HI all,
new here and considering a 2008 vantage convertible with 21k miles.
How long can one expect the clutch to last in these? What is the cost of replacement?
Any common problems with this model I should be aware of? could this be used as a daily driver? They are asking $49k. Is this a reasonable price?

thanks in advance,
Mike

 

No easy answer on the clutch life. Fact The clutch is not the strong point in these cars. That said, if one is careful with the clutch it can last quite some time. How long varies, as it seems some cars might have been manifactured with sub-par clutch facing ( not sure what years) At 21k if it's the original clutch I would assume that, more likely than not, that you are close to the end of the clutch life.
Cost varies. My guess is 5k and up with the most expensive being the dual clutch setup.

 

One other point. Everything being equal, one can expect a longer clutch life from the manual than the Sport shift

 

You can definitely use the car as a daily driver, but it can be tough in a dense city due to visibility and ride height (may not be an issue for you) but I know a number of people that do it without too much trouble.

As above, clutch is something of a wildcard. AMR (Aston's new in-house performance brand) has just released a twin-plate clutch and lightweight flywheel package that should alleviate all the issues of the original standard clutch (lighter clutch pedal, better engine response, and longer lifespan). Typical installation is somewhere in the $1500-2k range, but can vary a bit based on the shop doing the work.
http://www.redpants.lol/shop/amr-clutchflywheel-package

$49k is reasonable for an '08, but there are a lot of factors to consider (car condition, needed maintenance/repairs, options, etc).

 

the car has sportshift (F1), so clutch pedal is not involved. It has just been serviced. Are the roadsters rattle free or is this a concern?
thanks

 

You can have a dealership check clutch life in Sportshift cars.
Have the dealership do a PPI on it - it'll be worth the investment.

 

Hi...Rich is correct the dealer can check and do a complete inspection on the car....not too expensive ...as for manuals being better ...lol
just research threads here and other forums...more listings for bad clutches and at lower mileage than the auto-shifts...some as little as 5000 miles
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Keep in mind most guys modify their 08 back cars while newer AM we're fixed by the factory...the clutch in 09 had lighter flywheel and better clutch improvement.

If really serious get the AM book on buying and go to redpants website ..a great source of information.

Good luck



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I have an 08 roadster, sportshift. 23k miles, not daily driven. Clutch is fine, but I do get the cold shudder, once warm it's great. I have many mods and love the car. My next mod is the new Am clutch but no rush. Let me know if you have q's

 

I talked with an Aston mechanic last night and now know it has the same F1 transmission as the Ferrari F430 etc. At 21,000 miles he said if the clutch hasn't been replaced it is surely due very soon. cost $7k. It is all moot though as the car may be sold, I'll find out today. This shop can do the PPI for $550, takes 3 hours. Can anyone tell me - does a 2015 vantage have the DCT transmission? this is the same unit used on the 2010 and newer Ferrari California.

 

No current Aston has a dual clutch transmission. There's the manual, the automated manual (Sportshift/ASM), and automatic.

 

Sure, but I blame that on a 60 year old billionaire that never learned to drive a clutch, and never took the traction control off


As for which is better, neither. Whatever floats your boat is what is better, for you. A manual is definitely better for me. I never get that level of driving pleasure out of any automated manual, flappy paddle, or automatic. Now if I'm an hour in 2MPH stop and go highway traffic I would definitely prefer a flappy paddle. But that is the only time I even consider it.

 

Hi...H-O forgot about your bad clutch going bad early as not your fault...I am corrected...thanks...add another to the manual early failure list here ....lol

 

I just bought an 08 V8 Roadster Sport Shift with 25k miles and 1 owner. Bought it remotely and wasnt able to get it inspected and could only do due diligence through video and questions. Got the car and then got it serviced. Here are the things to look out for.

Timing chain cover leak. On the early 4.3 this appears to be an issue. Mine has it. An unpleasant surprise.
Shock absorber leaking. Mine are just beginning to show leaks.
Rear tranny seepage. Not much but it isnt completely dry.

My other failures were serpentine belt replace and I had 2 O2 sensors go bad and got charged full Aston price at $300 each! plus labor.

Benefits of an 08 car though is it has a USB port and iPod interface!!!! This allow me mt to buy a Tune2Air and plug it in and get bluetooth streaming from my phone!!! All for a $100.

 

Just stumbled over this used Aston Vantage guide...

It is in Deutch, but has subtitles.. quite informative apart from the rubbish about the sportshift being crap


happy hunting

 

I have a 2008 Vantage with a manual that just turned 23000 miles. I had a 2009 with the sportshift. The 2009 was owned by a Ferrari dealer's wife. It was cared for like a dealer car. The 2008 was a one owner that was fastidiously cared for with every service documented and performed by the same dealer that sold it new. The difference between the two is incredible. The 2008 is so much a nicer car it looks and performs as new. The 2008 has the smaller 4.3 engine but has the factory performance pack and a Quicksilver exhaust. I have installed 200 cel cats and an X pipe and had Eurocharge dyno tuned it. I think it now out performs the 4.7 in the 2009. Take your time searching. There is the car you really want out there. Don't settle for something less than your dream. It will be worth the wait.