Thinking of daily driver that still has some style but somewhat unique. Anyone have opinions of these cars? SL55 is quicker with more HP but Vantage just seems to have more style, but less HP, and more expensive to boot.
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I am considering the Vantage myself. Way to many SL's around and the Vantage is sexxxy-especially in a convertible.
Mike
Mike
I can't say anything about the SL55 but I picked up a V8 Vantage as a stablemate to my Pantera two months ago. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. So far I have put about 600 miles on it and have been through some twisties. Mine is the 4.3L not the more powerful 4.7L. 
its a no brainer, get the Aston.
Striking similarity between the profiles of the Aston and the Mustang in the background in the pic above. Interesting. But the Vantage is a much sexier design.
I vote Aston Martin all the way.
Depending on how how fat your pocketbook is the Vantage long term should cost much more to maintain than the SL55. Parts for the SL55 should cost less and be more available. Have a E500 03 right now that is very reliable. Just my 2 cents.
I don't know how ally you guys can put up with such mundane daily drivers.
I'm rockin' a Ranger FX4. loaded. That's right. even got a 6 CD changer. Always looks good, even going slow. And as long as you replace the bits that tend to fall off, like sway bars links for instance, it'll run forever and only cost almost as much as a pantera at the pump.
I can almost taste the envy out there.
I'm rockin' a Ranger FX4. loaded. That's right. even got a 6 CD changer. Always looks good, even going slow. And as long as you replace the bits that tend to fall off, like sway bars links for instance, it'll run forever and only cost almost as much as a pantera at the pump.
I can almost taste the envy out there.
Have you considered all your options? If you're still open to other models, you may want to go take a look at the new Maserati Gran Turismo. My friend recently got one, it is a convertible. It is a very good looking car, very distinctive, very rare, and not nearly as much money as it looks. It has a beautifully appointed interior, almost identical to the Ferrari's interior. Sticker price is around 135k give or take, depending on the options. They have a Maserati dealership somewhere not too far from you, I think it is in Newport Beach. It may be worth taking a look. After my friend bought the car, he gave me this car to drive around for a few days. I can tell you it looks more like a 250k car than a 130k car. You will get some attention driving around in this car thats for sure, I found that out just in the few days I drove it.
Don't forget DeTomaso used to own Maserati for many years, so it is almost like driving a distant cousin.
But if you're not into the Maserati's, IMO the Vantage is a much more beautiful and distinctive car than the MBZ SL55 AMG. Unfortunately the SL55 is way oversold. They're almost a dime a dozen. The Vantage is a car you rarely see. That alone makes it more alluring.
David
Don't forget DeTomaso used to own Maserati for many years, so it is almost like driving a distant cousin.
But if you're not into the Maserati's, IMO the Vantage is a much more beautiful and distinctive car than the MBZ SL55 AMG. Unfortunately the SL55 is way oversold. They're almost a dime a dozen. The Vantage is a car you rarely see. That alone makes it more alluring.
David
In My opinion, get either the Aston or Maserati. Why? Ten or fifteen years down the road the MB will just be another wanna be old car on the market, where as the Aston or Maserati will still be an enthusiast car and thus retain value and allure. From a personal perspective, I have no interest (with exceptions) in a 10 old Mercedes, but I still lust after an Aston regardless of age.
To add to my last post, I consider Mercedes buyers are people (followers among piers)who want to give the the impression that they are somebody, while the Aston or Maserati driver does not give a S@*% what people think, because they ARE somebody.
Funny you're posing this question, as I just spent the last hour on ebay getting thoroughly lustful and confused by Astons.
"Confused" because I really can't tell one from another... DB7, DB9, Vanquish, V8, just all beautiful yet similar looking.
I hear my share of 'stories' of unreliability, so I don't know which model/year fares best in that department. To me, the V8 is the hottest looking and still a few with 6 speeds.
"Confused" because I really can't tell one from another... DB7, DB9, Vanquish, V8, just all beautiful yet similar looking.
I hear my share of 'stories' of unreliability, so I don't know which model/year fares best in that department. To me, the V8 is the hottest looking and still a few with 6 speeds.
agreed for all the same reasons, aston is definitely the no brainer. mb cars are trendy non enthusiast cars...
MBZ cars I lusted for when they were new are now just another old car. My friend's 2007 V8 Vantage still has my attention even now. It has great power and very luxurious to boot.
