Hi everyone- new to this forum. Long time Aston lover, first time I have the means to seriously consider a car like an Aston Martin. I got fired a year ago, started my own business, things (knock on wood) couldn't have worked out better and this is going to be my first splurge since then. I'm currently enjoying a C7 Grand Sport as my fun car (date night and occasional track use when I feel the itch). I've bought a dedicated race/track car, so the C7 gets very little track use, but I do still like to take it out to run with my GT3 friends.I was going to go C8 Z06, but I've had 3 Corvettes now and zero Aston Martins My mom and girlfriend both agree I'm 36 going on about 85 in terms of being cranky and set in my ways, so I figured I should probably try something new..

This car won't see much track duty, but I know me. It will see a track day or so a year, and maybe a morning session on other days I take the racecar out. I don't care about performance or characteristics of it (understeer, etc), but how does it handle the track? Heat, brakes, robustness, etc. If I get CCM, am I going to be paying out the nose for pads and rotors? (Was there iron rotor option with V12s? I think both the cars I looked at were CCM but I could be mixing it up). I can maintain my own cars to a reasonable degree. I've built and designed just about every part in a car outside of a transmission in the past, but I'm too busy these days for major projects. I don't mind doing most stuff though, especially since it's a second/third (depending on if I sell the Corvette) car.

I'm also having trouble understanding the models and such. Is there a chart/explanation for models and how they rank?

Lastly, is there anything I should know (I read the stickies) about the V12 models in particular? My only requirements are V12, manual, not a stupid color scheme.

Lastly, any insight as to which models will/seem to be holding resale the best?

Thanks for your insight in advance!

 

I would check out AstonMartin.com and check out the current models and older models - lots of information there. Regarding V12s There is the DB7 (older), DB9 (newer) Vantage GT with V12 and DBS (I think earlier ones had V12, but now a MB V8). There is also the early DB11 with V12.

I have a 2007 DB9 Volante (convertible). It has the 6L V12 and it makes a wonderful sound. Manuals can be found but rare (and expensive comparatively). V12 Vantages would be more track oriented. DB9 and DBS are more touring cars (so they say). I have not tracked mine. The older AM Vantages have pretty well bottomed out, and the manuals command a higher price. The depreciation on an AM is crazy - but allows me to afford one.

 

Check out Bamford Rose on Utube. Lots of great videos and info.

 

I think the only "investment" grade VH car is the manual DBS. They aren't going to get much lower than $100k. They've started appreciating already. I bet you could own one for a few years and sell it break even (assuming you babied it and dealer serviced etc...).

If you want a V12 manual Aston to drive and not care about "investments" then DB9 and Vantage are good options.

The early 450hp/British V12s (later production moved to Germany) seem to all have various oiling issues that result in catastrophic engine failure. Search online for Aston V12 engine tick. If you find an early car, make sure it has been taken care of properly with rigorous oil changes. These engines drink oil and don't lubricate the back of the engine very well. As far as I know the issue is much less reported on the 470hp cars, in fact I only know of 1 case (owner did 14k miles without changing/topping up oil).

From the driver's seat the interior volume in the DB9 and Vantage are the same even if one looks bigger. DB9 manuals are much harder to find than DBS manuals. And 470hp DB9 manuals (>=2009) are extremely rare and people don't let them go often. I don't think there is a single LHD 2009 or newer DB9 manual for sale anywhere in the world right now.

Good luck with your search.

 

There is a stunningly beautiful V12 Vantage being auctioned on BAT right now

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...peed-manual-2/

 

I'm sure the reserve $ is high on that one. $190k car. Just saw a 1st gen Vantage V12 bought for $80k from a local lot.

 

Check out the V12S at Morries Aston Martin - asking $159 I'd bet they would take $135 or so. It's impeccable - I used to own it, always babied -

 

You should drive a SS III Vantage just to see if it works. They are much more obtainable and a lot more fun on the street than a 3-pedal, and anyone can drive the beast.

 

Or maybe this one.......

https://www.cncexotics.com/details-2...59ge00509.html

 

Lots of great suggestions, but I should point out the elephant in the room.
Have you driven a manual V12 Vantage?
After 6 Porsche's, I too wanted anything except another Porsche. Similar to your Corvette dilemma.
I wanted the same track capability with a little more style and luxury, so I got an Aston Martin.
After driving several, including a manual V12 Vantage, I went with the manual V8 Vantage.
I had to add 80 hp and modify the suspension for track use, but it was a small price to pay for perfect balance and precision.

 

Agree 100% a good running V8 Vantage will do almost anything one could want at a reasonable cost. Best AM ever made. Maintenance is straightforward and looks amazing. V8 with the correct exhaust sounds incredibly well. You just need to drive a few to find your niche.

 

Your price point for a V8V will also be in a totally different -- and more attainable -- league if you go that route vs. a V12V or a DBS. As others have said, trying to find a manual DB9 in good condition will require a lot of luck. One was for sale when I was looking for mine but it wasn't in very good condition at all, so I passed. In a sentence, if you want a manual V12 it's likely you will need to be willing to pay in a higher league for that vehicle and probably 6 figures if it's a DBS.

To answer your rotor question, yes the first gen DB9's have the steel rotors which are more affordable than the ceramic rotors. I don't know much about the V8Vs but I believe they also use steels.

 

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d...190900242.html

 

You had me @ branded title and craigslist. Classic.

 

Thanks for all the input. I'm still looking for the right next car. In the meantime, I might do some upgrades to the Corvette (rollbar, seat, harness, splitter, wing, solid bushings, etc).

Yeah lol, I don't want someone else's headache.

I'm guessing something happened that he upgraded his transmission fluid lines and his pistons. There's no reason to casually buy 12 forged AM pistons and "upgrade" (manual) transmission fluid lines. Honestly, 5-600hp over 12 pistons is barely any load at all. You're probably better off with hypereutectic pistons which are lighter and have much tighter tolerances, especially in an NA car. And who the heck ports an intake and heads and replaces the pistons and leaves stock cams in there? ...and God knows who (if anyone) tuned this thing.

Yeah, that's a $53k liability and headache.