The most annoying aspect of the SS if used in "D" mode is the lag and lurking between shifts. Our dealer gave my wife and me a 30 minute lesson when we bought our first Vantage to show us how to make things smoother. If you lift off the throttle between shifts, it is quite a bit smoother. If you use the paddles to shift, the transmission is much better and fun to use. If your wife does not drive a manual (mine does not), she can use it in D mode, or if she wants to use the paddles she will need to remember to use the + paddle as she accelerates. The transmission will shift down by itself during deceleration if you don't remember to use the - paddle. The other thing about the SS I vs. the SS II, is that on hills the car will roll back when you take your foot off the brake pedal unlike an automatic (the SS II has a hill hold feature).

 

As an owner of both the SportShift I and II I'll address some of the comments that are being written about it.

1. The SportShift I will lock on a steep incline and not rollback. The threshold between the SportShift I and II are a little different. It's a non-issue.
2. The SportShift I shift like a manual because it is a manual that is automated. You can smooth it in both "automatic" mode and through the paddles by easing into the gears just like a manual. Think of it this way, the SportShift does the clutch disengage and engage for you....that's it (I'm over simplifying it). You are in control of the gas so you control how much lurch is in the shift.
3. The SportShift I is not bad at all on track. I'd argue that it feels the same as driving a manual except the upshifts are bit rougher and the downshifts are smoother because you aren't heel toeing (unless you are very good at it).
4. Comparing the SportShift to any double clutch is comparing apples to oranges. They are completely different. Don't expect the same because it's simply not. If you are looking for a DCT feel then buy a car with a DCT like the Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, etc.
5. The SportShift II is a significant improvement over the 1st gen. Shifting in general is smoothed out more (not like a DCT), Track type shifting is significantly faster and smoother, and it's a 7 speed so the gear ratios are a little better. It's very similar to the Ferrari F430 F1 shifting. It also doesn't have the creep feature that the SportShift I.
6. I recommend never using the automatic "D" mode. It's boring and takes away all of the joy of owning the car . My wife uses it but I never do and I have come to enjoy the paddles and feathering the gas for smoother shifts.

With all of that said, the manual is very good in the Vantage and very easy to pickup. If your wife knows how to drive stick and just doesn't like it, she'll be fine if she has to drive it or chooses to. The only reason I purchased the SportShift was because the S didn't have a manual option and my wife prefers paddles. If it was just me, manual all the way.

 

Great choice -- my car is an '09 Coupe, Sports Pack, manual 'box

I think the '09 is something of a sweet spot in the range. It has the original design, which IMO is the best-looking of them all (as is often the case with truly great designs). I think the original bumpers and the original sills look the best. The '09 is the only year that combines the 4.7 engine with the original slimmer mirrors (they grew a lot in '10).

If you like a manual 'box, get it -- it's a great manual.

Definitely drive both a standard-suspension car and a Sports Pack car. The standard car certainly rides better, and handles beautifully. Most people would probably prefer it. However, for many enthusiasts, the Sports Pack is the way to go. It rides noticeably more firmly (especially at low speeds), but it is very well controlled -- never harsh or crashy. The handling is significantly sharper and more precise. It is beautifully neutral, and nicely adjustable. For the roads you describe, I think it would be the way to go.

Happy hunting -- these are wonderful cars. I've had mine more than 3 year now, and I still feel like I got it yesterday.

 

She actually LOVE manual and i was worried that the SS will be to complicated and full with issues.. Unfortunatly it appears that all the v8v that i liked had the ss as the installed option.

 

Then by all means hold out for what you want! There are lots out there, but you might have to wait a while or look a bit further away from home.

She said "go for it", not "go for the first one that catches your eye"

 

As Yvr said, hold out and don't rush your purchase. Wait for the right car as there are many. This is also a slow time of year to buy. As Spring gets closer the market will open up again

 

.........and prices will go up. If you can find the right car nationally, the winter is always the time to get the best price.

 

Thank you all again for the guidance, i don't prefer one over the other just trying to figure out which is easier to use and have less issues..

It seems that none complains about the manual but split reviews on the SS. is that correct?

 

I thought she meant exactly that, no ? LOL

 

This is true, which is why I'm on the hunt for another car

 

what are the changes to the 2010 or 2011 year from the 09 and is it worth the extra$$ ??

 

Congrats on having an awesome wife!!!

I pretty much agree with the above comments. I had a manual 08 N400 V8V Coupe and now have a manual 09 DBS Coupe. The lines on an AM, IMHO, must not be interrupted as the flow is so elegant. Since you are keeping the 911 vert, go for the manual coupe Vantage.
The 4.7 should have more torque than the 4.3 which was my main complaint with the V8V. The N420 side sills would make a nice cosmetic touch.
As Ross mentions, the sports pack is a stiff ride - had it on my V8V and I actually thought it was a bit rough for cruising, even though I like raw cars -it's not what I'm looking for in my AM. For rawness I hop into my 430 spider with the top down.
You are getting best of both words with the 911 and Vantage - congrats!
One last thing, if you are thirsting for power, I'd stick with the 09 4.7l and do some of the RSC upgrades - that's what I would have done if I had to do it all over again.

 

I am looking into the 2010-2011 as well, as there is one in my area for sale.. can't find anywhere the clear differences between the year models... is the price difference worth it or stick with the o9?

 

Grant's book will give you the year by year changes. I don't have my copy with me right now, but I don't think there were any major changes from '09 to '11. The build quality (pretty good from the start) seems to get better every year, so perhaps fewer niggles.

 

I'm not sure I buy this contention that cars are cheaper in winter.

I've bought and sold many cars (60+) throughout different parts of the year for quite some time and I've never conceeded on price b/c or sold one for more b/c of the time of the year nor have I felt like I was ever able to buy a car cheaper or had to pay more depending of the time of year.


Prices for sure will not go up in the spring..... Now, there may be more people looking in spring b/c of tax returns or bonuses? Prices are more dependent on age, miles, warranty remaining (if applicable), color combo (really odd colors will always be worth less), history and condition more than on time of the year. Perhaps b/f internet sales and eBay this notion my have been true but it's certainly not today.


TODAY (12/31/12) is the best day of the year to buy a car?