Hello everyone, after following this site for months I finally joined. I’m in the final phases of making a purchase decision and have a bit of analysis paralysis. I’m looking at a 2010 base model with sports pack (20,000 miles) and a 2012 S model (7,000 miles). There is about a $14,000 price difference. I’ve driven a 2012 S but not a 2010 base with sports pack. I really like the color combo on the 2010 and the 2012 is a close second. Clearly the 2012 S is a more advanced car. The question I have is how dramatic is the difference? I’d really appreciate any thoughts based on your real experience. Yes I have read the bible 😎. Thanks in advance!

 

I have had 4 V8's and 3 V12S - I can tell you that an 'S' has pretty much top of the line quality in everything vs. the base which might have lower quality leather and other bits. At 20K miles you might have a new clutch replacement and the resale on a higher mileage will reflect price. With used Aston prices everythings negotiable - don't be afraid to ask for a better deal on the S

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I hear what you’re saying. Other than 7 gears vs 6 is there a dramatic difference between ASM 1 and 2? Also trying to discern material difference in ride quality and handling between S and Base with sports pack.

 

Yes - there is a dramatic difference between the Sportshifts - a ton of improvements between the two. My 2009 had the older version, my 2015 had the newer version - a world of difference. My 2007 was a manual - I personally prefer the sportshift and paddle shifting clutchless.

 

You really should drive both and see witch one your more intune with. SS II is a nice package but that's a large gap in price for similar cars. Buyers market is always whatever you can get the best deal on, don't hesitate to stick to your budget and move on if they will not deal.

 

I have a 2010 with sports pack (manual though) and the ride is very very firm, although I had no issue driving across the country, was comfortable enough on the highway, it can really grip in the mountain canyons though

tire noise on not so great roads with the standard bridgestone RE050 whatever tires is horrible and noisy, hopefully Michelins will address that issue

 

Appreciate the thoughts so far. I’d really like to hear from other owners that have driven or are driving Sportshift 1. I personally like the SS system and don’t want a straight manual. Obviously SS 2 is better and more advanced but as most of you probably know it is hard to find the perfect car that meets all of your criteria.

 

I'd go with the SS2 and sacrifice 2nd or 3rd color combo. Big changes with that transmission over the the original.

 

my 2009 with ASM1 is great, after the new clutch. it was a little wonky before... quick shifts with a roll of the foot.

 

@COJimmy I have owned a 2010 Vantage V8 (convertible) and a 2012 Vantage V8S (coupe). As others have mentioned, there is a significant difference. Hands down I preferred the 2012 V8S. SS2 was much improved especially in traffic. The SS1 had an annoying crawl feature. My original intention was to trade in the 2010 for a manual shift Vantage. When I got to the AM dealership, she had a new 2012 V8S. The exhaust note immediately sold me even though is it was the paddle shift. Last year I traded in the 2012 V8VS for a DB11. I hope this helps.

 

Wem, thank you, that was exactly the comparison I was looking for. Thanks also to everyone else that replied as all answers were helpful. Definitely confirmed my choice. Now I just need to find a 2012 V8 S Coupe in great condition, with history, with low miles, in a color I like and for a fair price...

 

As not many speak of it Velocity has SS1 tuning that makes it a very nice box.

 

Sound is important - my 2009 had no sound and was in warranty, so no cheap solutions - so I made sure after that all the Vantages had sports exhaust.

 

Is that part of their engine tune, or a separate option? What revisions are made? Is the higher-RPM speed-shift timing also affected? I suppose I could just ask Stuart, lol.