Off to test a DBS and V12VS tomorrow...Any advice?

[Nijius Maximus]

So it looks like exciting times ahead...

I used to own a Vantage V8 4.7 last year before I changed to an Audi R8 V10 Manual. Don't get me wrong, it was a massive step up in power and performance. But after a bit of time it just felt like it was missing something. Unless you were driving fast (which in central London ain't easy in traffic) it felt a bit dull... i.e. like an Audi.

The Aston just had more character and was more fun to drive and felt more special. Plus there actually seems to be a proper community of Aston owners here at PH. With a sense of humour as well. Ha!

So I've got an appointment with an official dealer where I'm gonna see at least the DBS and V12VS. Read Grant's great book and now just wondering if any practical advice for tomorrow?

Should I just strap myself in and let the Astons seduce me with their sexy lines and luscious sounds? I'm sure there'll be no physical or engine related things to check as it's a main dealer. So any tips for when I test drive them in order to make sure I fully experience the cars to make an informed decision?

Cheers, Nij


P.S. Can you believe I got rid of the following beauty. What was I thinking??

[tonyhall38]

London driving get the DBS......the v12 gearbox is ste in traffic.....

[Ed50]

tonyhall38 said:

London driving get the DBS......the v12 gearbox is ste in traffic.....

Have you thought about becoming a full time motoring journalist Tone………..

At least your to the point.

OP,

My advise is take your cheque book and come back to the fold……...

[Nijius Maximus]

tonyhall38 said:

London driving get the DBS......the v12 gearbox is ste in traffic.....

I know what you mean. I had the Sportshift on the Vantage before and parking and being stuck in traffic on upward slopes was a real hassle. Is SS3 still that bad? Don't they have Hill Start Assist now as well?

Of course there's always the manual V12V option instead...even though there's only two for sale on the whole of Autotrader

Nij

[Nijius Maximus]

Ed50 said:

OP,

My advise is take your cheque book and come back to the fold……...

That's what I'm worried about. The way things are going I'll probably "accidentally" end up buying a Vanquish. Stay tuned for my "accidentally bought this Aston" photos tomorrow evening...

[Quarterly]

As someone who recently upgraded from the 4.7 to a manual V12V, I'd recommend the manual V12V I have never grinned so much in my life before, other drivers must think theres something wrong with me.

[AMDBSNick]

Buy the most beautiful Gaydon era AM, the DBS. And BTW it seems to be going up in value

[tonyhall38]

In that case get a vanquish.....better than the DBS auto , and better than the v12 v s......I'm a bit biased though....

[CSK1]

SportshiftIII is a vast improvement over previous Sportshifts but still needs to be driven with the paddles as a manual. Forget the D button, D is for Don't!

[AMDBSNick]

tonyhall38 said:

In that case get a vanquish.....better than the DBS auto , and better than the v12 v s......I'm a bit biased though....

But residuals lower than whale st

[Jon39]

Nijius Maximus said:

[Audi R8 V10 Manual] ... it felt a bit dull... i.e. like an Audi.

The Aston just had more character and was more fun to drive and felt more special.


P.S. Can you believe I got rid of the following beauty. What was I thinking??

Well done Sir. You will appreciate an Aston Martin even more this time.
If your dealer reads your comments, they won't need to do any selling, just serve the 'free' coffee.

Enjoy your day, and tell us what you decide.

[cayman-black]

CSK1 said:

SportshiftIII is a vast improvement over previous Sportshifts but still needs to be driven with the paddles as a manual. Forget the D button, D is for Don't!

This is why i would never get the S . Sometimes if you drive a two pedal car it would be good just to stick it in D.
So if auto, DBS or vanquish.

[cayman-black]

Nijius Maximus said:

I know what you mean. I had the Sportshift on the Vantage before and parking and being stuck in traffic on upward slopes was a real hassle. Is SS3 still that bad? Don't they have Hill Start Assist now as well?

Of course there's always the manual V12V option instead...even though there's only two for sale on the whole of Autotrader

Nij

Go to sevenoaks AM they have two nice manual V12V there.

[Philip0]

Buy the DBS

[AWV12]

Of course it is very personal, and better test drive yourself, but since you had a R8 V10 manual (rare combo, since most of them are R- and later S-tronic) I would always go for a manual car. Much more involvement, and enough torque to be able to drive it easy too, much more relaxed then the SS III.

