Bye, for now... V12V to 12C...
Discussion
After 1week ownership and 500 miles with the 12C, I thought I should give you guys my initial impressions on the car and how it compares to my late V12V.
Performance:
The 12C is in a league of its own. The chassis is exceptional and the amount of grip phenomenal even comparing to Corsa on a sunny day. Acceleration is mind blowing and leave behind my previous Gallardo, V12V or even Noble 3R... The ride is surprisingly more comfortable than the V12V.
Gearbox:
The paddleshift is ok. Way better than Lambo's old system. In traffic, it is still not perfect but at least in normal shift mode there is little jerkiness and it is actually pretty smooth. A lot smoother than the 458 and one of the reasons I did not like the Ferrari.
Noise:
The sound is not as good as the V12V. The V12 was like an opera ! The 12C with sports exhaust is more like a raging angry monster. On start, the sound is very good and louder than the V12 and I like it a lot. At low speed revs, it is not very melodious and sounds more like a truck from the inside. At high revs though, the sound is pitched higher and coupled with the acceleration is very rewarding.
Computer and entertainment system:
The onboard computer and dashboard is very well made and easily readable. A lot of settings available and information at hand.
However, the entertainment and satnav system, called IRIS, is completely useless and very annoying.
It is slow and crashes all the time... Forgets where you are or stops giving guidance. Plug in your iPod/iPhone and... If you are lucky it will play music but it can stop or struggle to change artist....
Then try to do navigation and music and you are in for a frustrating and annoying experience. White noise when switching from one to the other for example.
Sound quality is also nowhere near the B&O in the V12V.
I was told IRIS 1 was poor but it was an understatement. I am getting IRIS 2 fitted next month, which should solver all these little issues.
Build quality:
The 12C is nice and well finished. Can't really fault any of the 2 cars on that front !
Ease of use:
The better ride quality on the 12C is not enough to beat the V12V... Because it is just a bit too low and makes speed bumps a challenge. Later 2013 models have a front end lift but not my 2012 model. The front end is actually ok but they fitted some curved strakes behind the front wheel to manage the airflow under the car. Nice feature on a race car, not a road car as they constantly get caught on the way down !
Comfort:
I absolutely loved the lightweight seats in the V12V and I was dubious of the 12C seats. They are actually a very good compromise between bucket seats and sports seats.
Other things:
The doors are super cool ! I will not get tired of the way they open ! The swipe system works very well once you know how to do it and where the sensor is. Closing the car is also a simple touch next to the air inlet. These little gestures make the whole experience and use of the car smooth and very natural.
The DRS rear wing is also a nice feature.
The 3 settings available for both the chassis and the engine gives the ability to tune the car to your taste or state of mind.
Conclusion:
The overall 12C experience feels a lot more special than the V12V. May be because it is new ! The performance is incredible.
At the end, it feels like an unfair comparison. The 12C is supercar territory with a good level of usability. The V12V is more a strong GT.
If I could I would have both ! But as I have to chose (and cannot really go back now !), well, my heart is now with the 12C.
Happy to answer specific queries -
Some pictures below. Enjoy !
Performance:
The 12C is in a league of its own. The chassis is exceptional and the amount of grip phenomenal even comparing to Corsa on a sunny day. Acceleration is mind blowing and leave behind my previous Gallardo, V12V or even Noble 3R... The ride is surprisingly more comfortable than the V12V.
Gearbox:
The paddleshift is ok. Way better than Lambo's old system. In traffic, it is still not perfect but at least in normal shift mode there is little jerkiness and it is actually pretty smooth. A lot smoother than the 458 and one of the reasons I did not like the Ferrari.
Noise:
The sound is not as good as the V12V. The V12 was like an opera ! The 12C with sports exhaust is more like a raging angry monster. On start, the sound is very good and louder than the V12 and I like it a lot. At low speed revs, it is not very melodious and sounds more like a truck from the inside. At high revs though, the sound is pitched higher and coupled with the acceleration is very rewarding.
Computer and entertainment system:
The onboard computer and dashboard is very well made and easily readable. A lot of settings available and information at hand.
However, the entertainment and satnav system, called IRIS, is completely useless and very annoying.
