Yeah I’m not set on the V8 Vantage, it just popped onto my radar when speaking to a couple of guys in the know. Funnily enough, they sent me the details of a Vanquish as well, so that could be a contender. The thing I like about the newer Vantage is with the Merc engine it should be fairly bulletproof. Most of my mileage is short local journeys, with the occasional bigger trip. This will be my only car (other than the wife’s) so I need something I can drive daily. I’m not sure a V12 would be any good for loads of short bursts? My main concern is parking it on the drive. The double garage is full of bikes, with no space for a car, so I don’t really have much choice.
Everyday things like fuel are fine, annual servicing probably allow around 2k at main dealer or just over a grand at reputable independant. Parts can be eye watering, make Ducs look like budget run arounds. Don't know much about the V8 engines but the V12 is pretty bullet proof especially the later normally aspirated ones in the DBS, Vantage and Vanquish.
I was thinking around £5K a year in servicing/ tyres etc would be about right. The main concern is leaving it on the drive, which may attract unwanted attention. I’m going to go and have a look at a few over the next few months, if I fall in love, I’ll bring one home and have a shuffle in the garage to see if I can make it work. The other thought was a new F Tyre R cabriolet, but I don’t think it would hold a candle to a Vantage.
I’d sort the garage before you pull the trigger. I know a lad that bought an AMG GTR. Didn’t do his homework though. Was too wide for his garage
Yeah, I’ll have a measure. The other option is a new M5 which can sit on the drive, and is quicker. But a bit normal compared to a Vantage.
Aston over a jag any day of the week unless it’s an E type. aston running costs aren’t too bad really. Certainly not lambo / Ferrari spec. however, occasionally if something goes wrong they do remind you that they’re a hand built british sports car with a reassuringly expensive bill. My vantage is about £800-£1500 a year in service costs. The rest depends on how much you use it. Some parts are expensive.. some aren’t. Tbh even the expensive items aren’t ridiculous like some cars. like any car in this class, if you get a crap one they can land you in 10’s of thousands in repair bills. But if you buy right, you’ll be fine.
Good to know. If this happens, it’ll be under warranty, and probably with a service plan, so costs should be manageable
5k is certainly realistic. If the car is kept outside ( like mine is) keep it under cover.The market for nicked Astons is very limited and your insurance will quite likely insist on a Tracker. If you decide that it's for you then DO YOUR RESEARCH! There are some main dealers with a better reputation than others such as Dick Lovett or HWM and some good independent specialists like Nick Mee and McGurks. Dont be tempted to buy outside of known experts, whatever you buy do not be tempted to go outside of the properly experienced network of dealers who know and. understand how these cars work
I’m ashamed to say that after all that, I’ve just bought a new M5 Competition. The deal was truly ludicrous, and one that I couldn’t ignore. Plus I’ll get to have a last hurrah in a proper V8 for a bit, before the motor industry gets castrated. I’m going to keep an eye on the thread though, as the timings could work out quite well to enable me to get an Aston for my 50th in 3 years time.
