Aston Martin V8 Saloon
  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Lots to play with, but lots to go wrong too. Nice styling and great mechanicals, but you pay for the Aston name a connotations. Even rough ones are pricey, but they hold their value voraciously.

    Costs

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Big budget needed! This car HATES non-specialist servicing. NEVER let anyone who doesn't know Astons anywhere near it. A good, well looked after one has running cost similar to Range Rover. A neglected one will cost the price of a Range Rover to put right

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Wow. V8 pulls like a train. Handling is tidy, despite mamouth girth and weight. GT motoring at its best.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Storming. V8 rumble from exhausts sends tingles down your spine before the seat pushes it through your chest! This is about as good as it gets...

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Considering the complexity of the car, reliability is not too bad. Injection can be a pain - carbs probably easier to set up.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Aston Martin. The name says it all. Traditional, hairy chested British GT from the old school before political correctness became rife. Timothy Dalton drove one as James Bond in The Living Daylights and you can't get better endorsement than that!

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Big luxury inside. Leather, air conditioning, you name it, it's there. Cossetting seats support and embrace through corners. Rather like being in a gentleman's club during a hurricane...

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Standard locks will open if you so much as look at them. Thatcham Cat. 1 alarm/immobiliser and deadlocks a prerequisite.

    Service

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Aston Martin are a joy to deal with. Independant specialists are knowledgable, but choose carefully and only on recommendation. AMOC membership recommended for access to the best the marque has to offer.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Complex injection system can be a pain to tune, but great when running. V8 rumble makes up for anything that goes wrong! Expect 8-18mpg.

    Other

    Not a car for the faint-hearted and you'll need considerable resources to run it. Most are tucked away for weekend/holiday frolicks, which is a shame as it's a really usable, fun classic. Expect some respect and a lot of envy. Be careful where you park...

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes