Thought I would add my two cents ... I have a 991 Cab and just got my GT Roadster two weeks ago ... They are very different cars. The 991 is a better machine, but the GT is a better car (if that makes sense). The GT is way more involving, way less forgiving, and is awesome - as everyone has said, there is a certain "hard to put your finger on it" specialness about it ... And it's a riot to drive. As I only have 150 miles on it, I can't comment on its use as a DD, but the 991 is a great DD. Lastly, let's be honest, we're not comparing Camrys and Accords ... These are emotional purchases. I'm lucky that I didn't have to choose, but neither is a bad choice. It's just that the GT is something the 991 isn't, and it will never be.

 

thanks a lot for chiming in. I also wonder what effect AMG will have on AM. but honestly, I highly doubt that it will not lead to a more techy and performant machine. Now whether that is a "better" car, especially with AM's old world charm is debatable. But, the reality that one will be the "old" vantage to me is undeniable. But i do agree, I am buying the V because it is an old school drivers car that does the basic tasks (rows gears, good steering and chassis, and nice v8) all well - classic driver. Its no 991, AMG, M.

haha - my kind of garage....congrats!

this is one question i am curious about - any rough eta for the new one - if it really is years away (2017 at least), then buying current isn't a huge deal. though, it takes 6 months to get one built for canadians to spec. However, I assume that they will depreciate harder once the new one is officially announced, since current V8S you see for sale are still holding value quite well, at least in canada.

Funny, the AMG gt is on my radar too. Looks like a hell of a car! I wonder how popular it will be and what the drive will be like. I honestly didn't love the C63, so i wonder if this will be more "connected" and less hot-rod than most current AMG's. never driven an SLS though, and have heard great reviews.

Do you mind chiming in on why you hated DD it? it is one of my worries and i also feel like it is meant for ppl that have an Sclass and 911 just sitting idle too haha.

maybe the SS transmission made it less enjoyable - something i imagine AMG will fix in the new AMs.

End of run models tend to be good deals price-wise and be the most bug free iteration, agreed. But they are also instantly dated the minute the new one appears and value and "road specialness" die instantly. Maybe this is slightly different with exotics, since you don't see many AMs just roaming the street. But i know that once the 991 came out, i barely turn my head for a 997 turbo - just a mental thing. Like "new toy" syndrome.


I would have thought so, but the 18k reduction in sticker price on the GT, makes it virtually a 5k or so difference. A 2012-3 V8S is still nearly a 110k+ car in canada, I believe and I wouldnt go any earlier. A loaded 2015 GT is 125k here...
I wonder how this math will change the minute the used market prices reflect the reality that a totally new V is on its way?

thanks a lot for chiming in, especially since your opinion is so relevant! I can fully understand the "better car" argument - when i drive the 991, i understand what ppl rave about. But when you just sit in the AM and start it.....lord.

I fully agree on the 'emotional purchase aspect" - some times i think about simply being practical and buying a 991 or AMG/M...and then think that none of those are intelligent purchases ...if that was the point, just buy a 50k SUv and be done with it.

so long story short, you prefer to grab the keys to the AM over the 991? are there any daily jobs that you feel like the AM is inconvenient for, compared to a 991 - i.e. not like moving dirt at the garden store. Also, do you find the AM draws a lot more attention than the 991, ? is your 991 an s/turbo/ etc...how do you find the thrill of driving v the AM?

thanks again

 

1 - Driving such an expensive car is a huge liability in LA. You get rear ended (which happened to me twice with the M3... in the span of 4 months), and unless the car is totaled (which happened with the M3 the 2nd time), it will be severely depreciated as it will have a tainted history.

2 - Maintenance is extremely expensive ($5k in 6 months of use)

3 - Eats gas like crazy (13 mpg, 45 mile commute every day)

4 - Insurance is very expensive for daily use

5 - Sportshift transmission is the worst transmission I ever drove, I thought I could get used to it but I can't. It just blows. Yes, I feather the throttle. Getting stuck in <5pmh traffic is painful as creep mode kicks in and destroys the clutch. The car stutters and violently jolts at low speeds. Starting from a hill/ramp stoplight/traffic is horrible as the car rolls back and you need to use the e-brake all the time to prevent this... oh which btw is also the worst e-brake I ever used.

6 - Driving a 6 figure car vs a 4 figure lease econobox bares no difference in LA rush hour traffic. If anything, you know you have a ton of HP at your disposal and you can't use it, so it ends up being super frustrating.

Most of all, #5 did it for me, the other ones helped me decide it was a wise choice to drive something easier on the pocket daily.

Not driving the Vantage every day makes it more enjoyable when I drive it how its meant, in the mountains/fast/briskly.

Would I enjoy more a car I can drive every day? Probably. Then again, some members here do use it as a DD...

 

I have four kids under 5 so I pick the 991 when I need the two car seats in the back! The GT is mostly for my commute which it's great at ... About 50 miles round trip. I also rotate my full size RR in so I can pick from a few options. My 991 is base (if you can imagine the horror) so they are about the same speed, but the GT feels faster when you're really slamming it ... the 991 feels faster in average settings. The SS took some getting used to but that's all behind me now. If this is a practical purchase, get the 991 ... If it's emotional, get the GT. The GT gets waaaaaay more attention.

