is the clutch problem in the manual gearbox or the sportshift gearbox??

 

There really is no clutch problem, it is an abuse and/or misuse problem. Reverse is very high (15 mph at idle apmx) so the clutch is sliding mostly whilst in reverse. Some individuals drive in a manner that causes excessive wear. I know personally individuals who have driven several exotics including AM many miles 100k + with no problem. BTW, the clutch replacement in any sports car of this calibre is not inexpensive, if that is a concern, I would negotiate the cost of clutch replacement at purchase, however, if a clutch replacement down the road is to uncomfortable, perhaps a DB9 automatic!

 

Please stop talking about things you know nothing about. Its a great car but the clutch is its weak link, especially with the Sport Shift. Denying it doesn't help anyone and making outright false statements does hurt people trying to make an informed decision.

 

How many vantage ASM or manual have you personally owned and for how long?

 

007 is actually right
I've had two ASM Astons which have done well over 35k miles, never had an issue. I do a learn each day I drive it.
I also discussed this with a factory tech as well as a couple ex factory R&D guys. They all agree with 007's comment so does this poll of current owners

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...ntage+clutches!

ASM2 now has a lower reverse an does a learn each time you start it from cold.
If there was a weak link it was the gear ratio in reverse (which is the same in the current 6MT Vantage)

 

Hello, I actually used to DD an E46 M3 myself. I think the AM is a natural progression if the funds allow. You'll enjoy the car, yes maintenance isn't cheap, but it isn't cheap on the M3 either. I was paying $1000 per service (although it included more then the AM) and the AM is about $1250 for a base service + extra for additional fluids like brake, transaxle, etc.

I have had no issues with my clutch. The only one issue I had was the belt/pulley assembly needed replaced due to squealing, it cost roughly $450, besides that no real issues.

For $80k you can get an amazing example 08 or even an 09, I just sold mine for a lot less then that.

 

You let the white beauty go? What are you getting?

 

A friend of mine has a 2006 V8V with 65k miles on the original clutch with no signs of needing replacement yet. It's a Manual.

My 2006 V8V has 35k miles, though I have just purchased it- I was told it's the original clutch and mine seems to be great so far. I'm hoping to get it to 45k to 50k at least.

When my friend took the tour at AM HQ they told him that the Clutch could go for 70k miles or slightly more if cared for. They said that the car has enough torque that it should pull itself into gear. Let the engine do the work and release the clutch without slipping it, they added.

Also they recommended to not overstress the reverse gear, especially on inclines for longer clutch life.

 

I bought my 07 Vantage with 4,700 miles on it. 90 days and 1,200 miles later the clutch was fried ($ 5,300). The dealer stepped up (Aston Martin of Washington) and we agreed I would pay $ 1,800 of the bill. Prior owner whom they had sold it new was a British Car Collector / Attorney but not someone considered a 'driver'. Most likely he had done quite a bit of damage to it and I just finished it off.

I've seen the parts (old and new) and they look as robust as any other clutch. I'm not concerned in the least as I've owned manual trans cars for over 40 years now - but I'm not going to let my kids learn how to drive a manual on it, either. Clutch slippage is all about starting off from a stop and the reverse is ridiculously high on these cars - my speculation is that is where most the damage comes from, when backing up.

I think these cars are fairly robust, but parts prices are borderline ridiculous especially considering a lot of them are rebadged or tweaked Ford, Jaguar and Volvo parts.

 

I have owned a V8 Vantage and nowadays V12 Vantage both of the 6 spds, no issues at all.

Great cars and reasonable to maintain considering how low volume they are. But if something does go really wrong I'm sure it's horrifically expensive.

An oil change at the dealer is around $900,to me that seems a little steep.

 

I recently purchased my first Aston Martin, an 07 Vantage with 4000 miles on it. I've had it about 6 months and so far I must say I'm very impressed with the build quality of what really is a very low volume car. I've owned quite a few other similar cars that had a more "fragile" feel to them. It's also cool that there aren't any other Astons around, which unfortunately can no longer be said about Bmw's. I say roll the dice and go for it like I did! It's a lot of car for not a lot of $.