Hello All,

I am new to this forum (obviously), and I recently sold my 2015 Hellcat Challenger seen BAT:



Anyways, my entire life I have always wanted an Aston Martin. I know going from a Hellcat to a Aston is quite the polar opposite, but I am over trying to go as fast as possible and I'm ready for a gentleman's car. I have always loved the color green, especially on an Aston and I found a car that seems like a good deal but there are obviously some fears and I would really like some opinions on the subject.

The low down is: 2008 V8 Vantage. 4 owners, manual trans, green on orange interior, 50k miles. Car looks like it definitely needs some TLC in the pictures. The dealer said they only have one key (waiting to hear back if it's the spare or the crystal key, I forgot to ask when I was on the phone with them before). There is a theft on the car fax but besides that it checks out great and has a lot of service history on the CarFax.

The downside: 1 key, paint looks like it's in desperate need of a paint correction and thorough cleainng. Engine bay isn't bad but needs a cleaning. Interior isn't bad, seats have seen better days, but overall seems like it would clean up well.

So I am debating two things: Flying to see the car, (I am half way across the country), and or getting a PPI done. I have never gotten a PPI done before, but there conveniently an Aston dealer 10 miles from the dealer that has this car.

After doing quite some research on these cars, there are a few things I am concerned about: Clutch, timing cover, door and hood struts (I know this is minor), suspension condition. From what I have researched these cars seem like fairly reliable but the lack of service records (besides the CarFax) are making me want to make sure I take proper action before making any move on this car.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Raymond

 

Hey undertaker…mine is an 08..regular key ignition..push start…keys and fobs are available form members..I am sure the dealership would do a ppi for you..and if the vendors are not willing to take it there…walk away …engines are solid..service history is great..but mine was spotty..turned out fine..just impossible tracing from Aston Martin for me…So it’s all I have..paint is fixable..as you say..maybe a paint correction will get it back to perfect..most other items are serviceable..lots of info here an parts alternatives..and specialist assistance…best of luck with it…I like unusual colours..they look great in colour…fingers crossed..

 

Thank you for clarifying with the keys. That's actually good news since the crystal keys are expensive. I totally agree with if the dealer denies doing a PPI to walk. I hate to rush into getting another car but this color combo has been my dream for years. I do not mind the miles on the car because I want to drive the car and enjoy it. I appreciate your input!

 

Agree with all that Import said. Greens don't show up all that often so it might be worth it to check this one out thoroughly. BTW, I think the interior is Kestrel Tan.

If the big things are good and the price is right, you can tend to the cosmetic issues.

 

It depends on the price. How much are they asking?

 

$41k

 

A 2008 Vantage with $50K and a salvage title?

Run as fast as you can.

 

You can get 2008 Vantages six sped with half that Millage and a clean title for what they are asking.

 

What is leading you all to believe the car has a salvage title?

 

The disclosure of a theft recovery listed on carfax typically connotates an issue (not sure if says salvage, have to see what is shown).

Some other notes, I typically rely on Carfax for one thing, locations where the car lived. The service history listed may or may not be truly accurate. I'd want actual records to see the work performed and, at times, what was suggested and not performed.

From the pictures, this unfortunately does not appear to be a well presented example. Presume it is a small dealer and not a large franchise one given the age of the car. How particular are you on condition? Are you wanting to take on cosmetic items and just have a good driver or are you seeking something well-preserved?

Not trying to steer you away from anything here, but for this age of car, you might want more history in writing and better presentation (pics are low res and still don't look terribly great to me).

 

I re-read your original post, and I don't know where I got the assumption it was a salvage titled car. My apologies.

Based on the pictures and mileage I believe that it's highly priced at $41K. I stand by what I said earlier that you can get a better example of a 2008 6 speed Vantage, with significantly less mileage for the asking price of this car. If the exterior and interior color is exactly what you want my opinion is that your offer should be $10K less.
You will no doubt get different opinions from the list, so the final decision is always going to be up to you.

 

I've been searching high and low for a mile. I would love to find one how you are describing.

Good information. I appreciate the input. I enjoy cosmetic restoration. I feel like it wouldn't take much to bring this car into the condition it deserves cosmetically. I have always been a perfectionist and very meticulous with my cars, but then they don't get driven because of my fear of them not staying perfect. So, for once I wouldn't mind something that needed some TLC. As long as it is mechanically sound.

I offered $30K before even posting this thread due to the cars condition and lack of history. The dealer said they could do $37K. I asked about a PPI and haven't heard back since. A few mentioned finding a car with less miles for the same price. I am waiting for one of those to pop up. I have been looking everywhere.

 

Call the dealer back and politely request (again) that they PPI it. Perhaps someone there is concerned that they would be held liable for its deficiencies...?! Hard to imagine but the world is a funny place. Tell them you would be happy to release them from any liability but just need a good honest PPI. Tell them they have a good rep for such things (maybe a lil' white lie - IDK).

The car is worth 37K to you, mileage notwithstanding. Once its been gone over and you know what your TRUE COST OF OWNERSHIP will be, then decide accordingly. Great colour combo! And 50K for those engines, well cared-for, is nuttin'!

My 2 cents - (I have a 2010 6sp Roadster in Fire Red - a AM 'paint-to-order' colour). AWEsome car!

 

Are you trading in a car for the Vantage?

 

I would at a minimum ask to see the car on a lift. Once on the lift, have the under tray taken off and take a look. If it's leaking from the timing chain cover, it's going to be expensive. Does it have an Aston Martin oil filter or something else? Warning flag right there if it's not an Aston Martin filter. Shocks leaking? Brake pads measured.