That's poor customer service when it's a 99% chance that it is a tuning/software issue. Curious to learn if the next model year has the same problem.

 

Well I guess you need to tell them that's their problem....

 

If I review one, I'd be happy to. Otherwise it is up to the owners. Dodge brought out a major transmission software update for SRT owners in 2007 or so due to demand from owners.

 

I guess the transmission point was discussed...

 

Yeah, why so many panties are in a twist, I can't say.
The 6sp '14 Vanquish is a wonderful car. It's very little like the other two you are considering. Those are both smaller sports cars. The Vanquish is no slouch AT ALL, but it isn't even supposed to feel like those. So be clear about what kind of car you want.

I drove the 6 speed. It was fine. The 8 might be better but that's not in your price range so comparing them is pointless. The question is whether the '14 Vanquish is a good purchase. Yes it is.

For sure, you will be unhappy with the depreciation. But the same unhappiness will join you in the Mac or the Lambo. And again, it's sooooooo different from those that you really need to drive one and decide if it's the drive you want. My pennies? It's a wonderful, daily drivable super car. It will be beautiful forever. It will sound like a mechanical climax forever. You will never miss the 8 speed transmission.

 

See what you started! ;-)


I, for one..have yet to drive a Vanquish.. Who makes it?

 

A 2016 to 2015 Vanquish shows that in one year, it depreciates $100k. I don't think any other AM model depreciates like that in one year.

 

Not a whole lot different than other Astons on a percentage basis, and the more expensive to begin with, the greater the percentage drop because of a smaller market.

 

I don't believe the V8 Vantage depreciate a third in a year.

 

Okay. Here is my two cents. As an owner of the 2015 Vanquish....

I drove a 2014 Vanquish and the 2015. I bought the 2015. There are several 2015s hanging around out there that can be bought in the $220K range. And while I admittedly got a screaming deal on mine (brand new-less than $230k), you can also find a 2014 in the $180K range if you look.

I am talking about US dollars here.

There is no question that the 8 speeds do demand a higher price than the 2014s. I think this is for three reasons: (i) the car is quicker with the 8 speed; (ii) the car goes over 200 mph with the 8 speed (important for no reason but ego); and (iii) the 2014s were out WAAAAY early in 2013, so most of those have no remaining factory warranty.

Now, I have driven both. The 8 speed is noticeably quicker in my opinion. It's also smoother with the car in automatic mode when lumbering along at 85 mph. I don't think it makes the car a different car. The car was plenty quick with the 6 speed. The combination of the newer trans, the slightly stiffer suspension and the factory warranty for a brand new car lead me to spend the extra $50k to buy a brand new model.

As for depreciation, I think you can buy a 2015 Vanquish and have a significant part of the depreciation hit already taken by the dealer or last owner. McLaren's also fall like a rock, so I think that $15 to $20k a year is WAY optimistic. Much like the Vanquish, low mile 2015 650S are readily available for $100k under their list price. I'd expect the same resale performance on the McLaren as on the Aston.

The Huracan is a beautiful car, but I didn't find it comfortable. I also thought it was a bit flashy for me. Based on re sale of the Gallardo, it may be better than the Aston, but I doubt if it's that much better to make it a determining factor. Plus, you are likely to buy the Huracan without much discount from the dealer...so you will take all the depreciation on by yourself.

So, in closing, buy what you want. You are hard pressed to find a car in this category that doesn't depreciate like crazy. Basically, if major depreciation is a factor, your choices are: (i) any Ferrari except a California or (ii) a 911 Turbo S. Those cars hold value significantly better than the Aston, Lambo or McLaren.

I hope my rambling post has been helpful. OP, good luck. If you get serious, I know of a very nice 2015 Vanquish that's available locally in Chicago, PM me.

 

Keep in mind the 2014 vanquish will depreciate MUCH more than the 2015 bc it has the older 6 spd transmission whereas the 2015 has the new 8 spd which is worlds better.

Just keep that in mind