Is there a way one can tell if the sportshift vantage clutch is slipping. I am not real familiar with the feel of this and wanted to know some tell tale signs if any.

 

Just like any manual. Put it in a high gear at a relatively low RPM and then nail the throttle.

 

Thanks for heads up...i was assuming something like this but the sport shift takes some gettng used to

 

You just get the car? To use the sportshift as intended - never press 'D' and instead shift manually lifting up on the gas just like a manual between shifts.

 

1. I believer there is a (kiss) performed which takes 20 sec or so every start up. When you crank it, let it warm up for at least a min before moving. This will allow the KISS to happen. This might help.

2. Keep practicing. The number one compliant about the ASM drivetrain is the clunkiness. But, I know they can be driven smoothly (F1 Maserati). Learn to let off the gas with your big toe while switching gears then back on gas. Also, learn to where you can downshift to keep turns and things smooth. I learned within a week of driving one. But, a friend never did learn after 3 months of ownership. His wife refused to ride in it and called it junk because of the jerkiness. But, it was him, not the car persay.

So if clutch is not slipping, keep learning and enjoy. Also make sure when in reverse you try and keep the gas steady, instead of on and off which will wear the clutch a bit more. Definitely not backwards on a hill a lot.

Hope this helps you out some

 

I am still on the hunt. I passed on a 2009 a month or so ago but now regret that decision...It had a minor accident that showed up on car fax, but dealer was not willing to work any further on price...

I've learned about the clutch procedure and after a few test drives and one hour long drive, got pretty adept at the sport shift. While I still would want a manual ( like my Boxster ) this is going to be a weekend car and my wife wants something without a 3rd pedal...

 

Having a dealership do a PPI will help. They'll do a clutch thickness reading and that will tell you generally how much life is left.

 

I must say, DONT buy one without a clean carfax. In other words, NO accidents no matter how minor.

You will want to sell the AM one day likely. When that time comes, good chance the year model will be at the bottom of the depreciation curve (30-44k) depending condition and miles. But, the issue will be-- there are 06-07-08 models already there fighting each other for best price. Manuals likely will head to the top of the pile, then mileage, then year model etc.... But, any with a ding on the carfax will be at the bottom and stay there. I am sure no one on the forum would pay normal price for a bad carfax, it would have to be substantially discounted to entertain that.


I have a dinged Mercedes E class that is as perfect as you can get, and reliable for sure with 36k miles. Dealer I got it from said they would buy it back, sell it etc.... without taking the carfax into consideration if I bought it. Well, now two dealers said 20% below low book just because of the carfax. That killed the value on it even with perfection and low miles.

So, I know your excited and want one, but a dinged carfax on an high end car literally kills the value for resale. Dealers mask that and act like it doesn't, but it does.

Just my .01 on this

 

I hope you find what you want....It took me a Year of crazy visiting and testing cars for sale before I got lucky...
This time of the year is bad...All Prices jacked up as AM cars are more seasonal drivers...Yes some use everyday but most owners do not...
I found November-December best for deals. I purchased an 09 in December...The dealer wanted off the lot. They dropped $ 10,000.00 on price but sold as-is...BE SURE you or someone knows to check the car before buying or the costs are crazy to repair.
As others stated...Get A Dealer to inspect car ...While costly it is the best money you will invest.
I found out the cars are called base as the dealers add most options on the car. So any option you want added you can have done if really wanted by a dealer or a vendor- best option on this site.

I have found most guys on here are Great and helpful..And will answer most questions and problems.

Good Luck

 

Agree... I looked at a 2009 Vantage roadster, with sport pack all other options silver with Obsidian black. had dealer down to under 50K but we were over 4K apart on trade in. Car had accident car fax.

Yes, spring/summer is price increase... i will still be looking.

 

Hi...I found while researching AM that there are companies the dealers use to certify the repairs were done correctly and rate the cars. Than give a certificate to verify it. This is important if you buy as your insurance company will question. Next ...Few AM guys will buy with an accident reported but you have a better chance to resell when the time arrives...
Two things I found on used AM...If stick shift ...Always have the owner drive first as Most do not know how to shift and have screwed the clutch up...Finally avoid a car that has had an accident...Too many issues... Km

Good luck...Many guys are this site may know of Good cars for sale...Just Ask