The tail lights will eventually condensate one way or the other. That is how you know you have real Aston Martin tail lights.

 

So, I just bought one for 54.9 from a AM dealer in Texas... It was a 6 speed manual, 18K mikes, and IMO, great colors. I want to buy new rubber (it's 7/8 years old), and a few things I just want to do, but IMO, the car checked out well... I did get a lot of records and a fresh service, both keys/fobs, umbrella, Martini glasses and a few other goodies. Was a feel-good deal. I didn't do a PPI, but I spent a lot of time researching and have bought/sold ~100 cars & motorcycles in my life. I would get a PPI if I was doing a 3rd party deal and not at an AM dealership... If you haven't driven an automated manual (paddle/sport shift), ask to... I HATED it... I looked far & wide for a 6 speed. I think when you re-sell, you will be happy you did... It was too slow for me, and I don't mind shifting... As for the clutch, the automated manuals will burn through them faster than a 6 speed. I bought mines thinking that may be something I need to do at some point... It's not the end of the world IMO. Offer mid 50's... They may take it. Get them to toss in a car cover and a 90 day warranty... All they can say is 'no'... At the end of the day, there are no deals in the AM world... Pay a fair price, get a fair car... Feel confident buying from a dealer... They won't re-sell a pig... As for the MD car, it's a sport shift... This one is a great color... Good luck. let us know what you decide... Just be aware, for a 6 speed car that's clean, people are looking... I jumped on mine ASAP and had people offering list price, sight unseen... (list was 59.9)... Let us know what you do.. Just do it fast if you want one... Tom P has the Silver/Black 07 for 72.5K! Look what they are selling for on BAT, and factor in an additional 5% fee....

 

That's funny... Keeping mine garaged, hope it's not going to be an issue... Maybe I'm an optimist....

 

Also, if you haven't.... Watch these videos.... (Go to youtube and search for redpants)

His website is redpants.lol

LOTS of great info-

 

Thanks for all the info Tom. They said AM only offers warranty for cars less than 8 years old. I think it’s a fair price based on BAT, maybe higher than average, but dealer fees are built into the price. Just taxes and plate fees on top. I think I’ll offer mid 50s, definitely a cover too.

 

Just FYI, my 2007 clutch was replaced by the previous owner when it had 17k miles. I think it all depends on how people drive (or not drive)

Edwin

 

Sure... When I said warranty, it's tongue-in-cheek.... If there's an issue within 30/60/90 days (pick a timeframe), would the dealer offer to step up & take care of it. If it's a solid car, should be non issue (zero risk). Assume it's just had or will have a fresh service?

 

100% agree... spend an evening watching all of Redpants videos. It'll give a good idea of what commonly has gone wrong.

Might have missed this but are you looking for a manual or SS (as there's quite a price premium on manuals)?

Edwin

 

With my 2008 what I really worry about is a hose blowing; radiator upper or lower or heater or bypass hose, etc. Not sure how may there are, but at some point, I'd like to get them all replaced...Anyone done that yet? Is it a legit concern for a 2008 w/19K miles? Not like I'd drive cross country,,, but I'd consider a few hundred miles in a day... DFW to Houston or Austin, maybe Oklahoma City for example...

 

i bought a 2007 vantage manual a couple of years ago with 11,000 miles on it. it was like new, inside and out. doubt if it was ever driven in the rain. next day i took in on what was eventually a 6000 mile trip from california to ohio and back, not one bit of trouble. two years into it, i've had to replace the original 2007 vintage tires and thermostat.

i've never had to replace a coolant hose in any vehicle i've ever owned and will have been driving for half a century come this march.

 

Bought my 08 sport shift vantage at the end of last summer with 24000 kms on her..as new throughout….paid and signed the paperwork..then drove 1000kms home…loved every minute..except…I got half way ..went to fill up…and the flap clicked but wouldn’t open..pulled the trunk release and used a credit card to open…very cool….lol…otherwise ..loving it..can’t wait for the spring..

 

+! for Aston Martin San Diego. Purchased a 2011 V8Vs from them and they unwound the deal when I found a smidge of aftermarket paint work after having the car for several days. Exceptional dealership and beyond impressed.

 

I think you should get an independent Aston Martin specialist to inspect any car you purchase (unless you know and understand all the risks and you’re willing to live with that). If it is inspected by a person who knows these cars, I wouldn’t care what dealer it is from. There are great deals out there, $60k for an ‘06 seems quite high. I’m sure it’s in great condition if they price it that way but I’d still want it independently inspected.

But the examples you posted are roadsters, coupes, manuals, sportshifts, and different colors. Are you sure you know what you want yet?

 

Matt,

Glad you like the car on Long Island. I assume you spoke to Gary. About the price, it's likely there is some room to negotiate, but perhaps not much. You mentioned BaT, and a look at some recent sales shows similar cars that sold very near the asking price (adding the BaT buyer's fee) with higher miles. If this car is in the condition it appears to be, I'd say the asking price is in the ballpark. Also, the cars in Bethesda seem much too cheap. You might get lucky, but usually there's a reason...

About the clutch, as always, life varies tremendously based on the driver and the type of driving. I know of some V8Vs with well over 80k miles that are still on their original clutch. I know others that have needed a clutch in under 10k miles.

 

I would not underestimate the value of buying a car from a trusted AM dealer. It seems as though your local AM dealer in Long Island is trustworthy as per another member on this forum. For comparison, I bought my Vantage from my local AM dealer in Austin. I paid asking price and got a great car. I paid for 2 years of the extended warranty but should have only paid for 1 (to get 2 years) as all Timeless CPOs have the first year warranty included. I should have researched the Timeless CPO before my purchase (my mistake), but they should not have taken advantage of me as they did. I have addressed this with my dealer multiple times and they have consistently dodged the issue or ignored my inquiries. It has been frustrating to deal with them and has created an untrusting relationship with the dealership.