Reliability of any new high end car is the same to me as long as you follow the maintenance schedules. Sorry, no DIY stuff you can do except maybe some external customizing such as wheels. You have to take them to the dealer for maintenance so know your mechanic well. If you are in LA, check out Galpin Motors. My friend says the Aston Lounge is incredible.
For more power, opt for the power upgrade or get the V12 Vantage when it finally makes it to our shore.
BTW...... I kid my friend all the time that his car is just another Ford. Aston Martin used to be owned by Ford until the sky fell. I'm told the V8 motor on the Vantage is based on a Ford mod block but built and assembled at a plant in Germany.
Reliability of any new high end car is the same to me as long as you follow the maintenance schedules. Sorry, no DIY stuff you can do except maybe some external customizing such as wheels. You have to take them to the dealer for maintenance so know your mechanic well. If you are in LA, check out Galpin Motors. My friend says the Aston Lounge is incredible.
For more power, opt for the power upgrade or get the V12 Vantage when it finally makes it to our shore.
BTW...... I kid my friend all the time that his car is just another Ford. Aston Martin used to be owned by Ford until the sky fell. I'm told the V8 motor on the Vantage is based on a Ford mod block but built and assembled at a plant in Germany.
Carbo, that post was awesome!
I wish I could use my Vantage as a DD but I drive a Dodge diesel truck.
Love it!
Just an opinion but I like both the MB and the Aston. I just had trouble seeing past the Aston. I must have looked for a year before getting one. Here is what I found out about them from reading up on them a bit:
1. The early 2006 Vantages had some electrical niggles with windows and so forth. Apparently this was resolved during the model year.
2. Some 2007 Vantages had an issue with an oil leak out the timing cover that was hard to detect. The job to seal it back up is rather expensive. I am not sure why this affected only 2007 models.
3. I wanted a six speed manual instead of the sportshift so I went that route. Just personal preference.
4. The 4.3L has a power upgrade kit offered by Aston Martin that ups the power to 400bhp.
5. There is now a supercharger for those with deep pockets and the desire to do soe work. I guess the test car is upwards of 510bhp.
6. Mine is a late 2006 and although I haven't had it long, I haven't had any issues with it other than I find it hard to get out of it because it is a nice place to be.
The engine I think is loosely based on a jaguar engine but Aston says the block, internals, heads and intake are all unique to the Aston... So, what else is there?
The brakes squeal even with the shims in place but it isn't so bad.
Oh, on the DB9/Vantage thing, I finally figured out how to tell them apart. The DB9 is longer by almost 12" but look at the turn signals in the headlights. The DB9 has the turn signal in the corner while that Vantage has the turn signal all the way up the inside edge of the headlight.
I wish I could use my Vantage as a DD but I drive a Dodge diesel truck.
Love it!Just an opinion but I like both the MB and the Aston. I just had trouble seeing past the Aston. I must have looked for a year before getting one. Here is what I found out about them from reading up on them a bit:
1. The early 2006 Vantages had some electrical niggles with windows and so forth. Apparently this was resolved during the model year.
2. Some 2007 Vantages had an issue with an oil leak out the timing cover that was hard to detect. The job to seal it back up is rather expensive. I am not sure why this affected only 2007 models.
3. I wanted a six speed manual instead of the sportshift so I went that route. Just personal preference.
4. The 4.3L has a power upgrade kit offered by Aston Martin that ups the power to 400bhp.
5. There is now a supercharger for those with deep pockets and the desire to do soe work. I guess the test car is upwards of 510bhp.
6. Mine is a late 2006 and although I haven't had it long, I haven't had any issues with it other than I find it hard to get out of it because it is a nice place to be.
The engine I think is loosely based on a jaguar engine but Aston says the block, internals, heads and intake are all unique to the Aston... So, what else is there?
The brakes squeal even with the shims in place but it isn't so bad.
Oh, on the DB9/Vantage thing, I finally figured out how to tell them apart. The DB9 is longer by almost 12" but look at the turn signals in the headlights. The DB9 has the turn signal in the corner while that Vantage has the turn signal all the way up the inside edge of the headlight.
Longchamp!
The thing I like about the Aston, besides the beautiful design, is that if you drive by the doctors parking at the local hospital there is a row of MB SL's. And surpisingly 2 (yes two) Maserati GT's (they are sharp cars). No Astons.
