Brought one as a retirement present to myself eight years ago and use as a daily and still get that buzz everytime I look at or drive her. Have put 40,000 miles on her taking her to 58,000 miles and for an exotic she's been pretty reliable but when things do go wrong then there's the 'Aston Tax' to contend with. However not all is lost as these cars were built under Fords stewardship and their parts bin for Jaguar, Volvo and Ford were raided so you can often find the self same item at a quarter of the price - case in point being Ford Focus O2 sensors compared to the exact same item from Aston. Buy wisely and you won't be disappointed as every outing gives you a sense of occasion.
I always wanted an Aston since I was a kid. Had the opportunity when I sold my 964 for strong money. Looked at loads, and a couple major things put me off which you didn’t cover in depth - corrosion. On those early cars many will have the differential metals corrosion around the door handles where the water sits. Yes the dealers can fix it cosmetically, but it will come back as the root cause is not addressed as it’s inside the skin. Wing mirror arm corrosion- most I looked at had this, and corrosion in general, and finally running costs. A client of my son advised me away from it. He had a been a AM, guy but as he pointed out, every time it went into the garage he got a bill for north of three grand! I bought another Porsche (as he had done when he outed the Aston), and I still have it 9 years later. My car nut mate said to me…”A bit like buying a boat…two days you will love the Aston …the day you buy it and the day you sell it.” My advice from a few owners I know, buy from a specialist dealer and get the best and longest warranty you can. It will be required.
Bought one with the N400 engine following Henry Catchpole's Old Military Road video. It looked a million dollars, never jelled with it even after "investing" in improvement upgrades, suspension, clutch etc,etc. After 18 months it was gone, pleased I'd kept a 911 during that time. Should have listened to the Top Gear guys after their Isle of Wight drive.
Great review, really enjoy these videos as even though there are lots of UA-camrs out there creating content like this, no one in Scotland doing it as well as you, keep em coming!
Great wee video ! I had a 2006 Vantage and loved it. I think you missed a point on corrosion. Around the door handles is often one of the first places to see issues. If you want to test my 2014 DB9 when the weather is better give me a shout.
I don’t understand this single clutch plate problem folk have. I had my clutch changed with the single plate. I liked the sports clutch feel. Great car to drive.
Excellent review. I've a 4.7 V8S now, but the 4.3 is a great motor too. If it's not quick enough, get it tuned (410-420hp is entirely practical). On sportshift cars, take the time to check all the hydraulics pre-purchase - the hoses are prone to perishing at the connection points, and it's a costly job to do. Clutch replacement is costly on both Sportshift and Manual as you point out, but its also a good opportunity to fit a twin-plate clutch and lightweight flywheel 😀 As for clutches - most manual cars (4.3 and 4.7) need one by 25k, sometimes sooner - if over 30k and it hasnt had a clutch, budget for one soon. As you say, S/Shift clutch wear can be read through the ECU, so always get it checked. I love my Vantage, to the point where I forgive it's costly habits ( petrol and servicing!!)
Fantastic exhaust note but if I’m honest I prefer the raspy roar of the 6 litre V12 of my DB9! Also I’ve the 6 speed ZF box in mine and it’s pretty bulletproof if not quite as quick shifting as a dual clutch gearbox but still works well enough on the paddles in my opinion!👍❤️🏴
These are a stealth supercar. YOu can drive them daily, they are comfortable and easy going. The design is subtle and not "in your face" like Lambos and Ferrari. I'd wager you could pull up to a local self serve gas pump and no one would pay attention. (other than car enthusiasts that is).I'll also wager that you can just jump in one on the spur of the moment and drive from Boston to Florida and have a good chance of making it without a breakdown. Try that in a Lambo.
Sounds like a £20k nightmare with issues left right and centre, no expensive car is cheap to run, bar the running away from, no ta. Fab video as always, thanks.
