Hey guys I'm dealing with a first-world dilemma and would love to get your input on this.

Last year I bought a 15 Vantage GT (new, 6-speed), and after 2,500 miles I have to say I can only enjoy it when I drive it HARD (above 6,000RPM hard).

Problem is.. I've done that, maybe, 3 times so far. Because public roads.

Since I bought it my priorities have changed. As in, I started going to way more track days. I love track days. Shake 'n Bake.

And I've come to the conclusion that she needs to be on the track. To me it's pointless driving around town with stiff suspension under 3,500 RPM with squeaky brakes and no torque.

(Not sure if you Vantage S owners have soft suspension but the GT definitely does not. And roads in LA are horrible. Railroad tracks. I hate railroad tracks.)

I already track my E36 M3 regularly (Buttonwillow, Sonoma, Laguna Seca). So I already have a track car.

So my car ADD started kicking in, and I started asking myself:

"What to do with the Vantage GT?"

"Where does it belong?"

"What is it's role?"


It's way too expensive of a car to not use, so I'm giving myself 2 options:


OPTION ONE >>> Turn my Vantage GT into a track car.

Put on coilovers, switch out exhaust, put in cage, racing seats, etc. Also get it wrapped in a Bilstein livery, go all out.

Problem is I think I might void my warranty (not sure). I have 3 years unlimited miles.


OPTION TWO >>> Sell my Vantage GT back to my dealer. They'll give me $85k for it. I bought it for $100k.

Then use that money to upgrade to a faster, more durable, dedicated track car and strip that all out, like E46 M3, Cayman, 911, Z28, something like that.


All I want now in my life is a beater daily driver and an awesome track car.

It seems the only way I'll keep the Vantage is if I turn it into a track car.

You guys think the Vantage GT would hold up to track abuse? I know modern Porsche's do. I just have no clue about Vantages aside from Telum01's posts on here (which are awesome btw).

What would you guys do?:

-1- Keep the vantage and turn it into a track car because I already made a loss by buying it?

-2- Nahh, your Vantage will only depreciate way more with track use, and there are more durable track cars out there. Get out while you still can.

Thanks guys - this is an awesome forum

 

This will be an interesting thread to watch. How about consolidate your fleet and get a 991 GT3?

Have fun!

 

I know this is not going to be the popular response. Sell it back to the dealer and use the $$$$$ to buy a Porsche.

 

if u gonna track it, i think u should sell it & get urself a cayman GTS or GT4, it's quicker than the vantage on the track, unless like u said, go all out modifying it

 

I have Michelin pilots on my GT ... Smooths the ride, but I also have the sportshift which in city traffic I think makes it more livable.

 

I am afraid I can't offer much useful advice, since I don't track cars, but this really struck a chord with me:

"Last year I bought a 15 Vantage GT (new, 6-speed), and after 2,500 miles I have to say I can only enjoy it when I drive it HARD (above 6,000RPM hard).

Problem is.. I've done that, maybe, 3 times so far. Because public roads.

Since I bought it my priorities have changed. As in, I started going to way more track days. I love track days. Shake 'n Bake.

And I've come to the conclusion that she needs to be on the track. To me it's pointless driving around town with stiff suspension under 3,500 RPM with squeaky brakes and no torque."


I often feel the same way about my 16 Cayman S. I find myself frustrated in town by the lack of opportunity to REALLY enjoy the car. I am contemplating a 2013 and up S5 to get great low end torque that I can enjoy in the city and more practicality. But then I feel like I am losing the passion...so I still contemplate a vantage...

 

how about i just rent it from you? :P

 

This isn't complicated. If you really can get $85K from a dealer, then sell it. Turning it into a track car is the craziest idea I've ever read on this forum....

 

Thanks for the input guys, the last 2 comments were complete opposites but u appreciate your feedback - the offer stands till tomorrow. $85k and I'll be Astonless. Is there anyone who has tracked these cars that can convince me to keep it? I'm torn...

 

Trade the car, buy a Porsche. You will come out way ahead.

 

You don't like it, so get rid of it and don't look back. Everyone gets something different from their cars, else we'd all be driving the same thing.

 

I'd sell it and look for a BMW Z4 M coupe, Cayman, or something similar. Although I loved the E46 M3 the single clutch SMG gearbox is very slow and even in the manual nothing really happens below 5,000 RPM. It's a great engine but lacking torque.

Bottom line there are definitely lighter options out there with lower parts and maintenance costs than an Aston if your goal is a track car. Or if you're going expensive get a Ferrari F430, it'll run rings around a Vantage. The reason I drive an Aston is because I want a beautiful, classy street car but I realize there are better performing choices out there.

 

Sell and build your dream track car. There are so many better (and less expensive) choices for track cars out there. good luck!

 

My '07 does double-duty for street and track, and I've built it to handle both. So far I've dropped a little over 100 lbs (full exhaust, 2pc brake rotors, lighter wheels and tires, lightweight battery). I've got another ~80 lbs to drop by putting in lightweight seats. My goal is to make it more fun on the street without compromising my ability to enjoy it (for example, full sound-deadening is still in place), and to make it more capable on track without making it a dedicated track car. Yes, there are better track cars. But for me, having one car that can handle both is ideal - it's like a 911 GT3.

Here's the weight loss thread I started:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...et-nimble.html

And here's the track thread I started:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...our-aston.html

 

I agree with XJRS Owner (1st time I think). Sell the car, grab that 85K, sell the BMW and get a more track focused Porsche.