Hi, I am new to the turbo forum, like to see if anyone mind sharing some thoughts. I would like to get some feedback if some of you did consider AM Vantage? I know the Vantage is more along the line of CS. But I am interested in a more general ownership experience of the two car - design, reliability, and build quality comparison(not on performance). I like the design of both, and I have been reading up on the AMv8. Now, I would like to learn more about the turbo. Thanks in advance.

 

I went thru this decision last summer. 1 year ago I was due to celebrate the delivery of an AMV8 which I had been waiting 2 years for. The lackluster experience I had with my wife's 996 tip cab made me look outside the marque for cars. The 996 tip got replaced by a fantastic E55, and my toy was to be the new Aston. Over time the Aston went from a $80k 3000lbs sports car to a $120k 3600lbs sports car. It's sheer beauty made the tepid performance per dollar almost tolerable, but the last straw was the prevalence of paint defects seen on a "hand built" exotic. My wife put the nail in the coffin when after a test drive she said "this thing has no ballz" - it is true, the Aston matches up best with a Cayman S in terms of performance.

 

Thanks for sharing, I did not mind the performance. The Vantage is a classic beauty, but the more I read on the little issues Vantage owners is having, the more concerns I get. I am not sure if I am willing to look past those quality issues after spending that kind of money. With Porsche, I know the paint, etc is not going to be a problem. It will be interesting to see if there are others that went thru the Porsche vs Vantage decision.

 

Another option for you may be the new Maserati:



Its about the same price as the Vantage.

 

Reliability, Power, Daily Drivability all favor the turbo. Plus, I would need to have a turbo first and then another toy to compliment it. I could have a turbo with no AMV8/Murci/F430 etc etc. But I wouldn't want to have an exotic with no turbo. Make sense?

 

I just LOVE the look of the AM car. If it had the power to match, maybe I would have considered it more seriously...

 

MDC. You're still toiling over the AMV8? This is a tough decision.

From my own experience, and what I've read on amoc, I think that most of the reliability issues that plagued the 06s and earlier 07s have been worked out in the new models. Mine has been trouble free - no paint issues, no door lock issues, and no tranny issues. I think the quality is on par with, if not better than, my 996.

The biggest criticism people have with the AMV8 is its power, and in comparison to the turbo, you'll notice a big difference. That said, the AMV8 is still faster than my NA 996, and it keeps up just fine with the 997S. I've read track times that indicate that the AMV8 is surprisingly nimble notwithstanding its weight. Just as you shouldn't underestimate its overall performance, don't expect it to hang with the 997 turbo.

For me, it came down to looks, sound, power, and feel. IMO, the Vantage is the best looking of the Astons, it has an amazing interior, and its exhaust note is beautiful. It isn't lacking in technology and modern features either. For me, the Vantage eeked out the win.

When you're in so cal, you're welcome to check mine out.

-bg

 

I had a vantage on order but backed out as AM treat 1st year customers as their testbed so they always have horrendous problems.Now many of those have been sorted so reliability should be less of an issue.
Prodrive now effectively own aston martin and they do a power kit which takes performance up to Carrera 2 S levels so the car is much more tempting.
Also If i lived in sunnier climate the convertible is the one to go for..stunningly beautiful and gives littel away to the fixed head in terms of dynamics.

 

My brother has a DB9 and all I can say is "what a piece of S%$t" He has had the AM in the shop so many times that I forgot he had it. 2 engines later and its back again. For a daily driver definately not the way to go. Looks great, but performance and reliability not even close to my TT. Hope this helps.

 

Just get both.

 

I really considered dumping my wife's CLK 550 cab and getting the AMV8 roadster. To me, the Vantage power levels are more suited to that role

 

Thanks for the info, I went to the dealer and ask for some info, I know nothing about this car, or Maserati in general But the car looks pretty good from some angles. My wife like the big back seats. Will have to see it in person, and learn more about the car.

 

Hi BG, Thanks for the offer. Yes, I am still struggling over this, my original plan was to get the Turbo when I am done with my 997 CS. When I started to look more into the Vantage, I just could not stop thinking about the design of that car! Now, I love both!! The Turbo 2+2 does come in handy because we have kids. But the more I read from amoc, the more worry I get over the Vantage. With the Turbo, I know the fit and finishing should not be an issues. That is good news that you do not have any problem with your AMV8. I am fine with the lack of power that most people have issues with, but I just do not see myself going to the dealership to fix little thing every on a regular basis, that might get old after a while. You should post more pics. Now, I am hoping to see wut the gang from the turbo side can help out with some thoughts.

 

993 design is to die for
I can only afford one toy...

 

thanks. Yes, key thing for me is daily drivabilty, same level as design of the car. Are u going to add R8 to your collection?