also, Irish, the resident Vantage lead mechanic here at Aston Martin, who now works at Velocity, says that he would regularly see sportshift 1 coming in with clutch replacement at 11~12K miles, and that was the norm. but he hardly ever see any v12 cars come in for clutch replacement. so the twin plate was built tough.

i just thought that was an eye opening.

 

I really appreciate the detailed feedback from the members, shows true passion Vantage is clearly a very compelling option for me. At the same time, the platform is quite dated. And new Aston's are getting a lot of the 'special' sauce from Mercedes AMG. Check out this article.

I am also thinking of test driving pre-owned AMG GT(S) Coupe. It has the same engine as newer Vantage, special exhaust, dual clutch transmission, quite rare, modern tech (this sweetens the deal), finishes are awesome like S class or higher. Plus Benz reliability. Wondering if members have experiences to share?

As a sample check this out

 

i think you might find that the AMG GT to be a bit TOO FAST if there's such a thing. i live in the big city, so anything above 400hps can't be put to use. most of the celebrities in my neighborhood drive the lambos just to go shopping at rodeo drive and never see the needle go above 2000rpm.

interior wise, the AMG GT is very cramp, the seats although has multi-point support that wraps you around, does not compare to the Vantage's spacious interior and softer (also supportive) seats. the fine leather and its stitching in the Vantage is also a piece of art just on its own. Mercedes has the best interior amongst all the German luxury cars, but i have to say the Vantage, even one that's 10 years dated like mine, is better.

you should hear both engines in person. subjectively, i think many will tell you that the old Vantage's V8 sounds better than the newly sourced AMG V8, but the new ZF might just sway me over the engine. the V12 is in a completely different league above everything else in terms of engine sound.

you really have to test drive all of them to get a feel. especially if you're driving a sportshift 1, 2, or 3. REALLY take the time to test drive those trans to get a better feel for yourself. try paddle shift them in slower traffic, and in town, and then if the dealer allows, go on the freeway and blast that thing. you'll know what i am talking about.

 

Today I could test drive both AMG GT and Jaguar F-Type R (V8). Both felt similar - they are fast, have good exhaust, handle well, good tech. But somehow, they don't feel very engaging - kinda cold.. Vantage is on a completely different planet in terms of emotional appeal, beauty, sound, finishes, responsiveness. Ultimately it's important how the car makes you feel. I also maintain a high bar given this will be 3rd car. And Vantage is the clear winner by a large margin. I wonder what other cars come close - perhaps 458/488, Mclarens, Lambos. Even if they are that great, it's an academic question given they are much more expensive.

I will be happy with either V8S/GTS or V12S, assuming they have the right combo of options, price etc. I can live with dated tech, as long as there is decent bluetooth for phone and nice sound system. I would also need automatic transmission. I am going to setup 2 search queries on autotrader to monitor the nationwide inventory.

For V8 S/GTS - which model years to set the filter on? I understand there were some significant refreshes in years past.
For V12S - seems it should be 2013-2015 model year. 2017s are way expensive.

What are the important options in these cars? B&O sound system is one of my criteria. Is sport suspension an option or standard? I also read somewhere about "clear" tailights, what option is that?
What mileage should I stay below?
On quick glance, I like this V12S and V8S. Generally I like carbon fiber trims, contrast stitching, alcantara, blacked out 20" wheels.
Should I only look for CPOs? For eg. there are some Toyota dealers selling Vantage - should they be considered?

thanks in advance for all your feedback!

 

The S and GTS would have uppgraded leather and finishes, louder exhaust, more HP, etc. I've had a 2009 without the sport suspension and the GT - both acceptable daily driving. The B/) system is incredible and absolutely would have influenced a sale, but I wanted silver with tan interior which left me with only a single choice - if color was not an issue, there was a silver with black with B/O that would have influenced the sale. The regular 700W stereo is also great - I use USB I-Phone connection now, had USB with music - find other options not as good. The Vantage comes with both clear and red tail lights - most are clear. The clears come in black or grey trim.

