There's always those FM modulator thing you can put inbetween the antenna connector and the radio.

That's what I'm planning on doing to add Sirius and Ext. audio jack. Quality won't be so great but Sirius and iPod do not exactly put out hi fi sound. Especially not sirius

But you're right - it'd be nice when stuck in traffic.

As an alternative, check out the E92 M3 and the Porsche 997.2 Carrera 2 as well. The M3's engine is MAGNIFICENT and the 997.2 drives unbelievably well. The M3 also comes with paid for maintenance (incl. clutch and brakes as you know from the e93), which is nice.

 

My two cents:

I've had my V8V for roughly three years, and experienced no significant issues. It's a great car, and does many things pretty well, but honestly, the V8V excels at nothing... other than looking marvelous.

- For me, a V8V wouldn't cut it if I only had access to one vehicle. I hate to say it here, but if in your shoes, I'd seriously considering a 997. In fact, I may pick up a used CS to use as my daily beater. If I do, it'll just make driving the Vantage even more special.

Regarding the stereo: I'm into audio gear, my major hobby. The upgraded system in the Vantage is without a doubt, the best car system I've ever heard (I'm into home audio, not car audio). I spent nearly $20K on a custom Reus Audo/Mcintosh system in my last 911... the system in the Vantage spanks it. If you get a V8V, you're going- to love the audio sytem! No shame in enjoying it either. If Aston Martin didn't want it to be enjoyed, they wouldn't have gone to expense of having Alpine engineer it.

 

If you are planning on having the Aston as your only car, I would rate that decision as a bad one. Having an AM as a daily driver is one thing, but if that is your only car? Bad idea in a long list of bad ideas.

I bet you could count on one hand the number of AM owners who have only that one car available to them.

 

Car magazine and EVO magazine all mentioned that AMV8 is not only reliable as an Aston Martin, but among one of the most reliable cars out there, period. You're right XJRS_Owner, without a doubt I'll be one of the few drivers with only one car that's an Aston, but that's a decision I'm willing to live with.

Not only that it'll be parked outdoors too. (should have bought an indoor space, back then I had a Mini Cooper though...)

However, cars are meant to be driven, not pampered in temperature controlled environments. I really plan to get it, drive it, and enjoy it. Weekly hand washes, monthly Zaino polish, and frequent hands on maintenance. I'm really not too worried.

Yep I'll be the odd member of the "club", but my passion for motoring is sincere.

btw, djakata, I love the two cars you mentioned, but if I get an M3 it'd be E93, and that's a bit out of my price range, esp with the immediate depreciation. Plus it's another few years with almost identical interior. As for porches, I want to leave that for when I'm a little bit older.

Bubba, my thoughts exactly. 700w is too good not to be enjoyed. I would argue that it excels at one additional thing. Top Gear has always said the engine is among the 3 best sounding in the world of motoring.

 

thats the way to go - daily driver here and i got only the DBS - my wife refuses to share here XK !

 

If you plan on driving the car all winter, forget about it, unless you get snow tires all round. Don't even THINK about winter driving without snow tires - front AND rear. That's the problem with having the Aston as your only car (plus service, of course). I 'spose you can always rent a car while yours is in the shop.

 

you live in the city - there's always Zip Cars or NYC cab for errands and snowy days..

 

Well, include me in that count. Of course when the snow hits I will find something else to drive. I've driven these kinds of cars in bad weather for a long time, so I'm not worried about me, but the consequences of someone sliding into me with this car is too high. If I lived elsewhere I wouldn't need anything else.

 

I live in the NE and would never even think about driving the AM in the snow. It sounds like you love the car and I sympathize, I am quite the same way, when I want something, I need to have it. But having the AM as a daily driver in the North is reckless and impractical. On top of that, the lack of trunk space and the ability to only have one other passenger will drive you nuts if it's your only car. My honest recommendation for someone living in the NE is if you can't afford a true daily driver in addition to the AMV8 as a supplemental, get a practical car and save up to buy an '09 in a few years (at least then you'll have your Ipod connectivity). I know it sucks waiting, but I absolutely would not drive that car in bad road conditions.

 

AM dealer is asking 5800.-- Euros for rims and snow tires for the DBS so this will be my snow tires:

http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/de...=1&tabNumber=1

 

Nice. Looks like your snow tyres will be very good at handbrake turns?

 

In 100% agreement. Snow and AM don't mix. If the AM is your only car, you'd bertter live in a no-snow state, or have the ability to not drive when the weather is bad.

 

whoa - that's a sick mini

 

Nein! This is a sick Mini!

 

That is sick! Wonder what the weight distribution is like for that car.