Hi guys, long time lurker first time poster here. I am looking for a used Aston Martin and saw this one a 2008 Vantage Roader with 36k miles on it for $65k. Link is http://www.cdmdata.com/cdmdigitallot...on=all&popup=1

I read up on some other threads and know that the 2008 Vantage may be "underpowered" compared with some of the newer ones, but does this seem like pretty fair pricing for the car shown? Is there anything to be aware of on these (above the "high" costs for maintenance and service).

I dont really drive fast and just love the looks of these, would be mostly a weekend cruiser.

Thanks in advance.

 

I sold my 08 sport shift coupe with 10,000 miles for $77,500 recently. It was in like new condition with black/black color. If someone has access to the Manheim auction site that can give recent wholesale and suggested retail value. I agree with you that the 380 hp is plenty for normal street driving. These cars are beautiful GT sport cars rather than fire breathing, stiff riding track cars.

The 36,000 miles is relatively high for an AM but I have heard people say it is actually better to drive them than let them just set. You would want a Pre-Buy Inspection by an AM dealer if possible and I paid $495 for mine. With the VIN a dealer will also be able to pull the entire service history from any AM dealer. A clutch can run a few thousand dollars. I would also really check the condition of the leather especially on the dash with a convertible car that has likely been in a lot of AZ sun. Good luck with you search.

 

It's a reasonable market price. Be aware that the miles are about as high as you will find on a car of that MY. That's the only downside assuming condition is good (no Carfax probs etc). That's a big assumption though with that kinda milage. As always you want to do your due diligence and make sure that you know about where and whether the service has been done. I think, given the mileage, and depending on condition, you can probably negotiate down from there. There is good inventory out on the market now but also, people will be starting to shop, esp for roadsters. Good luck!


02/09/12 RIVRSIDE Regular $68,000 23,766 Avg GREEN 8G A Yes
02/09/12 RIVRSIDE Regular $57,000 32,693 Below GREEN 8G A No
02/24/12 DFW Regular $83,500 2,287 Above White NON N Yes
03/02/12 DALLAS Regular $77,500 24,397 Avg White 8CY A No
03/07/12 PALM BCH Regular $70,000 27,788 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes

 

The 4.3 (2006-2008MY) has noticeably less torque than the 4.7 (2009MY+). This means that the engine feels a bit lazy at lower rpms. You can remedy this by keeping the engine at higher rpms where the car responds much better. This may or may not matter to you. You really need to drive both cars back to back before you decide which car you want.

Good job! That sounds like a really good price.

 

Manarchy: That sounds like a good price... by doing the cats and the air filters you will be pushing 400 HP in the 4.3. A lighter RCS touring exhaust would be icing on the cake. What I'm wondering though is whether the car will need a replaceent clutch soon (a weak spot on these cars).

 

Hm... Yeah I was wondering about the clutch too. I guess I would have to see during the PPI. I am going down to AZ in the next month or two so I might just wait to see it in person.

Also considering a 2008-ish Porsche Turbo. Have already liked those, but hard to find them (i suspect lots more will come on the market once the 991s start being delivered more often).

 

The problem with high mileage Vantages (in the US) is trying to sell them. If your not going to own it long term, something to consider.

 

I would probably keep 5-7 years and drive it around 5k per year. That would still add on the miles, but might even it out a bit. And at some point most cars will hit some base value.

 

That is very high mileage for an AM. If it has not had a clutch it will need one soon. I'll bet it won't sell for $65. If your budget can swing it the 09 cars are a lot more car for the money.

 

As stated above by mark and on the forums overseas, these cars seem to have less issues when driven.

Mine is an 06 with almost 30k and zero (knock on wood) issues. Its solid.

If you are keeping the car 5-7 years mileage should not be that much of an issue, but reliability may. These cars were built to Fords demanding test standards (a good thing) and 36k miles should not scare you. Accross the pond, I have seen 60, 80k with minimal issues.
Good luck.