Personally, I'd only consider the Certified for warranty reasons - see i you can get an idea of the previous owners (did they beat up the car, or baby it) if at all possible, but also demand past services, if it;s certified Aston should be able to have those records. At services I demand the dealer fill out the owners manual as a courtesy for future owners.

I think there is not much difference between 2013 and 2015 V8 Vantages (I could be wrong) but the 2016 gets the 'upgraded' panel which looks better but I think is easier to use now that I've had both. Not sure when the rear view camera with guidance was added.

Also some dealers ask a top price hoping someone does not research - theres a nice 2016 GT certified coupe in Charlotte asking 86K - I'd offer 80K and have an extra year warranty thrown in. MIles matter - a 24,450 2015 GT certified in Downwers Grove at $65,500 seems cheap. but you'll find recent Vantages with very low miles. That said, I once bought a 2009 with 32K on the odometer and had zero issues the two years I owned it - certified at Newport Beach. There's a nice silver cert. 2016 in Bellevue 12K miles probaly get that 80K with 2 yr. coverage,

I also look at CarGurus days on the market - theres a certified 2016 91 days on the market in Ft. Lauderdale - at 3 months this 10K mile car at $79,980 asking price should accept a reasonable considerably lower offer. There's a silver with argentoo grey (I had one with argento interior - looks fantastic) GT certified at Bellevue - on the market for 280 days - big negotiating power there.

A few months ago when I bought my 2017 V12S I was also looking at non-black V12S 2015 or 2016. The Denver dealer refused to move on the price of their $160K white with tan 2016 (new) V12S - a month ago they sold it at $109K! I would have bought that in an instant - had the B/O also!! So look at how long the car's been sitting. When I bought my 2017 - there was a total 52 V12's advertised on CarGurus which was terrible for my trade in value as I was offered between $70K and $75K trade for my pristine black on black with 1/2 year left on factory warranty and some custom minor work done 13,000 mile V12S (black on black) that window stickered for $209K. Use that as a guide. I ended up buying my 2017 for $145K, but added another year (for 3 1/2 total years) warranty for another $4k. If I wanted a black interior I could have gotten a non-back exterior car for a ton less.

 

Awesome! You'll love the vantage then. Sounds like the exact kind of car for your situation.

I on the other hand am signing the paper work for a BMW 2 series as we speak to use as daily driver so my Vantage could be a weekend car.

You should search for 2010+Vantage S. And have you decided on either V8 or V12? If V8, anything 2011+ will have Sportshift 2. Which is slightly better to live with than Sportshift 1. But still factor in the cost of a twin plate clutch upgrade into your purchase and stash that money aside. Unless if you're buying a V12 (twin plate).

I do believe the 2011+ vantages have the updated Bluetooth for music playback and better phone reception.

Sound system is IMO one of the weakest points in Vantage. I just like Mercedes sound systems better. I am not talking about total watt output, but the sound quality and frequency response and the individual drivers. I always find my B&O's mid range tone lacking no matter how much I try to tune it to sound like my Mercedes. But it's a small bone to pick consider your buying this car to hear it's engine and feel the steering. Honestly, again, the best steering I've ever felt.

Mine has the sports package. Since yours will be a weekend car, find one with a sport package as well since you won't be driving it daily in town.

The pre 2014 interior panel was already good and better than the pre 2009. But if you can find one 2014+ you got yourself a queen Elizabeth's living room. Highly recommend it. Again all about how much money you want to spend.

I wouldn't worry about buying from a non Aston dealer. I bought mine from a reputable dealer that specialize in Exotics up to muti-million level cars and have their own service dept. You just gotta research and look at the reviews.

Lastly before I forget. Don't try to do burnouts or donuts in those cars. Can you do them sure. But you're just asking for trouble in potential catastrophic repairs. They're just not meant for that unless you're talking about the DB9 or any of the ZF based transmission. If you really want to do them, wait until the clutch fully locks and don't turn the steering wheel all the way to full cause that'll blow the power steering pump. I've never done any of that on my car but I've read plenty enough stories from people who did it. Just don't.

