Should I go for a Vantage?
Discussion
BlackWidow13 said:
- personally I have never liked the newer model’s front end, even with the makeover. The £330k new V12 looks great at the front but that’s a whole different ball game….Plus: Merc engine.
The twin turbo V12 engine in the new V12 Vantage is not a Mercedes engine - it is an Aston Martin engine, the exact same engine as the DB11 V12 and DBSS.
BlackWidow13 said:
I’ve picked out some particular lines from your post for the purposes of a quick ‘n’ dirty reply.
- any spot is pretty sweet with a pre 2019 (ie VH shape) Vantage, but *the* sweetest spot is the V12. That’s where I decided to jump in on the basis that if I had gone for a V8 I’d be forever looking wistfully for a V12.
- reliability I think is good. No flatbed trailers for me yet. A couple of things have been doing over regular servicing but nothing crippling.
- regular main dealer servicing is around £1k +/-£200. Mines now coming up on 8 years and I’ll probably switch out of the main dealer network this year. I ran a Timeless warranty for a couple of years when I first had it, but if the car is a good ‘un, then unless you’re very unlucky you’ll save money skipping warranty renewals and self-insuring.
- personally I have never liked the newer model’s front end, even with the makeover. The £330k new V12 looks great at the front but that’s a whole different ball game. Don’t much care for the newer car’s interior, in particular not being able to hide the satnav screen. Plus: Merc engine.
- I adore the SSIII box because I find it the perfect balance between engagement and automation. It shifts faster and more accurately than I can, but feels more like you’re doing something useful than a PDK box does.
The V12S is a mighty car, make no mistake. Brutal, savage, analogue, but also supple and refined if you want it to be. All wrapped up ina visually stunning package.
Thanks, looks like they are pretty reliable by what everyone is saying.- any spot is pretty sweet with a pre 2019 (ie VH shape) Vantage, but *the* sweetest spot is the V12. That’s where I decided to jump in on the basis that if I had gone for a V8 I’d be forever looking wistfully for a V12.
- reliability I think is good. No flatbed trailers for me yet. A couple of things have been doing over regular servicing but nothing crippling.
- regular main dealer servicing is around £1k +/-£200. Mines now coming up on 8 years and I’ll probably switch out of the main dealer network this year. I ran a Timeless warranty for a couple of years when I first had it, but if the car is a good ‘un, then unless you’re very unlucky you’ll save money skipping warranty renewals and self-insuring.
- personally I have never liked the newer model’s front end, even with the makeover. The £330k new V12 looks great at the front but that’s a whole different ball game. Don’t much care for the newer car’s interior, in particular not being able to hide the satnav screen. Plus: Merc engine.
- I adore the SSIII box because I find it the perfect balance between engagement and automation. It shifts faster and more accurately than I can, but feels more like you’re doing something useful than a PDK box does.
The V12S is a mighty car, make no mistake. Brutal, savage, analogue, but also supple and refined if you want it to be. All wrapped up ina visually stunning package.
Now searching for a V12S I think ...
Andy_M_ said:
Thanks, looks like they are pretty reliable by what everyone is saying.
Now searching for a V12S I think ...
Thanks for your input LTP. Now searching for a V12S I think ...
I must admit that good damping and ride quality is becoming more and more important. Is there a big difference between the V8 S and non-S? Is the N430 the same as the S?
Just to add that I always found my V12S to be more comfortable and have a better ride quality in “ normal mode “ ( 3 in total iirc ) than the V8S.
If you are serious about getting one then will also recommend the lightweight carbon seats - rarer but not impossible to find - they really suit the car.
But it’s still a cracking car with sports seats before people shout ( the seats do divide opinion ).
alscar said:
Just to add that I always found my V12S to be more comfortable and have a better ride quality in “ normal mode “ ( 3 in total iirc ) than the V8S.
If you are serious about getting one then will also recommend the lightweight carbon seats - rarer but not impossible to find - they really suit the car.
But it’s still a cracking car with sports seats before people shout ( the seats do divide opinion ).
Thanks, slim pickings out there at the moment. I am in Surrey - my local dealer is HVM in Walton-on-Thames but they seem to be concentrating on only the newer models. There's a good looking V12S at Chiltern albeit in quite a shouty red; also one at Chichester but that has standard wheels, no premium audio and been up since late last year by the looks of it. What are the other options that people would be looking out for? If the budget is around £90K then I guess it's a MY14/15 but unlikely to get into MY17 with the newer console and MMI. If you are serious about getting one then will also recommend the lightweight carbon seats - rarer but not impossible to find - they really suit the car.