It is slow and crashes all the time... Forgets where you are or stops giving guidance. Plug in your iPod/iPhone and... If you are lucky it will play music but it can stop or struggle to change artist....
Then try to do navigation and music and you are in for a frustrating and annoying experience. White noise when switching from one to the other for example.
Sound quality is also nowhere near the B&O in the V12V.
I was told IRIS 1 was poor but it was an understatement. I am getting IRIS 2 fitted next month, which should solver all these little issues.
Build quality:
The 12C is nice and well finished. Can't really fault any of the 2 cars on that front !
Ease of use:
The better ride quality on the 12C is not enough to beat the V12V... Because it is just a bit too low and makes speed bumps a challenge. Later 2013 models have a front end lift but not my 2012 model. The front end is actually ok but they fitted some curved strakes behind the front wheel to manage the airflow under the car. Nice feature on a race car, not a road car as they constantly get caught on the way down !
Comfort:
I absolutely loved the lightweight seats in the V12V and I was dubious of the 12C seats. They are actually a very good compromise between bucket seats and sports seats.
Other things:
The doors are super cool ! I will not get tired of the way they open ! The swipe system works very well once you know how to do it and where the sensor is. Closing the car is also a simple touch next to the air inlet. These little gestures make the whole experience and use of the car smooth and very natural.
The DRS rear wing is also a nice feature.
The 3 settings available for both the chassis and the engine gives the ability to tune the car to your taste or state of mind.
Conclusion:
The overall 12C experience feels a lot more special than the V12V. May be because it is new ! The performance is incredible.
At the end, it feels like an unfair comparison. The 12C is supercar territory with a good level of usability. The V12V is more a strong GT.
If I could I would have both ! But as I have to chose (and cannot really go back now !), well, my heart is now with the 12C.
Happy to answer specific queries -
Some pictures below. Enjoy !
Great looking car, congrats!
I really wanted to work a 12C into my line up a few years ago. They depreciate like a lead weight here and you can get a very lightly (1-2K miles) used version here for a fraction of new.
I just did not fit well. Too tall. Had a hard time getting in and out of the thing. Shame. I've heard they are very good DDs and wanted it to work.
I really wanted to work a 12C into my line up a few years ago. They depreciate like a lead weight here and you can get a very lightly (1-2K miles) used version here for a fraction of new.
I just did not fit well. Too tall. Had a hard time getting in and out of the thing. Shame. I've heard they are very good DDs and wanted it to work.
At the moment I have my son's 12C in my garage as well as my V12V. Happily, I genuinely prefer the V12V. The 12C is faster, rides better, has a generally more capable chassis, more exclusive, and more modern in many ways. Both are comfortable for me and easy to drive. The Aston sounds much better, has more low down torque, for a sports car I prefer having a manual gearbox, and it is easier to live with - much easier to get in and out of, has door pockets, better over speed bumps (my son's 12C does not have the lifter), and the hatchback is more convenient than the front boot.
Interestingly, if I was comparing the latest cars, with the McLaren having a lifter, and the Aston only available with the Sportshift gearbox which I don't like, then my preference might move somewhat towards the McLaren. But I would still prefer the Aston - it is probably my age!
Interestingly, if I was comparing the latest cars, with the McLaren having a lifter, and the Aston only available with the Sportshift gearbox which I don't like, then my preference might move somewhat towards the McLaren. But I would still prefer the Aston - it is probably my age!
mb1 said:
After 1week ownership and 500 miles with the 12C, I thought I should give you guys my initial impressions on the car and how it compares to my late V12V.
Performance:
The 12C is in a league of its own. The chassis is exceptional and the amount of grip phenomenal even comparing to Corsa on a sunny day. Acceleration is mind blowing and leave behind my previous Gallardo, V12V or even Noble 3R... The ride is surprisingly more comfortable than the V12V.
Gearbox:
The paddleshift is ok. Way better than Lambo's old system. In traffic, it is still not perfect but at least in normal shift mode there is little jerkiness and it is actually pretty smooth. A lot smoother than the 458 and one of the reasons I did not like the Ferrari.
