Collection day - my first Aston Martin!
Discussion
So after owning a Lotus Elise 111S and a Ginetta G40R for a few years I've decided I'm now too old (almost 35 ...) for these harsh riding cars.
After many months of reflection and test drives:
Unfortunately the V12 S is still out of my budget so I'm going for a 2010 V12 Vantage. It has a sport exhaust and cats which I'm quite excited about and I was quite keen on the red stitching interior. I'm collecting it on Thursday from JCT600 in Leeds and will be heading straight to Wales to do the Evo triangle and other scenic roads of the area. I'm like a kid before Xmas! A few pictures below.
After many months of reflection and test drives:
- Lotus Evora S: did the 3 day Lotus Academy (special thanks to Jay) and absolutely loved it, but can't justify buying a brand new one given the price. A 2013 Sportsracer would have been the sweetspot but they are very hard to find. Service from Lotus over the Elise ownership has also been very disappointing so I was not too keen to continue that experience. I have not tried the Exige V6 but I would expect the ride to be as hard as in the Elise. So unfortunately closing the Lotus chapter for now
- BMW M3: amazingly versatile, a lot cheaper to maintain than my other options but a tad boring eventually
- Porsche 911 GTS: very effective car but I found the PDK gearbox too smooth and not engaging enough. I had a Boxster S a few years ago and to be honest the 911 didn't feel that much different ...
- Audi R8 V10 manual: great to look at, extremely fast, amazing build quality and great service from Audi but hired one for a day and found it a bit soulless
Unfortunately the V12 S is still out of my budget so I'm going for a 2010 V12 Vantage. It has a sport exhaust and cats which I'm quite excited about and I was quite keen on the red stitching interior. I'm collecting it on Thursday from JCT600 in Leeds and will be heading straight to Wales to do the Evo triangle and other scenic roads of the area. I'm like a kid before Xmas! A few pictures below.
Brilliant, congratulations and good to see from your summary, how the V12V won the contest.
I enjoy my 'four cylinders missing version', but might be trying a V12VS this summer. You make me think that might be 'risky for the cheque book'.
Have fun with your new car, and thanks for posting.
I went through a similar,list, plus a maseratti gran turismo, and came close to buying the audi R8 but then I smelt the coffee as I've wanted an aston for as long as I can remember and the only lotus I've dreamt of is an esprit (and I've owned an Elise for a while)
I felt the M3 was low on torque and the gran turismo just didn't deliver up to it's looks plus it didn't help seeing the aftermath of a fatal accident on the opposite carriageway during the test drive
I felt much happier when my biggest dilemma was which model, age, engine, spec..
We're biased but you've chosen well
I felt the M3 was low on torque and the gran turismo just didn't deliver up to it's looks plus it didn't help seeing the aftermath of a fatal accident on the opposite carriageway during the test drive
I felt much happier when my biggest dilemma was which model, age, engine, spec..
We're biased but you've chosen well
Edited by Jon1967x on Tuesday 15th April 21:55
Very nice indeed, welcome to the club. They are such fantastic cars, and are becoming increasingly difficult to get hold of. Just look how many used examples are currently for sale. You will certainly enjoy it, and in my opinion it should be a long term keeper, as in time it will no doubt achieve cult status (if it hasn't already?) Finally, without wishing to resurrect the colour debate, black really does seem to suit a V12V so well!
Best Regards
Minglar
Best Regards
Minglar
Thanks for all the kind words guys. I cannot wait! and it looks like the weather is playing ball. Also looks like there's a few of us heading for Wales this weekend, well I'll only be there Thursday and Friday. First time for me and I'm planning to do a few routes that are on this website http://www.greatestdrivingroads.com/
@ AndyBrew: Which V12S did you end up buying? I saw a Volcano red with black roof, lips and rear panel at HWM in Surrey and it looked stunning.
@ V12woollie: it's the Quicksilver sport exhaust and cats, which should make it sound pretty mean. With this and the sport button I'm wondering whether taking the infamous fuse 22 out would be useful?
@Jon1967x: I actually tried the Maserati GT MC Shift as well, but it felt so big and heavy and I hated the gearbox. Stunning looking and sounding car though.
@Minglar: really like the Storm Black with the red flecks and goes well with the red stitching. Very tempted to get red calipers as well ...
Is it Thursday yet?!
@ AndyBrew: Which V12S did you end up buying? I saw a Volcano red with black roof, lips and rear panel at HWM in Surrey and it looked stunning.
@ V12woollie: it's the Quicksilver sport exhaust and cats, which should make it sound pretty mean. With this and the sport button I'm wondering whether taking the infamous fuse 22 out would be useful?
@Jon1967x: I actually tried the Maserati GT MC Shift as well, but it felt so big and heavy and I hated the gearbox. Stunning looking and sounding car though.
@Minglar: really like the Storm Black with the red flecks and goes well with the red stitching. Very tempted to get red calipers as well ...
Is it Thursday yet?!
grarno said:
@ V12woollie: it's the Quicksilver sport exhaust and cats, which should make it sound pretty mean. With this and the sport button I'm wondering whether taking the infamous fuse 22 out would be useful?
I assume you have the OEM backbox so the valves are not always open. No harm in taking the fuse out. If it is nice for a blast but too loud for cruising you can always get a switch fitted so you can more easily control the vales and have them at normal ECU settings for motorway cruising.grarno said:
Is it Thursday yet?!
One more sleep 
Enjoy your day tomorrow 
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