You all have talked me out of a Vantage...Talk me back in, please...

[DAVE W]

I was pretty set to pull the trigger on an 08 or 07 V8V Coupe. But after reading horror story after horror story about relaibility issues: premature clutch failurs, staling, misses, electonics, etc etc, I am having trouble rationalizing it. Particularly since I only tend to keep cars 2-3 years max, and can's see anybody buying it from me out of warranty with such a stellar reputation. I've had a bunch of different porsches and was thinking of moving to something a bit more "refined", even if a bit less conneceted. But all my p-cars have been bullet proof and I hate to give that up. I'm hoping that the negative posts are more a matter for the car foumd syndrome where by onlt those with issues are here posting while those w/o issues are out driving. Please tell me that for every AM with issues there are a 100 w/o any. It would be my DD.

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[peloton]

Originally Posted by DAVE W

I was pretty set to pull the trigger on an 08 or 07 V8V Coupe. But after reading horror story after horror story about relaibility issues: premature clutch failurs, staling, misses, electonics, etc etc, I am having trouble rationalizing it. Particularly since I only tend to keep cars 2-3 years max, and can's see anybody buying it from me out of warranty with such a stellar reputation. I've had a bunch of different porsches and was thinking of moving to something a bit more "refined", even if a bit less conneceted. But all my p-cars have been bullet proof and I hate to give that up.

I'm hoping that the negative posts are more a matter for the car foumd syndrome where by onlt those with issues are here posting while those w/o issues are out driving. Please tell me that for every AM with issues there are a 100 w/o any. It would be my DD.

I have just over 5k miles on my 09 - only issue was a blown right front speaker as I was enjoying that 700w sound system perhaps a bit too much.

[AstonAficionado]

Originally Posted by DAVE W

I'm hoping that the negative posts are more a matter for the car foumd syndrome where by onlt those with issues are here posting while those w/o issues are out driving. Please tell me that for every AM with issues there are a 100 w/o any. It would be my DD.

Dave,

I've only had my Aston for a little over a month and I haven't had any issues with it, save a minor creaking noise that I've resolved (interior trim panel). I think that you are right: people tend post about problems they have with their cars. It's almost like the only news is bad news. For example, you're not likely to see many posts like: "my car has been running fine all month!" People post their problems in search of solutions to them.

From all that I've read, the Vantage is a highly reliable car. Yes, the clutch appears to be a weak point, but it is fixable. To me, it's worth it to have to replace a clutch early for the privilege of driving a more exotic car, if I can call it that. Yes, the 911 may be more reliable after over 45 years of production, but I might see 5 of them on a typical commute to work. I chose the Aston over the Porsche because I wanted something more unique. My two cents.

[sechsgang]

the germans really DO do it way better...take that from an italian car owner.

That said, there is something about the owner ship of either the british(/german ehem) or italian that makes that extra trip worth it...

[Scott997]

I had an 07 Vantage I purchased it brand new. Nothing but grief and aggravation. It had problem after problem, belts needed to be replaced 2x, oil leak, each amplifier was replaced & blue tooth module, fuel gauge issues. I couldn't take it anymore and bought a Lamborghini. Much more fun and reliable.

[Tahoe M3]

I haven't had a single significant problem with mine in a year of ownership. I walked away from a 997TT that I had ordered, and I've never looked back. I love this car.

[Stuart@RSC]

Originally Posted by DAVE W

I was pretty set to pull the trigger on an 08 or 07 V8V Coupe. But after reading horror story after horror story about relaibility issues: premature clutch failurs, staling, misses, electonics, etc etc, I am having trouble rationalizing it. Particularly since I only tend to keep cars 2-3 years max, and can's see anybody buying it from me out of warranty with such a stellar reputation. I've had a bunch of different porsches and was thinking of moving to something a bit more "refined", even if a bit less conneceted. But all my p-cars have been bullet proof and I hate to give that up.

I'm hoping that the negative posts are more a matter for the car foumd syndrome where by onlt those with issues are here posting while those w/o issues are out driving. Please tell me that for every AM with issues there are a 100 w/o any. It would be my DD.

Get into a Vantage... these cars are more reliable than a heck of a lot of less 'exotic' stuff on the road. Clutches aren't going to be an issue in 3-4 weeks time .... (RSC is up to something). As for stalling issues as far as I am aware this only seems to be an issue on the '09 MY cars so you should be fine with an '07-'08.

Let's put it this way... I have yet to meet a regretful Vantage owner.

[Scott997]

Nice to meet you Stuart, lol. Dave W, just continue to do your research before you make a decision. My experience with Aston Martin was terrible, everything from my car I purchased new, to service from the dealer, to customer service from Aston Martin. Also performance wise the car is lacking.

I know Aston owners defend their car and they will minimize the problems that they have had making excuses because its a handmade car. However, there's no excuse for all of the problems the vantage has had since the beginning and they still have no ironed out the problems. I kept mine 8 months and it was in the shop about 12 times, no exaggeration. Aston Martin even brought in a field engineer but even still it was more problems. If you really want an Aston get a DB9, they have a little bit better of a track record.

I want to make it clear I'm not trying to offend or upset any Vantage owners. It's a beautiful car and some may be lucky and got a good one. I however did not, and am giving an honest warning, because I am not alone.

good luck Dave.

[markesq]

No problems with mine. 2007 8k miles.

[Kamran]

No problems with my vantage after 9 months of ownership.
I bought it for the beauty, which is unmatched (my humble opinion). For pure performance per dollar, I'd be looking elsewhere.

[Tahoe M3]

To address Scott's experience, it's unfortunate but every car maker has lemons. It's just bad luck, but thankfully I haven't had any problems. I don't think the performance is too shabby...the 09s posted a 4.1 in 0-60 and the 1/4 in 12.5@115 which isn't too shabby. Mine is an 07 so I'm boosting the performance with a supercharger.

[AstonAficionado]

Originally Posted by Tahoe M3

...the 09s posted a 4.1 in 0-60 ... which isn't too shabby. Mine is an 07 so I'm boosting the performance with a supercharger.

Where did you see 0-60 at 4.1? Everywhere I've looked they say 4.7 for the V8V. Are you talking about the V12?

Also, who are getting the supercharger from? 'Cause a new one may be coming to market soon.

[Tahoe M3]

Motor Trend a few months back. Car and Driver tested a sport shift at 4.3 I believe.

Supercharger from ESX...same kit rmrmd has...600+ hp...going on in about 2 weeks.

[Tahoe M3]

Duplicate post.

[acabrera]

I have an '06 with 33k miles. I have had very few issues and would actually rate the car as very reliable at this point.