[phillip stellings]

Hello. I'm along time Porsche owner and I'm seriously considering an Aston. I do almost all my own maintanence on my 997.

I have been looking at 06 and 07 Vantage. I live in L.A. and their are quite a few for sale. I believe it's one of the most beautiful cars on the road.

Knowing nothing about Aston Martin I have a few questions.

1. Are they reliable? What are common problem issues if any? What dollar amount am I looking at in maintanence per year?

2. Can you do your own basic service (maintanence?)

3. Are their any differences between the 06 and 07 Vantage?

4. Is this car suitable for a daily driver?

5. What is a good price for a low mile 06 and 07?

I would really appreciate any input on this from current owners.

Thank you!

Phillip

 

[phillip stellings]

Nobody?

Can't anyone give me some input on this?

Thanks!!!

 

[lhanddds]

Being a long time Porsche owner and having just switched to a Vantage, I found your question very interesting. I have owned many 911 variations (82 SC, 89 Cab, 95 993, 99 996), I found your dilemma interesting. I can't tell you anything about maintenance. I can't seem to find any literature on this. I bought a 07 Vantage 2 months ago. The difference from 06 to 07 is the 07 has the addition of the convertible (which I have) and it has the paddle shifters (which I have). I like the automated shifting which is not the same as an automatic. I really expected the ride to be softer than my 996 but it is not. It is a serious track type car suspension. It is my daily driver but I have a short commute. Some folks would probably think the ride is a bit harsh for everyday. The car is so cool and exciting, I don't mind. I love the convertible but the coupe is certainly very pretty. I wanted something different so that I would not become bored quickly and so far I love it. Paid $75,000, which I thought was a pretty good deal. Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck, Larry

 

[phillip stellings]

Vantage...

Thanks Larry,

I don't have a problem with the "harsh" ride because my commute is quite short as well.

I have a friend at my gym who has an 07 Vantage and drives it every day. She bought it new and has never had one single problem with it. This sparked my interest to say the least!

I currently have a 2006 997S coupe and will be looking for an 07 Vantage coupe as well. Looking to buy in about a year.

Did you look at a lot of cars before you bought yours?

If the Vantage is reliable and I can do my own simple maitenance I will not hesitate to get one. I'm going to go drive them over the next few weeks and see how it compares to my beloved Porsche.

The Aston Vantage has to be one of the most beautiful cars ever. Any other input you can give me would be appreciated and thanks for the response.

Phillip

 

[therookie]

I also just gave up my c4s 2004 and my 06 maserati. I got the 09 vantage. I have had it for about a month now and I can tell you its the best and funnest car I have owned. i was looking fro luxry sport and I have found it in this car.I have had 4 converatables in a row and this is the first coup in a while. Love the look and feel of the car. I will be holding on to this one for a while.

 

[phillip stellings]

Thanks

Thanks Rookie,

I can't find anyone so far that doesn't love their Vantage!! I was going to go for test drives this weekend but the rain hs put that idea on hold.

Have to shoot for next weekend.

I would like to hear from anyone who does their own maintenance on these cars. A lot of us Porsche owners do all our own basic maintenance (fliters, oil, belts, brakes etc.) Saves a ton of cash and I enjoy doing those jobs.

I know that some English cars have put a lot of road blocks up against being able to work on your own car (special tools etc.)

Hopefullly someone will chime in on this.

Thanks for the input from everyone!!!!

Cheers

 

[bryanc4]

im curious too...jsut bought a 2009 roadster.

 

[RandomTrigger]

these are all great questions. I feel that it is certainly important to be able to do your own maintenance on your vehicle. A lot of people think that it is not worth the time but when you love your car the time you spend on it is well worth it, and i think most of the people here will agree. i also hear that Aston Martins are reliable vehicles although this is coming from a novice.

 

[lhanddds]

just saw some maintenance manuals on ebay that looked pretty thorough. You might want to check them out.

 

[phillip stellings]

Great. I will do that.

Thanks!

 

[kurteck]

Phillip,

Great questions.

I am at a cross-roads between choosing a 997.2 or an '06/'07 Vantage. If you haven't already found it, you may want to check out the forums on http://www.6speedonline.com. I was able to find an AMV8 maintenance schedule there a few months ago and there is active discussion on Astons.

Please pass on any useful information you come across.

Thanks!

-Kurt

 

[phillip stellings]

Thanks

Thanks Kurt! I know form driving the two cars that the Porsche is quicker and more nimble than the Aston. But that has nothing to do with me still wantng one!!! I will let you know what I come across. I also have referral from a friend for a mechanic that works almost exclusively on Astons. I'll see what he has to say..

Cheers

 

[Tynemouth]

from 911 to V8 Vantage ?

Currently a Porsche 911 carrera 2 owner , which doesn't have many miles on the clock , and which gets a dealer service as and when it needs it . I do not do many miles per year and am looking as to the running costs of the V8 Vantage as compared to the Porsche . I am presuming that Aston's are like Porsche's and have to have full dealer service histories when you come to sell them. Any advice on servicing costs ( UK prices ) would be appreciated . The Porsche has been 100 % reliable , can I expect the same from an Aston ?. was thinking of a low mileage 06 / 07 plate coupe . Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lhanddds]

911 vs Aston Vantage

I've only had 07 Vantage roadster a year. The annual service is much more expensive $1400.00 US. I don't know about the UK. Reliability, so far, seems about the same.

 

[Tynemouth]

Thanks

I hope you have trouble free motoring in the future . My view seems to be that 911's can be used 24/7/365 , but Aston's here seem to be used on Sundays and when the weather is fine , and have similar low mileages as a Ferrari . I was thinking that perhaps that is because they are more fragile ?, and IF they go wrong it's ' see the bank manager first '?.