Hum. Bond. James Bond. The blue Aston in Casino
Royal with Daniel Craig has a haunting sound to it at start up. I must admit that even the Lambos don't quite scream that way at just idle.
The Aston blue is quite a color too. Now if you can only get Ava Green...or is it Eva Green and they are identical twins?
Well not really identical. Lefty hangs a little different then righty, and I swear righty was smiling at me?
Royal with Daniel Craig has a haunting sound to it at start up. I must admit that even the Lambos don't quite scream that way at just idle.
The Aston blue is quite a color too. Now if you can only get Ava Green...or is it Eva Green and they are identical twins?
Well not really identical. Lefty hangs a little different then righty, and I swear righty was smiling at me?
Thanks guys, I always like to hear opinion out there. Drove two Aston Vantage V8 today, one with paddle shift (that was a first for me, and kind of fun). My conclusion is the MBZ SL 55 is much faster and the interior is nicer, but that damn Aston sure seems to have the style advantage, especially that famous front end, and it sound better too. Looked at some Maserati Maserati Gran Turismo too, but they looked a little chunky to me. Nice looking Aston Throttled!!!
Thanks DOES 200! There are quite a few cars out there that can run with or outrun the Vantage. When you are out in the car though, that doesn't seem to matter much. I don't really feel the need to flog it other than to hear that sound at 4000rpm. The Pantera will make a mess out of it in those fun runs to... ummm... the speed limit.
The Vantage is just a getaway of sorts. The smell of the suede and leather, the sound and the opposing speedo and tach. The metal knobs aren't bad either. I was so used to plastic ones. Even the ashtray is glass. There is also something about a car being handmade that is just nice. That is the appeal to the Vantage for me. The performance it has is just kind of the icing on the cake. That is why I went that way.
The Vantage is just a getaway of sorts. The smell of the suede and leather, the sound and the opposing speedo and tach. The metal knobs aren't bad either. I was so used to plastic ones. Even the ashtray is glass. There is also something about a car being handmade that is just nice. That is the appeal to the Vantage for me. The performance it has is just kind of the icing on the cake. That is why I went that way.
The Aston is definitely the more beautiful of the two, so my vote between them is for it. But, I had a new Audi R8 V10 convertible for a portion of the previous weekend, and it's quite a car. Finally, last year, I bought a pristine Jag Xkr convertible for so little money, that it was a joke, and it has become my daily driver. The XKR coupe is so Aston-like, you might want to consider it. Good luck with any of your choices, but whatever you choose, it will still play second fiddle to your Pantera.
Well I didn't know much about the Astons aside from the old DB4s and 5s of the old James Bond's day. So after reading all this excitement I went to the Aston dealer down the road.
These are beautiful cars. But the DBS is the shit! Carbon everything, ceramic brakes, V12 with 510 hp and 510 ft lbs of torque. That's almost as much as my cat! And no messing around with it all the time. And what a sick interior! The convertible starts at $345k, the coupe at only $325k.
So, I rushed home panting and asked my wife to raise the debt ceiling. But freakin' Republican that she is, she said no. So now I'm trying to sell her on a nice family car. The Aston Martin Rapide. A four seater. Check that one out. The styling is unbelievable. Also V12, slightly detuned package and a steal at only $235k.
Now the not so good news. I got in a couple of them ...and dudes, there's even less visibility than in our cats! With wings! Seriously. You can't see anywhere near where the front is or the rear. Ridiculous. Nice seats to sit in though.
I need to go negotiate with the Speaker of My House!
These are beautiful cars. But the DBS is the shit! Carbon everything, ceramic brakes, V12 with 510 hp and 510 ft lbs of torque. That's almost as much as my cat! And no messing around with it all the time. And what a sick interior! The convertible starts at $345k, the coupe at only $325k.
So, I rushed home panting and asked my wife to raise the debt ceiling. But freakin' Republican that she is, she said no. So now I'm trying to sell her on a nice family car. The Aston Martin Rapide. A four seater. Check that one out. The styling is unbelievable. Also V12, slightly detuned package and a steal at only $235k.
Now the not so good news. I got in a couple of them ...and dudes, there's even less visibility than in our cats! With wings! Seriously. You can't see anywhere near where the front is or the rear. Ridiculous. Nice seats to sit in though.
