[stilem235]

It’s a cherry 2007 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Roadster with 7900 miles for $39000 out the door.

It’s really tempting. Really, really tempting. Thoughts?

[dradernh]

TLDR; the higher the original MSRP of a vehicle, the more you'll pay to own it. Bottom line: be ready to walk away once the first >$10K repair raises its ugly head.

That's one way of saying that if you're buying a car that originally cost six times the price of a middle-of-the-line Camry, you can plan on spending at least six times the Camry owner's price for everything. That includes oil changes, tires, tail light lenses, service intervals, etc. For things like transmissions or clutch replacements and major cooling system replacements, the sky is the limit. I've been there, and the sky is always higher than you might have thought it was.

The bottom line is that there are no free lunches, and used highline cars are a terrific way to get rid of any excess money you may have. And a lot more.

This point of view is informed by my past ownership of an M6, a top-of-the-line Jaguar, and, back in the day, a "baby Rolls-Royce", aka Rover 100. As one example, I paid three months San Francisco rent to have the clutch replaced in that Rover. Make no mistake, I thoroughly enjoyed owning, driving, and showing off those cars. At the same time, I've long since sworn off rolling that way; car-wise, I'm just no longer in that bracket.

To me, the practical issue is always this: what percentage of the purchase price are you prepared to allocate for minor/regular maintenance, major/scheduled maintenance, and the "surprises" that come along with the fact that the more expensive the car the more you have of them? That last part is the kicker and the one that bites so many buyers of highline cars that they shouldn't have bought.

My experience is that the "cheaper" the highline car, the higher the percentage of the purchase price you need to have available in reserve to ensure that you can keep driving it. One way to solve this is to buy the car of your dreams and when a major expense arises you simply walk away from the car for whatever you can get for it. That goes on all the time.

The other is to have enough in reserve to ensure that you can keep the car for as long as you wish. That's something that all car enthusiasts should wish for those among us who choose to branch out in search of achieving their automotive dreams. I put it that way because I too would love to own and experience an Aston Martin, along with many other classic marques. Unfortunately, in my case, I'm at an age where that's not going to happen.

[stilem235]

Still. Common sense aside. I am still contemplating it.

[FCBuff]

Originally Posted by dradernh

TLDR; the higher the original MSRP of a vehicle, the more you'll pay to own it. Bottom line: be ready to walk away once the first >$10K repair raises its ugly head.

Well said! A heavy dose of reality right there! For all of us that dream of owning some untouchable car years later when the prices come down... Sigh!

[leftoverture]

If you have the means and the desire...go for it.

[RoundelM3]

An Aston Martin is an awesome car...but think about where you'll get it serviced. Even recommended preventive maintenance may be on the expensive side unless you can find an Indy shop with qualified technicians.

[stilem235]

There is Aston Indy here. I am coming down off my cloud though and pricing the cost of ownership. It’s just such a low mileage example and half the price of a similar lambo

[chaosrob]

Do it and when the driveline craps on you LS Swap it. The only way you would ever see me contemplate Aston Ownership. One of the top 5 most beautiful cars ever made.....

[PeanuKeeyes]

Originally Posted by FCBuff

Well said! A heavy dose of reality right there! For all of us that dream of owning some untouchable car years later when the prices come down... Sigh!

As someone who just put out an engine fire yesterday in his “classic car,” I can identify with this! — That said, I will fix the issue and have fun in the process working on it with my old man over the holidays.

— might be difficult to wrench on an Aston, but if you’re willing to pay for parts and bust some knuckles along the way, it could be a rewarding experience. Wish OP best of luck and confidence in whatever decision.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by stilem235

There is Aston Indy here. I am coming down off my cloud though and pricing the cost of ownership. It’s just such a low mileage example and half the price of a similar lambo

The mileage may be typical; supercars advertised for sale frequently show mileage in the 500-1,000 miles per year range. Before buying it, that may be how you should consider using it, too.

[raddoc]

Definitely if MT6! PM me if you decide against it. Be a great addition to my garage.

[lateapex'er]

Does it come with a "bumper to bumper" warranty?


"Doug Demuro reference"!

[Oakhill]

Peter Egan once wrote in Road & Track, "Doing is better than having." What are you going to do with the Aston Martin? You won't be taking it to the hardware store or the fast food restaurant. It is too expensive to race, and it may be too old for long road trips. It might be most fun at a vintage car club gathering, and if that is what you are going to do, go for it. Otherwise, having it may not be as satisfying as you think right now.

[dgoldenz]

Get yourself a 997 and be glad you did that instead

[Alfisti]

39k?? All in?

i 100pc say do it. That is fucking chump change in terms of performance vehicles. Seriously, you could lunch an engine and tranny and so what, you paid $65K for a high performance aston convertible.

Fucking doooo it.

[HeelToeShift]

Originally Posted by dgoldenz

Get yourself a 997 and be glad you did that instead

997 or 991.1/.2 is certainly the way to go.

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

39k?? All in?

i 100pc say do it. That is fucking chump change in terms of performance vehicles. Seriously, you could lunch an engine and tranny and so what, you paid $65K for a high performance aston convertible.

Fucking doooo it.

I think you’re underestimating the cost to replace those. New engine costs more than the car. The idea of owning a 13 year old barely driven Aston seems terrifying and very likely to end up a repair nightmare where your dream drive becomes a “when can I pick it up from the shop, again?” experience. It’s also not very fast...I honestly don’t see the appeal, especially if it’s not a manual. I could get behind a 2012+ V12 though.

[Alfisti]

Jesus how can an engine and box be so expensive?

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Jesus how can an engine and box be so expensive?

Well a new M3 engine costs about $25-30k installed so you can see how an engine in a car that was double the price new could be double that. I believe a new vantage engine is right around $50k installed. New gearbox is probably around $15-25k. A PDK replacement is around $20k from a dealer. Having a warranty so you don’t have to worry about that is great.

[philooo]

porsche 911 , there is no substitute. they are just so much more usable.
sure the aston is nice and superfun but you will be worrying sick all the time.
these cars are only good until the warranty expires

[Redd]

7900kms 39k? Do ooooo eeeeeet! What's the worse that can go wrong at 8k kms? (Famous last words)

But in all seriousness, I can understand the temptation. If it's not your only car, and you're not living paycheck to paycheck, just pull the trigger. You will either prove everyone wrong, or have some interesting stories to tell your car buddies.

[Germanauto]

If it will be a garaged weekend car I'd be willing to take the risk.