I'm kind of a 911 guy (997.1 C2S, 997.1 GT2, 991.1 C2S, 991.1 TT, 991.2 GT3, and now 991.2 GT3 RS) so I was actually looking for a 992 C2S or TT to add as a summer DD along w my GT3 RS (weekend toy). My wife was adamantly against my getting another 911, so I considered AMG GT (could not force myself to like the looks/proportions), Mk2 R8 (I have had a Mk1 R8 in manual which I loved), 570S (I had a 12C spyder before, love the Mac's steering). I test drove the Vantage not expecting to at all like it and was surprised at how much the handling/dynamics impressed me. Love the looks (mostly) especially how it doesn't have the typical disproportionate long bonnet appearance of most front/mid engine coupes.

Here are my quick impressions after 700ish miles:

Pros:
handling/turn-in is great
looks -> amazingly positive feedback from nearly everyone, which kind of surprised me...most around here (chicago burbs) have never seen one, similar experience to when I had the mclaren
engine and exhaust note

Cons:
Ride compliance, the damping is not at the same level as a 911 C2S, still a bit jittery even in S mode
Small Tailpipes which look ridiculous given the gorgeously styled rear diffuser (getting AP Velocitys installed to rectify this)
Bumperettes

I'll post some followup comments and thoughts as I put miles on this. I intend on a good 5-7k a year using it as a summer DD.

 

Another minor negative is the steering wheel, it's great for cruising with hands at the bottom, but for spirited driving at 9 and 3 the side spokes are too thick, and I don't have small hands. Steering feel is a bit numb, but not unexpected for electric, definitely not at the level of Porsche electric steering feel.

 

Congrats on the new car. The merc engine/aston tune is truly special. Love the looks of the new vantage (I am biased as I have a 2020 as well). Enjoy in good health. Any pics?

 

Haven’t done many pics yet, here are a few in the garage w the RS and one of the interior w my nephew. I’ll do more when I get it back from shop.

 

China grey really suits the vantage. Love the yellow accents. Flag on the gt3rs is a nice touch as well.

 

China grey really suits the vantage. Love the yellow accents. Flag on the gt3rs is a nice touch as well.

 

Thx, I agree, it's a pretty understated color, doesn't look as great in bright sunlight where it washes out a bit, but really shines in lower light conditions and indoors IMHO.

Another thing I noticed is the steering buttons for the suspension and sport mode sometimes don't respond well, requiring a very deliberate press or a second press, is that normal or something I should mention to the dealer?

 

I have noticed that as well. I am new to the brand so not sure if this is just an Aston quirk. I have noticed sometimes the roller on the steering wheel to toggle between odometers sometimes spins the screens like a roulette wheel with just one click.
Also agree upgraded stereo is just average, but I find i really don't listen to it much because the exhaust note is so intoxicating.

 

I have the base stereo, it's nearly useless. It's ok for podcasts and sometimes phone calls, but that's about it, and that's only in S mode, in S+ or T even with stock exhaust can't hear anything LOL.