The V8 Vantage is built around Aston's VH platform, which it shares with the larger DB9. For the original 4.3 coupe and Roadster models, Aston fitted rack and pinion steering with power assistance, but it wasn't until 2012 the standard Vantage models received the quicker steering rack of the S to give it sharper responses and better feedback.
Roadster is glamorous but a bit porky
The steering gives the 4.3- and pre-2012 4.7-litre models a turning circle of 11.1m, while front and rear tracks come in at 1,568mm and 1,562mm respectively. The 4.3 V8 coupe has a kerb weight of 1,570kg, while a 4.7 Roadster tips the scales at 1,710kg. Independent aluminium double wishbones are used front and rear, while coilover dampers work with an anti-roll bar at both ends. The Sports Pack for the 4.3 could also include firmer Bilstein springs and dampers, as well as lightweight forged 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels with a five-spoke design.
When the 4.7 arrived in 2008, 19-inch alloys became standard and there was a range of optional wheel styles. The 4.3 had 18-inch alloys as standard, with 19s as an option. When launched in 2005, the Vantage came with Bridgestone Potenzas in 235/45 ZR18 front and 275/40 ZR18 rear sizes. A Prodrive pack provided seven-spoke alloys that saved 2.5kg per wheel and used Pirelli tyres, while the Prodrive suspension pack used firmer Eibach springs and Bilstein dampers.
Various upgrade packages available over years
To bring this lot to a halt, Aston fitted 355mm ventilated front discs and vented rear 330mm discs with Brembo monoblock calipers. There's a separate caliper for the handbrake on the rear discs which can seize if the car is left to stand for longer periods.
All of the suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres of any V8 Vantage for sale should be in excellent condition. Replacing or repairing any of these items will be expensive, though the brakes should last 25,000 miles with ease. Any squeals from the brakes probably means new pads are needed imminently. Tyres should last 20,000 miles on a car driven gently, but 10,000 miles is a more realistic point to budget for new rubber.
The suspension wears well and only high mileage Vantages might need more than a simple service to bring them back to full health. A firm low speed ride is to be expected but the Vantage should also feel planted and secure when driven quickly.
PHer's view
"I use mine as a daily driver and so the V8 is a good compromise between cost, performance, experience and cruising. Yes, there are cars that are better at certain things - Porsche 911 for handling, Audi R8 for grip or Jaguar XF when wafting along, but the V8 Vantage is definitely a special car. The Vantage gets under your skin and you develop an affection for it, which is just as well because if I had bought a Ford Focus with the same niggles I would have probably moved on long ago!"
Robert Aldsworth
Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior