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Hello folks,
First post here...
The last few months I've been looking at a few Vantages both local to me (Colorado) as well as listed on line - a couple favorites have been a GT in Mariana Blue with red lipstick, one in black, and the various black V12s. While I missed the V12 I was after I think I've landed on a 2015 V8 Vantage GT. Independent dealer listing states "2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT in Jet Black over Obsidian Black leather interior and only 4,200 (4,285) miles. This Vantage is loaded with: Navigation, 6 speed manual transmission, contrasting stitching in red, Aston Martin wings embroidered in headrests, heated front seats, second glass key, leather ECU pouch, memory seats, piano black fascia trim, garage door opener and auto dimming mirror, technology pack, glass switches, GT side stripes, Aston Martin premium audio, front and rear parking sensors with rear camera, battery charger, red brake calipers, graphite finish 10 spoke forged wheels, clear taillights and more."
Dealer tells me it is a one owner vehicle (individual), has seen what ever service it needs (through affiliated service providers) and the only imperfection I see are scratches around the shifter fascia, likely from a heavy handed / soiled rag cleaning.
Anything in particular I should be on the lookout for?
After a couple decades owning vintage / classics I'm excited at the opportunity! I thank you in advance for the input.
I had 6 Vantages - one of the best values and most fun to drive was my 2015 V8 GT. I had a sportshift and it acted up and they replaced a brake module (don't ask) under warranty, and then it acted up again and they replaced it with another updated module (these were $5K modules) and it was OK. I had a timing cover leak (when they assembled the engine the gasket was pinched) and a trans leak (both more seep than a leak) - fixed under warranty - otherwise would have been a $8K fix. A few tail lights (typical of all Vantages) replaced under warranty. So it was the Vantage that required most warranty work but was one of the most fun to drive. The Grey (almost white) interior was a much lower grade leather, and the dye started to wear through after the first few thousand miles which was another warranty claim in process but I traded it for a V12S before it was addressed. I think it had less insulation for sound which was fantastic to hear that exhaust. My V12S does not have the aural volume.
Thanks, Prefurbia, for the insight. Hopefully most of the bugs were sorted out in the first 4,200 miles on my interest. It sounds like it does not come with a warranty (how long were they to begin with?)... Historically I've done my own work with the fleet over the years, with the occasional exception of task I just could not be bothered with (read: that's a real pain in the ***), so not afraid of some of the low impact needs this may have. Realizing of course, vintage Porsche, Alfa, Ducati, etc are a far cry from modern Astons...
Hey eholster - Warranty is three years from the day the car is titled. I just bought a '16 GTS Roadster last year which is my first Aston. Before I bought, I did some homework and found the car had been titled in December of 2016 so it was still under warranty which has already paid off for me. When I got the car the backup camera was not working and Sill-Terhar here in Denver took care of it at no charge to me.
The only issues I am aware of are the ones Prefubia mentioned - timing cover and condensation in the tail lights. If you were looking at a sport shift the clutch is a concern (short life, expensive to replace). I did a ton of research on these cars before I bought and the bottom line is they are generally very reliable and basic maintenance can be done by mere mortals, but like any car they can break - and because they are what they are any fixes can get expensive fast.
I spent years researching and chasing after different V8Vs around the country (including a Mariana Blue red lipstick GT) and I could not be more thrilled with the car. I only wish I had more time to drive it ...
When I traded my 2015 GT for a 2015 V12S I did so because of the higher quality (seemingly) of everything but it was not as 'fun' to drive and the gas mileage and insurance is quite a bit more expensive. If you extend the Aston warranty (if possible) not much difference between the V8 and the V12S. The V12S and the older V12 Vantages are relative bargains. If you are going to keep the car long term, the V12 and the V12S are much rarer and more likely to reach collector status (someday) and maintain or increase in value.
If you want the fun of the V8 GT and the higher quality leathers, etc., then look at a V8 vantage S.
