Off to test a DBS and V12VS tomorrow...Any advice?
Discussion
I'm glad everyone enjoyed my report, here's some replies...
Well, I haven't actually driven a V12V yet so you never know...
However, later when I was being dropped off to Bentley in the cold V12VS, it was up a hill and with traffic. It seemed to be doing a great job. My old Vantage would've been revving away trying to find the biting point every time we moved from standstill. The Hill Start Assist doing its job well, no doubt?
I was also shown they no longer have that annoying creep mode which made parking a real difficulty in the old days. So far so good but I'll be sure to check again when driving slowly to see how SSIII handles more traffic prone driving.
That Grange V12VS seemed perfect. I wish I'd had time to go down earlier and check it out.
I forgot to say, the V12VS had the lightweight seats. I have bucket seats in my R8 which I love. But the Aston don't allow for proper angle adjustment (without the front moving as well) and aren't heated. Which I discovered in last night's cold Aston!
But I didn't drive that Aston so would have to check the lightweight seats in the driver's seat next time.
I actually like the normal Aston seats - they seem more sporty than standard seats from other marques. They're a good combination of comfort and involvement.
I would love to get the B&O option if only for the super cool moving tweeters - like two missiles ready to launch every time you switch on the stereo. However even the 700w Premium Sound option which I had in my Vantage sounds absolutely amazing. The subwoofer gives so much bass. That system sounds BETTER than the B&O I have on my R8 surprisingly!
In all fairness though, I DID have a good look at adverts for the 12c. Like the V12V, they keep being snapped up right before my eyes. There was quite a good selection around the Christmas time, especially official McLaren dealer ones.
As ds2000 said, I don't really want to spend that much. Actually he was wrong about the £99,999.99. It's actually £100k. The 1p makes a difference! Haha.
I was tempted earlier on. But then I started thinking about how clinical it is, the exhaust noise (loud but not the amazing Aston tone) and maybe the design? I feel almost like the 12c would be like a (massive) step up in power and performance version of the my R8, i.e. technically there but missing something?
Of course you're the one who moved from Aston (which one did you have). So how does it compare in terms of FEELING and the smile on your face?
Also as northernmedia said, the cheaper ones tend not to be authorised ones. I know an official warranty is an additional £3k+ and when you're spending that much on a car you really want to make sure it's perfect.
However, saying all that, IT IS currently amazing value for money especially compared to a 458. With F430 values at ludicrous levels the 12c is the supercar bargain of the century at the moment.
I was supposed to call a dealer back about the 12c and still could....decisions, decisions. If only out of curiosity and to continue this epic driving week...
divetheworld said:
I like this guy!!!
Haha, cheers. Sometimes it's hard for people to detect sarcasm on the internet hence why I had to explicitly state it in the next post. Quarterly said:
If you do buy an Aston, your navigational problems will be at an end. Aston only use the finest cutting edge technology.
Thanks for the report, I enjoyed reading about it. Although I'm bias towards the V12V I completely understand why you'd choose an automatic over it, living in London. Good luck with your search, exciting times.
Ha, looking forward to inadvertent scenic road trips in my future Aston...Thanks for the report, I enjoyed reading about it. Although I'm bias towards the V12V I completely understand why you'd choose an automatic over it, living in London. Good luck with your search, exciting times.
Well, I haven't actually driven a V12V yet so you never know...
CSK1 said:
Great write up. So you actually enjoyed SportshiftIII? Did you find it an improvement over the earlier version you had in your V8?
In all fairness the roads around Brentwood were really nice, i.e. nothing like London(!) So we were moving at a steady pace and then at a crazy pace. Perfect conditions for a semi-automatic.However, later when I was being dropped off to Bentley in the cold V12VS, it was up a hill and with traffic. It seemed to be doing a great job. My old Vantage would've been revving away trying to find the biting point every time we moved from standstill. The Hill Start Assist doing its job well, no doubt?
I was also shown they no longer have that annoying creep mode which made parking a real difficulty in the old days. So far so good but I'll be sure to check again when driving slowly to see how SSIII handles more traffic prone driving.
cayman-black said:
well its good to hear they are still flying out of the showrooms. The manuals now seem to be selling as soon as they come in. Good buy that blue (S) one at grange though!
