Manual vs Sportshift
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Joined: Oct 2011
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I found a low mileage 09 Vantage with a 6 spd manual in upstate New York 3 years ago. After 6k miles I couldn't be happier. I had driven several pre and post 09 cars with the SportShift but never liked them as much as the manual. In the end buy what you like best.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Bay Area, CA
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Originally Posted by Prefurbia
I've had one manual - a 2007 V8 Vantage found the clutch to be heavy a real 'pain' in daily rush hour. Then I purchased used a 2009 Sportshift and loved the interaction of the gas and eliminating the clutch - would not likely ever to go back to the manual. The Sportshift is semi-involving, still one with the vehicle. Reliability? The 2007 and 2009 was zero problems (Ford era ownership) - in 25,000 miles and 42,000 miles (2009), then I traded for a 2015 GT which had at least 20,000 in warranty issues. I had that 2 years and traded for a 'Timeless Certified' 2015 V12S which had at least a dozen warranty issues on day of delivery, then discovered the 'timeless certified' car was in fact tracked in its 22,000 mile previous life. Aston replaced the car with a local 8,000 mile V12S, but I lost the B&O Stereo. which was fantastic. That said the new owner in less than a year replaced the engine, clutch, pretty much a lot of computers because of a seat belt issue, and now needs another new clutch (all under warranty)... mine? Zero issues. My theory is that under Ford the cars were pretty much bullet proof, maybe not so much under current ownership.
After speaking to a few Aston Martin trained mechanics, I'd ask them their take on the early v8 engines and both reflected that they rarely replaced them.
DB9 engines on the other hand, were replaced quite often from their experience and it wasn't uncommon for them to see problems such as oil leaks, etc with that car.
Your theory of Ford era vs current production is another interesting one to note. I really hope they've worked out issues for their new generation of cars.
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: South Africa
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The Vantages all have the same manual gearbox--only difference is stick shift or paddle shift.
I thought I would prefer the stick until I took my car on a track day.
I really liked having both hands on the wheel and changing gear in corners .
I know that is not good practice but as an old timer it was good for me
I thought I would prefer the stick until I took my car on a track day.
I really liked having both hands on the wheel and changing gear in corners .
I know that is not good practice but as an old timer it was good for me