I'm looking for a 2014-2016 V8V (coupe, manual) and will be interested in an Extended Service Contract, as this is will be my first Aston and my first used car purchase in 30 years. I know that the car needs to be 10 years old or newer and that a dealer inspection is required to qualify (known problems need to be resolved first).

Ideally, I'd like to have this inspection done (at my expense) before committing to a purchase. That's probably not an issue if I buy from a dealer, but has anyone done this in a private party transaction? Would the process be similar to getting a PPI done at a dealership, but just more detailed (and more expensive)?

I appreciate any insight/experience!

 

I purchased my Aston Vantage from a private party and had the PPI done at the dealer.
The SA walked us both thru the findings on the car and it was very transparent.

in 2017 I paid $200 for the PPI and it was well worth it.

Used some findings to negotiate on some issues the owner was not aware of...

I think a transparent open PPI is a great way to go on a private purchase.

 

When I sold my 2012 V12 Vantage, I was able to arrange a PPI, at the buyer's expense, at my dealer.
Dealer was Miller Motors in Greenwich Conn, probably not too far from you.
Believe me, they caught everything and did a very fair evaluation. I don't know what the charge was.
Thanks,
JH

 

I forgot to mention...I, as the seller, was willing to drive my car to the dealer for the inspection.
Thanks,
JH

 

Thanks for your responses. It sounds like a PPI inspection at a dealer is essentially the same thing as a ESC inspection, which is probably the same as a Timeless inspection (if a dealer were selling the car). All that's required is finding the right car and an accommodating seller...

 

If you want to get it Timeless certified, you have to own it for a minimum period before the dealer can inspect and certify it. If you have an initial bill of service being done at the dealer, you should be able to reduce the inspection cost or even get for free. Their run-through on the car may even dissuade you from entering into a service contract.

If you are looking to have work done in Norwood; they are reasonable and know what they are doing. Light on loaners, but deep on experience.

 

That's interesting. I can get an ESC inspection prior to purchase, but I'd have to own the car for some period before a Timeless inspection. I didn't realize I could get a Timeless warranty on a car not purchased from a dealer. I'll have to figure out what the advantages are to Timeless vs ESC when the time comes.

@brightoncorgi, thanks for your comments on AM Boston, as well as remarks you've make regarding them in other threads. It looks like they're the best/only game in town, so it's good to hear that they are reliable, since that's an important aspect of the ownership experience.

 

I'd go only for the Timeless warranty if you are going to buy any warranty. The dealer is about the only place you can service an AM locally. The previous dealer location in Waltham does some servicing, but they rarely call back when asking about services. If you do get call back at some point, they'll pick and choose which repairs they feel like taking on. Boston Alfa has an AM certified mechanic, but no AM computer (nor does Waltham) and their bill rates are the same as the dealer. The Ferrari indy shops around Boston can be a mixed bag if they want to work on the Aston or not.

At times the dealership has had quite a queue so impromptu repairs may or may not get done in a timely manner. They seem to be accommodating to quick turnaround's this year.

If looking to buy a V8V, make sure to put the car on a lift and look at the timing chain cover. If that's leaking, which is common, can be quite a job to fix. Happens of the V12 too. Also really look over every inch of the metal parts of the body for corrosion. Can be hard to notice at first, but it's all you'll see if you have it. Also pretty common. Condensation on tail lamps is an indicator of a genuine AM part, lol. Timeless warranty is supposed to cover the replacement which is about $1500 a side.

If you are just starting your search, consider the V12 Vantage if in your budget. Either one is awesome though, but the V12....

 

I have only purchased one AM, and it came with a blown motor so I assessed the value properly.

OTOH, I have bought 3 BMW E39 M5s over the years and a thorough inspection can catch a lot on the surface. Very challenging to really know what's going on in the drivetrain. The best indication of that is the prior owner. You are looking for someone who is ****-retentive, keeps excellent records and spent the extra time and money to maintain the car, all the while keeping it in a garage and not driving it in inclement weather. I have never found a used car in the color I want, but I always find the make/model and owner I want to buy from... I think that is more important than any inspection. But of course, YMMV! And for sure, on a AM, the budget for unexpected is $5-$10K/yr so any advice or second set of eyes you can have is worth the small amount it will cost. But do it on a car that was loved more than you will love it (I'm embarrassed that I'm the guy that parked my latest M5 outside for the first time AND let a kid sit in the back seat and kick the front seat. The PO would have a heart attack if he knew).