Aston Martin Newbe Question

I am thinking about buying a AM and am just now beginning my efforts to learn about the cars, styles, etc... Thought I would post an open ended question here and ask for opinions, thoughts, etc. form those you own or know the cars well.

Interestingly, I own a F430, a LP560, and a Continental GT Speed. I saw the attached picture and had to do a double take at the beauty of the car. What model is it? Thanks in advance for any thoughts, opinions, advice ...
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I'm no expert on Astons but that is a Vanquish, of course you can purchase any car you wish but in my opinion I would go for the DB9, it's virtually the same, has basically the same engine and is ALOT cheaper. Only buy a Vanquish if it's the Vanquish S.

Hope that helps at all.

 

You may want to buy two. One to drive while the other is in the shop. Not meant to be a slam, just an opinion based on what I see at the shop.

 

Have to agree on the S model...if he decides on a Vanquish...

Heck, any of the AMs would be great to have...

Mike in Kuwait

 

Ive said it before and ill say it again... the vanquish is the best looking car ever...

 

Thanks for the responses so far. Have a lot of data to gather on this ....

 

Another question - they discontinued the Vanquish - why? And is there a new model to replace it?

 

My 2005 DB9....these can be had for a STEAL right now...look on Ebay, Autotrader, Cars.com, etc...I have had mine almost 1 year, bought it from a dealer with a 1 yr Aston warranty, put about 2k miles on it, and I think it is the best car I have ever owned in most categories....
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Same reason as for any car - newer models to build - As for the model that replaces it that would be the top of the line car - the DBS.
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But as Carsonp says - the Vanquish is a truly beautiful car

 

There do seem to be a lot out there. I have heard that pre-2008 there were reliability issues. Is this true?

 

LOL... Yes.

 

The Vanquish has a huge number of engine and transmission problems. The transmission problems can be fixed with a 6 speed "manual conversion" eliminating the F1 setup. The DB9 had a parking problem recall, but thats it. They have no other unusual issues and are very reliable. While the Vanquish looks and especially sounds amazing, dont bother with it. Get a DB9 and be very happy.

 

I am picking up a DB9 in the spring, I am only interested in a gearshift coupe, but have done a my share of research on these cars. I have also owned a 430, and own a Gallardo now. AM's are not really like any of the cars you own, though will feel more like a lighter weight Bentley. They are for the most part GT cars, and will not have the power of any of the other cars you own.

 

It seems like most think the DB9 is the way to go. Looking at the Vantage, is the only major differences the power and some minor styling issues? There is a significant difference in price, so am wondering. Thanks

 

The Vantage is considered the "baby Aston" as it is smaller in size and engine (V8 versus a V12 in the DB9). That being said, there is a new V12 Vantage which I am sure is a real barrel of monkeys. DB9s depreciate like rocks, so if you are looking used thats probably the way to go.

 

The Vantage is smaller, DB9 's have a back seat, albeit a very small one, I looked at both, for the money the DB9 was the better deal for me,, the vantage seemed a little too "stubby", I have had no reliability issues at all, ... had one of the parking lights fail, that's it... and it is a blast to drive..

 

Just to clarify the '06 Vanq S is the most desirable and "best" of the Vanq models. Last year of production and most updated interior.

Also, regarding Vanq transmission problems (NEVER heard of engine issues), the problem seemed to stem from driver error. It is NOT an automatic transmission. Owners wore out the clutch prematurely due to failure to treat them as manual transmissions. Treat it as you would any other clutch-based system, and you shouldn't have a problem with it.

I very seriously considered the Vanq S and DBS. Absolutely stunning looks (even SpA agrees privately, btw). But, I think you really need to drive them. I liked them, but I didn't love them, even though I wanted to. So, no AM in the garage.

Interestingly, after I had finally selected the DBS over the Vanq as the way to go, I had a long discussion with an AM owner, and he urged me back towards the Vanq. Frankly, their prices are very attractive...

If you buy, though, make absolutely sure the car is covered under the full (and not the limited) AM warranty. Once the car goes out of full warranty, it can never be put back into the full programme. But, as long as it's been kept up, it can remain in full in perpetuity. Costly, but probably worth it in the long run. Definitely have the VIN checked by your local dealer. They'll check it for you without fuss.

CW

 

Vanquish S has a much improved transmission(although still below 575 F1 standards) over the earlier model.
That difference alone and much better performance make that car a great buy nowadays.

 

Thats not the way Jezza saw it but the DBS is the only successor that I can see. And it certainly can't be the One-77 and I can't see them not replacing the Vanquish.

 

Conversation with Aston Martin/Ferrari service manager, my wife and me:

Me: My wife really likes the new Vantage, how reliable are they?
Service manager to my wife: What do you drive now?
Wife: BMW M3
Service manager: If your standard for reliability is BMW, stick with BMW. You won't be happy with the AM.

Yikes!

 

DBS and the Vanquish are both excellent choices, but obviously if you are buying a Vanquish it will have to be second hand therefore cheaper and the DBS really isn't cheap considering the price us close to a 599.

Personally I would still go for the DB9, unless you want to spend big money that is.

 

This is part of what concerns me - there is a lot of noise out there regarding reliability, financial viability of the company, etc. The closest dealership for me is approx. 150 miles away, so popping in for service is not convenient. Hearing from those who have owned these is invaluable to me as I collect data points. Aside from used AMs, do dealers typically deal with you on price for new ones given all of this, in your experiences?

 

Vanquish S has the best record for that model.
I had a '06 DB9 Volante for a year,ZERO problems in 7k miles but I couldn't wait to get rid of it ,since I was completely bored with that thing.

 

Based on my experience with AM dealers in Australia they don't seem too keen at all to negotiate on list price on anything much - perhaps I'm not persuasive enough. A bit surprised to be honest.

I think you're best to look at a DBS............seem to have a good reliability record and look nice. Whether they're worth the extra on top of the DB9 is up for debate but for me it's much,much nicer. There's not enough of them ( in Australia at least) for you to have a great chance of picking one up used with the spec you want. If you do buy and intend re-selling don't go and get something highly personalised with orange seats or something - you want it to be fairly universally attractive.

Personally I don't think you can go too far past Quantum Silver on Obsidian interior.........the Volante is even nicer if you're into the open air GT experience.

http://www.ozcarsightings.com/aston_martin_dbs_volante/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMlA5XnZ-kg

Ed

 

do NOT buy new, pretty much ALL british cars TANK in value the minute their driven home and within 6 months you'll lose enough to buy a whole other car and a very nice car at that.

trust me on this...just take a look.

Also you might want to consider buying up here(canada) your dollar goes further and even with the shipping and 2.1% duty you'll have to pay to import it I'm pretty sure you'll still save a TON.
If you do consider it, give me a ring.
Cheers!