I sold my 4.3 Vantage a year ago. 3 years of trouble free use (albeit very low mileage) but the ownership proposition is mostly about the looks and how it makes you feel. Quite honestly they don't drive great at all. I now drive a 911.
There is a reason why these cars are cheap: when (not if) it goes wrong, it will bankrupt you. And there is a massive image problem with ALL older Astons. At the wheel of those cars, you will look like a James Bond wannabe, but without the money.... I love Aston Martin, but for those reasons, no thanks.
Brought one as a retirement present to myself eight years ago and use as a daily and still get that buzz everytime I look at or drive her. Have put 40,000 miles on her taking her to 58,000 miles and for an exotic she's been pretty reliable but when things do go wrong then there's the 'Aston Tax' to contend with. However not all is lost as these cars were built under Fords stewardship and their parts bin for Jaguar, Volvo and Ford were raided so you can often find the self same item at a quarter of the price - case in point being Ford Focus O2 sensors compared to the exact same item from Aston. Buy wisely and you won't be disappointed as every outing gives you a sense of occasion.
I have a 2007 4.3, remapped to 410 bhp... absolutely love it and dead reliable too
Great choice sir!
What was done to it and who did it?
Had a ‘13 V8 Sportshift for 8 years, 25k miles. Bloody loved it.
Loved my 4.3. No complaints at all.
I always wanted an Aston since I was a kid. Had the opportunity when I sold my 964 for strong money. Looked at loads, and a couple major things put me off which you didn’t cover in depth - corrosion. On those early cars many will have the differential metals corrosion around the door handles where the water sits. Yes the dealers can fix it cosmetically, but it will come back as the root cause is not addressed as it’s inside the skin. Wing mirror arm corrosion- most I looked at had this, and corrosion in general, and finally running costs. A client of my son advised me away from it. He had a been a AM, guy but as he pointed out, every time it went into the garage he got a bill for north of three grand! I bought another Porsche (as he had done when he outed the Aston), and I still have it 9 years later. My car nut mate said to me…”A bit like buying a boat…two days you will love the Aston …the day you buy it and the day you sell it.” My advice from a few owners I know, buy from a specialist dealer and get the best and longest warranty you can. It will be required.
Bought one with the N400 engine following Henry Catchpole's Old Military Road video. It looked a million dollars, never jelled with it even after "investing" in improvement upgrades, suspension, clutch etc,etc. After 18 months it was gone, pleased I'd kept a 911 during that time. Should have listened to the Top Gear guys after their Isle of Wight drive.
I've said it before & I'll say it again... just get a JAZZ! 😂 good video pal
Or have both like we do, except we have a V12 Aston so it balances out. The Jazz is super practical!
Probably one of the best car reviewers and guiders on youtube, please do one about the old and mighty maserati granturismo
Thanks buddy, I'll do my best to get my hands on one.
Excellent review
Great review, really enjoy these videos as even though there are lots of UA-camrs out there creating content like this, no one in Scotland doing it as well as you, keep em coming!
@@nevissnowdude thanks buddy appreciate that comment.
Had a 2013 SP10 4.7 manual. Wanted to love it. Didn’t. Manual not nice with single plate clutch. Fussy interior. Looked and sounded gorgeous.
Dont most manuals have a single clutch?
@@wpjohn91 i guess he is referring to the auto which some call a automated single plate manual
Great wee video ! I had a 2006 Vantage and loved it. I think you missed a point on corrosion. Around the door handles is often one of the first places to see issues. If you want to test my 2014 DB9 when the weather is better give me a shout.
Thanks for the guide... I'll be on autotrader within the next few seconds.
Great video Grant, love the 00s Aston Martin Vantage. Absolutely gorgeous. By the way, the character James Bond is half Scottish and half French.
I don’t understand this single clutch plate problem folk have. I had my clutch changed with the single plate. I liked the sports clutch feel. Great car to drive.
