I've been trying to do some research on the web within different sites and forums, but this group seemed to be the most active. Trying to solicit some advice as I might be forging ahead to purchase an AM.

I'm looking for tips and advice on purchasing a 2006 V8V with 12,400 miles. Honestly speaking, I'm a Ferrari guy, but the wife says we can't jump up to a 430 quite yet until we get some debt down. However, we came across the Vantage and it peaked her interest. With the Ferrari's, is all about getting a PPI and checking the records. Is that true for the AMs? Anyone have or know of any problems with the 2006 V8V - can't seem to find any, which is good. Things to watch out for or check? The dealer is reputable here in central OH, we've purchased other vehicles form them in the past. Car is 1 owner, low miles, clean, only 1 paint "ding" in the driver's corner, well maintained with all records. They're asking 72.5k. Will hopefully be test driving it after the holiday weekend, but any advice/wisdom/tips would greatly be appreciated before I go into the dealer. I do think it's a bit high in price though. Thanks in advanced!

http://www.magastonmartin.com/used/Aston%20Martin/2006-Aston+Martin-Vantage-6bbb8a830a0d048e00b7b8319b0308a4.htm

 

The 06-08 run the same in terms of the engine. There are some hallmark issues which are easy and don't affect the performance. First, there can be a noisy belt that fixes easy. The gas lid button doesn't always release. Again a fix that all dealers can do in minutes. Some have a minor oil leak that will have probably been corrected after a year or 2. Other than that, pretty reliable. I would think that if you are looking at a car in service for 3 years or better most of these things would be addressed by now.

 

If you can swing it, I'd recommend getting an '09 or newer. The 4.7L is a much more eager engine and many of these niggling issues Jay referred to have been sorted with the new generation Vantage. If a 4.7L isn't in the cards, I'd personally want to get an '07 or '08 over an '06 because of the new seats introduced in '07. The new seats are supposedly more comfortable and are better looking IMO. Just for your information, another difference between the '06 cars and the others is that there are no LEDs on the exterior door handles of the '06 cars.

One more recommendation to anyone considering buying an Aston is to read Grant's book: "The Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin." I'm sure you can order a copy by googling the name.

Good luck!

 

happy your getting a 6 speed , nice car, took a look at it, its clean, of course get the car certified with a warranty since your buying it from a dealer ( Aston Martin Dealer, right???) and play with those numbers....

 

From the pictures in the link, this car has the newer seats, which I thought were introduced in 2007. Did any 2006s have them?

 

Does appear that way. I suppose Aston could have phased the new seats in beginning with the late '06 cars.

 

well, the 06 seats are known for wear, are they not? maybe it got swapped out recently after it degraded too much. 72k for an 06 seems a little high to me. I'd be looking to pay that for an '07.

 

Check those leather dashboard panels near the windshield and above the instrument cluster for shrinkage around the edges and see if the leather is pulling away. DEFINITELY do a PPI and check the timing chain gasket otherwise know as the (Rope seal) for oil leaks while under the car. To answer your question, service records are very important on AM just like any other exotic. Make a list of all these items we've spelled out for you here and have them all checked during your PPI. 72K for an 06 is too much $$. I have a celebrity owned 08 sport shift with every possible option including lifetime Sirius radio that was owned by an NFL starting quarterback with 4K miles. My car stickered for $132K and I paid 75 for it 6 months ago! Doing your homework will help you make a wise decision on this.

 

Sent you a PM ....

 

I hope that wasn't Brady's car or hex on you. Go Jets!

 

Thanks to everyone for the advice and info. Will definitely look into those items mentioned. Don't know if it's going to be the one quite yet, just needed some knowledge on my side when I went to talk to the dealer. Much appreciated!

Michael - read your PM. Can you PM me your email addy? Being a noobie, the board won't let me reply to your PM until I get a higher post count. Thanks!

 

"... an NFL starting quarterback with 4K miles."

Must be McNabb, Brady doesn't run that much.

 

No, good guesses though. Here ya go: http://www.houstontexans.com/team/ro...f-9970950d37b1

 

It says he is 6'5"...no wonder he sold the car! With all that money I wouldn't be surprised he ordered one sight unseen and then realized it was too small...unless he bought it for somebody else.

 

All I know is that he traded it back in and bought this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA7YoSkFZkI