I post this on amoc.org, and I like to get some thoughts here. V8V and 997 turbo are both my dream car. I have been following the v8v progress thru since launch. Like most, I consider it as one of the sexiest car around. But till now, I am still reading about issues and reliability. I understand most go to forum to report problems, and ask for help. Here are my questions:

Is this a good time to pick up a 2010 v8v?

What can I expect in term of price break for an order car? There were reports of $15K and more off on some 08 stock last year. And all three dealers around me have plenty sitting around. But walnut creek no longer sell AM. SVAG is being sold. The only dealer left is in Marin.

 

I can't answer the reliability of both cars but can answer part of your question. I myself was considering both cars you mentioned. I have an '01 Porsche Cabriolet, BMW 650 and the AMV8 joiined the family last week. I did modifications for the Porsche and BMW because it's a must to make them look good. I went for the AMV8 instead of the Porsche because the interior of the Porsche still looks pretty much the same as my '01. Besides, I might just supercharge the Porsche. Since I got a brand new paint job on my Porsche, OEM body kit (Aero 1) and HRE rims, people still ask me if it's a new car. Only real Porsche owners know the difference (lights, minor body style, etc...). The AM on the other hand, you don't have to do anything, stock will work just fine. She looks just find the way you pick her up. Anyways, I'm in Southern California and I've done my research on pricing and availability. I was able to get $30k off a brand new fully loaded '09 AM. You don't want the '08, less HP and the interior in the '09 is better looking. I personally do not like the changes of the '10, the side skirts take away from the body style and the clear lights look Ricey (if you are going for a dark color car). Even though you're in Northern CA, it's worth driving down here to get the discount. Let me know if you want more info, I've done enough research about pricing and availability.

 

The '10 V8 has side skirts and clear tail lights? Are you sure you're not talking about the V12 Vantage?

 

No, it's the V8. I spoke to the salesperson and did my own research. The front grill is also 1-2 less lines.

 

Did you come across a pic in your research? Have a link? I haven't been able to find this on the Internet. BTW, my experience with the AM salespeople is that they don't always know what's up.

 

These are options on the '10 V8. Dealers might order them on their cars so they have something to point to when someone asks them about the '10.

 

You guys might be right. From my understanding, as I've also read on amoc.org, these were some of the minor changes. I have heard that the N400 sills (side skirts) may be an option but the clear lights were standard. It would be nice to have the consumer pick the color of the lights since it's loved by some and hated by others. The grills having 1 less bar is standard. I found only one place that had a 2010. http://www.zibe.com/for-sale/new-201...19.html#Photos

 

I post this back on 11.3, I am so happy that someone responded. I was wondering if I asked the wrong question ; D. My main concern is over build quality. we test drove the 08 a few times, but I was surprised by a few things we saw. The exterior design of this car is just perfect. I read a post that mentioned the paint quality is very not good. Is that true? Did you say $30K off, one from stock, right?

 

<--daily DBS driver - former daily V8V driver - no probs so far

 

I read the same thing regarding the paint issue. I'm not sure exactly what they were referring to though. What I do understand when purchasing any car is to look over the whole body to make sure there is nothing damaging the paint, especially on the roof. When cars are transported, the cars on the bottom sometimes get leaks from the cars on top (transmission fluid, oil, etc..) that can damage the paint. I forgot to look at the roof top of my 6 series when I purchased it and found that there was a little stain such as a droplet of some sort. I had my detailer guy color sand it and now you can hardly see it. You can see an outline if you look close enough and know where to look. I don't think the paint issue is too bad as long as you use a good protectant. Take a look at Zaino. I've spent alot of money on wax, different type of protectants and find Zaino to be the best. I have a detailer guy that does it for me. That's another topic that I can go on and on about. The most important thing is that when you pick up the car, the paint is in good condition and then get it protected asap. I say good luck in your research and pull the trigger, this car is AWESOME and 30k off is a huge incentive. It sucks but I guess I'm taking advantage of the bad economy. It wasn't my intention to get a new car since I have a couple other cars I'm happy with, but 30k off a brand new Aston Martin was a no brainer for me. To answer your last question, the discount is for a stock car. But, you can get around 26-29k off a car that they bring in from the east coast, way better than your 15k off an '08. I think they have an '08 roadster with a huge discount as well, I'm guessing more than 30k.

 

My fiance' really wants a V8 Vantage. I will only consider buying used, are there any horror stories with these cars?

 

I think the paint on AM's is much better than most other marques. It is very easy to work with. Much better than BMW, MB, etc. These are hand painted cars and the quality is very high. Look at the detailing forum for info. Most professional detailers agree that AM paint is very good.

Adam

 

From the AM's I've dealt with, the V8 is a very quality engine and the reliability is very good - You will have the usual exotic-car issues (Clutch, tires, etc.), but the car itself is a quality vehicle.

 

Agreed. From what I know, the paint is hand finished. There is NO orange peel and the finish is excellent...unlike BMW, Mercedes, etc. Even better than the paint on current Porsches which I find very good.

 

Can someone give me $ ranges for these costs plus your thoughts on reliability....let's pick the 2009 DB9 as an example. I have never owned and AM and I just joined this site this morning. what I worried about is the surprises I used to get from Jaguar before Ford bought them. any thoughts out their????