But it’s still a cracking car with sports seats before people shout ( the seats do divide opinion ).
Andy_M_ said:
Thanks, slim pickings out there at the moment. I am in Surrey - my local dealer is HVM in Walton-on-Thames but they seem to be concentrating on only the newer models. There's a good looking V12S at Chiltern albeit in quite a shouty red; also one at Chichester but that has standard wheels, no premium audio and been up since late last year by the looks of it. What are the other options that people would be looking out for? If the budget is around £90K then I guess it's a MY14/15 but unlikely to get into MY17 with the newer console and MMI.
Just to echo alscar, I found the ride in the V12VS I tried on the standard (softest) damper setting to be about the same as my non-'S' V8V and I could have lived with it quite happily (accepting that I only drove it for an hour or so). I believe the earlier non-S V12s without the adaptive dampers rode considerably firmer. LTP said:
Just to echo alscar, I found the ride in the V12VS I tried on the standard (softest) damper setting to be about the same as my non-'S' V8V and I could have lived with it quite happily (accepting that I only drove it for an hour or so). I believe the earlier non-S V12s without the adaptive dampers rode considerably firmer.
Thanks both, the adaptive dampers on the V12S sound like they offer the best of both worlds - comfort and sporty. Andy_M_ said:
Thanks, slim pickings out there at the moment. I am in Surrey - my local dealer is HVM in Walton-on-Thames but they seem to be concentrating on only the newer models. There's a good looking V12S at Chiltern albeit in quite a shouty red; also one at Chichester but that has standard wheels, no premium audio and been up since late last year by the looks of it. What are the other options that people would be looking out for? If the budget is around £90K then I guess it's a MY14/15 but unlikely to get into MY17 with the newer console and MMI.
That Chiltern one does look good in volcano red though - low miles too. Have a look at the Flugplatz blue one via PH - has the lightweight seats and bit cheaper.
But can understand why you might prefer to go via a MD.
Davil said:
Well, I bought an M2C when they were first released, great car. I traded that on an M2CS which is a significant step up in performance, handling, steering and most importantly, driving experience. I still have that and won’t sell it ever, as I think it’s the best M car ever made and probably ever will. It also seats 4 in reasonable comfort and fine for “everyday” use. I don’t have a commute but do sometimes have more than one passenger.
Late 2021 I decided now was the time to own an Aston. While I, a) am not grey, b) have hair, and am young enough to enjoy it.
So I researched endlessly. First thing to do is buy “the book”.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Definitive-Guide-Gaydon-...
I got very lucky, as one of the final 200 VH vantages came up for sale and in manual. Only 6 made it to Australia. V8 Vantage AMR MY18.
It has more power than you’ll ever need for the road. Roughly the same power as my M2CS. Compared to the M2C, it has less low end torque but more top end power. So if you like to shift gears and love that naturally aspirated feel then you’ll find it more rewarding than the M2C.
One of the reasons for wanting the last of the last is that it feels almost resto-mod. All the niggles sorted. A vastly improved interior and a good infotainment system that has Apple CarPlay all in a very analogue feeling old school driving experience.
One thing that will blow you away compared to the M2C (and Porsches) is the quality of the interior. Everything is leather, Alcantara, carbon fibre or aluminium. And the smell is just divine. No squeaks, rattles, just a solid quality feeling. And the sound system is just remarkable. As is the sound of the exhaust. They often harmonise to a level you think you’ll only ever hear in a movie. It’s that good. You just can’t stop smiling when it happens.
The steering is pretty much perfection. Hydraulic, heavy, brimming with so much feel. Especially after replacing the terrible OEM Bridgestones with Bridgestone Potenza Sport. That’s a must do upgrade as it improves the ride, handling and driving enjoyment so much.
The balance of the car just makes you smile. The engine is behind the front axle. It never feels nose heavy and just rotates. I prefer handling over too much power which is why I prefer it to the V12. But the V12 obviously has great, but different appeal. So, horses for courses there.
The ride is firm, but just how I like it. You might think it would get bounced off line on bumpy roads like the M2C, but it doesn’t as there is a lot more suspension travel and way higher quality shocks.
