I'm 6'5" with back problems. I've never owned an AM before because I couldn't fit in the older models. I don't know if the seats are different in the 2012's, or the car is a bit larger than earlier models, but I'm very comfortable in the Virage.

 

I apologize before hand, this might get long . . . and let me start by saying - I do love my Aston, but this has not blinded me from things I don't like or would like to see changed.

Frustrated and annoyed as I was with my first V8 MY07, must of been something special - as they've gotten me twice since. I had a huge laundry list on the first car (lack of HP, poor cabin storage, needed more power outlets, Volvo Fob too bulky, Ford Key - why even need a key, no front parking sensors, no iPod integration, crappy Bluetooth mic, etc etc etc...)

To Aston Martin's credit, over the years I've had countless customer satisfaction surveys/questionnaires and even a few calls directly from Gaydon asking for input. They had been tracking a thread I posted in 08 on how I would like to see the car improved. They are slow to the game, but good to know they where actively engaging owners and affecting change.

Ok, so onto my list for the V8 - You might agree or disagree, but here it is:

Feature's I'd like to see:
- Remove Key Slot in door (Why is it visible? Should be hidden behind the door lever like the GTR)
- Metal key? Who carries that with them - Should be another solution to integrate some sort of key into the FOB, just in case you require it.
- Keyless entry (Yes, the ECU is cool, but I would rather have the FOB in my pocket with all the modern conveniences of the keyless system)
- Use Stalk to clear messages (and get the Speedo back instantly)
- Tire Pressure should available in the digital readout (in the info section)
- Add a programmable button on the steering wheel (Ie: Turn on Sat Nav, Clear messages, dip side mirrors, etc - what ever you want programmed)
- Likely not popular option, but I would like to see a Blind Spot/change lane sensor - (Can't tell you the countless amount of times I find cars trailing me or photographing while sitting in my blind spot. I always have to accelerate forward to check and then move into the lane)
- Fuse bypass button inside cabin - this should be a factory button, considering how many people pull the fuse. Button gives you the option of returning in the midnight hour at a more reasonable sound. (This would be for cars without the sport button)


Things I would like to see changed & updated:
- Poor ergonomics for the shifter position for the 6 speed (you get used to it, but needs to be moved to a more natural position)
- Cdn Cars - have no control over headlights! Can't turn them off, they are always on.
- The headlamp washing system drivers me nuts (Thus I never use the windshield spray) On my daily driver I was able to pull the fuse, as it was isolated
- Dislike the way the two front parking sensors are not integrated into the bumper.
- Rear Hatch - Need to address the water drainage. After washing or a rainfall, water always pours inside once the tailgate is lifted.
- Wished the centre stack colour from below the facia was all the same colour (without special ordering it, when applicable for certain models)
- Rear boot/trunk organization - The upper part of the carpeting should come with a storage net (apart that that complete useless AM leather drink holder they offered a while back)
- Would like to see the centre stack revised. As others have mentioned, buttons are small & a distraction from driving.


Things that annoyed me in the past & fixed recently:
- Sat Nav can now be stopped in mid motion when opening & closing
- Backup camera is now option for MY2013 I believe (or might be standard)


These past two years I've looked at moving to various other brands, but the Aston still keeps winning me over.

 

I have a 2011 V12 Vantage, Carbon Edition.

I have very few faults with this car. For me it's a near perfect execution on the idea.

I do wish the engine had more output. The 5.2 l V10 in my R 8 puts out 526 hp vs the 6.0 L in the Vantages 510 hp. But the V12 is the more fun engine, 50 more horse would be great.

The R8 is faster on paper, the V1/ is faster feeling.

I wish they could remove 200lbs.

The Sat Nav sucks, but its only slightly less useless than the Audi system. But at least the Audi system feels integrated.

Fit and finish as well as materials is well above the Audi. I have no complaints there.

The seats work perfect for me and I like the position, though I would like them to have thin carbon fiber backs like the Bentley GT Speed.

Aston paint looks great, but its soft.

I wish mine was the Zagato 12!! Love the more aggressive look.

Exhaust = perfection
Wheels = perfect fit
Brakes = perfect modulation. Far less bitey than the R8.

 

2010 DBS

Wish list:

Nav system as good as iPhone apps
Side sensors to prevent wheel rash
Actual tire pressure readout (fixed on newer cars)
More trunk space
That's it.....great car, nothing else as pretty!

 

^^^ one of the things I love about the Vantage (relative to other cars in it's class) is the trunk space. Can get my son to and from a hockey game with his full bag and a couple sticks w/o difficulty. Can fit two med/sml golf bags in the back. Don't really need anything more for a two seater IMO.

 

Great thing about small trunk is it limits my wife to a small bag!

 

Great comments guys. Keep em coming.

 

@62Jeff: 2) The ability to read the dash and radio readouts when the top is down.

Can you really read them with the top up? I have an '11 DB9 coupe and I can't read them except at night! FWIY, the B&O readout isn't any better than the standard audio.

1. See above.
2. Embarrassingly noisy brakes.
3. The trunk/boot is a joke. If it has to be that small it would have been nice to have the option to delete the rear seats for a luggage shelf, though I'm not sure I would have gained anything given the rear tranny.
4. The seats are comfortable for neither me nor my wife after about two hours. Maybe we're just spoiled by our '12 A8.
5. Soft paint.
6. A backup camera would be nice.

There's more than enough power for me. My boy racer days are long past and the DB9 has plenty to get me in more trouble with the law and any roads I drive on than I need.

Given all of that, it's still the most beautiful car on the road, it's more than fun to drive and I wouldn't trade it for anything else, including the new Vanquish.

 

Just got back from doing some errands in the Audi and was reminded of a couple of other things.

1. As at least one other owner mentioned, a keyless lock/unlock and start system should be standard.
2. How about real sun visors instead of the nearly useless little strips of Alcantara?

 

The Keyless lock/unlock is already there, but the Keless go feature (which Benz had back in 2002!) would be nice in the Aston, I like the visors in my DB9, not too functional but nicely crafted.

 

You mean to tell me I've been pushing the buttons on the ECU to lock and unlock for two years? I'm getting too old to waste any energy, however little. My car is hibernating so I can't verify that.

With regard to the visors, may I suggest nicely crafted functional visors.

 

No it isn't. By 'keyless', he means that you just walk up to the car and it automatically unlocks w/o you having to push any buttons (and locks when you walk away).

 

Oh I thought he meant not using a key to physically open the door and lock it .... I thought pushing the button to lock and unlock was good enough haha! Ay carramba!

 

But the way it is now you have to dig through all of the $100 bills in your pocket to get the ECU out. Just the lock/unlock feature by itself isn't enough because you'd still have to get the ECU out to start it (and get the display message from AML marketing affirming your excellent judgement for buying the car) and on a windy day the cash would be blowing all over the place. There you'd be out in the middle of nowhere with no money at all.........just your black AMEX card.

 

!! that was funny...if it were too windy you'd reach in to get your key (becuase you left the Mercedes at home which has touchless entry/lock and keyless go that you're so used to) to open the Aston's door and accidentally after all the cash had blown away you'd knock your amex black out and it would fall thru the grates of the storm drain you were standing next to...you would feel sad ...but wait what's this, you have just the thing for this unfortunate moment, you suddenly remeber the small flask of lagavulin single malt you have in your jacket pocket you take that out and take a sip as you admire your Aston, yet still requiring a key to get in! But as you sip and look at your Aston, it all makes sense again...

...now where''s that dang key again!!! haha!