Noise:
The sound is not as good as the V12V. The V12 was like an opera ! The 12C with sports exhaust is more like a raging angry monster. On start, the sound is very good and louder than the V12 and I like it a lot. At low speed revs, it is not very melodious and sounds more like a truck from the inside. At high revs though, the sound is pitched higher and coupled with the acceleration is very rewarding.
Computer and entertainment system:
The onboard computer and dashboard is very well made and easily readable. A lot of settings available and information at hand.
However, the entertainment and satnav system, called IRIS, is completely useless and very annoying.
It is slow and crashes all the time... Forgets where you are or stops giving guidance. Plug in your iPod/iPhone and... If you are lucky it will play music but it can stop or struggle to change artist....
Then try to do navigation and music and you are in for a frustrating and annoying experience. White noise when switching from one to the other for example.
Sound quality is also nowhere near the B&O in the V12V.
I was told IRIS 1 was poor but it was an understatement. I am getting IRIS 2 fitted next month, which should solver all these little issues.
Build quality:
The 12C is nice and well finished. Can't really fault any of the 2 cars on that front !
Ease of use:
The better ride quality on the 12C is not enough to beat the V12V... Because it is just a bit too low and makes speed bumps a challenge. Later 2013 models have a front end lift but not my 2012 model. The front end is actually ok but they fitted some curved strakes behind the front wheel to manage the airflow under the car. Nice feature on a race car, not a road car as they constantly get caught on the way down !
Comfort:
I absolutely loved the lightweight seats in the V12V and I was dubious of the 12C seats. They are actually a very good compromise between bucket seats and sports seats.
Other things:
The doors are super cool ! I will not get tired of the way they open ! The swipe system works very well once you know how to do it and where the sensor is. Closing the car is also a simple touch next to the air inlet. These little gestures make the whole experience and use of the car smooth and very natural.
The DRS rear wing is also a nice feature.
The 3 settings available for both the chassis and the engine gives the ability to tune the car to your taste or state of mind.
Conclusion:
The overall 12C experience feels a lot more special than the V12V. May be because it is new ! The performance is incredible.
At the end, it feels like an unfair comparison. The 12C is supercar territory with a good level of usability. The V12V is more a strong GT.
If I could I would have both ! But as I have to chose (and cannot really go back now !), well, my heart is now with the 12C.
Happy to answer specific queries -
Some pictures below. Enjoy !
Slight thread resurrection Performance:
The 12C is in a league of its own. The chassis is exceptional and the amount of grip phenomenal even comparing to Corsa on a sunny day. Acceleration is mind blowing and leave behind my previous Gallardo, V12V or even Noble 3R... The ride is surprisingly more comfortable than the V12V.
Gearbox:
The paddleshift is ok. Way better than Lambo's old system. In traffic, it is still not perfect but at least in normal shift mode there is little jerkiness and it is actually pretty smooth. A lot smoother than the 458 and one of the reasons I did not like the Ferrari.
Noise:
The sound is not as good as the V12V. The V12 was like an opera ! The 12C with sports exhaust is more like a raging angry monster. On start, the sound is very good and louder than the V12 and I like it a lot. At low speed revs, it is not very melodious and sounds more like a truck from the inside. At high revs though, the sound is pitched higher and coupled with the acceleration is very rewarding.
Computer and entertainment system:
The onboard computer and dashboard is very well made and easily readable. A lot of settings available and information at hand.
However, the entertainment and satnav system, called IRIS, is completely useless and very annoying.
It is slow and crashes all the time... Forgets where you are or stops giving guidance. Plug in your iPod/iPhone and... If you are lucky it will play music but it can stop or struggle to change artist....
Then try to do navigation and music and you are in for a frustrating and annoying experience. White noise when switching from one to the other for example.
Sound quality is also nowhere near the B&O in the V12V.
I was told IRIS 1 was poor but it was an understatement. I am getting IRIS 2 fitted next month, which should solver all these little issues.
Build quality:
The 12C is nice and well finished. Can't really fault any of the 2 cars on that front !
Ease of use:
The better ride quality on the 12C is not enough to beat the V12V... Because it is just a bit too low and makes speed bumps a challenge. Later 2013 models have a front end lift but not my 2012 model. The front end is actually ok but they fitted some curved strakes behind the front wheel to manage the airflow under the car. Nice feature on a race car, not a road car as they constantly get caught on the way down !
