Hello Everyone,
I've had several different cars before mostly modern classics and a few exotics (BMW, MB, Porsche, Lotus and Maserati) with good and bad experiences with each brand. I would have a warehouse full of cars if I could afford it but my wife will only let me have 2 or 3 toys at a time. I've always dreamed of a having a V8 Vantage or DB9. I am currently looking to buy an 08 Vantage Roadster Sport Shift w 45k miles in fair condition from a dealer in MD. I've been following them for months and doing my homework.
The car in question is in fair overall condition but seems to have a good overall service history, no accidents. Its had 4 previous owners. I had a PPI done with a couple of red flags,, first, a potentially problematic OBD/emissions problem, an apparent error code was erased and a "EGR bank 1 monitor" has not cleared. The PPI contains screen shots from the scan but I'm not sure how to interpret them. The car passed MD state inspection 1 month ago which contains emissions testing but failed one in Oregon earlier this year. This issue along with a very worn convertible top which will need replacing are the major issues. The dash leather needs attention as well. I was hoping one of the Vantage experts on this forum would look at the PPI and give me an opinion. Since I'd be registering the car here in CA I risk not passing emission testing here.
My gut is telling me to pause and reconsider but this is my favorite color combo! (Gray/Tan). I could negotiate a better deal but it looks like I could be in for a few thousand dollars worth of repairs.
I'd appreciate any help. PM me and I'll send the PPI report.
Thanks
Mauricio

 

That error code could be one of the o2 sensors failing, that is pretty common on these cars. To fix one with an OEM NGK/NTK sensor costs £60 for the sensor and an easy DIY job to replace it. Don't go to your main dealer to buy one that comes in a box with an AM badge, that will be the most expensive cardboard box you've ever bought.

But lots of people are a bit stupid about replacing the sensor, so change their driving style to see if that fixes it, sometimes it does temporarily. Others will just clear the code and drive until the code comes on again, then they clear it. Considering a new sensor costs less than an oil change (at UK oil prices) the right thing to do is just replace the two front sensors and forget about the problem for the next few years.

Dash leather is a common problem too, it means your car has been lucky enough to spend some time in the sun. Get it retrimmed and it will look great again, I think RedPants has something on his website about the problem.

Can't help you on the cost of replacing your roof, I'm sure someone will be along soon with some solutions to that problem.

 

Since no mileage and prices were disclosed my suggestion would be to pass on this car as it seems that most Aston's are in good shape and are priced very competitively. If you start chasing problems from the start, my thought would be that this is going to be an expensive proposition for sure.

 

Doubt you can send PM's with your limited number of posts (one)...unless the forum rules have changed recently.

However, if you search the SF Bay area craigs list, you will find a 2009 Black/Tan roadster listed in Danville, CA for $44k with 39k miles.
Don't know if you have investigated this listing, but it should give you something to compare with, and it is certainly closer than the one you are currently looking at.

There is also a 2013 Dove Gray DB9 Coupe in Petaluma for $85k with 38k miles; grey interior.

Don't know your budget, but there are certainly other choices out there!
I have no affiliation with either listing.

 

I was reviewing the service records and the two 02 sensors were replaced 2 yrs ago. The car has 45k miles. The Service engine light is off but the monitor has not cleared. The asking price is 51k. I've been seeing a steady climb in prices over the last year. Aftermarket softops go for about 2500 plus labor. 2 similar cars albeit in nicer condition just sold in Florida. My feeling is that prices will be higher in the spring when more come on the market.

 

Yes the northern CA car just sold. It would have been a good option! Budgeting 45-51k.

 

Sorry you missed out on that one...Listing is/was dated November 7th...

 

Has the EGR valve been replaced? You also mention that the monitor has not reset. Is that the P1000 code? When I first got my car I had some misfire errors. Then i got an. Emission Error on the dash screen. I moved the coils around and would not change cylinders. So I put a can of Seafoam in the tank to clean the injectors as a first step and that solved the issue. Every time I cleared the codes the P1000 code stayed there until you drive a loop to make it reset. So the issue may be simple or may not. If you like the car maybe pay them full price but have them sort the problem out. I am in San Diego as well, good luck with your purchase and let me know if you need any help.

 

recently, as a last resort to get my vantage to pass the emissions test, i had to take it to a deslership and have THEM do the "drive cycle/drive loop" to reset the emissions test flags. there was nothing wrong with the car. ridiculous....