Good to know information on all your content videos
Excellent review. I've a 4.7 V8S now, but the 4.3 is a great motor too. If it's not quick enough, get it tuned (410-420hp is entirely practical). On sportshift cars, take the time to check all the hydraulics pre-purchase - the hoses are prone to perishing at the connection points, and it's a costly job to do. Clutch replacement is costly on both Sportshift and Manual as you point out, but its also a good opportunity to fit a twin-plate clutch and lightweight flywheel 😀 As for clutches - most manual cars (4.3 and 4.7) need one by 25k, sometimes sooner - if over 30k and it hasnt had a clutch, budget for one soon. As you say, S/Shift clutch wear can be read through the ECU, so always get it checked. I love my Vantage, to the point where I forgive it's costly habits ( petrol and servicing!!)
There's a fix for the headlights. You can buy a venting kit that solves the problem.
Can you do a review on Maserati gran truismo from 2008-2015 and which years to avoid? And v8 r8 1st gen as well. Thank you
get a sorted 4.3 and leave it with Bamford Rose for a raft of upgrades
Id think big end failure would be down to too much power. Just like in the landrover 2.7d increase to 3.0d suddenly cranks start snapping
Fantastic exhaust note but if I’m honest I prefer the raspy roar of the 6 litre V12 of my DB9!
Also I’ve the 6 speed ZF box in mine and it’s pretty bulletproof if not quite as quick shifting as a dual clutch gearbox but still works well enough on the paddles in my opinion!👍❤️🏴
MOST SWITCHES / ANCILLARIES ARE FORD CRAP
WITH ASTON PRICES
I used at 205 to stop the leak and it seems to be working on my 4.3
Mine is a roadster
Flock of sheep, not a herd, enjoy this channel immensely, keep em coming
who cares?
The word police do . also Shephard 's will confuse the sheep if he calls them a herd 😂
Then why is it a shepherd...sheep-herder
As long as I'm accurate on the car details I'll take the miss on plural sheep terminology 😂
What about EVangelist Electrosheep🐑 Are they a flock or a Coven😅
To me this is the best looking Aston ever. The modern ones look hideous.
These are a stealth supercar. YOu can drive them daily, they are comfortable and easy going. The design is subtle and not "in your face" like Lambos and Ferrari. I'd wager you could pull up to a local self serve gas pump and no one would pay attention. (other than car enthusiasts that is).I'll also wager that you can just jump in one on the spur of the moment and drive from Boston to Florida and have a good chance of making it without a breakdown. Try that in a Lambo.
Sounds like a £20k nightmare with issues left right and centre, no expensive car is cheap to run, bar the running away from, no ta. Fab video as always, thanks.
Door modules fail as well. Also reverse gear is ridiculously tall.
If you can’t afford a new Aston Martin, you almost certainly can’t afford an old one……….
No Bueno
I sold my 4.3 Vantage a year ago. 3 years of trouble free use (albeit very low mileage) but the ownership proposition is mostly about the looks and how it makes you feel. Quite honestly they don't drive great at all. I now drive a 911.
Maybe you just didn't know how to drive it. You should have taken a few rally driving courses.......
@zrzzezolo7134 yeah that'll be it, if only I had your great advice 4 years ago. 🤣
I love your car reviews, just stay away from the daily mail conspiracy theorist guff mate
There is a reason why these cars are cheap: when (not if) it goes wrong, it will bankrupt you.
And there is a massive image problem with ALL older Astons.
At the wheel of those cars, you will look like a James Bond wannabe, but without the money....
I love Aston Martin, but for those reasons, no thanks.
You have no idea what you're talking about, maintenance isn't that much more expensive than a 911.
@@zrzzezolo7134You’ve correctly or incorrectly refuted Mark’s first point, he’s probably hit the nail on the head with the rest of what he’s said!
I wouldn't trust Ford with rats gullet TBH.
The names Jock. Jocky McJock
They are now problematic and old .. money pits 4 sure
Surely more reliable than both my TT and bmw e90. Don't talk rubbish
Never mind Aston martin what about a mazda 3