The other great thing is that it still feels wonderful to drive at slow speeds. If you’ve driven a 992 or new M4, you’ll know how incredibly boring they are to drive unless doing something illegal.
The other bizarre aspect of Aston ownership is just how nice people are to you on the road. People pull over to let you pass. Let you in in traffic, give you thumbs up. Let’s just say that’s nothing like BMW or Porsche ownership.
It’s in no way a daily driver of a car though. It’s a couple of times a week car. A car for when you want to escape the modern world and just feel like man and machine.
So overall, I cannot recommend one more highly. I am so enamoured by this car, that, for over a year now, if I haven’t seen it that day I will walk down to my garage and just look at it. I have not missed a single day.
It’s an event every time. First you look at it, taking in the beauty, then you sit in it and breathe that wonderful aroma, then you do the overcomplicated but massively enjoyable crystal key start up process and are treated to that magnificent roar. Then you deal with the idiosyncratic reverse gear which is unnecessarily tall (but you get used to that) and then you are off in your escape pod. Back in another era of peak analogue sports car.
Also, weirdly enough, it has increased in value since I bought it (manual ones are more rare). Not that I’m ever going to sell it. The recent Bamford Rose shows they are holding strong in the UK too. End of an era models always seem to do well over time.
I came from 2 porsche's and a lotus before arriving at this same car, a V8 AMR Manual. For the price I paid, I could have got a v12, but just preferred the v8 handling and steering feel over the v12.Late 2021 I decided now was the time to own an Aston. While I, a) am not grey, b) have hair, and am young enough to enjoy it.
So I researched endlessly. First thing to do is buy “the book”.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Definitive-Guide-Gaydon-...
I got very lucky, as one of the final 200 VH vantages came up for sale and in manual. Only 6 made it to Australia. V8 Vantage AMR MY18.
It has more power than you’ll ever need for the road. Roughly the same power as my M2CS. Compared to the M2C, it has less low end torque but more top end power. So if you like to shift gears and love that naturally aspirated feel then you’ll find it more rewarding than the M2C.
One of the reasons for wanting the last of the last is that it feels almost resto-mod. All the niggles sorted. A vastly improved interior and a good infotainment system that has Apple CarPlay all in a very analogue feeling old school driving experience.
One thing that will blow you away compared to the M2C (and Porsches) is the quality of the interior. Everything is leather, Alcantara, carbon fibre or aluminium. And the smell is just divine. No squeaks, rattles, just a solid quality feeling. And the sound system is just remarkable. As is the sound of the exhaust. They often harmonise to a level you think you’ll only ever hear in a movie. It’s that good. You just can’t stop smiling when it happens.
The steering is pretty much perfection. Hydraulic, heavy, brimming with so much feel. Especially after replacing the terrible OEM Bridgestones with Bridgestone Potenza Sport. That’s a must do upgrade as it improves the ride, handling and driving enjoyment so much.
The balance of the car just makes you smile. The engine is behind the front axle. It never feels nose heavy and just rotates. I prefer handling over too much power which is why I prefer it to the V12. But the V12 obviously has great, but different appeal. So, horses for courses there.
The ride is firm, but just how I like it. You might think it would get bounced off line on bumpy roads like the M2C, but it doesn’t as there is a lot more suspension travel and way higher quality shocks.
The other great thing is that it still feels wonderful to drive at slow speeds. If you’ve driven a 992 or new M4, you’ll know how incredibly boring they are to drive unless doing something illegal.
The other bizarre aspect of Aston ownership is just how nice people are to you on the road. People pull over to let you pass. Let you in in traffic, give you thumbs up. Let’s just say that’s nothing like BMW or Porsche ownership.
It’s in no way a daily driver of a car though. It’s a couple of times a week car. A car for when you want to escape the modern world and just feel like man and machine.
So overall, I cannot recommend one more highly. I am so enamoured by this car, that, for over a year now, if I haven’t seen it that day I will walk down to my garage and just look at it. I have not missed a single day.
It’s an event every time. First you look at it, taking in the beauty, then you sit in it and breathe that wonderful aroma, then you do the overcomplicated but massively enjoyable crystal key start up process and are treated to that magnificent roar. Then you deal with the idiosyncratic reverse gear which is unnecessarily tall (but you get used to that) and then you are off in your escape pod. Back in another era of peak analogue sports car.
