For my next car, I'm hovering between an Aston Martin V8 Vantage and an X150 XKR (coupé).

I must have the 5.0 litre engine with the loud exhaust and the restyled headlights would be nice, if possible.

This means I should be looking for a 2009+, right?

Anything else I should be looking for?

 

The 510 hp XKR with 5L and suspension upgrades started in 2010, and LED headlights added for 2012. Options were few, with 20" wheels, adaptive cruise control, and heated windshield and steering wheel being the more significant I believe. Fantastic performance, ride, quality, and reliability for the 2010-11's. 2011's have a one year longer warranty and some no-cost maintenance included. Used ones are a tremendous bargain! If you're interested in their track performance you can check out some of my threads. Good luck with your decision!

Bruce

 

Thanks for your input. Much appreciated. Can I ask why you say reliability is good on the 2010+ models? Am I to infer it was poor before then?

 

Earlier years has some minor issues I think, but I was referring to the 5L's that you said you must have, and noted 2010-11 for reliability as several here, including myself, have them, and only good reliability has been reported, with the lone recent exception linked below. I'm unsure about the 2012's. I also seriously considered an AM V8 Vantage, and performance goals and reliability concerns factored highly into my decision, and I couldn't be happier. Hope that helps!
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-issues-84511/

Bruce

 

I followed your post on testing the AM and your fillings on Belgian roads!

As a long term Aston Martin owner (I had a DB5 for thirty years), the marque is on a different level from Jaguar for service and maintenance costs.

My move would be the X150 in preference to the AM.

Graham

 

Yes, I am beginning to realise that AMs are very expensive... Looks as if it will be an XKR then

 

Take a look at this DB9 engine that destroyed itself...wow

 

The fabulous 2013 XKR I drove last month in Hull is now up for sale as an ex-demonstrator. It has just 600 miles on the clock and is up for about £25K off list price. What do you guys think?

Link to ad

 

The first problem I see is the steering wheel is on the wrong side

There's a lot to be said for buying the newest car that you can afford, or justify, and the dealer paying for a whole lot of new car depreciation for you obviously helps that considerably. If you like to trade in or sell a car before the warranty has expired then buying new means you can keep it longer before selling it. With this car you will be the original registered owner which makes it more appealing at trade-in time, as opposed to buying a used car. And you're unlikely to find one with lower mileage!

So it seems like a good deal compared to buying one with 600 less miles on it, one heck of a bargain actually, assuming you like the colours and equipment level.

Bruce

 

Thanks. I don't mind the wheel being on the wrong side. I have bought 4 RHD cars from the UK and used them no problem in France. The colour combo and options are exactly what I would choose if I were speccing a brand new car.