Find a really good independent shop and have it serviced there, it's dirt cheap. If they are well versed in fords that helps (many of the parts are ford based with Aston stamp on them.)

With a good independent that's on your side it's actually dirt cheap in some cases.

 

My take is that servicing at an AM dealer should probably help resale higher at some point. Mine is a 07 Vantage with 40K+ miles and I have had everything done at AM, even the big ticket clutch. I was not sure at the time if I would keep this car for an extended amount of time. I have basically decided to keep it so I may sort out an independent for the small stuff. I think having a dealer do the maint. gives the future buyer (wherever in the country they may be) a sense of security.

 

I intend to go with the "right tool for the job" plan. I plan to do my own oil and brake pads. If it's simple mechanical work thats required I will take it to a trusted mechanic. Every so often or for everything else I will see an Aston tech.

Example: I don't need Aston Martin to replace tires so that I can say Aston did it. They won't drive any better or differently. I recently declined tire replacement on the front for 1,500 at a dealership. Instead I put the exact same OEM tire on at Discount Tire Co. for $800. I figure I can pocket the savings of $700 towards saving for a new clutch when that needs to be replaced.

 

AM of Troy quoted just under $2K to install streetable GT4 clutch and flywheel hardware in my 2007 6speed V8V. They have previously installed GT4 hardware on a 2007 SS V8V racer.

Replacing OE clutches is not a DIY Vantage project, however, AM dealer service performs it on a regular basis. Further, I am told the GT4 procedure is virtually the same as redoing it with the OE stuff. And they can fix my cold start first to second gear change problem with their well practiced tricks while they are in there.

I am not aware of an independent shop in North America with these capabilities.

 

Why are you guys going to dealers and then complaining that the cost is too high...that's like putting your finger on a hot range top and then being surprised when you get burned!! haha

Go to a good independent shop, that specializes in the make/model and type of car. You should find some good service and savings.

 

I know this is an old post, but I just called Motorcars of Georgia (I'm in Macon) today for a quote on tint and they told me its going to cost $600 and $450 not including tax for an oil change for my DB7 Vantage. I didn't even bother asking how much it would be for an oil change. Does anyone know of any independents in or around middle georgia?

 

I sometimes take mine to a Jaguar specialist.

The Engine is derived from a 1990s XK8 after all. Its pretty prehistoric by todays standards.

 

The dealers basically double the price compared to what you can get elsewhere. I understand this and only use them while the car is under warranty. What irks me is their failure to get the little things right. I just had an annual service done and got the car back with the tire pressures over inflated, two valve stem caps missing, one bolt missing in the belly pan and the oil not topped off. It's the paying double for sloppy service that will insure not using the dealer after the warranty runs out.

 

I'm stupified... What dealer messed that service up... If you can't tell us what dealer, what state then?

 

In the U.S. you may have your AM serviced at an independent shop and it will still be covered under warranty.
"In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the FTC, makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work."

I enjoy changing my own oil and it is a very simple process. I am planing to post a step-by-step on the DB9 if one does not exist on this forum.

 

The problem is finding an independent. There just don't seem to be very many.

 

Just had my annual service, thought I'd share my experience. Had it done at the local am dealer and overall very good service and professional. Service itself cost about 1300. They were very thorough in terms of finding all the issues I guess because they want to offer fixing them. Car needed new rear tires after 12000 miles. Cost me 1000 to replace including labor. I think cheapest one could manage at an independent is probably 25% less so not too bad.
They also wanted 2000 to replace rear rotor and pads. I thought that was a lot. I declined. Figure I would chance it by ordering parts myself from astonmartinbits and get an independent to do the work. I think overall cost would be half. Wish me luck.
How does one go about finding a place that can work on Astons? I don't like the fact that dealers seem to have very little competition to keep everyone reasonable. If I need a new clutch down the road, I would have no choice. I don't mind paying more, but not double what's reasonable.

 

Since you are in NYC, have you compared the dealer in Connecticut to Long Island? I assume they are going to be the same because they are owned by the same people, but you never know.

 

Haven't tried long island, I just assumed it would be similar enough that it won't be worth the time to get out there. I do like my dealer and want to give them as much business as I can.

 

Can you send me name of Indy shop, can they work on DB9?