Introducing myself. I have recently purchased a used 2006 Vantage V8. I have already found this forum to be very helpful in resolving some minor issues such as the Emissions warning sensor. Discovered that one in the first 1000 miles (2 days drive) home from the dealership in Houston.

It's been one week and so far I have new rear tires, rear emergency brake pads, and new rear rotors that all had to be replaced. I think the previous owner decided it was the perfect time to trade it in. I only wish the dealership had been a little more on the up and up about these items. Just to clarify this was not the Aston Martin dealership but rather a used exotic dealer.

Otherwise, I have completely been in love with this car and fingers crossed I hope that I now have some of the regular fixes finally taken care of... at least for a few months. Any quick tips you can give this new owner? This is not my first Rodeo on owning sports cars. I also own a Lotus Elise and Shelby Mustang. Every car is different and I find that good forums and good people make owning these cars all the better! Thanks all.

 

Thumbs up! New owner here too from the lotus camp. Isn't it amazing how different these two marques are?

 

Recent new owner myself, and have already logged 4k miles since acquiring early feb.! It has quickly become my dd, weather permitting. As you are discovering, these cars have a distinct and addictive charm. Enjoy

 

surely you would have been able to see the condition of the rear tires and rotors and negotiated with the dealer before... expensive items but worth it you will love this car ENJOY and welcome! now start putting cash aside for a clutch...that hurts

 

Adding to what Greg said, find yourself a good indie shop that can work on it for you. I am lucky enough to have access to one I trust even though I am close to a dealer. My V8VS is still under warranty so it will go to the dealer for now, but my 09 V8V went to the British specialists and were much more reasonable for the yearly maintenance.

Welcome to your new obsession!

 

Yeah, I really should have double checked the rear treads at least... My problem was that because I bought the car remotely from 3 states away I had to rely on photos. When I asked for pictures of the tread life, I am now certain that I received 4 photos of the 2 front tires and none of the rear.

It was dumb of me to assume that they were being honest and I should have spot checked them upon delivery. Dumb I know- Lesson learned for next time.

As far as Lotus vs. Aston... NIGHT and DAY differences. The Aston is certainly much more comfortable. Bigger engine and so on. But in the end I think I really like them both equally! It's great to have both!

 

FBIGuy, who did you use locally in DFW on your 2009 for maintenance/mods?

 

Good to see other Lotus/Aston owners out there. I had a 1991 Elan back in the day as my daily driver for 7 years. Was a great little machine. Hoping an Aston will be as reliable as a Lotus sounds a bit silly but Im actually hoping for it as that car, although not well screwed together, never let me down once

 

Is that your ride in the avatar? PP from Bellevue?

 

Welcome!!!! Drop me a line if you're looking for brakes. I have a new product about to be released - 2 piece rotors that work with the OEM calipers. Big weight savings, especially on the rear and the next time around you can re-use the hats and save even more $$$

 

I already have the OEM replacements on the Vantage. I picked it up this morning... BUT, I'm very interested in anything new you might have. Especially if it's going to be lighter.

 

I have another 6speeder who is being the Guinea Pig and hopefully we'll have photos and confirmed fitment early next week. Final figures will be out, but looks like a savings of around 7lbs/rotor for the fronts and 9lbs for the rears. They are going to be about $2350 for all 4, but if you want to shoot me an email - Stuart@Velocityap.com I can get you in on some pre-order pricing.

 

Welcome..! I'm a fellow previous Lotus owner (Elise and Exige S240) and definitely happy with the upgrade. It was hard to go on a dinner date dressed up in a full race exhaust Exige S240, LOL!

 

Congrats man!! I'm also a new owner and part of the Lotus & Aston camp. Post some pics!

 

Welcome. You will really enjoy it as long as you are taking care of all her needs in time

I sit in the lotus position sometimes, does that count ?