I had started by looking for its close rival, a DB7 Vantage after a friend had kindly pointed out the excellent second-hand value of these cars last summer. This became a time consuming subject of some considerable importance to me and to others pain as they were enjoined into discussing the idea at the following Area meetings.  I was very kindly offered a drive in a marvellous DB7 Vantage, which motivated me to look seriously for a suitable car.  This activity was brought to a sudden change of direction when I saw my first Aston Racing Green Vanquish, which simply took my breath away and not just because of the price.  It was time for teenage memories to come flooding back, even the first time I saw my lovely wife was flashed across my mind as a comparison of the emotion caused.  It was exquisite to experience those feelings which you get only a very few times in your life and despite the considerable increase in funds to be found, it was very easy to convince myself of the need to satisfy this new desire.

Having reached this point, the need to obtain more information about the Vanquish's reliability and potential problems was essential, so having no direct access to a current owner, I reached for the computer and went to the Club's excellent website.  Having read previous contributions on the subject I started a new thread on the Vanquish section of the Forum and for those of you who have not yet visited this splendid resource, I must say that it is a great way of communicating with other owners and enthusiasts.  I found myself checking replies to my queries every morning, afternoon and evening and soon found that the Vanquish's were typical of all Astons, always giving some normally minor inconvenience which was immediately forgiven by the immense pleasure every owner obtained from the joy given by their cherished cars...

Having established that there were no horrendous gremlins to be found I progressed my search, finding my preference always settled on green cars, Buckinghamshire green was a particular favourite and Derwent green a darker but more impressive colour that suited the beautifully curvaceous body the Vanquish offers to the world.  I was lucky to find that the introduction of the Vanquish S in 2005 had made several of the earlier cars available and I eventually settled on a 2002 car with a very complementary forest and fawn 2+2 interior.

The Forum members had advised a full pre-warrantee inspection before purchased and therefore I had the car dropped off to Works Service for a check over before payment was made to the non-Aston franchise dealer selling the car.  Having received the all clear from Works Service, it was the work of a moment to transfer the monies and take ownership of a car which has given me more smiles than any I have had the privilege of owning before.

Ownership has continued the experience and the contact with the Forum has continued apace with every new observation being discussed and analysed.  The original thread has been viewed over 2,150 times, with 120 entries, it has been splendid to share the experience with so many kind and reassuring people, most of whom I have never met except over the internet.  I would like to thank everyone who helped and I strongly recommend this marvellous means of communication to every member.