Upgrade 360 to 430 or buy Aston V8 Vantage

Some of you know that I have been on the hunt for a used V8 Vantage coupe for a while. Now that I have seen prices for 430's drop enough to make me consider one, I thought I would solicit opinions on whether I should upgrade my red '04 360 Spider for an '06 or so red 430 spider or whether I should stick to my current plan and keep my 360 spider and add an '07-'09 V8 Vantage coupe to my stable.

From recent sales prices, looks like I can get $100k-$115k for my Spider (taking into account milage, options, and condition), quote an unfortunate drop in value. An '06 430 Spider would cost me around $150k-$160k for a nice one. So that is a $40-$60k spread. A Vantage would cost $75k-$90k. So at this point, it would be cheaper to upgrade to the 430 than to get a Vantage.

I want the Vantage to add to my stable of 4 exotics and to have something different, but wonder if the upgrade to the 430 is worth doing that for less money than getting a Vantage. I realize I will get Ferrari favorable responses, but perhaps somebody on this board has had a 360 and has a a 430 and has had or has a V8 Vantage and can give me their perspective.

At this point, I am still planning on keeping the 360 and getting the Vantage by mid summer or so, but then again, I have been known to take years to find the right car. It took me 2.5 years to pull the trigger on a 360 Spider after looking at many of them.

 

I recently had the chance to drive a 430 spider and a DB9 Volante back to back. The Aston was a dog compared to the 430. The brakes were awful and it just didn't produce the sheer excitement that the 430 did. The interior bits were ok (I liked how the speedo and tach revved in opposite directions) but it was a night and day comparison. I'd think the Vantage would be even more of a stark contrast. If you are looking for variety, get the Aston, but if you are looking for an exotic drive, it's the 430 all the way.

 

Thanks. I don't disagree. I should have mentioned that I previously owned a DB7 Vantage Volante, have taken Aston's performance driving school at Milbrook, UK, where we drove the DB9, Vanquish, and V8 Vantage, and that I have driven a handful of Vantages. I know they can not perform like a Ferrari or my R8 etc. My interest in them is because I loved my DB7, like the way they drive for what they are, think they are gorgeous, and are more practical than my other cars as daily drivers.

My question on the 430, is whether it will be so much more fun than my 360, which I drive 1-2 times a week, to make it worth upgrading to that vs. buying a different, lower performing, yet exotic car that I will drive more often than either Ferrari. I am going for variety by the addition, as my stable also has an R8, Bentley, and S54 M Roadster.

 

get the f430

though i say keep the 360 it's just so pretty.

 

Have you already driven a V8 Vantage? It's not even the performer that your 360 is. It is more "socially acceptable" as a daily driver for many people, however, if that's any consideration. I know it's apples to oranges where you can get another car to add vs. spend money to upgrade and still have one car, however.

Oops. I see that I sent this reply before I saw your subsequent post saying you've driven the Vantage. I think then you need to drive a 430 before you decide.

 

I have drivein the 430 as well. I have driven 2 coupes. I noticed the difference form the line and at my limit, but not in between as compared to the 360. That said, I did love it (as I did the 360) and am not comparing performance with the Vantage. If I keep the 360 and get the Vantage, I will have 5 exotic toys, and if I upgrade to the 430, I will have 4 exotic toys, but one that is a better performer than my 360 (and more reliable on paper though I have not had any material problems with the 360 since I bought it almost 2 years ago).

I am just trying to figure out if the improvement from the 430 to the 360 is worth not having another very different, but beautiful exotic in my garage.

 

I went from a GT3 to a V8 Vantage. While the Vantage is a stunningly beautiful car (IMO) it felt over-weight and sluggish. I loved the sound and loved the looks, but it felt like the parking brake was pulled all the time.

 

Go for the F430.

 

Those 2 cars are in different classes, so only you can answer your question. I've driven the V8 Vantage, and it was a pleasure to drive it. The driving position was fantastic, the shifter (a Graziano 6MT) the best I've sampled, the sound intoxicating (witih a Tubi exhaust), good visibility for such a car, and has a quiet and luxurious, yet sporty ride, swathed in leather too. Not to mention it's one of the most beautiful cars around, at any angle. This car is phenomenal for trips. It's more of a GT car, not an all-out sports car, like the F430.

If the 360 had the maintenance cost of the 430, the Vantage would be a no-brainer to me. But with the expensive maintenance of the 360, plus the much better looks and performance of the 430 (IMO), I can see why you're struggling. Again, depends what you want and what your other cars you have (you never said). Good luck.

 

As much as the 430 is a better performer than the 360, when you put the decision in terms of can I have 5 toys instead of 4, with the 4th being upgraded in performance, I think I'd rather have the 5 (assuming you have enough garage space). I've got to admit I've always liked the looks of the AMs, and the 360 gives you pretty much as much performance as you can legally use and/or enjoy on the street anyway.

 

My only experience with Astons was a DB9 and in no way did it compare to any of my F430 experiences. Hell the button on the dashboard to go into reverse had fallen into the dashboard and I had to be careful to not go anywhere where I had to reverse. I did manage to get a verbal warning for going 110 in a 55 in the DB9 though, the police officer had to ask me what type of car it was.

 

Variety is nice but you have a pretty awesome stable as is. That being said I think that the F430 would be the better choice.

Which one is your daily? Or is there another car that you drive that you didn't mention? If you do have a DD go for the 430, if not, the AM V8 would make a fantastic one.

 

I would say get the Vantage and keep the 360. I have a sense that your heart is set on getting back into a Aston. You can always get a 430 later. If you said 458, then a no brainer for me but a Ferrari spider to enjoy the weather then a Aston to go to the store or night in town.

my .2 cents

 

I dunno, I kinda like having another exotic toy. I'd probably keep the 360 and get the AM. It's such a beautiful car. Although the 430 would be fabulous, it's not extremely different than the 360. Besides, I think getting $100k for a 360 now would take a long time and a lot of work. You have a great stable and this would round it out nicely. Nice to have your problem!

 

Thanks all for the advice. Right now the Bentley and R8 are the "official" daily drivers and cars I take on long trips. The 360 and BMW are essentially once a week/weekend cars and two cars I never drive in the rain. The BMW is 10 yrs old with 20k miles.

 

Then the 430. The Aston won't knock your socks off every time you hop in and I personally think that you may get bored with it. Ultimately it is up to you. Go with your gut, you can always sell the Aston. If you give eBay or cars/autotrader.com a quick look you will see that there are no shortages of F430s. It isn't something where if you were to pass on it then its gone. There are so many of each car that you might buy the Aston this year, sell it the next for 80-90% what you paid for it, and then pick up a 430. Sales tax can be a bit*h though.

 

No question, the Vantage. I have a CS and I am also looking to pick up the V8 Vantage as a daily driver. Who cares about the performance. You have enough performance in the garage. The Aston is a beautiful car and the difference between the 360 and 430 is on the margin. They are both older generation Ferraris now so it really doesn't matter. You will get more enjoyment adding the Vantage to your stable.

 

i love astons and i currently own a dbs, however i am not a fan of the v8 vantage. there is just not enough torque and power to get it going and whatever power it does have it just doesnt put it down as well as other cars. if you are getting into an aston, i would recommend looking for a db9 sport pack with a 6 speed manual as it is a hoot to drive and is still very comfortable. best of luck.

 

I totally agree!!! Also being a CS owner, the time I drove the vantage I had so much fun, the sound of it made me fall for it, and I love the transmission too. Im also looking into buying one now, its not the fastest car around but for everyday exitement would be my personal choice. Unfortunately where I live its impossible to have such a car as a daily driver, so probably i will get it somewhere else and use it a few times, I think the experience is worth it.

I say go for it, you wont regret.

 

My thoughts too. I have spent some time in a V8 Vantage and yes it does not compare performance wise, but the sounds and surfaces are fantastic. The Vantage would make a great exotic DD, trunk and all. Good luck with your decision.

 

If you are keeping the 360, why not consider a used 550/575 (or 599GTB if the budget can be stretched)? Granted we're on a ferrari forum, but I'd rather have 2 ferraris than one and an AM (not that the AM is a bad choice!) This way you'd have the Ferrari mid engined V8 pure sports car, and a classic front motored V12 ferrari GT....the 599 is simply put an amazing car, and I still never stopped loving the 550/575! That's my honest opinion of what you should do

Or another thought, keep the 360 and get a 550 and a DB7- would be cheaper than some of the other options your talking about, especially since you said you loved the DB7 you had.

 

Well said.....

 

Great advice here. Interesting to see a series of nods in favor of the Aston. I am interested in the V8 Vantage vs other Astons (DB9, my old DB7, Vanquish) because I have driven them all and liked the V8 Vantage the best. It is more sporty than the others. The Vanquish was just a beast and a handful to drive. The DB9 was a lot of fun with great power, but not as capable as my Bentley or as nimble as the Vantage. The DB7 was gorgeous and great in a straight line, but not as capable as a DB9 by a noticable margin.

As for other Ferrari's in my stable, I actually considerd that. But not a 575. I would love a 599, but I will have to wait. They are not at prices I am willing to pay (same for newer Vantages with the larger engine or a DBS). I would also love to add a California as a "daily driver" Ferrari GT car, but also more than I want to pay right now. The only Ferrari I would consider is a '99 355 F1 Spider (beautiful car), but my nod goes to a Vantage vs. that, because it would get more use than a 355. If I expand my garage, maybe a 355 as my "vintage" Ferrari some day with a modern one next to it.

I realize I can always get a Vantage this year and upgrade to a 430 next year. Perhaps prices for 430's will drop at a faster rate over the next 12 months than 360's, which may start to stabelize. You can get a 348 today for the same price I sold mine for 10 years ago.

But I have not decided yet and I may just shop for both and if I find a good deal on trading my 360 for a 430 spider I like vs. deals on Vantages, that may make up my mind for me. I may just test the waters that way.

 

Buy a Stradale
Problem solved

 

I have personally watched two Ferrari owners trade in their cars on Aston Martins on the same day. One traded in a 2008 F430 Coupe on a 2011 V8 Vantage, and one traded in a 360 Modena on a brand new DBS. I am not sure about the now DBS owner, but the one who traded in his 430 also has 2 other Ferraris and various other exotics.

My opinion is that although the V8 is not as high performance, it has the looks, one of the best exhaust notes in the world, and is a better DD (more forgiving suspension, larger, etc). Also attracts less attention, if that is an issue. If you want all of what the V8 has, plus some more performance, spring for the V12 Vantage if you can get your hands on one..they are fantastic cars.

Astons are just plain beautiful..and as I said, the sounds they make are something I could listen to all day. I would say move to the Aston.

Here is a V12 V...just for the sound.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocydyEEhp_w[/ame]