new buyer/owner question - Option 1, 2 or 3?
 

All,

Just a quick question to the members. I'm eyeing three (3) cars. They are as follows:

Option 1.) 2010 V8 Base - 17K miles, Manual 6 spd, White with Blue leather, black 20" wheels (with stock wheels also), Quick Silver exhaust (with stock exhaust also), new clutch installed at 14k, all receipts,
Std Audio, Condition overall is 9/10

Option 2.) 2012 V8 Base - 10K miles, Manual 6 spd, Black on Black with Black 19" wheels, Std Audio. Totally stock except for the wheels, being a black car got a few stone chips on the front but nothing too bad. Overall condition is 9/10

Option 3.) 2012 V8-S - 30K miles, SSII Trans (didn't make manual that year), Tungsten Silver with Black Interior, stock wheels, totally stock, premium audio. Overall condition is 9/10

All 3 owners seem like really stand up guys, all three cars seem to be in real great shape. All three cars are all just about the same price.

Before I purchase I will PPI, before I purchase I will drive the 2,000 miles round trip to see all three cars.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Matt

Mixed pot there? #1 manual with clutch replacement at that mileage? Abuse! #2 sounds promising if you're fond of black cars, not that its wrong.Manual trans is worth the color option. #3 could be nice if your game for a SSII. Without pictures its kind of hard. But my instinct points toward #2?

Thanks! I will add that the clutch was replaced on Option A by the new owner when he purchased the car 3yrs ago. Shortly after purchasing the car, the clutch started slipping, so he replaced the entire assembly (friction plate, flywheel, clutch slave cylinder, pilot bearing, etc...).

I agree on #2

All the sporty options like the exhaust and the clutch at 14k miles kinda puts me off #1

I would much rather have the 2010 with 10k miles and enjoy the next 20k miles without thinking about curbing how much its driven.

With the 2012s, you're going to get some minor updates:
- updated lower front bumper/splitter
- lower rear bumper
- updated side sills

Depending if it's a 2012.5, you may get the updated Garmin SatNavs as well
You will get an updated steering column as well dependent on the 2012 manufactured date

The V8V S is going to be a different car altogether imo, not sure how many members here have extensive drive time behind a base and S model, but it is quite the difference especially on the track. Along with all the aforementioned updates, you will get:
- A stiffer and lower suspension along with harder bushings and springs
- +10bhp
- Sport exhaust standard
- quicker steering rack 15:1 vs 17:1
- larger 15in rotors with 6 piston calipers
- .5in wider wheels
- air cooled trans vs. oil cooled
- better throttle response especially in sport mode

Keep in mind, this is just comparing stock for stock. A lot of this can be negated with aftermarket support

The S models are also holding their value in the marketplace much better at the moment, it seems the earliest 2011s are at the floor of their depreciated values - not moving much and some actually rising in the past couple of months since the new Vantage release but 30k miles is kind of in the "high" range. That SSII if the clutch has not been replaced, should get a reading by someone with an AMDS (usually only the dealer) to get a clutch readout on how much life is left

I'd absolutely go for the S with Sportshift. I had 3 V8 Vantages - a 2007 with 6-speed, a 2009 with Sportshift - base model, and a 2015 with SportShift - a GT which is a Vantage S with cheaper trim, but same running gear - the Sportshift is a very involving and wonderful way to eliminate the clutch but still 'work' the car. I now have a Black on Black V12S - if you want to constantly clean the car before and after every ride - get Black - it looks great when clean - terrible if not. The silver car you wont have that issue.

I'd go with Option 1 personally, assuming it has premium audio and at least memory seating
SS is not as fun as a manual IMO
and a car that averages less than 1k miles a year is asking for trouble
basically its an awesome car with a better exhaust, cool colors, manual, and a brand new clutch
I bought my car with like 24k miles with a new clutch and its been great over 2 years and now 30k miles
I'd also rather have white than black (my current car is black but I wrapped it silver due to the annoying dust buildup from the brakes and everything else!)

I like the color combo of number 1 the most, but number 3 also sounds really great. Never drove the sports shift trans; so I can't comment on that end.

Option 1 would be my choice.
- original Vantage intended design (what I prefer) with upgraded 4.7l engine, clutch design and interior. The new clutch is a good thing and not suggested as abuse. As everyone here know the clutch sucks and can terminate at any given point. My Vantage got a new clutch with 6k miles due to the dealer spilling fluid on it during service.

Option 2 is the black and wouldn't even be on my book.

Option 3 SportShift is terrible

Best and only way to answer...drive them and see which one you can stop looking at, smiling about driving.

Thanks to all for the replies so far. OPTION 2 has been eliminated from the group. I asked and finally received detailed pictures of the interior and leather shrinkage on the dash as well as cracked plastics all over the place is simply too much for me. I don't want to buy another project, and I simply could drive an AM with a **** condition interior.

Today, a 2013 V8-S has popped up, 15K miles, white... seems like a nice car, waiting for detailed interior pics.

I've almost got Analysis Paralysis to be honest but I'm enjoying the search. Like anything, the devil is in the details...

I've also read "the book" back to back at least three times in the past weeks and every time I think I've got it nailed down, I change my mind again. LOL.

Thanks to all who have contributed so far.

