How do they not go bankrupt. Earlier it was the rapide that is selling for 100k below sticker.

 

IDon't know that Aston is not the best financial shape I'm sure of course not looking at their audited financial statements can't make a definitive comment... I would suspect relative profit per unit to be high though, but total units sold on the low side...annual revenue vs. Overheads perhaps questionable.

I like Aston, they have been around for 100 years and always in some sort of trouble, just when you think they're out they come back, somehow they pull it together, or get the sponsorship or strategic partner to realize their vision. They are like the scrappy entrepreneur of the car world with change in their pocket and dreams in their mind, with long standing core values, and unyeilding ideas, sometimes getting into serious trouble, sometimes loosing all its cash but somehow always pushing for further greatness while remembering the past!

 

I am hoping to pick up a virage or a used 13 DB9 if I cannot get the virage I want.

 

They really are gorgeous cars that are priced way to high for what they offer in terms of ride, amenities and performance. The german and italian competition is in another league IMO.

 

^^^The cars are not cheap, but they are in another league in terms of less tangible factors. For what I paid for my V12V, I could have bought a car that provides much better performance . . . but I didn't. For example, I could have bought a top-end 911 but, IMO, they're common and a bit ugly. Different strokes . . .

 

There is not much that looks good up next to a Aston, I will give you that.
The top-end 911 (GT2) is not common at all. There were ~320 built in 2008 and less then 200 for 2009. More rare actually then an Aston is gorgeous.
I guess different things are important to each of us in a car. I hope others keep buying them so they stay around and I can see them on the roads.

Different Strokes!

 

If you are buying a car primarily based on those 3 criteria, then you would never consider buying an Aston. But then, you are completely missing the point of Aston ownership and therefore wouldn't understand why we buy them even if they are priced "way to(o) high".

In fact, based on your criteria, why are you buying a Porsche, since a GTR will do everything and more for less money? Or why buy a GTR when a Z06 does everything a GTR will do for less money? And you can go on and on...

Essentially, your point about pricing is simply a red herring.

 

I knew someone would come at me with the GTR.

 

But it's still a 911 and there are millions of them on the road. Now, if we're talking about a Carrera GT, that's another matter.

 

Boost on a GT2 or Turbo S is intoxicating! in fact boost period is a wonderful feeling, be it a GTR or Porsche or what have you.

But the sound and silky smooth torque and power of the Aston V12 is something quite wonderful in it's own way

 

Your post count is quite fitting for this discussion.....



I would have to ask if you've ever spent any time in an AM? As a long time Porsche owner, the AM is a very different experience. One I would highly recommend.

 

Sorry, but no car is a 'smart buy'.

 

Wow, great catch!

 

I agree it is very special and would make sense to me for much less money. Like the Ferrari 599 was 330k new and not worth it IMO. At 190k slightly used it is a good deal. I also think some porsches are way overpriced for what they offer, but really it is based on what I personally want in a car at this time of my life.

 

I have had a Porsche, I have driven the GTS and the 991's. fantastic cars, but they are more like my R8 V10 than my Aston. For me he Aston is a "fuller" experience. As a TOTAL vehicle it excels over most cars, especially since I have the V12 Vantage.

The way it feels, the steering, the brakes, the exhaust note, the weight of the doors, the finishing, the looks etc. it all just works together sooo well. It makes you feel alive in so may ways, with different senses being stimulated.

Many cars beat this car with the numbers, many cars also deliver a unique driving experience, fewer cars are beautiful in this way, but many are still beautiful. The Aston is in rare company because of the intersection of all of these things. Pagani is similar (though clearly a different proposition) in their desire to be an object and an experience unlike others.