I tried to see if I could test drive all these options without too much travel, but that's probably a no. Therefore I’d love some advice and feedback from other owners. I'm looking at:

2015 & 2017 V12 Vantage S - what differences would I see between those years
2017 V12 DB11
2014 Vanquish

I am looking for something fun and quick, with that V12 engine sound, and generally pretty reliable. So anything I should look for in the above.

It won’t be a daily driver, it will be an auto (I can't justify the premium of a manual for the V12S).

I have owned one AM before, a DB7 Vantage… that thing spent most its time in the shop and I ended up daily driving my 911 GT3 (which was surprisingly good).

I should note I'm now married with a toddler so the 2+2 could come in handy but isn't a must!

 

No Rapide S or DB9 GT?

 

I'd like a 2 door and I prefer the Launch Edition DB11.

Getting it down to these three was tough enough.

 

Sounds like DB11 is what would be best suited for your needs. They're lighter on their feet than they look. Impressive car.

 

Fellow GT3 owner here as well. Fun and quick I would take the V12 Vantage S. Not much difference between '15 and '17 except dogleg was offered in the latter and some other bits I think.

A note about DB11 platform, it handles better in the V8 setup than V12 unless you get it in the AMR version. The handling was improved quite a bit per former chassis engineer at AM (formerly from Lotus).

 

Trusting you already know that the Sportshift V12VS isn't a torque converter automatic, unlike the Vanquish and DB11, it is an automated manual i.e. no clutch pedal, and paddles instead of a gear lever. Totally different driving experience from a torque converter.

 

The major difference between the'15 and '17 V12VS s the Infotainment and control updates. The '17 looks and functions much more modern. The '15 setup makes it seem much more dated. As mentione above, both years of V12VS will have an automated MANUAL. If you drive it as such it is tons of fun. However, if you want an automatic the DB11 or Vanquish will be a better choice.

 

Drove one today, special car and a blip on the accelerator smooths it out a bit. Saying that the kick is pretty enjoyable!

 

My heart says the Vanquish for the sweet V12, which is also the best looking. I'd take the DB11 with the V8 though for myself personally though. Seems like it would be cheaper owning it in the long run.

 

I shall try and drive the V12 and V8 DB11. It's the sound of the V12 I love though.

I've been warned to stay away from the very early DB11s

 

Why?

 

First consideration might be condition of each? But I would prefer the Vanquish over the others.

 

Apparently (had 2 people tell me) very early cars had electrical problems, this seems to be consistent for early cars of most brands. Wife's Defender has been a complete headache plus inability to get parts in the first year because of covid didnt help.

 

My choice : latest Vanquish no S >2015 with chassis upgrades and 8 gears ZF8hp

 

Which year was the S added?