Guys,

Is it just me or is this whole thing about low miles on exotics getting out of hand? It seems like every time I turn around I see cars that just sit in the garage getting more money from buyers than cars that have been driven and therefore probably have all of the kinks worked out (especially while they're under warranty). I love my '06 Vantage and I drive it every day here in Florida. I promised myself that I would never let such a beautiful car just sit. Because, like the boat I just unloaded, it needs to be driven regularly or problems tend to crop up at the worst times.

So, what's the consensus? Better to have a well driven (and taken care of) exotic or a barely touched work of art?

This could get ugly...bracing myself...ok, ready...

 

I have been a P-car freek since I was 16 and owned many - many in my humble opinion - about 17 or so over +30 years - this is my first AM. Had a few BMWs in there too. My point is I drive every one of them because I bought them for my enjoyment - not trying to worry about resale in a few years. I mean daily drivers - as in sometimes only car in the garage type drivers - and yes some track DEs too. Also if you look at a Lambo or F-car it is pretty hard to go away for a long weekend (or more) w/ a date - where can you put anything, even packing light - no trunk - thus no long trips. So I treat my Vantage the same way as my previous cars - although I have now have kids/wife/SUV now and do not fill the AM w/ soccer ***** and softball bats (3 girls!) - I still drive it and am not worried about miles vs. resale (though not what I would define a daily driver - but don't hesitate pushing the Start button). I sold all of my cars by myself , they have always been very well maintained, and I received a fair price - but never more than what I paid. Hell the resale market is crap on foreign exotics anyway - Turbos, 360, 430, etc. So I have a 2007 Vantage w/ +9k miles including a 2k + trip over 8 days w/ wife and I on some great roads.
After all my ramble ... I say drive and enjoy ... my art is all the walls of my house ... my true joy is in the garage w/ a couple of bugs on the radiator grill !!!

 

I don't get it either... I drive my V8V daily too... @ 12K miles now, and all the little teething issues are worked out. I'd drive her cross-country now with no concerns.

- AM resale is nearly the worst in the automotive world. Not driving one often may return, what, $10K additional at resale? Big deal! Would you trade all the fun you've had driving it daily for that $10K back? ... Know way!

 

Mine goes everywhere. I have no problems driving everyday with only two exceptions:

1-If there is snow on the ground, like today. Summer+snow=bad news
2-I don't take it to parking lots with shopping carts

 

When I bought my Aston, I thought I would put on 3 - 4km a year, as it was a weekend car & due to time constraints and logistics of not being able to take my car to work. Regardless, I ended up putting triple the millage in the first year, which was huge for me, as I barely pass 18km per year on my daily car.

It's two years later and I'll find any excuse to pull the car out and still amazed that how well this car is aging, It just seems to get smoother, more responsive and more powerful as time goes on. Yes, I had all the niggles that a Aston can have and know the dealer really well now . . . .

I know some of my friends and clients who don't put millage on their cars due to time, which is fine, but there is (a majority) of people who worry about resale value and that just doesn't make an sense to me at all. If you looking for an investment, the car is the worst thing you can put it into. If you want to show it to your friends, better to invest that money on plastic surgery on a girlfriend/wife.

Now coming up to two years with 17km (last 1km - we went to see a movie 5 hours away, just caus)

When I picked up my car, my salesmen said two things to me:
1) Don't drive like a -ussy
2) Drive it like you stole it . . . . .


Waiting for all the freaking snow to melt.

 

i just got my 20k mile service done on my 07 db9. these things are too fun to leave in the garage.

 

I wish I could drive it more but we are stuck in a suck-*** winter here in the Northeast. That being said, my annual average will be 2-3 K b/c of my regular routine and driving my other DDs. No question driving more outweighs the "extra" $ that may come when you sell it. My Turbo has just over 10K miles and while it gets lots of compliments, a buyer it doesn't have yet.

 

Thanks, guys. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one goes for the keys any chance he gets.