Hey guys, well I'm ready to finally get into an AM which I've longed for years. Recently returning from a deployment in Afghanistan leaves me with a budget of $70K and have been primarily identifying 06' and 07's within this range.

One of the things I noticed between the 06's and 07's is the seats. Obviously the 07's have better looking seats, but is there anything more that I should focus my attention and spending of a few extra grand more?

Bottomline, I've got my eye out on the following two AM V8V's and working with the dealer on trimming down the pricing.
http://www.jemmotorcorp.com/detail-2...d-8075480.html

http://www.jakesmotorcars.com/web/ve...photos/2285945

Any thoughts or input is greatly appreciated.

 

I wouldn't say the seats in the 07 are better looking. In fact, I prefer the look of the earlier seats, but unfortunately my butt says otherwise.

 

If you can stretch, get a 2009 with the 4.7L.

 

I agree here as well. The 06 seats also seem to have more bolstering IMO. They held me better, whereas the 07+ seemed like they were slightly wider (perhaps a change for the US market ).

 

You might also search Yahoo cars and autotrader. Be aware that most Astons came with $15,000 to $20,000 of factory installed Options, so you want to pay attention to the Options that are on the car you are looking for--such as HID lights, bright Chrome Grill, Cruise Control, Nav System, Heated seats, Upgraded Audio, etc. Don't hesitate to look outside your local area for the car you want--It's a fun drive home.

 

I too was in the market for an '07 around $70k but ended up with an '08 Nurburgring Edition so keep your options open for the right car! The right one will grab you.

 

I prefer the '07+ seats as well.

 

i love that bitter chocolate with the light stitching. my regret was not waiting for the right one of those to come along.
my thing with the 4.7 vs the 4.3 is, speed is not the shining point of this car, even all the way to the v12 version. get the one you can afford, because they all look the same and that is a gorgeous thing

 

I agree with this....in that I was a bit disappointed with the power/torque of the Vantage, but clearly that is not its forte....it is just absolutely stunning!

 

thanks for all the response guys, i really value the feedback.

im coming from a Exige S240 which is completely another car from a V8V. i test drove a few V8V's and founding myself "trying" to like the car more than i could. don't get me wrong, the AM is a beautiful car that i've idolized for years and will continue to. but the fact that im forcing myself to settle with what i can get/afford (an 06'-07' 4.3) really makes me think i should continue to hold out until a 4.7 is within reach.

i know when it comes to exotics, waiting is the hardest thing to do when you know what you really want. i think i might stay the route of a new lotus (new Evora non-S) until the 4.7's become a little more affordable for me.

nevertheless, great tips and potential buyer help! who knows, maybe a AM V8V can steal my heart before i get an Evora.

 

There is no replacement for displacement, but you can get 4.7 or even "S" power with a couple of upgrades to a 4.3. Talk to Stuart at RSC.

A good ECU tune with CATs, filters and exhaust. There is a recent thread where CJ posted his dyno gains after adding cats. I will be doing the same in a couple weeks.

 

I just got my Vantage and it was the seats that made me pick an '07.

To me the car is not a power monster but just a great package overall.

 

I'm really happy with my 07 especially with my Larini cats and Miltek rear box. My car was optioned well but I was able to get nav, iPod and blue tooth with the installation of a satellite radio dock for my iPhone. Good luck.

 

I loved my 07 and did all the common upgrades (AM power pack, exhaust, etc.). When I was done, no 4.7L car would run away from me. But as much as I loved it, I knew that starting with the 4.7L engine with its better torque was more in line with my expectations. Don't get me wrong, I still miss my 4.3L 2007 and would own it again in a heartbeat. But I always wished I had the 4.7L engine.

 

So Scottblack, I'm assuming that you now own a v12 vantage (from the photo). How do you like it and how does it compare to your 07?