Hello All,

I took delivery of a Tungsten 2006 V8V with 40K miles last week in San Jose and drove it straight to Lake Tahoe for the weekend. It was, for lack of a better word, magical. Its hard to describe the feeling of this vehicle.

Ive owned some flashy cars, 2000 Viper GTS and a 2004 cadillac XLR. Both modded and flashy,( Viper dyno'd at 580 BHP, and XLR had custom...everything) but the looks you get while driving a Vantage are different. Again, hard to explain. Sort of like respect, lust and even gratitude mixed into one. Truly magical. I had it parked in front of one of the casinos and couldn't help but go outside every few hours just to annonomously look at other people looking at it. (I hope that doesn't sound vain)

Ive dreamt about this car (sometimes literally) since it came out in 2006 but never had the means to afford one until now, and can't say how grateful I am to own one. I know its been said to death but this machine truly is a piece of art. I hope this feeling lasts as I know my passion for my past cars faded after about a year or two after owning them. Visually, this car is, by every meaning of the word, flawless.

Now for the drive:

Exhilarating. Not the fastest car Ive owned or driven but its clear this car isn't about that. Even at 380 BHP, its fast enough for california roads especially. ( I got a speeding ticket on my way back for 98 MPH in a 65...well worth it) This car handles amazingly at high speeds around the mountains. You feel a connection with the road that both my XLR and Viper were lacking. It doesn't feel that good and almost a bit heavy under 45 mph but right around 65+ everything just clicks. Effortless almost.

The gearbox could use a bit of improvement (which I know has been done in later models) and a couple more BHP wouldn't hurt,(which Ill do soon enough) but driving around double the posted speed limit around the mountains seems like what this car is designed for. If you haven't had the opportunity to do this, you must.

I know there has been some chatter about the suspension in the 06 but so far, Im ok with it. This car is just the ultimate package. I have the Premium Sound as well and it sounds absolutely amazing. Way better than the Bose system that came with the XLR.

I hope nobody gets offended but I cannot imagine how anybody would buy a porsche over the AM. Its absolute insanity in my opinion. It may be faster around a track but if thats all buying a car was about wed all own Z06's.

I witnessed grown men and women stare at my car and smile the same way I used to smile when I saw AM's drive by. And although that alone isn't worth buying a car, coupled with the fact that its amongst the best performing drivers in its class/price, I feel its probably one of the best decisions Ive made in my life. Im honored to be a part of this club.

 

Congratulations -- looks fantastic (but then I'm partial to tungsten ). I hope the magic lasts for you; I'm still feeling it

As many point out, an Aston isn't really the best at anything -- it's not fastest, not most powerful, not most technologically advanced, not most expensive or exclusive. But for me, it's the best all round package of looks, finish, sound, and driving enjoyment out there. And always very special.

Enjoy.

 

Congrats!!! It's a beauty! These cars are fabulous and even though I've had mine for almost a year now I still spend 5-10 minutes starring at it after I park it thinking how much I like it and how incredible are its proportions. From every angle these cars are pieces of art that you never get tired to look at. If you add the sound comfort and the fun it's hard to beat...

 

congrats! Welcome in the aston's club

 

congrats and welcome!

 

Congrats and welcome to the club!

I had very similar experience when I bought my 2009 AMV8!! Just an amazing car. Aston still feels like a focused company, no SUV, useless cup holders, quirky parking brake and tach!!

They really are a total experience, not just a single note car. I personally think they are one of the last of the performance brands that still believe in the JOY of owning and driving a car. The total experience, not just track days, not just bragging rights, not just...

Anyway I LOVED it so much I bought a V12 this year. I drove Ford GT's, Porsches etc and the pull back to Aston was too strong. Everything else lacked something, though the Ferrari's came close.

But, you know all that. Enjoy it in good health!!!

 

Congrats!

 

Congratulations! I think you captured very well why so many enthusiasts see such value in these cars.

 

I loved my V8V. I had a 2007. I envy your drive in the Tahoe area. That would have been fantastic in the Aston!

 

Congrats and great write up! I especially love your nonchalance about the speeding ticket.

Your feelings are shared and I regret selling my Vantage - I didn't really respect the car for for what it represented. But now that I understand Astons more, I'm now in the hunt for a DBS. The Aston is like a museum piece.

 

Congrats!