reposted here as moderator moved it from here to cars for sale????

Hi All
New here although have used the forums for some time.
I’m looking for advice - To keep or not to keep?
I was always a Porsche guy but had the Aston itch, I am lucky enough to now own one of the most beautiful cars ever produced and although temperamental at times she has now covered 50k.
I am the second owner and bought from an Aston Dealer 11months ago with a 2 year Aston warranty.

She is just in the process of having a brand new engine including long block installed - under warranty.
This will come with the factory engine warranty of 3 years and she will still have 12months nut and bolt Aston warranty as well.

I am in a dilemma - do I sell with the benefit of warranty and go back to Porsche or keep and enjoy another 12 months but obviously by that time she will probably be nearer 60k in mileage?

look forward to input!

cheers

 

That's an interesting question. To me, the engine has been one of the LEAST concerning parts of Aston ownership. While I've dealt with coil packs, the convertible roof module, instrument display delamination, etc., and addressed some of the most basic upgrade opportunities, such as adding upgraded Bluetooth, parking cameras, rear anti-roll bar and a few others, the engine hasn't concerned me much.
So the challenge is that - the way you use your car - you'll have a young engine in a 60k Aston, where all the other components have continued to age.
I think your question can only be answered by yourself, and it's really: What is it that you want in a car? If a Porsche ticks the most boxes, I'd move the Aston ASAP. If you don't. you'll likely continue to deal with those "temperamental" issues you mentioned in your post, and the value will likely decline for a bit longer. You'll also have one of the higher-milage Gen 2-3 cars on the market if you do sell it soon after. But if you love your Aston (as I do), I'd rejoice in a fresh new engine and enjoy it for years to come.

 

Sounds like you really want the Porsche you wouldn't be asking this question. Great time to sell your Virage with a new engine and warranty.

 

New engine, I would keep it. Last of the great V12's.

 

I would sell it immediately upon repair to a fell forum member at the good guy price. My number is 555-5309.

Would definitely keep it and enjoy for the next year whilst looking for deals on something else you may want. Virage is a special car that was under valued when the market was normal. Who knows what it could get you later on.

 

You have a brand new naturally aspirated V12 residing in a beautiful & unique GT. 50K on all the other bits wouldn’t give me pause...no way I would sell and roll the dice.
This assumes you love the Virage as much as people here love their Astons. Then again, I’m not one to change cars very often.

 

I'd keep it too. They'll never make cars like this again: v12, hand built, painted and detailed to perfection.

I'm trying to think what Porsche I would trade it for: maybe a 991/992 Turbo or GT3 I'd want to thrash around?

Trade-in values wouldn't be close so I'd definitely keep and add to the fleet.

 

As a fellow Virage owner, can I ask why it needed a new engine?

 

Keep it, V12 without turbo will never come back and the Virage Coupé was only built 656 times... :-)

 

I say let it go. You will always have a nagging feeling about the car. What will happen next? How much will it cost? How will AM try to screw me? It goes on and on. Remember it is only a piece of metal. You can replace it anytime. But how much is peace of mid worth?

 

"peace of mid"?

I comes with a 3 year warranty.

 

Hi All,

Thanks for your input, some very valid points from all of you.
Lot of thinking -end result I feel I’m good for another year with my complete Aston warranty, the engine will also have 3 years warranty.
I’ve done the Porsches (love them) but the Virage is the only car I look back at as I walk away from it every time, the only car that people ask if they mind if they take a picture for their kids back home - and that sound…….

She won’t do many miles in 12 months as I will only use for shows and weekends, I’ll review then, she will still have 2years engine warranty to pass on.

thanks again

 

Hi there, the engine was replaced as the valve seals went- so oil was making it into the top end - it sounded tappety and was drinking a quart every fillup.
Aston Tampa tried to tell me it was the pulleys (which they replaced) and ‘these engines sound like that’!!
I stood firm, told them my suspicions based on anlittle engine knowledge, topped up with massive help from these forums.

I Insisted on an inspection, Aston Tampa came to collect it and luckily she coughed a James Bond style plume of smoke as they fired her up for the transporter.
Anyway their head mechanic called me 2days later and told me he thought my suspicions were correct and to do a top end rebuild with all the parts would be 42k with no guarantee that there was no damage to the long block. They were recommending to Aston Head office in the UK a complete new unit and would I be willing to authorize a full strip down to validate, I said sure.
They never stripped her down and Aston UK authorized the build and shipping from the UK of a brand new unit - which took 4months.
She is currently mid surgery, should be home in 3weeks.

 

What a beautiful Aston!

 

Hi All,
she is back from Aston dealership with fresh engine & 3yr Aston engine warranty along with 10month nut and bolt Aston warranty, Both transferable.
there was also various other items replaced at the same time, control arms, front struts and a few other bits nearly 100k of warranty spend.
I bought another 911 whilst I waited and one has to go due to space.