 

I have had my 07 V8V (manual transmission) for now over a year and 13K miles. Its my DD, not only back and forth to work, but to grocery store, etc. When its just me +/- wife +/- dog this is the car we take, not her Lexus RX450h. Frankly, I couldn't be happier. Sure its a hassle in stop/go traffic, but I've gotten used to operating under those circumstances and its really a non-issue for me. The specialness of the car just overwhelms any negatives for me. And, so far, its been bulletproof -- just the 10k mile service visits. So, for me this was definitely the right decision. Lastly, from an emotional perspective, I'll add that in my 6 floor parking lot at work, when I arrive late and have to drive up to the top, I pass literally dozens of MB, BMW, Lexus and at least 6 Porsches every time; never anything as cool as my AM!

 

Yeah I'll second that ... It may sound a little vain, etc, but the coolness of this car is absolutely off the charts. I parked next to a 458 last night ... Guess which one got more attention, for half the price!

 

Funny story.... last week I was driving home from work on I-20. I was doing my usual scanning left, right, rearview, etc, seeing among the typical American and Japanese cars a smattering of Mercedes, Porsches and Corvettes. A typical commute, no big deal. All of a sudden as I looked in the rearview and was about to move on my eyes snapped back, "what the heck is that?" It was a black car about 200 yards back that had moved into my lane, and I thought "that looks cool as hell!" Imagine my surprise after another second when I realized "That's an AM!". In the year I've had my car I've seen maybe 4 others on the road, but never one driving my way. He pulled up behind me in his V8V Roadster, I happily moved over, he passed and then I pulled in behind him (license plate MAECH -- are you on the forum?). I drove behind him for another 3 miles before I had to turn off onto 285, the whole time thinking these cars look just as sweet from behind as they do in front. Just another reason why I have no plans to part with my V8V (except maybe for another AM)...

 

 

All I can say is that I waited almost 10 years to purchase my Vantage. I did get a used 2007, if I could have stepped up and ordered a new Vantage I would have.
Even though my car is a 4.3 not the newer 4.7 I love it none the less. I am installing the Power pack at long last mid next week. One of the only items that was not negotiable on my list of must-have's was a stick shift. I have never owned an auto and hopefully never will. I like to drive my cars not let them drive me. All of my 4 cars are stick, even though I know they are not on the cutting edge of tech. The manual in the Vantage is a very positive if a bit stiff shift action, but it adds to the over all feel of the car.
Just my $0.02.
Ron

 

+1 well said.
Ron

 

I also live in Canada. You can see from mi signature I have owned a fw very cool cars. Itis always hard to say exactly what makes one car better than another, but I can tell you it is NOT PRICE and it is NOT 0-60 TIMES.

I had an R8V10 as my winter car. Worked very well, I would consider that. Amazing car, but not alive like my Vantage, but the resale was great and no one cares if its a real car that does real stuff. You can Daily Drive this.

I have had a Cayman R as a summer and track car. Full monoballs etc, and that car was SUBLIME, just stellar. One of my favourites. Are there faster cars, yes, are they worse cars, yes. Porsche is ia car you can put miles and abuse on and its not soooo bad.

I have owned two Vantages, both 6 speeds, one was a V8 and the newer one a V12. They are both amazing cars. They both lack the "TOYS" some newer cars have, but honestly who cares. Thats like dating a girl because she has power tools, its cool, it comes in handy, but its not really the point.

Both Vantages excelled in being fantastic road cars. They make roads exciting, they excite you, not your stop watch. They are fun to wash, fun to drive, fun to look at, fun to listen too, fun to touch. They have good old fashioned manual gear boxes and hydralic steering. They also have one of the very best cabins in the business. Look at the quality, not the toys. Hand stitched by one person, proper materioals. If it looks like steel, it is.

They have few peers in the world today and people will notice when that is all gone. The truth is Aston's are the best version of cars that are soon to NEVER be available again.

My V12 Vantage is THE LAST V12, 6spd car made in the world. I can't think of anothe manufactuere that makes one. What was the last 6sp, front engined, rwd, V12 car????? I personally would buy one of these instead. They are near the same price and they have done most of their depreciation.

Having said all of that, I would NEVER have an Aston as a Daily Driver. It is not really what they are all about. The mechanics can take it for sure. They are very stout cars, with a proven drivetrain. But things like the paint are too soft for daily driving. Plus you will be punished when you sell. Aston owners, the ones that will give you money for your car, dont want a daily driver (even if they do daily drive it). They want a special car, and most have other cars.

My R8V10 was a much better daily driver. The Aston is very low at the front and it does not like weather below 5 Celsius. The suspension gets very hard, etc, etc, etc.

It's a bit like marring a super model and asking her to take out the trash.

I daily drove my Astons to work in the summer, no issues, but that is not like a Montreal winter. You guys get it hardcore.

