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So I need to redecorate my garage. Traded in the 2009 DB9 Volante for a 2014 Audi R8. What a completely different animal. DB was a true GT. Understated power and comfortable for a nice trip to the coast or mountains. Loved the growl of the V12 and how it just got the job done. Tracked it twice and had a great time. Buttonwillow and Thunderhill. Spun out once at each track. But while I had great fun on the track I realized it wasn't really meant for that. Can't wait to get the R8 on a track.
As the title to the post states I've realized that I'm just not financially able to live the Aston Lifestyle. What got me was a latch issue with the Volante. I bought the part to fix it for $62 but when I went to replace it I realized two things. There were some cables that were also an issue and I didn't see a way to get to them. I was going to have to disconnect some hydraulic lines for the roof mechanism and was weary of the outcome if I did it. Figured as long as getting the latch repaired at the dealer may as well have them do an oil change. Budgeted $2000. In the end it was almost $6k with $4k being labor. The oil change was charged as $1200. As I got updates from the service department I decided to figure out what was needed to get the car back to snuff. Well, it needs a top and liner, paint(at least forward of the windshield), brake discs, and some minor repair to the bumper. Pricing it out I realized that on a 2009 I would not be getting much back, value wise, when I eventually went to sell. The dealer that was servicing it had a used Bentley and I asked if they'd give my car a look and let me know what I might get as a trade in. They came back with $30k. I ended up getting $40k from the Audi dealer which I felt was reasonable as I knew of about $15k of work needed to really get it back in shape.
I feel the Audi will be easier on my pocket (got a 4 year warranty with it). Plus it's a 14 so much updated from the 2009 Aston. Back up cam! WooHoo! And the dual clutch is AMAZING! I've got a pile of parts I'll list in another post that I'd be happy to part with for postage. I'll still throw my 2 cents in now and then and who knows what I'll do after the Audi. (Swore I'd never get another black car)
Am a R8 guy myself. If you haven't, plan on getting the Audi care. Annual service is only $250 or so. Their extended factory warranty isn't too shabby either.
Thanks all. Here's a few more pics. Can't say enough about the dual clutch. Lesson learned on the Aston - PPF on bumper and hood(trunk). Just finished installing the radar detector. Now for a road trip to the coast!
Fashioned a bracket from some scrap in the garage to mount the detector.
Buy the UNIDEN R3 or the Radenso Pro detectors. They are hands down the absolute best. Both are undetectable, however there are two types of radar detector detectors and while the Uniden is undetectable from one, the Radenso is undetectable for both. The Radenso is also somewhat future proof in that it has the capability to be firmware upgraded to the new type of radar used in Europe which will be use din the States over the next few years. The Radenso also false alerts to vehicles radar (Audi, Acura, GM etc....) almost never. So its solid.
Just FYI, I gave up on Escort along time ago. They do not produce firmware upgrades as they promise, they dont address firmware concerns with issues, and most of thier detectors false alert ALOT. Plus most of the price your paying is for wi fi or bluetooth capabilities which are good for Escort Live. Escort Live is nice, when your detector goes off, it sends a signal to all other users which posts that on thier screen that a cop is around. (Waze does the same thing, but its people inputting the info) Almost every cop on my way to SC two weeks ago was pointed out on Waze, and only 2 of the 10 were running radar at the time.
Hope this helps, seems your detector is a bit antiquated. PS--- I dont care if people run them, in my experience the people that typically run them are safer more aware drivers. Plus I used a toggle switch on the radar unit to turn mine off and on -----on demand. So even if people had a detector, until I switched it to on for the front or rear radar emitter, they wouldn't know. Instant speed indicated. Plus most people dont know, Police do not need to have a radar to write a citation. We can do it by sight and training. For radar school you have to pass 10x guesses at someones speed oncoming to you, then the instructor verifies with radar. If you are off total more than 30 total mph's you fail. Basically you have to visually be within 3 mph each time or less. I can immediately tell you which car is the fastest in a group and tell what speed they are going no matter which direction I am going or sitting.
11-21-2018, 05:25 PM
PS--- I dont care if people run them, in my experience the people that typically run them are safer more aware drivers. Plus I used a toggle switch on the radar unit to turn mine off and on -----on demand. So even if people had a detector, until I switched it to on for the front or rear radar emitter, they wouldn't know. Instant speed indicated. Plus most people dont know, Police do not need to have a radar to write a citation. We can do it by sight and training. For radar school you have to pass 10x guesses at someones speed oncoming to you, then the instructor verifies with radar. If you are off total more than 30 total mph's you fail. Basically you have to visually be within 3 mph each time or less. I can immediately tell you which car is the fastest in a group and tell what speed they are going no matter which direction I am going or sitting.