Also, weirdly enough, it has increased in value since I bought it (manual ones are more rare). Not that I’m ever going to sell it. The recent Bamford Rose shows they are holding strong in the UK too. End of an era models always seem to do well over time.
Edited by Davil on Tuesday 14th March 02:10
Edited by Davil on Tuesday 14th March 02:23
I concur with everything Davil has said about the ownership. It is so much nicer than owning a Porsche! Aside from GT3's any 911 after the 997 is very sanitised compared to the Aston. No doubt objectively the 911 will "better" but subjective the aston is a far more special car and experience.
cypriot said:
I came from 2 porsche's and a lotus before arriving at this same car, a V8 AMR Manual. For the price I paid, I could have got a v12, but just preferred the v8 handling and steering feel over the v12.
I concur with everything Davil has said about the ownership. It is so much nicer than owning a Porsche! Aside from GT3's any 911 after the 997 is very sanitised compared to the Aston. No doubt objectively the 911 will "better" but subjective the aston is a far more special car and experience.
I've watched a number of JayEmms videos on the Vantage and he says something similar that the steering in the V8 was better. Does the AMR have a further step up in suspension over the V8S / N430? I don't think I am looking for a GT3 substitute ... equally I don't want a complete barge. Very few AMRs around.I concur with everything Davil has said about the ownership. It is so much nicer than owning a Porsche! Aside from GT3's any 911 after the 997 is very sanitised compared to the Aston. No doubt objectively the 911 will "better" but subjective the aston is a far more special car and experience.
Andy_M_ said:
Should I go for a Vantage?
alscar mentioned in his first post, that you had a similar post on the Porsche forum.
I have just made my first visit to the Porsche forum and see that your contribution score is;
Aston Martin 54 - 21 Porsche.
With AM in the lead, you might consider Aston Martin owners to be quite a friendly bunch. -
Andy_M_ said:
Thanks, slim pickings out there at the moment. I am in Surrey - my local dealer is HVM in Walton-on-Thames but they seem to be concentrating on only the newer models. There's a good looking V12S at Chiltern albeit in quite a shouty red; also one at Chichester but that has standard wheels, no premium audio and been up since late last year by the looks of it. What are the other options that people would be looking out for? If the budget is around £90K then I guess it's a MY14/15 but unlikely to get into MY17 with the newer console and MMI.
You’ll be in great hands with HWM. They have great sales and post-sales service. (Being fair, the same applies to AM Bristol in my personal experience, and many have spoken highly of AM Notts. The only bad one I experienced was AM Cardiff, but that closed years ago.)I would suggest visiting of phoning HWM and speak to Paul or others on the sales team there and set out what you’re looking for. They have an extensive database of customers and other sources. Of all the MD’s, their age range of cars covered is probably the widest, but stock of VH Vantages is probably generally lower at the moment (same at AM Bristol last week as DB11’s, new Vantages and DBS’s are now more plentiful secondhand). I think many more are holding on to their VH Vantages as they realise they can’t be replaced.
Options on VH Vantage - you need to consider these in advance…
Any of the V8 models (excluding the GT8) from 2012.25MY onwards can have either the Comfort or Sport passive suspension setups. Both were available on the non-S, S, SP10, N420, N430 and AMR models. These V8 models were not offered with adaptive suspension. It is possible to swap these setups out, but costly. Try each if unsure. Personally, Comfort is the one to go for in potholed UK. It’s still very good and allows you to make swifter progress as you’re not trying to avoid hedges and oncoming cars all the time. The Sport suspension on my second V8 was a mistake and I grew to regret it quickly.
The V12S only had adaptive dampers as standard. There was no passive option. In default mode it is closer to Comfort. I tried the button a couple of times and can’t see the point of changing on the road as body control is excellent as-is and it’s just the right side of being firm. I would happily have passive ones on my V12 if set to that one default level.
Gearboxes. The subject of most discussion. Started by lazy journalists who kept on thinking of the original SSI variant in early cars (up to around 2010?). The later SSII and SSIII are largely the same (double clutch plate aside) and both really good and engaging. Manuals are available (possibly more challenging with the 7 speed dogleg in the V12S) but check first you’re ok with the ergonomics. The manual stick location really hurt my shoulder after a year and it took several years to fully recover. Which is why I changed to SS and never looked back.
