Looking for some advice on what to get next. Been driving the V8V for 18 months and now looking to try something different. Not that I don't love the Vantage - I lose the itch everytime a drive it - but I know myself well enough that when the itch starts, it's just a matter of time. Few options I'm considering:

1. GTR - been interested in this car for sometime, but haven't pulled to the trigger yet - probably because they are rare up here - but kind of still want a MT. The back seats are a big plus, outside of the obvious performance characteristics. Looking at 2012+ only.

2. 2009+ Vantage - an odd choice, I know, but wondering if the performance increase and slight increases in refinement might be interesting enough. I'm thinking it might be tough to justify the 15-20 premium on my 2007, but just throwing out ideas. Plus, finding MTs seems really hard!!

3. 991 - an obvious consideration although with the "necessary" options, may surpass what I want to pay for a weekend toy.

4. 997.2 - really like the GTS, GT3, or even the GT3 RS, but I had a 997.1 before, so might not be enough of a "different" experience. Not to say that a 997.1S is anything like a 997.2GT3 or RS, but the experience might still be familiar 50%+ of the time. Plus, there are cost considerations for the GT3 or RS in 997.2 guise.

5. Cayman R - probably the biggest stretch, but throwing it out there since there's one local and it looks great and have heard nothing but good things. I drove a Cayman S some time ago (before my 997.1S) and felt it was too small for a daily, but since it would be only used for a weekend toy, maybe it's ok.

My daily is a B8 S4 Stronic, so I get my fill of kicks and giggles during the week. Probably could stay happy with the V8V, but a lot of the initial emotion has gone away.

Appreciate any thoughts on above or any cars I haven't considered yet.

Thanks!

 

V12V

 

I had the same issue last year-I decided on a 2010 v8 vantage and was extremely happy-manual trans too. The increase in power is noticeable and make the vantage even better. Now, a v12 vantage would be even better, but obviously that comes with a much higher price tag.

 

It worked for me.

 

I drive a 2009 Vantage, with a six speed. It is my favorite car so far. I Never get bored of it, even though I initially thought I would trade it out for an F430 or a Gallardo.

Knowing what it is you love about your current car and what it is you are looking for in your next car is the key.

My daily driver was a 2010 S4 (with 7 speed S tronic and sport diff). I never really warmed to that car, it just never felt speacial. It just felt uneventful to drive. I knew I needed a less "normal car", even as a DD

I traded the S4 for a 2012 TT RS. A better car for me, its just more interesting and still easy enough to DD. The AWD means i can drive it in the winter. The short wheelbase is the attraction. The roof line is low ascare the windows. The engine note is fantastic and the pace is outrageous (4.1 sec 0-60). It was stolen 12 days later, so I'm looking for another one.

It's a great addition too my Aston, but no something i'd buy instead. I would miss the bespoke quality of the Aston, I would mss the exclusivity (even though, the TT RS is actually more rare). I would miss that exhaust note. I would miss the fantastic steering and the gear noise. And of course I would miss the looks of the Aston.

I have also owned a Boxster S, a fantastic car. The dynamics are amazing. With sport exhaust it sounds great, though no where near as good as the TT RS or the Aston (especially the Aston). The interior is going to be a let down (and mine was a limited edition alcantara version). As good a car as it is, it's not the same as owning an Aston.

The same goes for the 997's or 991's. Awesome cars, incredible dynamics, blistering pace, but not exclusive, they feel like mass produced cars (plastic door handles etc), plus they are everywhere. So I think they are a poor choice if you want an 'Aston' like experience, fantastic cars if you want the Porsche experience. More everyday, unless you go for the race inspired versions (they are incredible, I considered the GTS, but thought it was not worth the money).

The GTR feels like the anti-Aston Martin car. It's everything Aston's are not. It feels like it is full of ability, but completely lacking in grace or culture. Again, purchased with that in mind, it could be a better choice if that's the experience you want. That car always feels like its purchased by people who want to prove their goldfish can fetch better than a German Shepherd. They always love it for its relevance to a more expensive car, whereas Aston drivers don't care, or make excuses.

I think you might want to consider a Ferrari, or even a lambo. They are more pure and not really everyday cars.

 

I moved into a 430 Spider.
Definitely consider a 360 or 430, nothing like it!

