Find a Vantage coupe 6-speed man.

 

The handling, especially steering feel, and braking are better on the Aston. Aston also has more sense of occasion than the F-Type; plus the coolness factor is higher. Jaguar would be easier to own, but since you are use to 911 - you know the ropes.


If going for an F-Type over an Aston, it would have to be the SVR; that car is a good deal for the money. If you buy an F-Type you'll always feel like you got an nice car, but it's not an Aston. The manual Aston shifts well.

 

 

After owning a manual Vantage, I can see the appeal of the Sportshift FWIW. Just as I appreciate the extra size of the DB9 over the Vantage. DB9 handles well when pushed, but is more livable in traffic and for basic utility needs (why I went with Rapide).

 

Your driving the sportshift wrong - it is NOT an automatic!!! It's a manual with an automated clutch. NEVER pres the D button - big mistake as automatic mode sucks. Instead use the right paddle to sequentially upshift using your pedal foot as if modulating a manual, and I'd let the 2009 downshift automatically - does a decent job, even if you are in manual mode (it won't let the engine chug). Also - NEVER start the car and then just go, as the clutch needs to go through a 'kiss mode' to check the clearance in which to shift. If you are too quick the engagement will not be right, so give it about 5 seconds or so before pulling the paddle shift for first gear after start. You do these things and the sportshift is an involving and enjoyable alternative to the F-Type,

 

There's a 2009 manual roadster for sale in Vancouver. Check Autotrader.ca

 

 

Also... what I did not like about the F-Type was the feeling your sitting in a tub vs. the Aston which does not have that feel (the 2019 Vantage suffers from the tub feel somewhat, as does my son's Camaro). The interior was a bit fussy, but not terrible compared to the elegance of the Vantage.

 

FWIW Bond always defeats villains who drive the Jags...😁

 

I guess you missed "Die Another Day" as it was the other way around

 

Wait so are you guys not downshifting in your Sportshifts? I up and downshift, cycling through the gears myself. Never realized the car would downshift automatically

 

The Astons are pretty reliable, and while at some point you will need a clutch, you then go with the Velocity AP v-12 clutch pack and much much lighter flywheel and it really changes the car.

You may have Front Timing Cover gasket leak, that at some point most likely will need to be replaced, some have had it done for 2.5k and most around 3.5k.

That and the clutch are your largest items. Other than that, Redpants has a lot of DIY maintenance videos, and they are pretty easy to work on.

You will most likely spend less on the Vantage than the much newer Jag. Plus, F-Types are common, Vantages, not so much. Stand out, and enjoy with elegance of the Vantage.

 

I like the F Type's, they look like a narrow body Vantage.

The F type is a great addition to the Vantage for bad weather rides.

 

He's looking at a '14 V8S - that would be RWD if I am not mistaken. Not what I would call a "bad weather ride".