I’ve always been an Aston fanboy. This will be my 5th...have had: V8V Nurburgring Edition, Casino Royale DBS (manual), V12VS, current DBS. I’ve always loved this previous generation design and feel that the current design of the Vantage and such has lost the sleek, sexy elegance Aston is known for. I have always loved the DBS but felt as a daily driver the interior and tech was too antiquated, also a bit underpowered (which is why I sold my first DBS). So I went to check our a Vanquish, and it came home with me. I wasn’t planning on buying it but did the trade in a couple of hours. Here are the nuances which tided me over:
1. Exterior: sleeker design, still capturing the elegant curves. Aggressive but not too much so. DBS will always hold the classic timeless design but the Vanquish advances it a bit further.
Love love the nod to the One77 rear
2. Interior: updated enough....not Mercedes high tech but center console looks much cooler, tho the nav is still crap - never use it anyhow. The seats with the updated pattern design is a work of art. Even the gauges have updated fonts so it feels updated.
3. Performance: 565 HP over 510 HP is a noticeable difference and adds just the right amount of punch for fun daily driving. The DBS at 510 lugged a bit to me. The Vanquish spoils up nicely. Oh and the sound, the NA V12 sound of both is amazing!!! I had a Quiksilver on my DBS but felt it a bit raspy and actually prefer the clean stock exhaust sound.
4. Transmission: it’s fine that it’s Touchtronic II. I quite enjoy feeling gearshifts and I do Not like DCT - this was the reason I traded my Perf for Speciale (yes the S has DCT but you can feel the gearshifts just right).

So I’m more of a middle soul, not an old soul. I collect NA cars but I don’t mind paddle shifters. I must hear the symphonic sound of a beautiful exhaust as sound/music is so important to me. Power is overrated these days but needs to pass a threshold to be just right.
The DBS will always be a classic both in design and as an icon, as it epitomizes James Bond. But today for me, the Vanquish stirs my soul.

 

Both are beautiful cars, and the Ferrari ain't too shabby either. Interestingly enough, I'm in the process of negotiating a deal on a 2011 DBS. I've been a Porsche turbo guy for over 20 years, but at my now advanced age, It's time to let someone else enjoy the Porsche. I believe the DBS is probably more suited to me. Any tips that you may be able to provide would be appreciated. Enjoy the Vanquish. It sure looks sweet.

 

Beautiful car...I bought my 14 Vanquish from Euro Car also....was treated real well, good outfit...

 

Congrats! I still love the DBS and you will absolutely love it. Here are some tips when shopping for any Aston...
1. Ask and check if there is a history of “Emission” CEL. It’s a common issue on Aston’s had it on 3 of 4 of my previous Aston’s. It’s a silly O2 sensor deal and you can clear it with an OBD scanner. I used to just keep a scanner in the car lol.
2. Make sure the fuel lid opens and closes without being jammed. I had 2 Aston’s where the fuel lid would not respond to the button opening it. Then you have to open the trunk and open it manually, embarrassing at a gas station.
3. Check that the door struts are still strong and hold the doors open.
4. Check AC blows cold air.
5. Comb through the interior - look for any leather or Alcantara pulling. Check for driver bolster wear - leather Aston is soft. Look for any scratches on any metals - my 1st DBS has scratches on the metal gearshift **** (likely from rings) and scratches on the door sill (likely from heels).
6. Smell the leather - Aston leather has its own unique intoxicating smell.
7. Make sure brakes don’t squeal

.....that’s a short list to start with it. Good luck!

 

Likewise! I had heard plus minus things about Eurocar, but went fairly smoothly. Who was your agent? When did you pick it up? Good price?

 

DBS was one of my top 5 cars to when growing up; then the Vanquish came along, and even though the DBS was nice, the Vanquish has just enough modern elegant touches to it that makes it that much better.

Maybe one day I'll be able to pick one up...

 

Thank you so much. This gives me a good starting point. I am talking to the dealer tomorrow. If I do get the car, I'll post some pics.
Just realised that I referred to your new car as a Vantage - so sorry. Newbie error.

 

Congratulations! The car looks stunning!

It's great hearing your perspective in comparing the DBS and Vanquish.

I've held the DBS at the top of the Aston Brand for many of the same reasons you did: normally aspirated, exterior design, and fine details with the materials (leather, carbon). It's good to know the Vanquish offers the same and more.

 

Congratulations on your new car. I have been thinking about getting a Vanquish as well. I go back and forth between a Vanquish and a California t. I love my V8Vantage but didn’t like my DB11. I had a Ferrari 355 spider and like it. Maybe time to get another Ferrari but can’t stop thinking about a Vanquish. Here is wishing you many miles and smiles. Enjoy life is too short to drive boring cars.

 

Thanks Gene! You bring up an interesting discussion. I’m curious what you didn’t like about the DB11 - I test drove a DB11 and also did not like it...reason being it felt a little numb in driving purpose.
What do you like about and what purpose do you use your Cali T? If you like the handling feel and power of the Cali T (as you probably did with the 355) then you are aware that the Ferrari driving experience is unmatched by any Aston. I have a couple V8’s of which I use this for - 16M and Speciale.
Thus I use the Aston more as a daily GT cruiser. The Vanquish does this well. Additionally it has the NA V12 sound and power vs the TT V8 of the Cali T ( which will be faster with more torque of course).
Then you have a V8V which you enjoy and I absolutely loved my previous V12Vantage - very nimble with great handling.
Of course, it may be superfluous to own 2 Aston’s, thus for me, I chose Aston for its 2 prowesses - sleek elegance and luxury GT cruising.
Ferrari’s forte for me is the driving experience. It doesn’t have to be the fastest for me but I want to feel the handling, the shifting and the unique “lightness” of its acceleration. This is manifest for me in their V8’s...everything from 355 to 458 models and in between (sorry I’m not a turbo fan so no interest in 488 or after).
Fun and blessed we are to have many choices.

 

I bought my Rapide from EuroCar. It took about 3 months for me to get the Title after the car was delivered to me. I had no use of the car during that whole time. The sales person I dealt with was great until the delivery failed, could care less, and was like "stop calling us" . In the end, the owner's of EuroCar stepped up as much they could to make the deal okay.

They said they'd give me a great trade in value on the Rapide when it comes that time. I will take them for their word... Routine buyers Lotus and AM is a rare bird I'd imagine and someone they'd like to continue doing business with...

 

I don’t have a Cali t. I have been looking at them and may end up buying one. The DB11 I had was Magnetic Silver. The paint has a very heavy metallic and I know that a heavy metallic paint is very hard to paint. But at this price point it shouldn’t be blotchy. The really nice leather smell of the previous generation of cars is now just a memory. My old V8Vantage still has that wonderful aroma. What made Aston special before is now gone. They now build soulless mass-market cars. Not bad cars just not special.

 

A friend has '10 Cali and it's a great car. Gear box is just magic and it makes all the Ferrari sensations one would want or expect. Noting but good things to say on that car. Really easy to wash and detail too.

 

Does the Vanquish not have a glove compartment?

 

congrats!!! love the color.