So I got a line on a 2005 Vanquish (not "s") with only 1600 miles on it for only $25,000us! The car is absolutely gorgeous. 1 female owner who NEVER drove it..obviously. What's the catch? The engine is blown. The block is cracked. My tech thinks a rod bearing spun and the thing just came apart. I'm thinking about buying it..if for nothing else a piece of art to have in my garage..

Anyone have any thoughts on the value of this car?? Any rebuilders out there interested in something like this?? Its totally perfect in every way...well, except the obvious. I have to make a call on this today or it's gone. Thanks in advance for any insight. Feel free to send me a PM as well.

BTW.. Just got my RSC SuperSport exhaust and filters for my DB9 yesterday..install happens tomorrow! Can't wait to hear and feel the difference. Thanks Stu

 

Have you physically seen the car? Aside from the blown engine, the story sounds suspciously like the usual come on that you find on auto resale sites from scammers who want you to use Google checkout or Western Union etc with some (bogus) promise of escrowing the money.

When I was looking for cars, I followed ads for an M5 and a Vantage Roadster that sounded too good to be true ... and were.

 

if the car is legit, you could always through in an aftermarket engine, possible a V12 from a jag? Might take a lot of work, but would have one badass car.

 

I would stay away. What you know about the car is just the beginning. Will never run like it should.

 

Jag V12 is a WAAAAAY outdated motor. It would be impossible to fit it to a Vanquish.

 

The car is 100% legit. I have seen it and talked to the tech that serviced it. However there is some updated info. It's actually a 2003 with 6000 miles. Doesn't change things much.. just seems like a no-brainer.. right?

 

Since you seem to be a gambling man, how about this to go with it: 5,000 euros for a Vanquish v12 engine in Spain w/23k km, "mostly complete" no ecu included.

www . racecarsdirect . com/listing/40485/aston_martin_vanquish_v12_engine.html

 

Curious how the engine blew with only 1600 miles? Wasnt it with warranty when it happened?

 

I hate to say it but is it possible she drove it out of oil or something went funny with the trans? I think that a new AM V12 engine would run about 25K. I would think that you could have someone like Bamford Rose buy it and tune it in the UK to about 580HP and have an AM tech pop it in there for 2-3K. So if the car is legit and the body and interior look like they have 1600 miles, you would have an awesome car for about 80K with mods. Sounds pretty cool.

 

Has it a salvaged title? What is the full story behind the car?

If you rebuild the original motor and whatever else to original factory spec on a clean title car that will hold more value on re-sale, however as others have mentioned there are a ton of ways you could go on this one, using aftermarket mods and engine swap you maybe able to have bit more power and customization, heck may be more fun also as a project go'on then, spill the beans what are ya lookin' to do with it?

 

Just remember, the Vanquish is a totally different kettle of fish to the DB9 when it comes to parts cost, reliability and servicing. Since you can't drive it and see what is or isn't working, you could end up paying a lot more than you think to recommission it.

$25,000 is not a lot though....

 

Yes, I've read that the Vanquish (as opposed to the Vanq S) comes with many problems. I'd be wary about buying into a money pit.

 

OTOH, the Vanquish is tagged as the next Aston to become collectible and appreciate in value. But the only way you'd be able to realize that value is to restore it to stock and that means sourcing a new engine or somehow fixing the one it comes with as well as all the other parts you may to replace as Stuart suggests.

Even then, there might always be an asterisk after it as a refurb'd/restored car but if it takes off in value as it's supposed to (as the last truly hand built bespoke Aston) you may recoup that and more down the road (and as you pointed out originally, have a gorgeous bit of car **** to enjoy in the mean time ).

 

^^^I think maybe the late model vanquish s ... the vanquish prior to the s had a horrible gear box... Flappy paddle connects to a manual box that just didn't work and is broken all the time as clarkson says numerous times on top gear...

 

+1 the purchase price will be a drop in the ocean to getting it going and reliable