Then: the engine and drivetrain of V12V (manual) and DBS (manual) are the same, but the driving experience differs a lot imho. Wheelbase of the DBS is larger, different dampers/springs, et. If you are a track driver, go for the V12V, if you like driving fast, but also use it in normal traffic, or on longer trips, go for the DBS.

[simonr100]

Go for the DBS, it's a much better looking and better proportioned car.

[Nijius Maximus]

Thanks to everyone for their responses. Can't wait to see how the DBS and V12VS compare to each other and of course my old V8V. The V12V Manual could be the wild card. The DBS recommendations have definitely piqued my interest and agree it does look beautiful!

Here's replies to individuals...

tonyhall38 said:

In that case get a vanquish.....better than the DBS auto , and better than the v12 v s......I'm a bit biased though....

Tony, didn't you upgrade to a Vanquish from the DBS? Do you miss it?

Quarterly said:

As someone who recently upgraded from the 4.7 to a manual V12V, I'd recommend the manual V12V I have never grinned so much in my life before, other drivers must think theres something wrong with me.

Haha, that sounds great. The V12V has almost become legendary - especially as it's virtually vanished for sale. I know EVERY V8 Vantage owner wants to try one if only out of curiosity. Is there really that much of a difference between your old V8 and your current V12??

AMDBSNick said:

Buy the most beautiful Gaydon era AM, the DBS. And BTW it seems to be going up in value

Not gonna disagree with you there. Definitely looks more stunning than a Vantage. Going up in value would be a nice bonus...

CSK1 said:

SportshiftIII is a vast improvement over previous Sportshifts but still needs to be driven with the paddles as a manual. Forget the D button, D is for Don't!

Agree completely. I stopped using the Auto button pretty soon after I got the Vantage. It became second nature to use the paddles and treat as a manual - also a lot more fun and involving that way!

cayman-black said:

Go to sevenoaks AM they have two nice manual V12V there.

That's Wednesday's outing sorted then...

AWV12 said:

Of course it is very personal, and better test drive yourself, but since you had a R8 V10 manual...

...If you are a track driver, go for the V12V, if you like driving fast, but also use it in normal traffic, or on longer trips, go for the DBS.

Thanks for the detailed advice! Commuting in the R8 through London traffic is getting tiresome. Never driven the DBS so really looking forward to seeing if it can be the best of both worlds.

Jon39 said:

Enjoy your day, and tell us what you decide.

Don't worry, I'll keep the forum updated...all the way to when I get my keys, post up the obligatory photos and book myself onto Burghley House...

Edited by Nijius Maximus on Monday 18th January 21:19

[Quarterly]

Nijius Maximus said:

Quarterly said:

As someone who recently upgraded from the 4.7 to a manual V12V, I'd recommend the manual V12V

Is there really that much of a difference between your old V8 and your current V12??

I'm glad you asked me that, because I was perfectly happy with my 4.7 it was a keeper, but I kept reading about the V12V so on my way back from a long drive I stopped to try one and you notice the difference straight away, its quite simply so much more powerful. If you think the 4.7 has the beans you're going to like the V12. I also thought I would prefer the lower exhaust note of the V8 but again the V12 sounds a whole lot better and I don't really know why. There is a downside to the V12 though, it doesn't have a pen.

[bentley01]

I test drove both the DBS and the V12 manual. Loved the look of the DBS and the extra seats would of been very helpful with two young children. I bought the V12 because it was so much better to drive. Had to then explain why I had bought another two seat car. Good luck with the search.

[Nijius Maximus]

Quarterly said:

I'm glad you asked me that, because I was perfectly happy with my 4.7 it was a keeper, but I kept reading about the V12V so on my way back from a long drive I stopped to try one and you notice the difference straight away, its quite simply so much more powerful. If you think the 4.7 has the beans you're going to like the V12. I also thought I would prefer the lower exhaust note of the V8 but again the V12 sounds a whole lot better and I don't really know why. There is a downside to the V12 though, it doesn't have a pen.

Can't wait.
No pen?! DBS it is then...

bentley01 said:

I test drove both the DBS and the V12 manual. Loved the look of the DBS and the extra seats would of been very helpful with two young children. I bought the V12 because it was so much better to drive. Had to then explain why I had bought another two seat car. Good luck with the search.

When I got the Bentley my wife asked: "Where's the fifth seat?".
When I got the Vantage my wife asked: "Where's the other two seats?".
When I got the R8 my wife asked: "Where's the rest of the boot...and where's the rest of the car?"