The problem I see with a used V12 or V12S is that you would need to be comfortable with the past history (same true with a used V8). My 'Timeless Certified' first V12S with 22,000 miles on it and a two year warranty (previously owned by Aston Martin Corporate in the UK) was tracked (a lot). I demanded they replace the car which they did (there were at least a dozen things wrong with the car which should have been caught at the 'timeless inspection'). I demanded and got a different V12S - almost identical but with one local owner and 8,000 miles on the clock. Aston Martin also paid for the clear full front protection and ceramic coating. The car was then resold to a 'knowing' young buyer - with an extended two year warranty. Within weeks the engine blew up - so Aston replaced the engine and all hoses, along with a new clutch. Long story short - just about everything that could go wrong did. I'm aware that only the transaxle, shocks, and exhaust (so far) has survived. The new owner settled with Aston Martin as the car spent nearly 1/2 of its next two years in the shop. This car being driven hard it's first 22,000 miles was like buying a car with 100,000+ miles of 'wear'. It was not an original low VIN, so not likely a prototype. The locally owned V12S Aston replaced it with was driven by an older gent, not beat up on. In the same two year period there was no warranty claims, and when I traded it in on a 2017 it was pristine. Like any exotic, unless it has unusually low miles, the previous owner(s) could have put more wear than the odometer suggests. I've had 6 Vantages - the deceptive sale on the first V12S was a nightmare that I got out from - the 2015 GT had some initial problems - all fixed under warranty. All others were pretty much dependable and great cars - with far less going wrong than I could ever expect from a relatively low volume manufacturer.
I owned a 2007 Vantage Stick, that I purcahsed in 2014 used with 2800 miles. It had a one year Aston warranty. I had the door struts replaced and the Nav screen plastic gear, and one rear shock.. That was it. In late 2016 I traded it in on a 2016 Vantage GT Stick. With 2800 miles on it ( starting to see a pattern with the mileage) it was the Aston Martin Press car, for car show display only.
I worked a Three year extended warranty and the one year of the factory warranty that had already elapsed in the deal. I now have over 9000 miles on my GT. The only warranty iteam so for was the engine GT plaque under the hood ( it had faded ).
and that has been it. Because my car was the Press car it had almost all the options like yours. My car also has the B&O stereo. As for the piano black around the shifter, I hate it.i keep my car very spotless. It always looks dusty or has fingerprints even if I don’t seem to touch it. What I have found is a good plastic polish and a jewelers cloth can work out most of the scratches. If I had ordered the car I would’ve gone with the carbon fiber or the matte finish plastic.
these are great cars, you can contact ASTON MARTIN and get a reprint of the window sticker. I would also have the car check at an Aston martin dealer first. I would make it part of the deal.
Good luck.
Ron
Last edited by Ron Avery; Aug 18, 2019 at 04:59 PM.
Thank you Ron, Randy.
And brightoncorgi - yes, I'd like a V12 as well - there were two I was looking at within my state, both of which sold pretty quick. There's also a black / red interior 2011 V12V for sale in Southern California that had my eye, but after review of online pictures through last two sales it appears to be more weathered than I'd like (driver's seat...no idea about condition of carbon brakes at 26K miles either). But... I'm now also leaning towards the GT for the benefit of simplicity.
It sounds like these cars end up with their own personalities depending on year, who built, and who bought!
Thank you Ron, Randy.
And brightoncorgi - yes, I'd like a V12 as well - there were two I was looking at within my state, both of which sold pretty quick. There's also a black / red interior 2011 V12V for sale in Southern California that had my eye, but after review of online pictures through last two sales it appears to be more weathered than I'd like (driver's seat...no idea about condition of carbon brakes at 26K miles either). But... I'm now also leaning towards the GT for the benefit of simplicity.
It sounds like these cars end up with their own personalities depending on year, who built, and who bought!
If you need to check out a car in SoCal. Let me know.
Ron
Hi New to forum
WRT carbon ceramic brakes, I have owned 2012 V12 for about six years....44,000 miles now...just check the rotors ...they are the money item...mine look brand new...no grooves nor traces of over worn pads
Thanks,
JH
Carbon discs are hideously expensive - but the good news as long as the car was not tracked should last as long as you and no brake dust - however, silicone sprays like tire shine will quickly destroy them (the dealers don't communicate this important fact).
Okay, paperwork is done and all that's left is to sign and wire funds... for the 2015 V8V GT. The dealer had come down on price recently so didn't want to budge, but did agree to split the delivery cost. Hope to be sitting in it soon!
