I plan to purchase a used Vantage this Spring. That much I think I've decided on, but not much beyond other than it will be a 6MT. I think they are the best looking cars out there, and here in DC I almost never see them.

There are 4.3's available in the $50-60k range. 4.7's go for $70-90K or a new GT for a little over $100K. V12's can be had for $120-130K I think. I don't buy new so the GT is probably out of the equation.

I come from a 911 Turbo that was tuned, around 550HP at the crank. I don't need crazy power like I used to want, but am afraid the 4.7 and certainly the 4.3 will leave me underwhelmed from a performance perspective. I could buy a 4.7 and hope I can live with what will seem like a kind of slow car. I could buy a V12, which would be a stretch financially, but I'm sure I'd love it. What do you think the depreciation will be like on a used V12 over the next 4-5 years, maybe it wouldn't lose too much value?

I could buy an inexpensive 4.3 and have the Bamford Rose affiliate in AZ put a built 500HP 4.7 motor in it with associated upgrades. All in it would be about the same cost as nice newer 4.7, but be way more fun. The problem is I'd be lucky to get $10k of that back at resale.

I realize this is a thinking out loud type of post, but I would appreciate input from you guys who have been there and done it.

 

Deckman, I sold my very modified 650hp 996 Turbo and was wondering the same thing. I decided on the 4.7S roadster model which feels more powerful and a closer set up to the 996TT like I was used to. The S models have been tuned for more horsepower and sportier engine response, suspension, and exhaust note. Mine arrived last week and you will be pleasantly suprised by the power. It is not as violent as my Porsche but plenty of instant power and pull, and the sound is amazing in fact it blows the porche away.

 

I'm at events and meets all the time in the MD/DC/VA area and I'm usually the only Aston - we're a very rare bunch lol

Coming from your Turbo, I'd get at least a 4.7L. It's quicker than the numbers tell you, and can be easily modified to give it the edge it needs. If you get a 4.3L, the BR route is a good idea, but you're right - the cost of mods is never recuperated. Still, you'd be starting at a much lower entry price and that will give you plenty extra to pump into the engine swap.

 

when you buy a AM IMO you have to stop caring about performance as much. People buy these cars not for the perforuamce IMO. But the idea they offer a classy,sexy, sporty, luxury ride that is rarer on the road.

the 4.3 and 4.7 are going to be underwhelming, but the cars sounds, luxury, and head turns will not be underwhelming.

 

I second this. My experiences are only with M cars and a couple of Porsche cars. The Porsches were the sportiest of them all and the most capable. That being said Astons have all the power you really need/could use but in a more exotic body. Good luck in your search.

 

Thanks for the replies. I haven't even driven one yet, and it's nice to hear from some people that used to own Porsches which is really my reference point. I'll wait to start test driving until I'm ready to purchase since I don't want to waste any sellers time. I will decide the direction then.

Thinking about it I can't really let myself spend $120k on a car so the V12 is out.

If I go with a 4.3 with a built motor I will leave $20k on the table when I sell. But The car will have 0 miles on the engine, clutch, and exhaust. That's worth something, as is the extra 80hp and even more torque over the stock 4.7. What about the aesthetics of '08 vs '09?

 

Are you willing to go used? I just went through this process and I can tell you that I paid significantly less than $120k for a used pristine DB9.

 

If you end up getting a aston, we can tune/ custom fabricate full cat back and full midpipe exhaust system for it!

Undercoverperformanceinc@gmail.com
Lawerence

 

Considerations:
4.3 is a great choice if you have the customization bug. The lower starting price gives you that much more headroom for mods. BUT the suspension is olde and crashy compared to the newer cars. So in addition to a mod'd engine, you'll likely want to tweak the suspension.

4.7 is better but your starting $ will be higher. Your performance feel will be better but you may want more punch. I think the 4.7 has plenty of power but...

4.7S would be perfect but you want a 3rd pedal. There are a precious few out there but good luck finding one.

If resale really matters to you (plan to sell in 3 years or less), go for the low/no mods route and find a nice 4.7.

If ***** out performance is your thing, go big. Get a low priced 4.3 and go to town. It'll still be the prettiest car for miles around, plus it will be searing fast and sound like Megatron screaming.

 

Good stuff. Thinking more about things, I like what you get with the BR 4.3 upgrade. You get a built 4.7 motor with very nice power, new dual mass clutch with LWFW, free flowing exhaust, ported exhaust manifolds, along with an ECU tune. This would make for a reliable and safe 500HP. All this from a very reputable source. That could be had for the low 80's. I could live with a hit on resale for that. I need to look into suspension possibilities. Thanks everyone.

 

I sold my GT3 and bought a 4.3, it has the same power, but weights more.


The AM is not as quick, but as others have said its about style / class / luxury and one sexy car.


The added bonus of the AM is everybody loved them


When I changed I realised 1 big thing!


In a Porsche people look at you and go ****


In an Aston people look at you as a Connoisseur


For the first time after 6 years of Porsche ownership and getting the Aston I got let out of T junctions




Over the last year I have added 200 cell cats and upgrade the filters, and the pick up is a lot better and the sound has improved. Along with some Bilstien Sport Pack dampers and H&R springs.


Happy with performance and handling now