Well let me start by saying this, I'm 18 years old, currently drive a 2010 Camaro, looking to get a Salvage. I want to buy one and fix it myself preferably one that has some damage. Just came here to get some insight from other owners. Considering my price range I'm probably going to be looking at 2006-2007 V8 Vantage's. If anyone here can tell me where to start or how much I'm looking at spending that would be awesome. Also I would like to know how much normal parts cost (front bumpers, rear bumper, fenders, lights, etc.).

 

Guess I'll help out. I got 10 years on you, and I thought I was young.

What makes this car prohibitive to most younger people is not the cost to purchase, but to insure and maintain. I'm single, and pay a ton to insurance. Keep this in mind if you're driving it yourself.

Parts are surprisingly affordable (relatively speaking), but the labor will get you if you want the job done right. Doing it yourself is certainly possible, as the car was hand built to begin with. A fender will run you $1300, lights about $1000, not sure about the bumper. My last fender repair went over $8k plus labor, oh the wonderful markup.

 

Well let me start by saying the insurance is going to be in my fathers name (like my current car). The body guy that we have working at our collision shop used to do custom paint work and worked on a lot of high end jobs. If I get one that's hit in the front for example we'd tear the whole front end apart (even the engine) to make sure every single piece is exactly on right. So I'm guessing a front clip is usually about $10,000 if I used all new parts. The labor I'm not as much worried about I know what he can do and I'm pretty sure he can match it perfectly. I'm more worried about the price for the parts. Thanks for sharing your insight I really appreciate it. Other than the insurance is there anything else I need to know about this car, maybe the cost to maintain? It will probably only be a weekend car anyways.

 

If insurance is no concern, and you have a guy you really trust to perform the work, then ownership at 18 is theoretically possible.

Parts are more expensive than other German brands, but not excessive. All depends on where you get the parts. Air Filters probably about a hundred (check the other thread for RSC's group purchase), clutch about $5k, oil filter about $100. Search the forum and I think you'll have yourself a nice part list with prices based on our combined experience

As for electronics, I need to get a new CD changer as mine recently died, that's about $1300. Front plate holder is $115 if anyone wants to know, LOL~

 

Lol good to know, how many miles are on yours right now? Also which model do you have? Anything else I really need to know about the cars?

 

Just be advised that you are not going to run down to Manny Moe and Jacks and buy parts for an Aston. The only thing you might find are wiper blades. You have to go to the dealer for almost everything including oil at $10.50 a qt and it takes 11 quarts. Your normal spin on $3.50 oil filter is $26.50 at the dealer and that is the only option. So your normal oil change that used to cost you $20 now costs $150 when you throw in the oil rings for checking and cleaning the screens. Do some more research and follow the forums for a while before you jump in. Make an informed decision.

 

Thanks for the info, that is exactly why I am here, I'm pretty sure I can afford the car but the cost the comes with owning one is what I'm not too familiar with. Thanks for the advice and the input, the price for the oil change isn't as bad as I had feared, I was thinking oil/filter would be closer to $1,000 like some exotics, I can handle the $150. Anyone else have any more input/info, it's greatly appreciated.

 

the $1000 is for the entire service. The $150 price is for the oil change kit. I think Miller Motor Cars sells it on eBay.

 

What's an entire service and how often do you have to do it?

 

That is correct. I am assuming he will do his own oil changes. My dealer wants $1500.

 

Yes I will be doing my own oil changes. Good to know though.

 

Well I found this info "the Aston Vantage is built off of the Ford line, it has relatively easy fixes and most parts are easily accessible for repairs. The maintenance is quite painless at $200 oil changes, $200 belt changes and a wonderful clutch at $2500."

http://www.secretconsulting.com/cost...an-exotic-car/

I just need to know how much the body parts typically cost and what goes into replacing them, if I'm not mistaken the Vantage's body is Aluminum which I've heard is harder to work with. I'm looking to get exact prices on the Front Bumper, Rear Bumper, Grill, Head Lights, Fenders, and lastly hood.

 

The rear fenders are steel and I think everything else is aluminum. The only place you are going to find prices on body parts is a dealer.

 

Hood, roof, and doors are aluminum. Front fenders and trunk lid are composite. Quarter panels are steel and magnesium.

 

Good info!!