Anybody owns new Vantage with manual transmission (Mercedes V8 engine). Would like to know their experience(s).

 

I have owned the AMR version with the manual since the end of 2019. I like the car a lot and am very glad I've had the chance to drive it. The mating of the manual with the AMG V8 is certainly interesting. I'd preferred Aston had put the 6 speed manual in the car. The 7 speed is fine but finicky and honestly the engine is such a torque monster you barely need anything more than a 4 speed (OK, maybe 5). The extra gears become busy work. The car is a blast on the highway and in curvy canyons. I don't track my cars so I can't speak to that. I've had a few reliability issues....none fatal but annoying especially since getting the car into service isn't seamless. The fuel cap seal hasn't been perfect and when it malfunctions the check engine light stays on which requires a trip to service, the parking sensor has malfunctioned and emits a loud noise unless deactivated completely. The traction control on/ off switch is inoperable. To have these items checked/fixed would require days and days so I just ignore them as they don't impact the driving experience..... but none of this is reassuring in a brand new car.

I came into the car from a 2018 911S with a manual and to be completely honest I sometimes regret the switch. Yes the Aston is sexy and fun to drive but the 911 was much more "useable" and I mean that both in terms of utility and fun. I could grab the 911 and toss is around in a way I just don't feel comfortable with the Aston but don't take this as a slam against the Aston.

Pluses:

-Unique driving experience
-Comfortable seats

Minuses:

-Reliability glitches
-Poor stereo
-Lack of glove box (try figuring out where to safely store your insurance and registration paperwork in this car!)

My lease is up in 5 months. Here are the contenders on my list:

992 911S with 7 speed manual
Audi R8 rear wheel drive
BMW M3 with 6 speed manual
AM Vantage with 7 speed manual

The M3 might win as I miss my old E39 M5 and the M3 has the same dimensions & I can toss a pair of skis in the trunk and go skiing any time.

 

back in 2007 to turn off the traction control off we had to hold the on/off button down for 5-10 seconds.

 

I thought my 2020 Vantage's ESC off wasn't working either initially, but it's a full 4 second button press.

 

Picked up a manual vantage last week so far I love it..ordered some secondary car deletes as a touch quiet..but otherwise nice weight to clutch and shifter..overall very well balanced and fun to drive.

 

Grats, looks great! I didn't even test drive the manual, my mistake, saw it was a dog-leg and figured I was too old to learn a new shift pattern LOL. How hard is it to pick up?

 

@ajag..I actually had a manual v12 vantage 2017 so I was familiar with the dogleg..it’s kinda like you never get used to it lol..just always feels a bit off with second gear being at top and third bottom etc..but it’s pretty fun to row the gears..can’t wait to get the secondary car delete from velocity this week..might do exhaust tips and maybe tune depending on what’s out there...are you doing any mods to yours?

 

Gotcha, lol. Yeah, mine is in shop now getting Velocity AP secondary cat deletes and bigger exhaust tips. PM me your email if you get a chance

 

i started with a three-on-the-tree, migrated to a four speed on a VW bug and an MGA, then to a five speed on a Nissan 300zx TT; back to a four-on-the-floor on my Ford Ranger, then to a tive-speed on my ram 1500 and now a six-speed on my vantage. can't remember having any long term problems WRT the changes. there were numerous places and ways to get to reverse too. the VW the being the most complex....it would not even cross my mind to think that the shifting pattern would influence a purchase decision.

 

won’t allow me to send messages...yes if you can email me where u got install done etc..thanks!
khaiser@aol.com

 

sorry I was being facetious in my post, the shift pattern had nothing to do with my decision, I prefer my manuals on NA cars w a more linear power band

 

It took me a day to "get" the dogleg layout. The general shift layout and gate specificity took more like a week. I had a few wonky shifts before I calmed down and let the car flow. Compared to a 911 or M car manual gear box the Aston is temperamental but ultimately, once mastered, it is very rewarding to drive. Also, I can't imagine someone trying to steal my car would get very far!!!!!!!

 

If I were you, I would not turn it in at the end of the lease, but buy it outright. Since they stopped making them it will be a rare car and worth hanging onto.

 

I've been thinking about doing that. In the past I've sold a 1994 Mazda RX7 that I kept in mint condition and a 2003 E39 BMW M5, also mint & I regret both sales. I owned both of those cars from new so they were maintained to the highest spec etc....

Having said that I only drive 4000 miles a year as I travel to Europe for work most of the time. I've never been that person with a bunch of cars sitting in a garage. BUT.... times have changed and it may be that I should just keep this one as it is going to be a unicorn soon. If I do sell it I might just snag another new one before they all go. There are still a bunch for sale here in the states. There is still the 911S manual or if I feel like simplifying I could always get the new BMW M3 with the 6 speed. But I think that's about it.

 

@ViaHuerto Big fan of E39 M5 here too. Had one with a LeMans blue and I sold it. Totally regretted.