pfang56
1845
Summer fling...
Jul 06, 2020,01:15 AM
A few months ago, right prior to the COVID lockdown I had the chance to get advice from the incredible community and proceeded to get the Aston Martin DB11. Many thanks again for the extraordinary feedback (and continued passion) on the AM - it always makes me smile when I see other members posting their beautiful AMs on the site.
Well after a few months of ownership (under lockdown) I've had an extraordinary experience - on one side - excellent eliciting first time emotions and smiles - and another - disappointment in reliability delivering uncertainty in my long term experience. On top of that, there was perhaps a key trigger in my mind - when there was a switch from Andy Palmer to Tobias Moers - as my particular model was one inspected (and signed by) by Andy Palmer. I think the new CEO (and owner) will definitely do more to improve the brand, but recently I decided to make a change.
Since moving to Germany - I realised that this is probably one of the most ideal places to get a nice car. Shouldn't be a surprise to most given the history of making great cars, but there is incredible infrastructure for enjoying the car - certainly there is the Autobahn and the ability (for now) to drive *daily and legally* at sports car speeds. But roads are well maintained, service professionalism is good, and of course people appreciate and respect great engineering.
So after a summer fling (and breakup) with the AM, I decided to go and trade up for a Ferrari Portofino. Why - I will post later, but on top of the Ferrari experience and having a convertible, the other part of the reason was (oddly) not getting an allocation for a particular AP Funny how these two hobbies intersect.
Anyway will post additional feedback later. For now, many thanks (and apologies) to the community for giving me the strength to first go with the AM. I will definitely keep my eyes open with the new Am models (the new Valhalla/Valkyrie/Vantage lines are insane!) and hopefully an improved brand experience.
Cheers all and stay healthy!
Peter
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Summer fling...
By: pfang56 : July 6th, 2020-01:15
A few months ago, right prior to the COVID lockdown I had the chance to get advice from the incredible community and proceeded to get the Aston Martin DB11. Many thanks again for the extraordinary feedback (and continued passion) on the AM - it always mak...
Congratulations
By: Arronax : July 6th, 2020-01:33
The portofino is a great choice, I find the styling very inspiring in the flesh, looking forward to reading more about your experience with it!
I will definitely be watching AM closely...
By: pfang56 : July 6th, 2020-04:14
AM probably makes some of the most beautiful cars on the road with a sound that is really superb. If they can find a way to improve the longevity and reliability it would definitely make me return in a heartbeat. I just hope they keep their soul and conti...
Yeah...I went into AM with expectations...
By: pfang56 : July 6th, 2020-04:18
And still love the brand and stay close to it. I think the original partnership with AMG has improved the tech tremendously vs prior AM but I am hopeful with more time, AM can bring it to the same level as other manufacturers. Crossing fingers! Peter
Thanks...I was worried at first getting red..
By: pfang56 : July 6th, 2020-07:16
But a Ferrari in any color is a Ferrari and so it will have its positive and negative connotations of owners And I hear that it is the most common first owner color. Ours is in Rosso Scuderia so a bit brighter but an incredible mix with the yellow and bla...
Parked for the photo op.
By: Bill : July 6th, 2020-09:26
However i do have a sad story. I was being cheap and decided not to park in a lot as it was 20 for an hour and choose to street park and pay $1. Scuffed my wheel had to pay 200 to repair.
The first parking lot ding is always the worst...
By: mdg : July 6th, 2020-10:27
...someone jokingly told me that when you get a new car, just take a screwdriver and give it a whack yourself and get it over with. I've never owned a Ferrari or AM, but I usually park far away from everyone which is fine as I like to walk for exercise. C...
Ha! I am the king of street parking...
By: mdg : July 6th, 2020-12:23
...especially when in San Francisco where the lots are tiny and expensive. I always seem to have good luck getting a spot, but you almost need a degree in hieroglyphics to decipher five or six different signs, all giving seemingly contradictory directions...
Exactly what caught me
By: cazalea : July 6th, 2020-13:00
Contradictory and confusing directions on signs posted 1, 2, 3 different places. The key thing I missed was "No parking 5-7pm Tues-Thur" rush hour prohibition. I parked at 4:45 -- no wonder there was an open space.
If there are too many empty spaces...run away! It's a trap!!!
By: mdg : July 6th, 2020-13:17
The locals usually know : ) I got a big ticket in SF (and I'm basically a local) because of the 'rush hour' provision. Like you, I was there a few (less than 10) minutes early and it was very inconvenient and very expensive. The tow trucks are sitting on ...
Ooof....fussy or not
By: pfang56 : July 6th, 2020-09:43
That car is STUNNING. Better looking for sure than the Ferrari Peter
Thank you much!
By: pfang56 : July 6th, 2020-23:52
Given the bath I took on the trade in I might need to change my handle to clueless car buyer! Peter
Sadly yes...
By: pfang56 : July 6th, 2020-23:54
But emotionally still deep rooted! Cheers Peter
Thanks for the feedback...
By: pfang56 : July 7th, 2020-00:01
Definitely a thrill on the autobahn - realizing now better what makes a sports car so different. I drive a MB SUV for work and at speeds of 200km/h things begin to get a little dicey. Take the same speed in a proper sports car you can feel a real differen...
An excellent choice Peter.
By: NoH : July 6th, 2020-15:24
I’m sure you will enjoy the Prancing Horse. Autobahn here you come! All the best, Niall
Still a bit of a dream state...
By: pfang56 : July 7th, 2020-00:09
I still remember this Red 288 GTO toy I had when I was really really young. While the portfofino is no GTO it does play some childhood and now adulthood fantasies of the Ferrari Cavallino. Cheers, Peter
Congratulations!
By: radone : July 6th, 2020-23:30
I also was in the position to choose between an AM DBS and a Ferrari Portofino. The result is: I went for the Blue Tour de France. ...
Awesome choice!
By: pfang56 : July 7th, 2020-00:25
I think TDF is one of the best and most exquisite colors offered by Ferrari. Congratulations - and certainly not an easy decision (hope you don’t regret it and enjoy the experience!). Cheers, Peter
Thanks, Peter!
By: radone : July 7th, 2020-00:30
No regrets at all! Enjoy yours! R
Beautiful car and combo!
By: pfang56 : July 7th, 2020-00:30
And great views. I’m pretty far away from the sea here, so will need to find a way to drive to Portofino Cheers, Peter