I have never owned an aston before but currently deciding between a new V12 vantage vs a used 2009 or 2010 DBS coupe 6 speed with under 5k miles. The prices of the cars will be pretty close that price is not a deciding factor. I know the V12 vantage will handle better but most of my driving is not done on twisty back roads so not sure how often I will use the better handling of the v12 vantage. Any thought or opinions from owners is appreciated. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

Handling is irrelevant. If you call the V12V 100%, then the DBS is 99%. So, really, who cares?

Go for the used DBS. It's already taken a huge depreciation hit so you will lose far less going forward as compared with a new V12V. It is also better looking since it is a more balanced design (the Vantage is too stubby looking IMO).

Since you don't care about back seats (which are pretty useless any way), get a 2+0 DBS if possible.

 

I was with you until you said the DBS is better looking. Personally, I like the more sporty, aggressive look of the Vantage.

Anyway, OP, if you like both cars equally, I'd agree that you should go with the used DBS as you'd save lots of money. Although you said money isn't the deciding factor, there's no reason to throw it away either if you'd be happy with the DBS.

 

I said money is not a deciding factor because a low mile used dbs and a new v12 vantage (after small discount) are basically the same price and my guess is a 2010 dbs w/ 3-5k miles for 185k will still depreciate the same from here or similar as buying a new 2012 v12 vantage w/ a 195k msrp for 185, so the layout of cash and depriciation is probably similar

 

DBS - does all that the Vantage does and more. It's the world's best Sports GT car, all things considered.

 

my .02 Get the V12V, the DBS is too similar to the DB9 and Vanq, which are getting tired imo.

 

No way will depreciation be the same. The V12V will lose a greater percentage in the first year than a DBS in its 2nd or 3rd year, so the V12V will lose a much greater dollar amount than a similarly priced used DBS. Immutable facts.

 

I prefer the V12 Vantage over the larger DBS.

 

I recently read somewhere that the DBS handles so much better than one might think because of its size and weight. It might of been on the Motortrend issue of best handling cars around VIR. To me, everything is inferior in the vantage except for the new infortainment and NAV. The DBS costs an extra 100k when new, that has to account for something.
The DBS hands down.

 

I would get a DBS if I were in your shoes. Anyway you can't go wrong with either since they are both terrific cars. Good luck.

 

DBS! think "Casino Royale"

 

Really? The V12V and the DBS are very similar cars and share many of the same components. In what ways is the V12 Vantage so "inferior" to the DBS?

 

Do you like blondes, redheds or brunettes? Really, that is the question. Yes, I have a V12V, so I am probably biased. But I can tell you from lots of seat time in all of the current Aston products, the V12V is not inferior to the DBS. It is faster, more nimble and more fun to drive. It is much more sports car than the DBS, which is more GT than the V12V.

Yes, the DB9 is very elegant, but if you want a more edgy, sporting car then it is probably not going to stoke your fires unless you find one of the very rare MT versions. I drove one a couple of years ago (before he DBS came out) and loved it.

The GT2 is faster than the Carrera S, so is it a better car? Depends on your taste and driving style. I made my choice with my money. And considering the lower volumes that the V12V will be offered in, I think it will hold value much longer. Plus, less of them are coming to the USA.

One final thought. If the DBS is so much better, why did AM switch to the V12V for its racing program and base the new Zagato on the car?

But we're fortunate that Aston gives us so many choices. Asking the question of Aston owners is like wanting to know which of us thinks our kid is the best. LOL.

 

Consider the gearbox - All V12V are manuals, that is very rare in a DBS.
Have you looked at the new Virage?

 

I had a deposit on DBS that I eventually transitioned to a V12V. The V12V is no doubt more fun to drive. I would agree that the DBS is better looking but it is really splitting hairs. As far as the components, the V12V is more DBS than V8V. The interior, engine and brakes are the same. The Vantage platform is more performance oriented, the DBS is definitely more of a GT. Neither of these things are negative. if you have any interest in open air driving, the DBS is the way to go. If you want a manual, there will be many less DBS to choose from. The auto in most DBS is fine, but it can't be confused with a manual paddle shift. It won't be as fun. As far as value, there is no way the V12V will depreciate the way the DBS has. Keep in mind, the DBS came into production in 07. There have been no remarkable changes to push it forward. The V12V has 2 years in the US in very limited numbers. Check DuPont Registry and Auto trader. There 5 times as many DBS available. With a starting figure at nearly 300K, many more cars and years on the books, you will get a better deal on a DBS. Now, here's a subjective thought. I know that I drive my car to enjoy the road. I'm sure the other V12 guys will tell you that they do the same. My friends with DBS do a little more "tooling" around. So you may find that there are DBS in garages with less mileage. The owners may share time between it and 2-3 other exotics. In my case, the V12V is my only top-line car so it gets all of the love so to speak. I have kept my eye out for a used Vert at a deal and the prices are getting close. No matter what you choose, you will love the car. You just have to be honest in terms of your driving intentions.