known specialist Aston trader. I would have gone Aston dealer for first one but they were out of budget really. Full service history etc. not 100% perfect cosmetically, but I’d waited a while for the right colour/manual/roadster combo so ended up paying a bit more than budget still (as you do..). Servicing costs have been reasonable at an Aston Indy , certainly no more than Porsche / M car. There is always the possibility of a big bill though. And more car tax increases…But I still have it! Often this time of year I think, should I sell it this spring? Then I go out on a sunny day with the top down and that thought soon goes away ….
Go on treat yourself!
I’m retiring next year and have for a long time been planning to buy a V8 Vantage and doing a big tour of Europe. Keeping my eyes on prices for future reference by chance a car came up on PH auctions and to cut a long story short, my bid won, I paid £24,000 with the view that my £30,000 budget left me with £6,000 for any necessary work. The car is a 2007 4.3 manual. Flew from current home in Majorca to Glasgow, picked the car up drove to Portsmouth for the ferry to Bilbao and then drove to Barcelona for the ferry to Palma. Faultless! Had the car six months now and I’m still over the moon. No big bills, the car has just passed 40,000 miles now and had a recent uprated clutch prior to my purchase.
There were a few paintwork issues, lacquer peel on the drivers A pillar, a small bubble on the passenger door and I had these done locally to an amazing standard for just over 1,000 euros.
New Pilot Sport tyres all round with alignment for again about 1,000 euros.
I’m doing my own oil change and air filters, Aston Barcelona wanted 1,600 euros for that. Whilst I appreciate I will be blemishing the cars service history at these price points and considering I aim to keep the car a long time I don’t think it matters.
Fingers crossed no big bills looming. 20 mpg average or less not so good but with the look, sound a feel good factor worth every penny.
Do it! Good luck!
I’m retiring next year and have for a long time been planning to buy a V8 Vantage and doing a big tour of Europe. Keeping my eyes on prices for future reference by chance a car came up on PH auctions and to cut a long story short, my bid won, I paid £24,000 with the view that my £30,000 budget left me with £6,000 for any necessary work. The car is a 2007 4.3 manual. Flew from current home in Majorca to Glasgow, picked the car up drove to Portsmouth for the ferry to Bilbao and then drove to Barcelona for the ferry to Palma. Faultless! Had the car six months now and I’m still over the moon. No big bills, the car has just passed 40,000 miles now and had a recent uprated clutch prior to my purchase.
There were a few paintwork issues, lacquer peel on the drivers A pillar, a small bubble on the passenger door and I had these done locally to an amazing standard for just over 1,000 euros.
New Pilot Sport tyres all round with alignment for again about 1,000 euros.
I’m doing my own oil change and air filters, Aston Barcelona wanted 1,600 euros for that. Whilst I appreciate I will be blemishing the cars service history at these price points and considering I aim to keep the car a long time I don’t think it matters.
Fingers crossed no big bills looming. 20 mpg average or less not so good but with the look, sound a feel good factor worth every penny.
Do it! Good luck!
Edited by SR on Wednesday 26th March 06:33
Edited by SR on Wednesday 26th March 07:39
Totally agree with everything that has been said. But do not spend all your money, as you can expect a £4K bill sooner or later. I have now had mine three years.
Work has been aircon radiator (£700), service (£300), aircon pipes (£350), and the rest has been done by me. That is, two headlamp repairs as brackets broke off (about £40), air filters, cabin filters, thermostat replacement (about £40), cleaned up washer bottle and new pipework (about £40), respray bonnet to match wing (£2000 - ouch!), carbon fibre wrapped sill plates, paintwork to front spoiler, rear wheel arch and bonnet strake area (cellulose paint was about £40). I also replaced the satnav with a Carplay/Android unit from China. Looks the part and works well for about £60.
If you can wield a spanner and are happy to do a lot yourself you'll save hundreds, if not thousands.
Work has been aircon radiator (£700), service (£300), aircon pipes (£350), and the rest has been done by me. That is, two headlamp repairs as brackets broke off (about £40), air filters, cabin filters, thermostat replacement (about £40), cleaned up washer bottle and new pipework (about £40), respray bonnet to match wing (£2000 - ouch!), carbon fibre wrapped sill plates, paintwork to front spoiler, rear wheel arch and bonnet strake area (cellulose paint was about £40). I also replaced the satnav with a Carplay/Android unit from China. Looks the part and works well for about £60.
If you can wield a spanner and are happy to do a lot yourself you'll save hundreds, if not thousands.
stevenichols said:
Totally agree with everything that has been said. But do not spend all your money, as you can expect a £4K bill sooner or later. I have now had mine three years.
Work has been aircon radiator (£700), service (£300), aircon pipes (£350), and the rest has been done by me. That is, two headlamp repairs as brackets broke off (about £40), air filters, cabin filters, thermostat replacement (about £40), cleaned up washer bottle and new pipework (about £40), respray bonnet to match wing (£2000 - ouch!), carbon fibre wrapped sill plates, paintwork to front spoiler, rear wheel arch and bonnet strake area (cellulose paint was about £40). I also replaced the satnav with a Carplay/Android unit from China. Looks the part and works well for about £60.
If you can wield a spanner and are happy to do a lot yourself you'll save hundreds, if not thousands.
Details of your replacement satnav unit please. Work has been aircon radiator (£700), service (£300), aircon pipes (£350), and the rest has been done by me. That is, two headlamp repairs as brackets broke off (about £40), air filters, cabin filters, thermostat replacement (about £40), cleaned up washer bottle and new pipework (about £40), respray bonnet to match wing (£2000 - ouch!), carbon fibre wrapped sill plates, paintwork to front spoiler, rear wheel arch and bonnet strake area (cellulose paint was about £40). I also replaced the satnav with a Carplay/Android unit from China. Looks the part and works well for about £60.
If you can wield a spanner and are happy to do a lot yourself you'll save hundreds, if not thousands.
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