I know, the demand for the manuals are crazy. In terms of a car that's very likely to appreciate in value this has got to be the investment option of the moment? Hopefully I'll be able to test one out before someone snatches it away...That Grange V12VS seemed perfect. I wish I'd had time to go down earlier and check it out.
northernmedia said:
I have a flugplatz blue S coupe, you won't be disappointed.
I'm 1300 miles / 3 months into ownership and loving every minute!
I recommend one with lightweight bucket seats, really suit the sporty nature of the car. Mine also has B&O hifi, which is also superb when you can hear it over the exhaust!
Oooh, you have the colour I was interested in. How do you find it? Does it attract attention and does it get dirty quickly? My R8 is black and needs to be washed all the damn time.I'm 1300 miles / 3 months into ownership and loving every minute!
I recommend one with lightweight bucket seats, really suit the sporty nature of the car. Mine also has B&O hifi, which is also superb when you can hear it over the exhaust!
I forgot to say, the V12VS had the lightweight seats. I have bucket seats in my R8 which I love. But the Aston don't allow for proper angle adjustment (without the front moving as well) and aren't heated. Which I discovered in last night's cold Aston!
But I didn't drive that Aston so would have to check the lightweight seats in the driver's seat next time.
I actually like the normal Aston seats - they seem more sporty than standard seats from other marques. They're a good combination of comfort and involvement.
I would love to get the B&O option if only for the super cool moving tweeters - like two missiles ready to launch every time you switch on the stereo. However even the 700w Premium Sound option which I had in my Vantage sounds absolutely amazing. The subwoofer gives so much bass. That system sounds BETTER than the B&O I have on my R8 surprisingly!
SlartiF430 said:
I'll get stabbed in the face for saying this here but...
...Why aren't you using the opportunity to get a 12c. They're on fire right now!
How dare you Sir! Mods, remove this blaspheme and strip him of his once mighty Aston badge...I fear his newly acquired 616bhp power has warped this gentlemen's mind....Why aren't you using the opportunity to get a 12c. They're on fire right now!
In all fairness though, I DID have a good look at adverts for the 12c. Like the V12V, they keep being snapped up right before my eyes. There was quite a good selection around the Christmas time, especially official McLaren dealer ones.
As ds2000 said, I don't really want to spend that much. Actually he was wrong about the £99,999.99. It's actually £100k. The 1p makes a difference! Haha.
I was tempted earlier on. But then I started thinking about how clinical it is, the exhaust noise (loud but not the amazing Aston tone) and maybe the design? I feel almost like the 12c would be like a (massive) step up in power and performance version of the my R8, i.e. technically there but missing something?
Of course you're the one who moved from Aston (which one did you have). So how does it compare in terms of FEELING and the smile on your face?
Also as northernmedia said, the cheaper ones tend not to be authorised ones. I know an official warranty is an additional £3k+ and when you're spending that much on a car you really want to make sure it's perfect.
However, saying all that, IT IS currently amazing value for money especially compared to a 458. With F430 values at ludicrous levels the 12c is the supercar bargain of the century at the moment.
I was supposed to call a dealer back about the 12c and still could....decisions, decisions. If only out of curiosity and to continue this epic driving week...
Edited by Nijius Maximus on Thursday 21st January 15:35
SlartiF430 said:
I'll get stabbed in the face for saying this here but...
Why aren't you using the opportunity to get a 12c. They're being snapped up pretty quickly (just based on what ma happening inthr Mac forum) and by ex Aston owners like me. Massive step up, none of the Ferrari gareishness, stacks of power, super comfortable and a proper statement on the road (like Aston). Going for bargain basement prices right now but starting to creep up as the market starts to notice of mclaren. They're on fire right now!
Anyone here prefer forced induction to N/A V12s?????????????Why aren't you using the opportunity to get a 12c. They're being snapped up pretty quickly (just based on what ma happening inthr Mac forum) and by ex Aston owners like me. Massive step up, none of the Ferrari gareishness, stacks of power, super comfortable and a proper statement on the road (like Aston). Going for bargain basement prices right now but starting to creep up as the market starts to notice of mclaren. They're on fire right now!
I would be amazed if the Mclaren gave the well being classy feel of the Aston. I have had a lot of top marque cars and for me the Aston gives that special feeling better, a bit like how a Range Rover feels compared to a Porsche Cayenne !
Nijius which V12V has Sevenoaks just sold, Grey or White? thx.
Nijius which V12V has Sevenoaks just sold, Grey or White? thx.