 

I like the V12 engine better than V8 and don't see it as much more to maintain. The V12 is easier to check the oil and doesn't leak or burn as much. Rapide vs Vantage is like night and day. Both drive like an Aston Martin. One is a full on sports car, the other a more luxurious car that can go around a corner mighty fast. Darn close to full on sports car, but reminds you it's the size of an S Class when you want to park it.

 

if you want a raw feeling, nothing compares to classic cars

 

The Premium audio system is more than adequate IMO
Some folks here have said that the B&O isn't worth it as an option you pay for... if it has it great, if not, seriously the premium stereo is very good

 

Hey RJ, Did you decide?
I wasn't able to decide (7 years ago) so I had 3 possibles that I combed the internet for:
Aston Martin V8 Vantage (like Prefurbia says above, the V12 just isn't as fun)
Ferrari F430 (but finding a manual proved near impossible, and automatics suck the life out of me)
Lamborghini Gallardo (seats are NASTY, but damn they're pretty!)
5 1/2 months later I ended up with a 2011 Vantage V8 and spent the next few years getting it up to speed.
It's now a nice daily driver / track car. A lot like my last few Porsches, but the Aston is definitely more special.
Hope you keep your options open until you find what's best for you :-)

 

There's nothing like the Evora at its price. I am kinda wanting another one. Such a rock star feeling going around a corner in that car. The 400 is such a hoot. Really great manual gear box and everything is improved over the older one. Some new 400's going for 85-90K out the door! That's one heck of a deal.

 

The Mercedes AMG V8 is the worst sounding performance V8 on the market IMO. Too deep and just not exciting sounding. Hats off to AM to be able to alter the sound some for the better.

 

I am keeping options open for both V8 and V12 Vantage. After experiencing such a car, it has changed my perspective. In hindsight, I wanted my cars to be very driver oriented, fun and that had to be balanced with practicality, 4 doors, 5 seats etc. I spent so much on BMW 530i, X5 50i, Cayenne Turbo. Hadn't experienced an exotic until then. PGTS still feels wonderful. But for the other choices, I could have saved money by opting for basic engines. And used that leverage for something as special as Vantage or other cars of its kind. Vantage is in a league of its own. So much more fun than AMG GT, Jag F-Type R, 911 4S. Given this will be 3rd car, I will wait for the right Vantage to show up, that fits well with family.

One question about V12S: Given it's so wild and so much torque, traction control is an issue. I could notice some slip with heavy foot. With traction control ON, can the car spin out of control if the foot is really heavy? In other words, does the driver have to be very careful to stay safe?

Some members have suggested Evora 400. Perhaps I will take a test drive. I checked out this . The car has nice exterior, pretty light weight at 3000 lbs. Interior looks very basic. And it has a Toyota Camry engine!!

I would also love to hear how the Vantage "driving experience" compares to Ferrari 458, F430 and Huracan. What is the secret sauce that makes Vantage so exciting? What magic do they apply to exhaust sound and handling that other manufacturers are not able to do? For example, AMG GT, Jag F-Type R, 911 4S have the basic sports car ingredients. They are faster. But they don't stir emotions like Vantage..

 

To me the Vantage experience (prior to 2019) is the right combination of sound, sensation of speed (which is different than actual speed), beauty of the lines inside and out (even though it sacrifices some modern conveniences), presence, and most of all the elegance of the car - nothing like it comes close. Once I got used to the power and know the limits, the problem with traction control and slippage is pretty much all in the past - it takes a while to get used to the car, but at first was a problem. On business meetings when weather is good I show up in the Aston - does not matter if it's an older V8, or the latest V12S - the car becomes a point of conversation in a good way - pull up in a Vantage and nobody questions you have the skills to pull off the job they are about to contract with you, one more benefit.

 

I would not call it basic, but to the point. It's all hand stitched and very well done with nice leather.