Hi folks!

Seeking your advice and opinions - I just sold 2011 Audi R8 V10 and would like to explore different vehicles. I was offered a great lease plan on the Aston Martin Virage (2012). The vehicle is $232K but can be discounted. This puts in same range as the Lamborghini Gallardo and the new Mclaren MP4-C12.

What are your thoughts on the Virage compared to vehicles in its price class? Hows your experience with your Aston Martin? Do you think Virage will depreciate heavily in a year? It seems to be in my research on the DBS, the price of the car is around $180K for a used 2010.

Thanks for any insight.

 

Are the extra pair of (almost useless) seats important to you? It's really a different class of car from the Lambo and the MacLaren. I suspect you would find it a heavier drive than those two (and not surprisingly). I would think you'd want to look at the V12 Vantage if you were looking for three 'apples' to compare.

 

Virage is sweet, drive them each but as was mentioned Aston is in it's own class...you will not get the negative gawking and attention you will with the lambo, the Aston is the world's most refined, subdued, and elegent supercar, like a fine hand tailored suit. Those who you don't want knowing what you drive won't know what it is and wont give a second look but those who know cars and are enthusiasts and admire fine supercars won't be able to stop looking.

 

The Virage is not as much of a "performance" car as the others you've mentioned. It's much more of a GT cruiser. And yes, the car will depreciate significantly like any new car you might buy.

That said, I saw a Virage last weekend and thought it looked beautiful. To me, it looks much nicer in person than in pictures.

 

IMO the Virage is stunning, however I am partial to my Vantage. I like the less weight and not having the back seats that really can only be used for children or storage.

The McLaren is still rated as one of the best handling cars on the road, it's just no one know what it will be to own in the long run.

The Gallardo, well what can I say but it's a Lambo. Great car and great to drive.

Honestly you have picked 3 cars that are completely different from each other in almost every way except for price.

IMO - Drive them all and buy which one you like the best and will make you enjoy the vehicle.

 

I also sold my R8 5.2. I went with the V12V. Virage looks great, probably even better than the Vantage. Just seems like a car forced into a segment, like a answer to a question no one was asking.

And yes, it will depreciate....mightily.

 

I am in love with the Virage. I'm guessing that with some determined negotiating the dealers would want to move the cars as long as they make a decent profit. Most I have been interested in are listed around 220-227. B&O is important for myself.

It may sound silly but it is what it is. "Other" cars that have my interest will not carry my golf clubs much less two bags. I know I will want to take whatever I decide on to the course and maybe dinner afterwards.

Unique, fast enough, stunning looks and it will carry my sticks and or luggage...

Pee pee poor MPG, massive hit when you drive off the lot, steep entry price to play...

There are a few 200ish mile DBS' out there that just are not selling and they are discounted down to Virage MSRP territory. Hmmm..
On looks alone I find the Virage to be maybe the best looking AM ever. Tweaks inside and out just move it a smidge closer to "modern" design, if you will.

But, I mean..please. Just look at it. Just like women, you know the instant you lay eyes on her.

 

Personally, I would go V12V or DBS rather than Virage. I need to double check, but I may still have a line on a 2010 DBS, untitled and I believe that means warranty hasn't started yet.

 

^ Info on that car would be nice.

 

How do you like your V12V?

 

Color combo?

 

Thank you everyone for your feedback! I am definitely leaning towards the Aston Martin - I am going to test drive the Vantage S as well to make sure the Virage is the better car, although I prefer the Virage's "updated" design. The DBS is also an awesome car, and may consider a used one.

 

"Better" is highly subjective. Better at what? As stated above, the Virage is more of a GT car, while the Vantage S is more of a sports car. Therefore, while the Virage may be "better" as a GT cruiser, it won't be the better sports car.

 

Very much. It is more raw than the R8, which was both a good sports car as well as a GT. Suspension on the R8 was much softer than the V12V.
Although it has fewer ponies, the V12V seems more urgent. Very easy to overcome the traction on the Aston, especially in cooler temps.

Looks are subjective, but I do like the Aston's exterior more than the Audi's.

Exhaust note is more agressive on the Aston as well.

Both have very nice 6 speed manuals.

 

Yup, I've looked at it...a retrogression, design wise, from the DB9/DBS

Ridiculous looking light units - far too long/angry bird eyebrows/LED strips

Unattractive flares at the front valance

'Blingy' chrome hood vents...an AM isn't supposed to be an Escalade

Virage....a model that serves no purpose and should never have seen daylight (like the Rapide).