Hello All,

I'm a new member here but have been lurking for years. I'm considering getting out of my E46 M3 and into a Aston V8V. I've loved the M3 and think it was an instant classic and the end of an era for BMW. I recently bought a new Quattroporte S (dark blue/light tan interior) and have been a little unsatisfied with the speed and sound of the E46 V6. Despite loving track time, there is nothing near the Hamptons, so this will mostly be for weekend backroad driving around Eastern Long Island where I have a house.

I've admired the V8V since it came out and love the way it drives, looks and sounds.

I found my ideal combination; British Racing Green, tan interior, manual, low mileage 9k - but it has just sold. I'd also consider a dark blue on tan. Both appear to be a pretty rare color combination, which is surprising to me as I think of those color combos being distinctly British.

I'd like to spend around $80k, which leads me to the 4.3L which is fine with me.

A few questions;
-Besides the clutch, what are the big ticket maintenance items I should inquire about?
-Are their any convertible only issues that people have found?

I appreciate your input and look forward to contributing to the forum.

 

Welcome! I think early 4.7's (2009) are pushing into the mid 80's for a certified one from an AM dealer. I love my 4.3, but if I were looking all over again with a budget in the 80's, I'd go with a 2009. The 4.3 is plenty fast for everyday use, but you get an updates interior, stronger engine, updated wheels and an available sport pack on 4.7's. I think green will be a lot easier to find than a blue. Good luck on the search!

 

@alevine I don't have enough posts to send pm. Pls send me another PM with your email.

Cheers,
Bernard

 

Welcome! These are wonderful cars. Good luck with the search.

 

Replacing brakes and rotors is pretty pricey.

 

They are great cars. They have a distinct personality and bring a smile to your face for so many reasons. Makes every little journey an occasion to remember.

 

I will second the brakes and rotors comment. After 4 weeks of ownership on my used AMV8 I found I had to replace all 4 brake pads, the brake pads, all 4 rotors, and 4 new tires. All added up to roughly 5k.

The E brakes sometimes hang up and don't release over time. I just replaced my cable assembly the part was 300. The time to install was 6 hours!!!! So that cost me about 1k.

 

No major issues with my 2007 V8 Vantage. You would like my color combo. I'll gladly sell it to you for $80K! I'll then upgrade to a 2011 V12. It's been fully vetted and serviced on an annual basis.

 

Sounds like a nightmare . Did you have an Aston tech inspection?

Nothing available CPO at the moment, so I'll look around for a well maintained private seller.

If anyone has a car that fits my description, please email me at schwartz.bernard@gmail.com

Thanks,
Bernard

 

It's weird as I've never had any issues with my clutch or my brakes except with squealing with simply went away. I'm on my original pads too but these will be replaced at my next service. BTW, my car has 21,500 miles on it now. I firmly believe that these cars must be driven on a regular basis. I have another car that I drive in bad weather or when my dog wants to go for a ride but I love to drive my aston on a regular basis.

 

Roadster? I'm pretty sure it had a Buy it Now of $85K not too long ago. I'm looking as well but for a SS. Good luck!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Envy-...ht_7334wt_1169

 

Yeah, if you're spending north of $80k, you should be in an '09. I love my '08 but if I'd found the same color/spec in an '09, I would have spent the extra $10k.

Clutch? Don't worry about it. Yes, when it's needed, it's not a low cost job. But the rumors of the clutch are exaggerated. Most of the chatter is referring to the clutch on the Sport Shift. The life span for that in a manual is up to you.

Dark blue on tan isn't all that rare, one will show up. Green seems to be more uncommon, but one of those will show up too. Especially, in both cases, if you're willing/interested in a soft top.

 

try this one.

http://www.napletonsastonmartinofchi...6ae6929ca0.htm

I went to test drove this car last month. the car seem pretty good shape however the rim is painted and it start chipping on the side. the sales said he will going to repaint it soon. The asking was 72k and now its seem reduced and im pretty sure still could go lower because they have it for awhile. good luck

 

PS they said the color is special order to paint it as the " racing green"

 

I don't have a V8V but my good buddy has one and bc of the problems he had on his, I was "forced" to go wih a 997tt instead. You can read read about his experience here

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...590&styleid=24

I was very very very close to buying a 07 V8V about two years ago and was set on one until my buddy started having issues with his. He eventually dropped $3k on the seal and another $6k on a new clutch (all within 2000 miles of ownership).

Edwin