I recently purchased my 07 - V8V (Canadian). Ive put approximately 2,000 kms since I got it in October.

The reason I went with an 07 with 10,000kms, is that most of the depreciation has already occurred. I did consider other cars like the Jag F type and the Audi RS5. The RS5 is significantly more expensive (15,000 more than my V8V). Thing is, I see people driving these newer cars as daily drivers. Any reason in particular an aston isnt a suitable daily driver. I live in downtown toronto, and there is usually less snow than other parts of Toronto. I am sure that the purchasers of those cars are also concerned about protecting the value of their car.

How bad is salt/snow/weather to the aston? I am all about protecting the value of my car, and usually rent a car whenever the weather is a disaster.

 

I'm in Minneapolis and before the snow started falling (just before) I actually ran into another Vantage (at night). His is also an 07 - black which he will drive year round. I decided against it because I like to keep the car pristine, and I'd be washing it a few times a day, and I could not keep road chemicals away from chassis places that would be difficult to reach. In the old days I used to drive the many 928's I owned year round, but they were not only commonplace but cheap to acquire.

 

I daily drive my DB9 all year round (about 10,000 km/year) but I do leave it parked when they're salting the roads. Fortunately in Vancouver that's usually only a few days a year.

At 1,000 km/month your mileage will hurt your resale value as much as winter will. Most of us won't live long enough to see Gaydon Astons climb in value (if they ever do) so my attitude is to drive it, enjoy it, and consider the depreciation to be one of the costs of living well

 

With winter tires, no reason you should have any issues in Toronto, on all but the snowiest of days. But the salt! I just could not bear to subject an Aston to road salt - it would be, well ... uncouth!

 

Well, the 1,000kms/month was just an exception, as I just got it and wanted to drive. Everything is within close vicinity to me. In fact, its probably quicker to walk to my gym then drive.

 

I have the vantage V8 I live in Cape town, we have superb roads (and traffic) I drive it furrrrck the resale, Im living for me.... I do wash it to often, and in the dirt road needs i use my offroader simple wats the point of shelling out huge cash for a garage queen!! next thing you will be putting on seat covers.... to protect the seats for the next owner.

Enjoy it mate = simple

 

Many 928's... Really! A glutton for punishment for sure. A friend of mine who owns a Porsche store told me not to go near that car due to its many service related woes. The V8 Vantage must seem bullet-proof by comparison!

 

Ahhhh Cape Town Roads. Ive been to your fine city a few times. We have stayed there and also in Paarl. My wife is from there and her parents live in Mossel Bay and sister in Plett. The roads along the coast are amazing. Every time Im there I wish I had one of my sports cars or a sport bike to cruise around. The 40 hour flight to get there just about kills me though..LOL.

 

^^^ This. These Astons are very well built, and the only steel in the body or chassis is the rear fenders. But... Salt is EVIL. There is no question that a car (Aston or otherwise) that is exposed to salt will not stay in the same condition long term as one that is not exposed to salt. Also, all those winter road chemicals get into and onto everything, plus all the sand and other road grit they use gets thrown at your paint by all the other cars on the road -- cars must pick up more stone chips in the winter than during the other 3 seasons combined.

Can it handle it? Yes. But I love my Aston too much to expose it to road salt -- it stays in the garage when there is salt on the roads, period.

 

Funny you mention RS5, I just took delivery of a 2014 RS5. I am using it as a daily driver, the AM is for fun and track. Similiar engines, but totally different cars. The tranny in the audi is so smooth it's ridiculous and delivers lots of power, but you feel the digital ness of the car. The V8V has a visceral feel and it is still an occasion.

I don't have salt or winter to deal with in Dallas, just lots of heat!

 

I have commercial diesel trucks that I run up to New England in the winter time. You should see what they look like after they are 4 years old, they are ruined from the salt and brine on the roads up there. Fastener's won't come off - everything on the frame and engine is corroded or rusted, it really takes a toll on the machinery. My local truck mechanics always say "Where have you had these trucks?". Maintenance costs are higher because so many of the parts in the engine are frozen or break when you put a wrench on them. There is no way I'll subject my Vantage to that - not happening. This is my winter ride....A 2001 F 250 with 154,000 miles on it and worth all of $ 3,000. Throw 500 lbs of weight over the rear axle and I'm good to go. I'm not ruining my Aston Martin!

 

im in the same boat, but very lucky I live in Cali. However, the miles will have to be put on, because I will be driving it. its just too much fun not to.
I have also had mine for 4 weeks and have 3000Km put on it. (that's 2000miles in Yankee-land)
I don't think ill ever willingly drive it in the rain. I want to keep it nice. Ive had it on the track and its a blast. Considering picking up some RA1s on the next shoe fitting, if they make them in 19s.

 

NOPE, the 928 is an AMAZING car with very little equals. comfort is beyond imagination if you haven't driven one. the net net, is the Vantage is a 928 brought into the 21st century! same weight, height, near same power, width, hatchback, transmission in the back, etc etc.
one thing, the 928 is very easy to work on.

 

Sent you a private message. I have a couple questions for you about an AM out your way. Tks.

 

Responded.

Man this country is killing me. Just want to take the aston out.