Comfort:
I absolutely loved the lightweight seats in the V12V and I was dubious of the 12C seats. They are actually a very good compromise between bucket seats and sports seats.
Other things:
The doors are super cool ! I will not get tired of the way they open ! The swipe system works very well once you know how to do it and where the sensor is. Closing the car is also a simple touch next to the air inlet. These little gestures make the whole experience and use of the car smooth and very natural.
The DRS rear wing is also a nice feature.
The 3 settings available for both the chassis and the engine gives the ability to tune the car to your taste or state of mind.
Conclusion:
The overall 12C experience feels a lot more special than the V12V. May be because it is new ! The performance is incredible.
At the end, it feels like an unfair comparison. The 12C is supercar territory with a good level of usability. The V12V is more a strong GT.
If I could I would have both ! But as I have to chose (and cannot really go back now !), well, my heart is now with the 12C.
Happy to answer specific queries -
Some pictures below. Enjoy !
LOVELY photos and car, haven't seen many/any in this colour!How did you find the upgrade of Iris did it help sort a lot/all of the issues out?
Have you got any further comments to add about the ownership of this car now you've had it somewhat longer?
Thanks Matt.
Yes, time for an update after 8 months of ownership and 10,000 miles.
When I called the dealer a couple of weeks ago saying that my car was due for service, he could not believe me...
I was surprised at how usable the car is compared to the V12V, hence how I did so many miles over what is the least favourable period of the year.
The V12V is a lot more nervous on the Corsa tyres and that make you think twice before taking it out on a freezing cold morning, but with the 12C no such issue despite the amount of bhp under the right foot. I have actually moved the 12C onto Corsa as well now.
Good Points:
As mentioned, usability and versatility. You can drive the car fast (very fast) but also take it easy and blend in (almost).
I love the cabin, the high sills, the very minimal number of nobs and how the all thing works very efficiently.
Performance is just mesmerising. Get into high revs and the things is just a bullet.
The V12V was very entertaining due to its naughty temper. The 12C is a different beast. It gives the driver another level of entertainment thanks to its shear performance, cornering and braking abilities. One of the road I take every day is made up of long double carriageways separated by roundabouts. The way you can brake very late, with the aerobrake coming out is very satisfying.
Average Points:
The automated gearbox is good but as with every automated box, it can be surprising at times. But I think it is the way it is for every automated gearbox.
I never use the fully automated settings as it is just useless.
I will put the noise in the average section. I like the noise of the car when standing outside or with the window down (as I mentioned before, more akin to an angry animal than the cathedral offered by Astons). Inside, even with the sports exhaust, you really have to rev the car very high to get the kind of sensation you get from a V12V or a Vanquish. Aston always had the edge there.
Bad Points:
I had a few minor issues, which never stopped me using the car and were dealt with by McLaren under warranty: rear lights cracking (upgraded to new units from alternative supplier), front parking sensors going crazy under wet conditions (exposed wire), doors hard to close (adjusted and now much better) and a faulty airbag sensor.
The IRIS 1 was a joke. I had it replaced by the IRIS 2, which solves all the previous issues. It can now do both satnav and music ! I would not recommend a car with IRIS 1 unless it was a weekend car.
There is quite a lot of noise coming from the wheel arches with stones hitting, which somehow is very noticeable.
The worst point for me so far has been... McLaren itself. Not the dealer, but McLaren...
I had two other items to be sorted, involving cracked cosmetic panels: one on the tub sill and one inside the engine bay. The original manufacturer's warranty includes body panels (the extended does not). Still being under the original warranty, I thought it would a straightforward "please can you sort this out". But omg, they have missed an important chapter of customer service. The answer each time was "sorry sir, but a panel like that does not crack, your car is the only one we know of having this fault, so you will have to pay for it". I am sorry but an unstressed panel that I have never touched should not be cracking....
Needless to to say that I did argue and in the end always got it fixed but McLaren should know better and build trust with a fairly new customer base.
The extended warranty is just too expensive, at £3,400 per annum. Especially considering how unwilling they have been under the original warranty cover. Problem is, you do not really have a choice. Nobody else would cover this and it is too much of a risk to take.