I need to go negotiate with the Speaker of My House!
Oh yeah.
The Aston Dealer is also the Jag dealer and you can get a crazy, loaded, super hi performance, tricked out XKRS for only $120k. With a 5 yr total warranty that covers everythng but insurance and gas.
I'm gonna have to take the cat on a good test route, then take the DBs the XKRS on the same route. I'll scare the crap out of the dealer and hopefully find out if any of them are even close.
The Aston Dealer is also the Jag dealer and you can get a crazy, loaded, super hi performance, tricked out XKRS for only $120k. With a 5 yr total warranty that covers everythng but insurance and gas.
I'm gonna have to take the cat on a good test route, then take the DBs the XKRS on the same route. I'll scare the crap out of the dealer and hopefully find out if any of them are even close.
Lenny was initially daunted by the volume of parts that came in the body kit, but after reviewing the detailed instructions, and taking a few shots of courage from a mason jar, he went at it with spectacular results. He expects a bit of paint and some buffing will make him the envy of everyone down at the "Hoot 'n Holler".
Your right though the base MB is not a head turner - I wouldn't go so far as to call it 'plain jane', but it doesn't have the visual impact of the AM. David brings up an interesting alternative in the XKRS - if I ranked the 3 on looks, it would be AM, XKRS, SL600 - on cachet, it's AM, SL600, XKRS. Can't speak to performance, comfort or reliability, but I think TopGear has done an episode on all three (or close stable mates) - if it isn't on youtube, netflix may have it, just google for the episodes to watch.
Your right though the base MB is not a head turner - I wouldn't go so far as to call it 'plain jane', but it doesn't have the visual impact of the AM. David brings up an interesting alternative in the XKRS - if I ranked the 3 on looks, it would be AM, XKRS, SL600 - on cachet, it's AM, SL600, XKRS. Can't speak to performance, comfort or reliability, but I think TopGear has done an episode on all three (or close stable mates) - if it isn't on youtube, netflix may have it, just google for the episodes to watch.
Go for the Aston! Yes, I am biased but you know you want one! Photo by a local photographer, Ronnie Renaldi.
Photo by a local photographer, Ronnie Renaldi.
Doesn't an Aston have the engine at the wrong end of the car?
Believe it or not, they call it a mid engined car because the engine is behind the front axle. Front mid-engined as opposed to rear mid-engined as in our Panteras. Go figure. Rear engined would be like the 911 where the engine is behind the rear axle.
Mike
Mike
yeah, funny my boss mentioned that twice when showing me his 599, it being "mid engined"
Probably nuts, but I had to go with the SL600 AMG. With the 12 cylinders, 2 turbos and Renntech, it gets over 700 torque, so that thing flys like no other car I have driven. The Aston is beautiful styling and drives great, but the few V8 Vantage I drove just didn't seem to have the umph to match the cars appearance. To fill the gap may require a 12 cylinder Aston, and that price is just nuts. This is good enough for now for my daily driver.
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quote:Originally posted by DOES 200:
... With the 12 cylinders, 2 turbos and Renntech, it gets over 700 torque, ....
That would tow a bitch'n boat! May I suggest a Cigarette Marauder ... I know how to navigate to Catalina. ... Just sayin'
Six superchargers ... is that over the top?
Very beautiful. Given your choice, you couldn't go wrong either way. The SL has very purposeful lines, very muscular, wheels look perfect on the car too. My guess is maintenance will be less frequent and/or unexpected than the gorgeous Aston. Have fun, be safe, well done!
Oh, and thanks for letting us feel like it was our choice... but your dough!
Oh, and thanks for letting us feel like it was our choice... but your dough!
I was at the Auburn auction this weekend. I had the opportunity to sit in several cars, 430, Viper GTS Coupe, Aston Vanguish,alas I didn't fit in any of them. Thank God for our roomy Panteras!
OK, so when does the air dam and fender flares go on?
My question exactly!
Wow! Agreed, that is a beautiful Merc. Well done!
Very Nice Dailey Driver, lucky Guy.
quote:Originally posted by ktmike:
OK, so when does the air dam and fender flares go on?
Ha ha no fender flares for me just yet anyway, as those kits are around $23K just for the parts. Insurance on this car is isane, and maintenance can be a lot too especially if you don't keep up this ABC system and other maintenance items (one strut costs over $2,500 OUCH!).