Edited by cayman-black on Thursday 21st January 16:42
Nijius Maximus said:
All your questions are about to be answered, including the curious case of the bus while driving...
But firstly, let's cut to the chase: I bought a BMW i8.
The piped in exhaust note is so amazing and real, the electric steering is so feelsome not forgetting the regenerative brakes.
Who needs a V12 growl when starting up when you have the Star Trek Enterprise OS boot up sound instead...?!
And let's be honest the BMW interior completely shows up any Aston. BMW use plastic. REAL plastic!!
Nijius you joke about the i8 , but one chap on here changed his V12V for one, remember guys?(Eric)But firstly, let's cut to the chase: I bought a BMW i8.
The piped in exhaust note is so amazing and real, the electric steering is so feelsome not forgetting the regenerative brakes.
Who needs a V12 growl when starting up when you have the Star Trek Enterprise OS boot up sound instead...?!
And let's be honest the BMW interior completely shows up any Aston. BMW use plastic. REAL plastic!!
Also you are so right when you say that the Aston does not have to be driven hard, fast to enjoy.
Cayman Black, it was the white V12V that sold. The silver is due to be... Wait a second. You're not gonna steal it before I get to test drive it, are you?? You sneaky b
d...
What was Eric's (the Aston deserter) impression of the i8 from the V12V?
And yep I agree completely, having fun at slow speeds is what sets Astons apart from the other top end marques who are obsessed with 0-62 and Nurburgring times etc. Enjoy the car godammit!
d... What was Eric's (the Aston deserter) impression of the i8 from the V12V?
And yep I agree completely, having fun at slow speeds is what sets Astons apart from the other top end marques who are obsessed with 0-62 and Nurburgring times etc. Enjoy the car godammit!
I would certainly try the manual V12 before you commit to a purchase. I thought long and hard over which to choose when I bought my car recently. Not that the value of things is really my thing but due to the lack of availability I don't think it will be long before the manual cars are more expensive than the later V12s.
bentley01 said:
I would certainly try the manual V12 before you commit to a purchase. I thought long and hard over which to choose when I bought my car recently. Not that the value of things is really my thing but due to the lack of availability I don't think it will be long before the manual cars are more expensive than the later V12s.
I disagree. I believe the S could be just as rare...
Depends on the new model tho I suppose.
Of course it's all conjecture.
Here's the video of the V12V coming to Sevenoaks soon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYvPUrgwFuA
A classy colour for a classy car. Awful, inappropriate soundtrack to the video though.
What the HELL were they thinking?! Mute it when watching.
northernmedia, Surley a MANUAL would offer even more of a premium as time goes by? If the V12VS had had a manual option it would be a different story obviously. But I can just imagine buying one and a year later (not that'd I sell it) it being the same price or higher and be extremely quick to sell.
Everyone says how the V12V is a future classic and one of the best cars ever made. Plus it's (currently!) cheaper than a V12VS. Could spend the money saved paying for the divorce when my wife tries to kill me after discovering the car in the garage...
P.S. Can someone please tell me why I keep day dreaming about the DBS? Those looks, dammit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYvPUrgwFuA
A classy colour for a classy car. Awful, inappropriate soundtrack to the video though.
What the HELL were they thinking?! Mute it when watching.
northernmedia, Surley a MANUAL would offer even more of a premium as time goes by? If the V12VS had had a manual option it would be a different story obviously. But I can just imagine buying one and a year later (not that'd I sell it) it being the same price or higher and be extremely quick to sell.
Everyone says how the V12V is a future classic and one of the best cars ever made. Plus it's (currently!) cheaper than a V12VS. Could spend the money saved paying for the divorce when my wife tries to kill me after discovering the car in the garage...
P.S. Can someone please tell me why I keep day dreaming about the DBS? Those looks, dammit.
Edited by Nijius Maximus on Thursday 21st January 18:31
SlartiF430 said:
I'll get stabbed in the face for saying this here but...
Why aren't you using the opportunity to get a 12c. They're being snapped up pretty quickly (just based on what ma happening inthr Mac forum) and by ex Aston owners like me. Massive step up, none of the Ferrari gareishness, stacks of power, super comfortable and a proper statement on the road (like Aston). Going for bargain basement prices right now but starting to creep up as the market starts to notice of mclaren. They're on fire right now!