I think the first thing you need to decide is if you want a manual. If you truly don't care then I think #3 would be the choice. Color choice is completely subjective and you are the one who has to be happy with it, but I'll take silver over white. I'm biased to tungsten silver, though. Blue interior wouldn't be at the top of my list either. I think premium audio is a definite plus.

I don't know what is the price range you are looking at, but there was a 2013 black manual S for $70K available a little over a week ago. It would have been on my short list.

Option 1

chr

Yup, price point is 60-65K. I honestly don't get to concerned with the Manual vs. SS debate; I've had a 911 with Manual and my current XKR is SS. For me, in Atlanta, and the traffic here, SS is way less hassle. Given the apparent weakness of the V8V clutch, SS may be a better option. For me, the overall condition of the car with win out and if it's a Manual, cool. I'm not interested in the SSI transmission, so only a SSII with 7 gears is a consideration.

I do understand the whole "but...the manual is a drivers car...", I get it... just not too sure it's relevant to me, in this instance, living in Atlanta.

What I do care about is the overall condition of the car, especially the leather, and how the previous owner took care of it. I'm fortunate enough to have the ability to change a clutch by myself on my lift and fix just about most non-catastrophic items, but I need a solid base and a verifiable good example to start with.

I've not driven a SS, but from what I've read on here you may want to rethink the "it's better for traffic". The auto mode seems to be pretty dismal. I would think trying to manually use the paddles in traffic is going to result in a lot of jerking and maybe stalling. Probably lots more clutch wear as well. I personally don't drive mine during high traffic times as it would just be an effort in futility here in Atl.

Your XKR is not a SS -- it's a real automatic with torque converter.

SS is a robotic manual with a clutch. Big difference.

Since the title asks for choice of A, B, or C and you have us options 1,2 and 3, I chose Roman Numeral III.

However, get the 'book' ands study it and then decide!

Yeah... I should edit the original post!!! LOL

I do have the book, and I have read it multiple times. The problem is I decided on what I think I want, then change my mind... So am asking the folks that have been through this process before.

Cheers.

Matt.

If you want the automatic you're use to; the DB9 would have that. Aston's automatic's are way more fun than anything in a Jaguar; even if the Jag may shift quicker...

Have you considered a DB9?

I have considered a DB9, not really interested in it. The newer DB9, the one I'd have, is out of my budget.

Honestly, I've always liked the Vantage platform.

FYI, SS and Mans trans have the same clutch, one is just automated. The clutch life seems to be even worse with SS transmissions.

I do understand that the clutch is more of an issue with the Sport Shift I (6 spd) transmission, but per the book and reading this forum, and trade reviews... they seem to have vastly improved the slow speed issues as well as the overall performance of the transmission has been vastly approved upon with the Sports Shift II version, no?

I'm not looking for any car that has the 6-Speed SSI version. I'm only considering Manual or SSII cars.

Are the clutch concerns still as valid with SSII?

yes, especially if you live in a hilly area

#2. You get the 2012 upgrades (make sure it's a 2012.5), and it's still a manual. I know there are differing opinions on this but I wouldn't want any sports car with an automated clutch or slush box. Unless you're a track junkie you don't get the advantages of an auto clutch. Besides the AM auto clutch was way behind the times and would drive most people nuts during regular use. My opinion and I hope I didn't leave anyone insulted.

Thanks for your reply. I'm also considering a 2013 V8-S, manual tranny with 15K miles. We will see where this goes!

This right here would be the winner if you can swing it and as long as you like the colors. I wouldn't get a car you aren't happy with the colors no matter how good everything else is.

There are few Vantage S cars with manual transmissions. There's likely a premium being asked for that one. You get some shiny things with the S.

See response in bold above..

Thank you, very helpful.

Very strange that there are a few white Vantage / Mans trans options are for sale at the moment.
I was hunting 1.5 years for my baby.

When I was looking for a Vantage, I never ran into an S with a manual trans. Did not have "the book" at the time so I thought maybe there was just no such thing as a manual S

This what I would say, It is all about color. options, condition and price. Every one knows what is most important for themselves with a purchase this big.
Ron

UPDATE: Deal Done, Fly 'n' Drive set for December 29th.

Purchased a 2013 V8VS in White, Manual Trans, Stratus White, Premium Audio, 15K miles.....blah, blah, blah. I pick it up in Houston, TX on the 29th and I'll drive it back to Atlanta! Already got the satin black Niche Essen 20"s on order with a +40 offset on the rear and +35 on front. I saw with this setup/stance in my searching and just loved it.

Very excited, never thought I'd ever own an Aston Martin, let alone a relatively new(ish) one.

This forum has been incredible so far and I'm looking forward to giving back to it.

Congrats! You will enjoy it. I have satin black 20's on mine (meteorite silver) and it fits the wheel well great... a little over the width and i added mud flaps on the front

Congrats to you!!

Big congratulations! I completely understand your excitement over this car. Great to see another stratus white V8V, 6 speed car in Georgia. Let Jason Pannell check it over for you. Enjoy the ride!!

Congratulations!!! She sounds awesome!
Share some pictures!!!!

Texas seems to be a good source for white Aston purchases since I bought my Stratus white, mans trans, premium audio and 6k miles Vantage in Dallas back in 2016. :)

#1 White with blue would be a cool combo. I like stuff thats a little diff.