I would buy Porsche. But not the 991, those cars feel a bit numb. Like small Panamera's, not 911's. Get a beautiful 997, last of the "pure" 911's, still have proper steering etc. Porsche is a good every day car.

Or buy an R8.


That's my take.

 

Classic

 

I can understand most of these points- thanks for chiming in.

In my case,

I can understand the annoyance of daily use and parking lot idiots and traffic etc - but damage to an AM v a 991 or fancy AMG are all pretty damn heart breaking. Sometime i wish i would buy a wrangler to do my crap in.

Insurance - surprisingly - the AM is cheaper than a C4S (by 150 bucks or something) for me. Though, it is pricey. All the cars i am cross shopping are in the same unpleasant insurance range (2800 ish)...I am young and male, wonderful combo.

Gas - well, i am ready for that, and used to it. Though, when I see tesla's or think of a 991's gas needs, old big v8/12s seem stupid...but they have their perks, haha.

Maintenance - worries me, especially when you guys say these cars aren't meant for 24k km per year, and the dealer is like " we don't see many real mileage AM's" so i don't know how the clutch and brakes, etc hold up. But the basic service is every 16k km, and it is 1600$, not much worse than my Panamera, though, I have no idea if thats the truth or what to expect. By the same token, the drivetrain is now old and proven and there isn't a lot of tech to go bad....?

Haha - the 991 family cruiser!
thanks a lot for chiming in, sounds like the perfect setup.
And I appreciate the direct comparison - it is exactly how i feel. It is interesting that the base 991 is more or less the performance equivalent of the GT, and not even the S...

I break it down the same way as you: practical v emotional...but it just seems stupid to spend so much cash on a "practical decision" - scared I will buy it and just be "disappointed". Disappointed with a 991 sounds like a real first world problem.

Thanks a lot for sharing your DD experience. I think i realized that the real divergence in whether this car is a good DD or not, is really subjective. Considering that I am young, no kids and like sports cars and come from driving around track cars, I feel like suspension and shifting, etc won't hold me back in DD the gt. The only downers will be: its a fancy car to DD, soft paint, mileage (maintenance, wear and tear, etc.).

Agree, 100%. Especially with the GT pack.

Considering that I am a hard-core stick shift man, like you, and even loved the Vantage in SS, i assume the 6speed will amaze me.

Is there a power pack for the 4,7l?

thanks for the input - especially about the nature of the MT.

Thanks a lot for all of your input and the details.

You have some amazing cars and its wonderful to get your opinion on them all - and especially from a Canadian perspective (incl. winter fun).

I agree with a lot of what you said, especially about the V12 aston - but in that case, i really think you need at least another car and that can't be your DD, especially in Montreal. I also wouldn't dare touch an older exotic, just the maintenance and warranty fears.

I was also quite interested in the R8, but the v8 version does nothing for me and the v10 is pricey up here. The fact that a new body is coming soon has made me totally rule it out...and i am not a huge audi fan. But I will definitely consider the new r8 and am excited to see it. Would you still consider the r8 with the new body coming?

If i buy the AM, it will be stored in the Winter, (at least the 4 BAD months)...I have an xDRIVE Bmw for the rest...where in Canada are you? Was DD the vantage in the summer to work, etc unpleasant?

And i fully understand and relate to the supermodel and toys references, haha. very apt.


Thanks a lot for your help, i value all of your opinions.

 

I drove it most days, but less than 2o miles a day. The driving was in the Toronto area. They are very easy to live with, PROVIDED you are used to driving exotics *I know this word is tainted), but it is not like a Porsche. They are designed for everyday life. They have a utilitarian side.

The Aston really does not have that, though I do know a guy that drives his through the winter in Toronto and my dealer claims people also drive their DBD's and Rapides. The front splitter is really low compared to the R8's and Porsches.

My Aston's have not been driven a lot, but they have been very reliable, more so than some of my Audi's. My car is out of warranty and it does not bother me in the least.

Maintence is $900 or so a year. Depreciation is the real cost of all these cars. That's whyI say buy used. It is possible to have a CRAZY 30k failure on an exotic, but you WILL have 30k in depreciation on a new car in the first year.

I have an aquaintance that was a mechanic on a V12 Aston race team. He said mechanically the cars are very strong, the big cost was body pannels etc. Race cars do a life time of driving in one season.

Trying to stay on top of the LATEST cars is a great way to go broke. You can spend 140k on a used exotic and be further ahead in three years if you do it right.

Buy what you love, they are almost always a bad way to spend money.

 

It's been said here before in several ways: Buy what you love. Unfortunately we males have a condition that uses logic for reasoning and prevents us from getting what we really want because our accountant brain gets in the way.

None of my cars have ever been logical purchases. I've had 2 Bentley Continental GTs - a 2006 and a 2012 - and loved them both. I've enjoyed 5 Mercedes SL500/600 over 20 years and loved all of them, until the next one.

All were hugely impractical. To listen to 6speeders here talking about mechanical differences as the answer just makes me smile because I know that the true decision will be made on primal reasoning, our lizard brain.

Aston Martins grip your heartstrings and you never have to think why.