Overal, the 12C is a fantastic car. Is it better than the V12V ? Hum, IMHO yes. Do, I miss my V12V. Yes, I do ! But would have the 12C every time over the V12V.
It is funny, there was this thread about Aston not being into the supercar section. And I think it is right. Astons are not supercars, there are special cars. Very special indeed.
I am still thinking of one day adding a new Vanquish to the 12C. As I think the GT aspects and creature comfort and the fabulous noise will complement the 12C very well.
I am also looking forward the new generation of Astons coming up.
And then finally, the Aston forum is thousand times better than the McLaren forum. Interesting and balanced discussions, hence the reason why I am still a daily visitor.
The McLaren forum is littered with either Ferrari lovers, trying to kill the brand for no reason, and McLaren owners that will come up with any unfounded argument to pretend it is the best brand on the planet........ And 3/4 of the threads are about residuals.....
Coming from an Aston, the 12C, with its under-stated look made sense to me. I do not like the 650S looks. I think the 540/570 look much better, but McLaren will need a lot more to compete with Ferrari's 488, both in terms of design and customer care. Aston remains a brand apart. No wonder it is one of the coolest brand on the planet :-) But with a McLaren you do get a similar reaction to Astons on the road. One of respect. Not the aggressiveness you get when driving a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
Now, my car is cleaned, polished and waxed, ready for Le Mans trip on Thursday. I am going there with a friend in his DB9. Cannot wait !
Yes, time for an update after 8 months of ownership and 10,000 miles.
When I called the dealer a couple of weeks ago saying that my car was due for service, he could not believe me...
I was surprised at how usable the car is compared to the V12V, hence how I did so many miles over what is the least favourable period of the year.
The V12V is a lot more nervous on the Corsa tyres and that make you think twice before taking it out on a freezing cold morning, but with the 12C no such issue despite the amount of bhp under the right foot. I have actually moved the 12C onto Corsa as well now.
Good Points:
As mentioned, usability and versatility. You can drive the car fast (very fast) but also take it easy and blend in (almost).
I love the cabin, the high sills, the very minimal number of nobs and how the all thing works very efficiently.
Performance is just mesmerising. Get into high revs and the things is just a bullet.
The V12V was very entertaining due to its naughty temper. The 12C is a different beast. It gives the driver another level of entertainment thanks to its shear performance, cornering and braking abilities. One of the road I take every day is made up of long double carriageways separated by roundabouts. The way you can brake very late, with the aerobrake coming out is very satisfying.
Average Points:
The automated gearbox is good but as with every automated box, it can be surprising at times. But I think it is the way it is for every automated gearbox.
I never use the fully automated settings as it is just useless.
I will put the noise in the average section. I like the noise of the car when standing outside or with the window down (as I mentioned before, more akin to an angry animal than the cathedral offered by Astons). Inside, even with the sports exhaust, you really have to rev the car very high to get the kind of sensation you get from a V12V or a Vanquish. Aston always had the edge there.
Bad Points:
I had a few minor issues, which never stopped me using the car and were dealt with by McLaren under warranty: rear lights cracking (upgraded to new units from alternative supplier), front parking sensors going crazy under wet conditions (exposed wire), doors hard to close (adjusted and now much better) and a faulty airbag sensor.
The IRIS 1 was a joke. I had it replaced by the IRIS 2, which solves all the previous issues. It can now do both satnav and music ! I would not recommend a car with IRIS 1 unless it was a weekend car.
There is quite a lot of noise coming from the wheel arches with stones hitting, which somehow is very noticeable.
The worst point for me so far has been... McLaren itself. Not the dealer, but McLaren...
I had two other items to be sorted, involving cracked cosmetic panels: one on the tub sill and one inside the engine bay. The original manufacturer's warranty includes body panels (the extended does not). Still being under the original warranty, I thought it would a straightforward "please can you sort this out". But omg, they have missed an important chapter of customer service. The answer each time was "sorry sir, but a panel like that does not crack, your car is the only one we know of having this fault, so you will have to pay for it". I am sorry but an unstressed panel that I have never touched should not be cracking....
