Hey all. Just thought I'd post a little intro. Just joined the forum, mostly because I've been looking and contemplating lately about buying an AM Vantage V8(used).

I have never owned any higher end car, but now I'm in a position to either buy one, or buy a bigger house. Priorities...we'll see.

Currently my fun vehicles are a 1986 Monte Carlo SS that was my first car and I did a 350 SBC swap on, and a 99 gsxr 750. Some nice rides seem to be owned by the people on the forum. When I start figuring it out more myself I hope to use some of you to narrow down my search for my next ride.

 

I just got my first even remotely exotic late last year (see user ID up there on the left). Don't bother hesitating, just shop til you find the combo you want and buy it. Your life will improve, your children will love you, animals will trust you.

The 4.3 engine is fine, but if your budget allows, the 4.7 is better (rather obvious). It's just a glorious car.

Oh, and I'd driven a few exotics (F, L, etc) via Exotics Racing. Much as they impressed with their power, my Vantage is a way better real world car. Wouldn't trade it for a 458 or any other non Aston.

 

Coming from American muscle, the V8 of the Aston will be comforting and possibly a let down (power).

The Chevy v8 is an amazing motor with a huge wallop of torque. You won't get that from the AMV8. But it will charm you in other ways. For starters it revs great and sounds like no American car can (though they sound good too).

The car has more presence and it feels the business inside I found my AMV8 to be a early perfect car.

 

Haha..well, no kids yet, but I do like gaining animal trust. I am not exactly sure what is in my budget just yet. I'd like to stay at about 65 or less. I am actually looking for something with higher miles, with some kind of presumption that maintenance is more likely to have been kept up, and I dont want a garage queen anyway. I have seen some 4.3's with a "power pack" that advertises a good bump in power. i think the 4.7's are going to be a bit out of my price range just based on the model year unless they have a lot of miles on them.

 

By comforting, to me that means that if the **** hits the fan, I will be familiar enough to perhaps work on the car myself. I am a DIYer and like working on cars. I have read that what the V8 lacks in power, the refinement, handling, rarity and in my mind looks of what a GT should look like will make up for it. Realistically can these cars be modded to make more power fairly easily? I'm not too versed yet on the potential of the 4.3

 

The 4.3 can be tuned for more goodness if you're into that sort of thing.

The biggest drawback to your pricepoint will be the features and tech in the car. No Bluetooth, weak SatNav (if you care), no audio controls on the wheel, maybe another thing or two I'm forgetting.

On the other hand, the design, engineering and build of the car mean that, well cared for, it can last...I'm not sure how long, but a long time.

Oh, and even with the bone stock cats and muffler, the Vantage sounds better than anything out there.

 

Im not too worried about the tech/nav features. I dont keep a lot of gadgets or anything that would hook into the bluetooth anyway. You're right on the sound - i went back and watched the old top gear V8V reviews and man, it sounds awesome.

Did you guys test drive a few before you bought yours? I live near D.C. so there are a few on the market around here, but some of them are bad color combos, priced too high, etc. I was trying to figure out how I might test drive some of those knowing that I wont buy them, just to get some butt-in-seat data points on what the car should feel like

 

I found dealers rather reluctant about drives. Can't blame them. But if you are serious and qualified, they'll take it out.

If you're looking at the lower $ end you'll find the best deals on the bizzarro color combos. How do you feel about blue leather interiors?

Also, if you want a 3rd pedal and a solid roof you'll have fewer choices. Be patient and don't be afraid of buying one from across the country. That's what I did (from an AM dealer) and all was well. Never saw or touched the car til the money was gone. I might be very stupid and very lucky.

 

Hauln,

Welcome. These are great cars, and it sounds like you've got your priorities straight . As a total package, these cars are hard to beat. The 4.3 is plenty quick -- you just need to keep the revs up.

 

Yeah, I dont have a problem with buying one from across the country somewhere. I figured I could fly there, spend a night in some new city, do a drive/inspection and probably spend less than 500$ which is small price to pay to see it in person. Do you guys believe in a PPI? How do you find someone you trust to do that for you, if you were going to buy without seeing it in person?

And yeah..I was hoping to find a manual coupe. I am not sure if I like the 'verts as much, but they do look good too.

Funny you mention blue interior..I did see a listing earlier this week for one that had a subtle two-tone blue interior..i actually thought it was pretty awesome looking. Neither of the blues were outrageous, though. The one turnoff is that the door sills were purple.

 

Here;s that car:

http://www.carsandpickups.com/inventory/view/5774661

What do you think of the color scheme?

 

Could be worse...blue leather in a sports car just isn't right for me. Red, brown, tan, etc. are all good-er.

Your resale value/effort will be in line with your relative purchase price. Not eveyone wants/will accept blue interiors. But if you intend to keep it past the point of caring about resale, who cares.

And take heart, the sills aren't totally "purple", they're annodized in an effor to be blue-ish (I think).

 

ferrari of atlanta has a nice Porsche pearlescent white with a beautiful interior for sale, I drove it and nearly bought it. It has a couple little problems, but still is under warranty. The price posted is high, message me and I will tell you where we left off before I bailed. It has no cruise though. Overall it is a very nice car, and the white is gorgeous!

 

Oh my, that's a nice one. The creamy Porsche white with the brown interior is perfect. And you got them down from that asking price? Sure the miles are "high" but who cares. I hope that whoever gets it joins our little board here.

 

They offered it to me at $76k. Based on info from folks there, ( this is a consigment sale for one of their customers with a new car on order) $72 will take it and it is under warranty for six months yet, so the little problems can be addressed before then. Is a custom ordered, tastefully thought. Badge delete option. At 72 it is a good deal