I'm a first time poster however I've been anonymously lurking on these forums for a year or so now.

I'm looking to pick up a v8 Vantage and my current budget is about 60k including pre-purchase inspection and possible shipping. I'm not looking for anything with super low mileage or in absolute pristine condition however I obviously don't want one that's been abused.

I have found a few cars in my price range on autotrader.com although I'm not sure if the value is correct.

The first one I've found can be seen at: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...20087677&Log=0

and another here: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...21053299&Log=0

While I don't care much for the modifications done on the second one, it's not a deal breaker and quite like the seats in the '07 in comparison to the '06. It also has seen a wreck in 2009 which doesn't necessarily scare me off but does seem it would permanently effect the resale value of the car. From the research I've done, both of these cars seem a bit overpriced for the mileage, especially the latter considering its history.

So my main question is, am I jumping the gun here and should wait for another 10k or so before looking or do either of these cars seem like a fair fit for a garage mechanic such as myself on a tighter budget than most that look into these cars? I realize shopping for a budget AM is a bit of an oxymoron however it doesn't stop the fever of wanting to get my hands on one.

I have no plans to jump at any deals just yet; only testing the waters. I just want some solid advice before convincing myself I should begin seriously looking.

Thanks,

John

 

First one is an early car unusually with the standard 18" alloys on, most people took up the 19" option. Has the Sat Nav though (not that it is worth it )
Tidy car

Second one has the 19" alloys, not a fan of the "blacked out" look. You lose the signature rear lights because of it. No Sat Nav and a not so popular interior colour. I'd walk away from ANY Aston that has had a crash, the Al & bonded chassis needs specialist repair and you are unlikey to be told what was fixed and by who

Can't comment on US prices.
I'd haggle on the first one or wait for THE car to come up (you will know it)

 

Thrall black car might be a bear to keep cool in the summertime. As for the body repair, as long as the chassis was not affected then noproblemo there. I'd stay away from the 06 as it was the first year for thecar.

 

One thing to keep in mind is that maintenance on these cars is not cheap. I see you are a mechanic so I assume most you can/will do yourself but things like tires, brake pads, rotors, random parts are significantly more expensive than "normal" cars. If you are on a tight budget, keep these factors in mind.

Also car insurance is more

 

The first advice is if you can stretch, the 4.7L engine is always a preferred choice. I had a 2007 and loved it, but the 4.3L V8 needed some massaging. I am with Mikey K, I would be wary of any car in a wreck. The Aston paint and body assembly is tough to match.

I hope you get your car soon. You will really enjoy Aston ownership.

 

No issue with buying an 06'. Mine now has 30k miles and the only issue I have had was my own fault and required replacing the power steering pump. I would get the 06 with less miles and no stories. The good thing is any niggles should be worked out.

I swear these cars drive better as they age.

 

Thank you all for the replies.

@mikey_k:
I hadn't realized the first one was lacking the 19" rims. Thank you for pointing that out!
Regarding the sat/nav not being worth it - Is this option generally not desired?
Regarding the wrecked one - Are even slight fender benders something to be wary of? I'm usually not too concerned with a wrecked car unless it's obvious that lines don't match up or it's been heavily filled with bondo. I agree that the actual story as to what happened has likely been lost at the scene of the accident.

@AXARUNNER:
Are there certain things that were on the '06 that were fixed on the '07? From what I've found there were only a few cosmetic updates between the years such as updated seats, leds in handles, etc. Is there perhaps something I should keep my eye out for on any '06 cars I test drive?

@RossL:
Thank you very much for the advice here. I've definitely factored in these costs into my purchase and I think the only thing I may have trouble keeping up with is the cost of gas! One thing that is definitely different in comparison to other cars I've owned is the "yearly maintenance". Could you describe what this entails? Is there value lost if things such as this and general repairs aren't performed by a dealer? A yearly maintenance schedule seems like a bit of a gimmick to snag money from their customers every year however I'm likely out of line there.

@scottblack:
Believe me, I'd take an 4.7 over a 4.3 any day however those are too far out of reach for me. I believe it is the introduction of the 4.7 that has made the 4.3 more affordable for the likes of me and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to own an Aston regardless of the engine size! The only option which is on the edge of my budget would be a roadster however that would be pushing it for me at the moment and I know I'd be over the moon with a coupe regardless.

@DetomasoGTS74:
Thank you for the information on your '06. One bit I've been concerned with is the life of clutches. I seem to read many horror stories on how quickly a stock one can be eaten up by the manual transmissions. After 30k, have you seen many clutches? I have no intentions of driving my car like a mad man which I'd hope will be all that needs to be done to ensure longevity.

 

Wait a little bit and be patient for a nice 07 with lower miles, it will be worth the wait. I waited 9 months for the right 07 to pop up with only 10k miles, I got it for a huge steal and that was 2 years ago. It was even local too, sometimes when you wait, the perfect gem shows up.

Wait, save up a bit more money, let them depreciate a bit more in the mean time, and you will find the one you are looking for.

Remember ... Don't force it, the right one will come to you

 

Thanks for the advice, 007. It's sounding like the '07 is favoured over the '06 in general then? Any particular reason why you recommend the '07 specifically?

 

Get a copy of Grants book and read it back to back!
It gives ALL the detail of the model year variations and explains why I would never touch a crashed Aston.

http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/

The Sat Nav is a crap Volvo based unit on pre MY12 cars and is very poor but most buyers want it

 

+1 on Grant's book. Well worth it -- there's no better resource for a potential owner.

As for the satnav, I don't find it that bad (I've updated the DVDs). I know there are better units, but I just got back from a 300 mile trip and it got me to all the out-of-the-way destinations I was looking for. The joystick interface is fiddly, the display is kind of boring and old looking, but the guidance was really quite good. And it does seem to be popular for resale value.

 

+1 for this regarding the nav. I just used it on a 1200 mile trip from Maryland to South Carolina and all around in North Carolina on a fun drive event. I relied on the nav and it did great. It's definitely not Garmin quality but it's still decent. If I were to rate it, I'd rate it as "fine" because it's not the best or worst and it works fine albeit a bit clunky with the joystick.

 

I use the sat nav too from time to time. While it is poor compared to more modern units in other cars, it will at least get you from point A to point B. Better than nothing.

 

I agree with everything already said. I would also pass on both cars you have found and wait for a better example. Remember, these cars depreciate every day so waiting for the right car is nothing but a plus. And, never ever buy a wrecked exotic. You won't come out ahead.
Wait for a great deal on an 07 or 08. An 09 is better but, will cost more. There is nothing wrong with the nav other than it is an old unit. There are better out there but it works. The point is that you want as loaded a car as you can find as all cars get sold someday and the more options you have the easier it is to sell.
Save some more money and be patient. You will find a better deal and be happier with your purchase.
BTY we are in the same state. Send me a PM if I can answer any other questions for you.

 

+3 on Grant's book. At $45 delivered it is a total no brainer if you are shopping for a modern Aston and want all the details on differences bw the model years (among many other things).