Needless to to say that I did argue and in the end always got it fixed but McLaren should know better and build trust with a fairly new customer base.
The extended warranty is just too expensive, at £3,400 per annum. Especially considering how unwilling they have been under the original warranty cover. Problem is, you do not really have a choice. Nobody else would cover this and it is too much of a risk to take.
Overal, the 12C is a fantastic car. Is it better than the V12V ? Hum, IMHO yes. Do, I miss my V12V. Yes, I do ! But would have the 12C every time over the V12V.
It is funny, there was this thread about Aston not being into the supercar section. And I think it is right. Astons are not supercars, there are special cars. Very special indeed.
I am still thinking of one day adding a new Vanquish to the 12C. As I think the GT aspects and creature comfort and the fabulous noise will complement the 12C very well.
I am also looking forward the new generation of Astons coming up.
And then finally, the Aston forum is thousand times better than the McLaren forum. Interesting and balanced discussions, hence the reason why I am still a daily visitor.
The McLaren forum is littered with either Ferrari lovers, trying to kill the brand for no reason, and McLaren owners that will come up with any unfounded argument to pretend it is the best brand on the planet........ And 3/4 of the threads are about residuals.....
Coming from an Aston, the 12C, with its under-stated look made sense to me. I do not like the 650S looks. I think the 540/570 look much better, but McLaren will need a lot more to compete with Ferrari's 488, both in terms of design and customer care. Aston remains a brand apart. No wonder it is one of the coolest brand on the planet :-) But with a McLaren you do get a similar reaction to Astons on the road. One of respect. Not the aggressiveness you get when driving a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
Now, my car is cleaned, polished and waxed, ready for Le Mans trip on Thursday. I am going there with a friend in his DB9. Cannot wait !
Very good write up MB1. Good to know your overall experience is the right one. Little niggles - I think most cars at this level have these. The main points are body, engine and the mechanicals and electrical system not failing. Which all seem good with yours. The odd sensor malfunction is not unusual anywhere! Hopefully their customer service improves as they develop their experience.
As you know I'm looking at the Mc. I am sure I will go that way eventually when the right car comes up, unless the next gen Aston's are as good as I hope them to be. I did actually get as far as a deposit on a12c but didn't complete due to a couple of reasons (not problems).
Your 12c is beautiful and, like you, I prefer the 12c looks to the 650. Just personal taste as I think that they have enough "wow" factor with the doors and overall design. I guess I prefer something slightly understated, but it's still definitely a supercar. And they are rare!!!! Still not seen one on the streets moving (apart from my test drives!).
For now, I am looking forward to spending a wonderful summer driving my Aston and going across Europe in it very soon. 6 litre V12 and nearly 500bhp plus a bit more (not much more) space is not a bad way to travel!
I understand the Mclarens are great for long distance cruising so enjoy your weekend in Le Mans and post those pics (as you have the DB9 with you, you can put them in either forum
)
All the best.
As you know I'm looking at the Mc. I am sure I will go that way eventually when the right car comes up, unless the next gen Aston's are as good as I hope them to be. I did actually get as far as a deposit on a12c but didn't complete due to a couple of reasons (not problems).
Your 12c is beautiful and, like you, I prefer the 12c looks to the 650. Just personal taste as I think that they have enough "wow" factor with the doors and overall design. I guess I prefer something slightly understated, but it's still definitely a supercar. And they are rare!!!! Still not seen one on the streets moving (apart from my test drives!).
For now, I am looking forward to spending a wonderful summer driving my Aston and going across Europe in it very soon. 6 litre V12 and nearly 500bhp plus a bit more (not much more) space is not a bad way to travel!
I understand the Mclarens are great for long distance cruising so enjoy your weekend in Le Mans and post those pics (as you have the DB9 with you, you can put them in either forum
)All the best.
mb1 said:
Thanks Matt.
And then finally, the Aston forum is thousand times better than the McLaren forum. Interesting and balanced discussions, hence the reason why I am still a daily visitor.
The McLaren forum is littered with either Ferrari lovers, trying to kill the brand for no reason, and McLaren owners that will come up with any unfounded argument to pretend it is the best brand on the planet........ And 3/4 of the threads are about residuals.....
