I have had my 2014 V12S Roadster for 14 months and the SS transmission is fine. I had a F430 F1 before that for 3 years and the transmissions are similar. There is no way I want to be pushing on a clutch pedal, the SS trans is more than adequate. People say not to use the auto button as it can be jerky but I use it some times with no real adverse effects. However I do usually use the paddle shifts and they are very good. For putting the car into my garage (tight fit) I usually use the auto button as it feels like I use less rev's to get the car moving. Give one a try I do not think you will be disappointed.

 

If you like driving a manual you will not be happy. I have owned both and now only have the six speed in both my Aston's. If you are not a manual person then you should be ok. Go drive it and see what you think.
The point to remember is its not a manual and its not an automatic. You may like it and you may not. Be sure and take it for a long test drive. Around the block is not near long enough.
Micks point about driving it in heavy traffic is valid. A manual is not pleasant in that circumstance. Your resale value and clutch wear will also be worse with the sport shift.

 

 

I have had several dual clutches as well. If your question is how does the single clutch compare to the dual clutch the answer is it doesn't. Old technology versus new. There is no comparison.
You won't be happy with the sport shift.

 

I have a V12S - I think the SSIII is light years above an automatic as it's involving yet eliminates the clutch - you still modulate the gas as if your shifting manually (which you are)... no issues at all. The only thing as a caution - I know a few V12S owners who beat the crap out of the car, and a few who drive normally (as normal as you can with a V12S) - My first V12S was a 'certified' Aston Martin car - turns out 'certified' meant it was tracked - so we settled out of court and they replaced the car. The second owner (after me) already had a new engine, several new computers replaced, and two new clutches - in the past year alone. So if it's certified used, demand the pedigree and in writing it was not a previous Aston Martin owned car. My new one has had zero issues, but I'm still going to extend the warranty until I can't anymore (12 years since first registered). If you need any other advce feel free to PM me... I've had 5 Vantages over the past 11 years.

 

 

 

SS III is better than the SS I in an 09. Auto is still jerky compared to an automatic. They don't make the SS anymore. Enough said.

 

The Auto mode on all Sportshifts are pretty pathetic - the V12S less so. I also had a 2009 Sportshift - and a 2015 V8 GT Sportshift. I really don't understand the logic Aston had by not including the Sportshift III on all Vantages V8's and V12's... they had to know about the market disadvantage of the older Sportshift's, but the 2015 Sportshift II and the III are better than earlier versions. However, my V8 GT had two warranty issues (both $5k) on failed computers that affected the sportshift, whereas the Sportshift III seems to be solid (so far) with 13,000 miles on it. My 2009 went 45,000 miles on the original clutch before it needed replacement. When it test drove the 2019 Vantage automatic I felt helpless as the transmission held onto gears and seemed more 'jerky' to me than my sportshift III in automode (my wife drives it in Automode), and I felt much less in control - I've spoken to some Aston sales reps who have felt the same.