A sticky document that lists common issues and lessons learned with Aston mechanical and electrical issues?

Looking to educate myself prior to my Aston purchase. TIA

 

You can learn a lot using the search function on this site. Aside from that, I'd recommend you get a copy of Grant's book, "The Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin" to educate yourself on the cars.

 

There are several recent threads discussing "what to look for" and such.

If you have specific concerns, search is a good tool. But it sounds like you are fishing for "what goes wrong?" Well that depends on year and model.

What are you looking into?

In general, AM since 2006/7 have been very reliable cars with a few random complaints here and there but few (none I can think of) consistent "issues"

 

Yes, just as with Jaguar, Aston has improved its quality quite a bit over the past 10 years.

I am just thinking along the same lines as I have with my Jags. On the Jag forums, documents and sticky posts have been created to "collect" experiences and outcomes of issues to make it easy to find help. Sometime knowledge such as this can eliminate the need for a dealer visit, or make it easier to get something "fixed". I am certainly aware of the search feature and will use it when applicable. I'm sure everyone understands my drift...

All the better if the AM cars don't have that many problems/challenges.

While there is Google (obviously) and general info available, I am also interested in the real world experience of owners on such things as warranties, dealers, past experience with specific Aston cars (like the Vantage), and other intangible info you just can't get from reading a book.

With some things it just takes time and experience to learn these things. But I try not to reinvent the wheel where necessary...

 

Well then, here's what I know (from a fair amount of research and searching before I bought in):

V8 Vantage power train has reliability on par with anything in its class and generally much better.

While there is much whinging about weak clutches, most of that is in the context of the 6-speed, Sport Shift transmission. The SS tranny is not for everyone and it does seem to require some willingness to do "learns" with appropriate frequency or replace the clutch with great frequency...your choice. The 7-speed SSII is generally much improved but I haven't heard grumbling about clutch life on those (they're all pretty new).

No one loves the navi system in Vantages but the older ones are the least loved. That said, they do work, just not as well as you'd probably like.

The base audio system is not suitable to the quality of the car. The Premium is. The B&O system is also great and there is very polite debate as to the increased value.

The electronics seem to work all the time.

The dashboard leather does not like sun. See sticky, "how to remove this panel."

The stock floor mats look removable but are not.

Earlier Vantages ('06 - 08?) have a crap idler pulley that will squeak/squeal during warm up. Not much to replace.

That's about all I know. Others may speak to the relative merits/issues with the V12 cars. But all in all, Aston Martin makes solid cars that love to run. Unless one has been abused or neglected, hundreds of thousands of miles should be the norm.

 

OP, the "Definitive Guide..." is no ordinary coffee table car book. It's really a buyer's guide that outlines all the models, model year changes, and specific issues. Well worth the price and an enjoyable read too.

 

I just ordered the book on Amazon (The Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin)

There were two new ones available, one at $47.99 and one at $1878!!!!!!



I wonder who will be picking that one up?