Interesting and balanced discussions? I must be logging in to the wrong AM forum! And then finally, the Aston forum is thousand times better than the McLaren forum. Interesting and balanced discussions, hence the reason why I am still a daily visitor.
The McLaren forum is littered with either Ferrari lovers, trying to kill the brand for no reason, and McLaren owners that will come up with any unfounded argument to pretend it is the best brand on the planet........ And 3/4 of the threads are about residuals.....
mb1 said:
Thanks Matt.
Yes, time for an update after 8 months of ownership and 10,000 miles.
When I called the dealer a couple of weeks ago saying that my car was due for service, he could not believe me...
The extended warranty is just too expensive, at £3,400 per annum. Especially considering how unwilling they have been under the original warranty cover. Problem is, you do not really have a choice. Nobody else would cover this and it is too much of a risk to take.
Overal, the 12C is a fantastic car. Is it better than the V12V ? Hum, IMHO yes. Do, I miss my V12V. Yes, I do ! But would have the 12C every time over the V12V.
It is funny, there was this thread about Aston not being into the supercar section. And I think it is right. Astons are not supercars, there are special cars. Very special indeed.
I am still thinking of one day adding a new Vanquish to the 12C. As I think the GT aspects and creature comfort and the fabulous noise will complement the 12C very well.
I am also looking forward the new generation of Astons coming up.
Coming from an Aston, the 12C, with its under-stated look made sense to me. Aston remains a brand apart. No wonder it is one of the coolest brand on the planet :-) But with a McLaren you do get a similar reaction to Astons on the road. One of respect. Not the aggressiveness you get when driving a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
Now, my car is cleaned, polished and waxed, ready for Le Mans trip on Thursday. I am going there with a friend in his DB9. Cannot wait !
Great write up! Boring question but, what do you expect your over all running costs are/going to be for your first year of ownership? Also how does it perform mpg wise on a spirited drive and on a run? I know its a mundane question but interested to see how it copes with daily duties!Yes, time for an update after 8 months of ownership and 10,000 miles.
When I called the dealer a couple of weeks ago saying that my car was due for service, he could not believe me...
The extended warranty is just too expensive, at £3,400 per annum. Especially considering how unwilling they have been under the original warranty cover. Problem is, you do not really have a choice. Nobody else would cover this and it is too much of a risk to take.
Overal, the 12C is a fantastic car. Is it better than the V12V ? Hum, IMHO yes. Do, I miss my V12V. Yes, I do ! But would have the 12C every time over the V12V.
It is funny, there was this thread about Aston not being into the supercar section. And I think it is right. Astons are not supercars, there are special cars. Very special indeed.
I am still thinking of one day adding a new Vanquish to the 12C. As I think the GT aspects and creature comfort and the fabulous noise will complement the 12C very well.
I am also looking forward the new generation of Astons coming up.
Coming from an Aston, the 12C, with its under-stated look made sense to me. Aston remains a brand apart. No wonder it is one of the coolest brand on the planet :-) But with a McLaren you do get a similar reaction to Astons on the road. One of respect. Not the aggressiveness you get when driving a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
Now, my car is cleaned, polished and waxed, ready for Le Mans trip on Thursday. I am going there with a friend in his DB9. Cannot wait !
I am with you and v12 astons they just sound and look so special, was at top555 yesterday and they had 3 v12v in the showroom, and god they're gorgeous looking things, I personally like the carbon bonnet vents and the wheels too. They had a red, grey and black one in. Personally Id have grey but other than that Id want cobalt blue but there is only one in the uk (sold by jct leeds) . Aston are always admired by the general public but ferraris always seem to get an element of negative impressions from the public.
Hope you continue enjoying your 12c - glad you're racking up the miles - you'd get shot for doing that in a 458! haha
Daily driver...I can only imagine the depreciation
I would drive mine every day if I could. Good on you!
Which part of East Kent are you (not stalking you, just noticed it on another thread...honest!) I'm in SE London (used to be west Kent in times gone past) so not a million miles from you.
I would drive mine every day if I could. Good on you!
Which part of East Kent are you (not stalking you, just noticed it on another thread...honest!) I'm in SE London (used to be west Kent in times gone past) so not a million miles from you.
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