Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and I'm thinking about buying a used V8 Vantage, probably a 2007. Budget is around 65k.

As I'm planning to use it as a daily driver here in LA, I'm gonna go for the automatic (plus I'm a horrible driver and I'd probably break the clutch on the manual).

I'm not rich, I'm just a guy who's saved up some cash to buy one of his dream cars. I've been driving a 2005 SLK350 for a few years and I'm comfortable with its upkeep. I know the AM will be more but I can do a couple of grand more a year.

I've been reading up more and more about the Vantage as the time to purchase has been getting closer, and I've realized I really like some of the added functionality/details of 08+ cars, like the new center console, better dash / steering wheel controls, and even better navi.

I tried researching about retrofitting some of this stuff to no avail. I've been able to retrofit a 2010 top-of-the-line navi to my 05 SLK. I sourced the parts myself and did all the install except for the programming (I have a guy here that does that for MB and AM). So I think I'll be able to pull something similar with AM if I can find the parts and hopefully manuals.

Has anyone done this? Does anyone have more information, cost, link to parts, etc? I know an engine upgrade is out of the question , but for everything else it'd be nice knowing I could retrofit...
Might make a difference between getting an 07 or 08 honestly.

Thank you for your time and knowledge

 

I updated my 07 with 2012 discs and it seems to work better. Everyone complains about the nav, but IMO it is way better and easier to use than a new BMW that I had the misfortune of having for a 2 weeks. Have you driven any manual shifting car before?

 

Even if it's feasible, the parts are very expensive so, if you're on a budget, I would recommend saving a little while longer until your savings and the model year you really want intersect ... and make sure you get Grant's book if you have not already. That will help you choose exactly what you want.

 

While there were some minor updates between 07 and 08 (new center armrest/cup holders, no more external roof antenna, etc), the more major interior updates which it sounds like you are referring to are only on the 09+ cars. These came along with the upgrade to the 4.7 litre motor and include the all new interior center stack design.

Not sure about updating a pre-09 car to this interior...probably quite expensive?

 

oo7:

I have driven manuals, I actually learned how to drive with a manual, then moved to the US and have driven automatic since. I went to a Ford track event and drove a manual on the track but I... suck. Honestly I like not having to think about it when driving in heavy LA traffic.

My SLK's automatic is kinda crappy (takes FOREVER to manually shift), but it's great for commuting. I'd be happy with a similar transmission that'd shift faster.
I've read in this forum that the V8V's auto is kinda jerky, I still need to test drive to decide.

Aston.CA:
I imagine the 09s might be in my range in ~1 year between depreciation and added savings (my current job allows me to save nicely). It's not out of the question, but I wanted to ask these questions cause the updates I'd like are not mechanical, just interior trim and a couple of small electronic upgrades. The way I see it, if I can upgrade these things for a few grand, it's actually a better value to get an 07.
Of course a bigger engine on an 09 is tempting but come on, I come from a 268 hp SLK, I think I'll be pretty happy with either engine.

A few people on the SLK forums have upgraded their SLKs interiors to facelift, I'm surprised I can't find similar people that have done that to their Astons...

Thanks for the answers everyone, the more info I have, the better decision I can make.

 

I keep a portable Garmin in the back cubby between the seat backs and pop it out when I need it. There's a power outlet in there. You should read the threads here about the sportshift transmission. I enjoy it and wouldn't trade for a standard manual (even though every prior car I ever owned was stick), but there are folks who don't like it. Also consider a roadster over the coupe. The exhaust note with the top down is at times the single most satisfying aspect of driving the car.

 

Yeah, car navs are never nearly as good as stand-alone units, which by themselves are even worse than the one on my phone! (with one exception)
Even so, I like not having wires around the cabin and having everything integrated with the car, so I usually use my MB unit (that's why I upgraded).
I don't mind paying a couple of grand if the upgraded unit would be half-decent.

I now own a MB convertible and love putting the roof down, so I'd be torn between the convertible and the coupe. I just like the lines of the coupe sooo much more... we'll see. It's still early in my search and I have to do a lot of test driving.

I've read like 15 pages of this forum, it's been very educational.

 

Buy grants book
Then buy an ASM1 sport pack 4.7 roadster
It will be a bit of stretch but will fit all your "needs" for a long while

 

Definitely test drive several cars, both ASM and manual