Quite possibly, the dealer got a better offer from out of state, and is delaying things so the OP will back out - unless the OP has the title. Since he has a loan the bank and dealer have the title. Probably a scummy dealer trick.

 

I find out on Monday when it shows up. Apparently they seller ended up turning the car over to AMNA to sort out. Sounds like the ECM/ECU is re-programed and there aren't any more issues. They took it to get smogged and it passed without any problems. Crossing my fingers that it shows up Monday and doesn't have any issues!

 

That was my thought for quite a while as well. 7 weeks of persistence paid off though and the car shows up Monday.

 

Good! Is this a AM or non-AM dealer? I wished I saw your post earlier. I have decent contacts with all of the AM dealerships in So Cal, including AML NA and AML GB too.

 

Non-AM, which I imagine was a major part of the problem. Dealership is in Costa Mesa so I would imagine they used someone nearby to help fix the problem. I appreciate you reaching out though. I’m up in SF but might end up needing some inside contacts if everything isn’t perfect when it shows up.

 

Interesting that the dealer agreed to put cats back on the car. From a BAR service license standpoint, the dealership (or facility that works on the car) can only use OEM NIB cats. Cats are pretty pricey for an ordinary car and I'm confident that a set of AM cats would be proportionately more expensive. Excited you got it worked out and congrats on your new AM!

 

I do know that they ordered the parts directly from Aston Martin. Considering how much money must have been spent on the cats, the labor over 4 weeks, and then all of the work on the ECM, I'm honestly surprised they didn't just yank the sale. I don't know the ins and outs of car sale legalities, but I don't think they would be required to make it legal for California if it wasn't already. Maybe I'm wrong though.

 

Unless they got a sweet heart deal on the cats, the only way they came out ahead is if they really low-balled the guy who traded it in, or they got a sweet price at auction. I would go over the car fax with a fine tooth comb and google the VIN. Might be interesting what you find.

 

I made sure I did a ton of research before I finalized the deal. The dealer sent me the full car fax right away and I went back through everything, even contacted the two dealerships where it was serviced for service records. It wasn't on the car fax, but I found out there was only one insurance claim on it ever, and it was a comprehensive claim through a home owners insurance (likely something like a cracked windshield). I think they must have got it for a great price at auction, or they just accepted that they wouldn't come out ahead on this one deal.

 

Thanks everyone who helped me out with my questions. I'm really glad I found this forum so early on! The car showed up today, completely registered, and it's even better than I had hoped for. I have wanted an Aston Martin ever since I was a kid, so finally pulling it out of the driveway was a dream come true. I can't wait to meet some other owners and hopefully get in on some meetups, once this pandemic allows.

 

Pictures please of your new Beast. V12 Vantage is an incredible buy for sure.

 

Wife and I took a quick trip down to Carmel for the weekend. Finally grabbed a few pictures.

 

Glad your enjoying your new ride and it looks amazing. Definitely not stock with the wheels and lowered. Nice find.

 

Beautiful Vantage! Congratulations and I wish you only the best with it.