 

I have driven a GTR. Its fast and the exterior has muscle car looks. Its loud inside and cheap looking. The ride is very harsh. The stock tires have a lot to do with that. Agree with BP that the GTR is the opposite of the Aston. The GTR is, to me, like an old muscle car that is fun to go out for a short spin and then put up. I would hate it for a DD.
I have driven the new 911 Carrera S and think it is the best overall drivers car Porsche has ever built. However, it is $127,000 and a complete boor to look at or to be in. The new interior is very well done but it just leaves me cold. I guess you could say it has no soul. I don't doubt that its a better made car than an Aston but I just don't care.
The Boxter and Cayman are both very good cars but I consider them more of a weekend toy for short bursts. Nothing very special.
None of the above has the sense of ocasion like an Aston.
If you like the 07 I suggest you find a used 10 or leftover new 11. You can buy either one for 30 to 45 off sticker depending on options, miles etc. Then add the RSC mods and have a fast enough car that is special to drive and look at. The 4.7 cars have more power, especially with the mods, and have many improvements over the 4.3 cars. Go drive one and see for yourself. We all like different things and many people would disagree with me about the GTR and the Porsches but thats why they make different cars for us to drive.
BTY the V12V is certainly an option. I have driven several of them and it is definitely the best performance car AM makes and I would like to have one. The problem is that compared to the competition it is overpriced and underpowered. Thats why there are so many new and used 11s out there. What I am saying is I think AM priced the car too high to start with. A loaded 12 is right at $200 sticker. That is just too much for a 510 hp car that you know will depreciate 35-40 the first year you have it. If there is any debate on that let me say I have been offered two different new leftover 11 V12 cars for less than $160 each. Am is upping the hp on the DBS for a reason.
If they would have priced the car in the $175 range it would have sold much better. Remember you get the same specialness of the interior and looks in a much cheaper V8. And, a 4.7 V8 with $6,000 woth of RSC mods will run pretty close to the 12. Yes I know the 12 has the cc brakes etc. but, the cost (at sticker) to benefit ratio is off as far as I am concerned.
I would still like to have one and don't wish to anger the V12 owners but I just think it should be priced lower. The same can be said for the DBS even more. Buying a DBS at sticker is a good way to lose $100 in a year or so. No one can argue with that.
It still comes down to drive them all and drive whatever makes you happy.

 

As for V12V pricing, you simply can't compare the car's price with others having similar horsepower. Aston Martins (all of them) always lose if horsepower and price are the only criteria. Clearly Astons are not just about performance. No offense taken, just my two cents.

Regardless, I think at the OP would feel dissatisfied with a GT-R (i.e., a Nissan) or anything from Porsche. They just wouldn't be as special. I agree that if you leave Aston, a Ferrari or Lamborghini probably makes sense.

 

Missing on your list is the LOTUS EVORA if you are looking for a week-end car..

 

When I'm out driving my V8V in traffic, I often notice rather miserable looking S4/5 owners trailing me and watching my car longingly while I crawl along in traffic with a stupid grin on my face. It's not very nice I know, but I just feel sorry for them. I think, 'Yes, I know, I could have bought your car new instead of this one used but then I'd have an Audi instead of an Aston Martin'. It's just no contest. I don't mean to dis the S cars, they're very nice, and I admire them greatly but I feel sorry for the owners ... . Sry, but it's the truth ...

 

I can definitely tell you the difference between the AMV8 4.3 and the updated 4.7 is very noticeable, you can do some mods to the 4.3 and it still won't have the low-mid range grunt the 4.7 has, and even top end is much better, and if you do a few things to the 4.7 the difference get's even greater.

My problem with the GTR, and a bud here has a modded one, still feels completely numb and sterile to me. Great performing car no doubt, but I drove it hard at Sebring and it did absolutely nothing for me, and his modded. But he likes the tech factor of the car so different strokes for different folks.

 

Thanks for all the input, guys. Surprised there is so much support for the 09+ Vantage - will definitely have to go drive one and see for myself.

I think a few of you captured the emotion well. There's something "special" about the Aston which would make other cars - besides a lambo or ferrari - a little stale. That is a totally subjective assessment on my part as I have tons of respect for pretty much all cars mentioned in this thread so far.

I think the V12 is beyond what I want to pay for now although who knows how much those will drop used. My gut tells me that the 09+ may be enough (for now!). But again, I need to try it.

Still on the fence with the GTR. The truth is, while not in the same league performance wise, there are man similarities to the B8 S4 (my daily) and the GTR. Having them both in the garage might just restart the itch in a few months. I fear I'll be wanting to row gears again too soon and NOT have AWD all the time. I don't ever track either, so there's a good argument that the GTR would be a little bit of a waste.

Thanks for the reco on the Lotus Evora. Will have to go try that as well.

 

I disagree with your statement. Have a friend with a 4.7 and my 4.3 has better low, mid and high range "grunt" and most importantly the throttle response is better. The right mods transform this car.

 

I'm in the same boat as you (I have an Aston Martin V8 '07)... My next car will probably be 2009 or 2010 V8Vantage. However! Drive an Audi R8 as that would be an excellent choice too... Before you ultimately move up to your V12 Vantage.

 

Personally, I plan to move into a Gallardo, F430, or R8. Will also test drive a Bentley GT (like the 4 seat option lol).