In both coupe and Roadster forms, the V8 Vantage is a strict two-seater rather than trying to claim to be a four-seater as with the Porsche 911. The cabin is quite roomy for this class of car, despite the Vantage being 335mm shorter than the DB9. Leather upholstery is standard on all models, as are electrically adjusted seats, climate control, CD stereo, front and side airbags, and a battery isolator switch. This last item is useful for cars that will be left standing for longer periods to prevent battery drain, though a trickle charger is a wiser idea and can be connected to the socket in the boot that is standard on all Vantages.
Later interiors better but ergonomic 'quirks' persist
Check the boot for damp carpets that are a result of water coming in when the boot is opened or a blocked drain pipe. Fitted luggage can be bought to make the most of the Vantage's 300-litre boot space.
The cabin should be in fine condition and show no wear. Some owners say they can see the reflection of screw heads from the top of the dash in the windscreen in bright sunshine, but cabin quality is rated as very high by owners.
However, there are some interior niggles, such as the earlier Volvo-based sat-nav that is basic and slow in operation. Many owners simply use their smart phones or an aftermarket sat-nav instead. Door windows can fail and need a new module to sort them, so check every button does as it should inside the Vantage. Earlier cars also did without a Bluetooth connection and this can be pricey to retro-fit.
Some drivers find the seating position quite low-set, but comfort is reckoned to be good. However, some PHers report it has taken a long time to get used to the driving position and adjusting it to perfection takes time, trial and error.
Air conditioning can falter and need a new compressor, so make sure it's pumping out cold air.
PHer's view:
"I find the driving position a little low, and experiment with different seat settings. The Auto Glym range is excellent for maintaining the bodywork, seats and fittings."
Bob Newell