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If AMV8's assertion is that a 997S will be a depreciating asset (versus the ideal outcome of an appreciating Vantage), he is right that it will depreciate "a lot".
That being said, as depreciating assets go, you will be best off with a low mileage F430 or 360 . . . and short of that a 997 is likely your best bet. A 911 should have a residual of ~50-60% after 3 years and 30-40k miles--and while this is big-time depreciation as assets go, it is heroic as car values go.
Remember, markets have two primary things that inform value:
1. Supply and demand; and
2. Relative liquidity.
The proposition at hand is that because there will be few Vantages, there will be an implicit scarcity premium--i.e., point #1. However, absent a very well known quantity (such as the entry-level Ferrari), point #2 becomes relevant: you may actually face a discount due to the asset's lack of liquidity.
One other point at issue is return on investment, particuarly for "incremental" differences.
All things being equal, you will get a greater return on a base 911 than a heavily optioned one--because the extra $$ you spend on the options has a very low yield in the aftermarket. This is not to say that they don't make one's car more valuable when resale time comes along--becuase they do--but the question is what is the relative return. E.g., full leather interior is a great option (that I don't have) and looks great--but I suspect that you'll probably get (best case) $0.20 on every $1.00 you spend on this . . . so a 911 with this option will likely go for $600 more than one without (take my valuation assumptions at face value), but this isn't a very good return on the original $3k. In many respects, the turbo models are the same thing: an option.
In addition, many people who want this kind of car or who can spend this much $$ don't want used cars. I'd always take a new normally aspirated 911 over a used turbo. Always. I don't buy used cars that cost >$50k (actually, I don't buy used cars at all!).
Bottom line: time will tell. If the AM turns out to be well-loved, you'll do well on resale. While I think that's a bit of a gamble, who cares? As long as you're happy (and as long as it doesn't cause undue financial stress), hit the bid. We need more people buying these cars in the US to ensure that they keep sending them over here . . . maybe I'll even buy one someday (they are gorgeous, and the engine noise is breathtaking) . . . but not anytime soon.
We need more people buying these cars in the US to ensure that they keep sending them over here . . . maybe I'll even buy one someday (they are gorgeous, and the engine noise is breathtaking) . . . but not anytime soon.
I don't think that this will be a problem. The waiting list on the car right now is 6 - 12+ months depending on where in the country you reside. The waiting list is longer in Canada (18 months) and the car is currently selling at well above sticker in the UK and the US. Of course, only a handful have been delivered in the US (First models to LA two months ago and to Dallas last month.).
It is interesting to speculate on what will happen to the price but it is speculation. As I said in an earlier post, Porsches are as common as mud around here and even High School boys don't give them a second look. Aston Martins are rare, and exceedingly beautiful IMHO.
That's the bottom line. I will take mine to Heartland Park and run it around the track but I am too old, my reflexes are too slow and it has been too long since I have raced, to seriously challenge what the car can do. I suspect that is true of most who can afford a new AM. Of the remainder, who are younger, very few probably can drive well enough to reach the limits of the car's performance.
I think that I will look good in the AM -- well at least as good as an old man can.
Anyway, it appears that the cure for my "car fever" is somewhat off in the distance.
Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com
The car is currently scheduled to start build next week with a May ship date and a June arrival at the dealership. The delay since I purchased the car is about one to two months. There was, of course, a delay before the first of the year since the cars were originally scheduled to begin arriving in the US in February and March, and a few did (I know that LA and Dallas got demonstrator cars.)
According to the dealer, I am number three on his list. Two cars are scheduled to arrive in May for customer delivery (and his demonstrator) and three in June (including the demonstrator that he is selling me new).
The dealer told me that delays in shipping to the US are due to Aston being determined to get it right before shipping to US customers, who are more demanding than others. I was told that AM has switched some suppliers because of quality problems. There has been a recall of the cars in Britain due to electrical problems (I sure hope Lucas is not involved in parts production!).
Anyway, I should have the car in two months.
If you are to have your car next week, it should have arrived in the US by now and only awaits shipment to the dealer.
Let us know how you like it.
The car has been everything I expected and I am very happy with it. I now know what it is like to be a rock star! To those that ask "what about Z06", etc. all I can say is everything you see and touch in the car feels like twice the price.
Visibility is great with the small quarter windows up front. Getting to know where the front of the car is provides a challenge, though. Engine sound is terrific. I have the bypass open at all times and I'm not sure I would enjoy the car as much with the quiet exhaust below 4K RPM.
Power is adequate and very flexible. Sixth gear at 30 MPH is possible without complaint.
Drawbacks?
Gearbox is a little notchy from 1-2, especially when cold.
Wheels are impossible to get clean as brake dust clings.
Seatback release levers are hard to reach.
Slight kickback in steering rack.
Hatch cover is a little fiddly.
The brakes are plenty powerful Brembo pieces and look tough through the alloys. The handling feels very neutral, though I haven't had the chance to explore this much.
Taking delivery of the car was a great experience, as they give the car it's own showroom. The team at AM Dallas is terrific and they have made the purchase an enjoyable experience for me. I may never step up to this level of automobile again, but I can understand why luxury buyers return. A car guy should do this at least once in a lifetime!
Bill
The target production for 2006 for the US was 1000 cars (of 3000 produced). They are four months behind, so they have lost 330 units for target US shipments of 670 units or about 15 per dealer.
Anyway, I can't wait.
I've seen the cars on three ocasions over the past year or so and have started the engine but never drove one until now.
The car lives up to its promise and reviews from a 1 hour or so test ride. The car actually feels like a 911! I used to own a Porsche but that was a while ago and my memory may be fading. I've test driven 911s often but never bought one due to one thing our another. The latest was a 997 - 911S with all of the go-fast stuff.
I would not call the Vantage a GT as much as a sport car as it does everything a sport car should do and it does it well. You could not use all of the power or abilities of the car on the street as you could not do that with a Porshce too.
The steering is tight, the body solid and stiff, the ride is not teeth-jaring and the breaks work great. Compared to a 997 the steering seems to be the one thing not quite as nice, but then again Porsche has had 40+ years to get it right. From my point of view, it's too close to call between the two so exclusivity wins out for now.
As for delivery, I ordered in November, as was told to expect September delivery, now it seems to be January '07. the dealer tells me only 150 will make it to the states this year and his allocation of 20 is down to about 7.
Well, I have a few months of extra time to relish the luxury of my SL before I revert to driving again.
As for price, if you are marginal on being able to get a Vantage, DON'T. As I was advised, do not invest in anything that needs to be fed or maintained -- This is a purly pleasure ride.
Really no issue with my car at all and with 160 miles on it-I couldn't be happier.
Bill
Sounds nice to have, but on quiet Sundays it may be too much!
My delivery is still 9 months away, but I don't mind. Gives me a chance to get some cash together for it!!
I am making this my "company car" so that I can write it off. Has anyone on the list checked out leasing options on the car. Ford Premier Auto will do a lease, I think, but I would like some options.
Moore Jaguar Aston Martin in St. Louis can probably get you a car by the first of the year or sooner. Of course, you would have to have it delivered but that should not be too expensive.
After three years? Astons have a history of being expensive to maintain but the factory claims that this one is different.
The vehicle was delivered with a number of minor defects but a major intermittent problem with the a/c which in Texas is a serious issue. After much correspondence with Aston Martin (USA) two visits and 11 days at the dealer (who apparently can find nothing wrong despite his own salesman experiencing the problem) the car remains there in exactly the same condition it was delivered in.
You would have thought that AM would wish to protect their image and do the right thing by promptly buying back this lemon but no, they accept no responsibility and insist on further futile repair attempts forcing a law suit in the process.
The car looks great there is no doubt, but at this price point you need the dealer and manufacturer to go the extra mile to protect your investment.
And just for the record I also own 997S and find it much more satisfying and fun to drive.
The Truth About Cars (http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=1973) did a review of the Vantage. THey tend to be hypercritical (it is no 911), but the writer did swoon about the looks. I'd take it before a 911 any day anyway.
As it is, there aren't too many Aston Martin dealerships anyway...example, for Denmark it's Copenhagen, for Norway it's Oslo.
So your attempt to find a good one, may end up being the only one.
I'd just use the Aston Martin dealer locator to find the few dealerships
You will also be told backfire sounds are normal. And if you call to complain, you will be told to get an attorney first.
We all got screwed.
I have not heard of this problem on the V8V forum at AMOC.ORG, the owner's club forum.
I just find the transmission very rough and jerky.
It does rattle a bit if you're on/off the gas at very low revs, as if there's a little play somewhere in the linkage. I had a BMW that was similar; a higher-torque engine w/ standard trans is going to toss you a bit if you can't decide whether to stop or go.
I also checked pricing of used 06 or 07 vantages on ebay and the asking prices are very close to new car list price. Do Vantage really hold value that well or are those asking prices completely unrealistic. What kind of price should I expect for a low mileage (<3k) 06 or 07 car.
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experience thread.
I asked the factory rep at a factory test drive and I was told there is no plan to offer it here and there is no plan to improve the Vantage engine output for 08. I wonder if anyone has heard otherwise.
I'm holding off getting an 08' hoping Aston will up the engine output as an upgrade for 09'. With the M3, RS4, upcoming AMG C class better the Aston power hands down I think it's a matter of time before Aston has to respond.
Your thoughts?
With respect to '09 pricing and hp, the Vantage is supposed to get a 40hp and associated torque boost for '09. Replacing the stock exhaust with the Quicksilver system will provide an extra 20hp to earlier models. The cost of this system is about $5000.
There is also rumoured to be a price increase, perhaps as much as 10%. As most of us know, the dollar has tanked against the pound and the euro in the last several years and Astons are British built from largely european content.