Seriously, seriously considered a 12C Spider but decided to wait until the spring. Went for a drive in MikeyK's 650S and what an awesome machine it is. All that said it has power beyond my ability and is no Aston inside Why aren't you using the opportunity to get a 12c. They're being snapped up pretty quickly (just based on what ma happening inthr Mac forum) and by ex Aston owners like me. Massive step up, none of the Ferrari gareishness, stacks of power, super comfortable and a proper statement on the road (like Aston). Going for bargain basement prices right now but starting to creep up as the market starts to notice of mclaren. They're on fire right now!
For the time being I shall "stick"
Personally I think the V12V, the DBS and V12VS are the best three cars to come out of Gaydon.
All are brilliant and capable way beyond anything any of us can do with them.
If you want cast iron residuals then get either a V12V or a manual DBS. If you want a magnificent GT, then get an auto DBS. If you want the best car of the three, get the V12VS - but be prepared to pay a bit more, then watch it deprecaiate down to current V12V levels. Can't see nice examples of any of the three going much below 80k in the long term.
I don't do turbos, I would love a 458 Speciale, but would rather have an iPhone 8 than a BMW i8.
Happy hunting!
All are brilliant and capable way beyond anything any of us can do with them.
If you want cast iron residuals then get either a V12V or a manual DBS. If you want a magnificent GT, then get an auto DBS. If you want the best car of the three, get the V12VS - but be prepared to pay a bit more, then watch it deprecaiate down to current V12V levels. Can't see nice examples of any of the three going much below 80k in the long term.
I don't do turbos, I would love a 458 Speciale, but would rather have an iPhone 8 than a BMW i8.
Happy hunting!
[quote=northernmedia]
I disagree.
I believe the S could be just as rare...
Depends on the new model tho I suppose.
Of course it's all conjecture.
You could be right i am just reiterating what they told me at the main dealers. They were of course trying to sell me a car. In reality i think any of the 3 choices have done the largest chunk of their depreciation. Happy hunting
I disagree.
I believe the S could be just as rare...
Depends on the new model tho I suppose.
Of course it's all conjecture.
You could be right i am just reiterating what they told me at the main dealers. They were of course trying to sell me a car. In reality i think any of the 3 choices have done the largest chunk of their depreciation. Happy hunting
They have a V12VS at Stratstone Amersham:
http://www.stratstone.com/search/vehicledetails/us...
Always loved the white and black look. But it's £5k more than I wanted to pay. If anyone from Stratstone is reading: just drop it to £100k and I'll buy it ASAP. Thanks in advance for your understanding - you know you want to. I'll pick it up tomorrow.
AMDBSNick and AMDBSTony: are you two twins?!
How do you two find your DBS? Is the manual DBS good in traffic?
http://www.stratstone.com/search/vehicledetails/us...
Always loved the white and black look. But it's £5k more than I wanted to pay. If anyone from Stratstone is reading: just drop it to £100k and I'll buy it ASAP. Thanks in advance for your understanding - you know you want to. I'll pick it up tomorrow.
AMDBSNick and AMDBSTony: are you two twins?!
How do you two find your DBS? Is the manual DBS good in traffic?
Phil74891 said:
Personally I think the V12V, the DBS and V12VS are the best three cars to come out of Gaydon.
All are brilliant and capable way beyond anything any of us can do with them.
If you want cast iron residuals then get either a V12V or a manual DBS. If you want a magnificent GT, then get an auto DBS. If you want the best car of the three, get the V12VS - but be prepared to pay a bit more, then watch it deprecaiate down to current V12V levels. Can't see nice examples of any of the three going much below 80k in the long term.
I don't do turbos, I would love a 458 Speciale, but would rather have an iPhone 8 than a BMW i8.
Happy hunting!
Thanks for the advice! You've summed up all three cars nice and succinctly. Great comment about iPhone 8 over the BMW i8. In the same way I'd choose an Aventador over a 650s. It's all about the smile on your face rather than the technical superiority. All are brilliant and capable way beyond anything any of us can do with them.
If you want cast iron residuals then get either a V12V or a manual DBS. If you want a magnificent GT, then get an auto DBS. If you want the best car of the three, get the V12VS - but be prepared to pay a bit more, then watch it deprecaiate down to current V12V levels. Can't see nice examples of any of the three going much below 80k in the long term.
I don't do turbos, I would love a 458 Speciale, but would rather have an iPhone 8 than a BMW i8.
Happy hunting!
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