I’ve been thinking about joining the ultimate gentleman’s car club for a while. I have narrowed down to 2012 V8 Vantage, 2011 V8 Vantage S, and 2009 DB9 (all convertibles). (For some reason, there's no used 2010 and 2011 DB9 in the US market at all now.)

- Besides the Garmin being new in 2012, am I missing anything else if I get the 2011 Vantage S vs the 2012 Vantage Base? They are both about the same price, and I would rather enjoy the increased in power coming from S. Which would you pick?

- When buying from a non Aston Martin dealer, are there specific things that I should look out for? Specifically for the 2009 DB9 (http://www.autoholding46.com/used/As...c5f4f8d61b.htm), I did get all the service records up till Dec 2014. Seems like there’s no records for 17 months. Should I be worried? The dealer also mention that he was told no service was needed, but happy to do it if I want. No major stuff jumped out to me, but I would like advice on what I should be looking out for, and what I should request from the dealer. (If anyone would like to help me look through the service records, I would be happy to share them.)

- For the 2011 VS, the mileage is on the higher side at >30k. The dealer claim that SportShift II last significantly longer. Any sense about the average lifespan of the clutch with SportShift II?

- 2011 Vantage S vs 2009 DB9, what should I know about the differences? The 2009 DB9 seems a bit fairly dated in styling, but I do quite enjoy the v12.

- I also briefly looked at the Virage, but it is slightly outside my price range. However, since there are only ~1000 cars sold, any guesses as to whether the Virage rarity will cause it to appreciate in value in future?

- Any specific things I should look out for the above mentioned cars (e.g. known problematic issues, etc.)

Thanks!

 

Would love to get some advice if anyone has any thoughts.

- What are the differences between 2011 V8Vs vs 2012 V8V vs 2012 V8Vs? 2011 V8Vs and 2012 V8V seems to be going for about the same price range and was wondering which one would be a better choice.

- I am leaning towards a 2011 V8Vs roadster. What would be a good price for a 10k, 20k, 30k miles?

Thanks!

 

Between the 11 "S" and the 12, I would choose the "S" all day! The adoption of V12 styling queues, including carbon fiber splitter, and diffuser, side sills, duck tail...
Bigger brakes, stiffer suspension (not necessarily a plus), increased HP, more responsive steering, lighter rotors...

And above all else, the interior styling details added for the "S." The Tri-Layered leather for the door inserts, additional stitching on the seats, and panels around the console...

I waited for the perfect for me "S" and have never regretted it for a second.

As for the big V12 in the DB9, love the engine, didn't love the car. The DB drives like a GT, whereas the Vantage feels more free spirited and responsive.

At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with any of them