Tyres. If the originals, budget to get them all replaced with PS4S, Conti’s, etc. asap.
Each of the three audio systems (base, 700W Premium or 1,000 B&O) were available on the V8 models. It’s rare to see a base one on a later car and rare to see a B&O on a V8. I think the V12S only came with Premium or the B&O as a £5k option. You can tell a B&O system by the two theatrical rising tweeters at the extremes of the dashboard. Plus extra speakers against the transmission tunnel in the footwell and Bang & Olufsen written on the speaker grilles on the door. I’ve had one of each of the audio systems. Base is surprisingly good. Premium is surprisingly not much better but still good. B&O is absolutely, bloody incredible and worth the search!
Carbon lightweight seats are a popular option too. Asking Aston to change the normal ones over will set you back at least £15k, so again, if you want these, do your hunt beforehand. Rarer but not impossible to find on V8 and V12. I have never found the standard Sport seats to be supremely comfortable, but they are OK. Heated seats are not an option on the carbon versions, nor side airbags (hence why they weren’t offered in the USA.)
Cruise control was an option but can be retro fitted.
CarPlay only featured in the 2017 and 2018 model years and is excellent to have. But Aston Installations (based in Tewkesbury) can retro fit that along with cruise control.
Without doubt, and I don’t think anybody will argue this, regardless of the model of VH Vantage, before collection, get your AM dealer or specialist to do a secondary de-cat. Each came with 4 cats from the factory (apart from the final V12 AMR’s as I understand). The back two aren’t necessary for UK emissions laws/MOT. The difference is night and day. Not offensive but glorious.
The non-S V8 came with a different backbox to the S model. I had both and each de-cat’d. Controversial, maybe, but I much preferred the American style, but refined V8 burble of the non-S over the S’s backbox.
The V12 backbox is different again. And a very expensive titanium option as found on the GT12 and GT8 (ish). Now that one is VERY loud! It also needs a different rear valance from memory, so expensive. There’s that theme again
With the V12S, you can also get a power kit to increase BHP to 595. This came on the V12 AMR as standard, I think, and was a option to retrofit. (Surprise… that costs a fair bit too.) The noise improves again, but the 30 extra bhp is probably indistinguishable on the road.
With all this, my advise will be to really consider each of these options in advance and try them for yourself as they are quite personal. I would still recommend a MD is it’s your first (unlikely to be your last - it’s a very slippery slope). I wouldn’t even worry too much about whether it’s a V8 or V12 as they are both amazing. Just buy the best you can in your budget with the essential options you desire.
Good luck!
nickv12 said:
Good stuff.
A great explanation from Nick.
A couple of points, probably only out of interest, because I think you want a much later car.
The choice of Standard (nickname comfort) or Sports (Sportpack) suspension, was available from model year 2009.
They can usually be identified by the two different wheel designs.
Many owners prefer the firmer sports suspension, (in reality they are jolly firm, or hard) but for me, on the many rough road surfaces today, the standard suspension is quite firm enough.
Up to about 2010, only one pair of cats were fitted. None in the manifolds. Therefore there is a very simple mod to the existing cats, which both increases the 'orchestra' and raises power a little.
Jon39 said:
alscar mentioned in his first post, that you had a similar post on the Porsche forum.
I have just made my first visit to the Porsche forum and see that your contribution score is;
Aston Martin 54 - 21 Porsche.
With AM in the lead, you might consider Aston Martin owners to be quite a friendly bunch. -
nickv12 said:
You’ll be in great hands with HWM. They have great sales and post-sales service. (Being fair, the same applies to AM Bristol in my personal experience, and many have spoken highly of AM Notts. The only bad one I experienced was AM Cardiff, but that closed years ago.)
I would suggest visiting of phoning HWM and speak to Paul or others on the sales team there and set out what you’re looking for. They have an extensive database of customers and other sources. Of all the MD’s, their age range of cars covered is probably the widest, but stock of VH Vantages is probably generally lower at the moment (same at AM Bristol last week as DB11’s, new Vantages and DBS’s are now more plentiful secondhand). I think many more are holding on to their VH Vantages as they realise they can’t be replaced.
Options on VH Vantage - you need to consider these in advance…
Any of the V8 models (excluding the GT8) from 2012.25MY onwards can have either the Comfort or Sport passive suspension setups. Both were available on the non-S, S, SP10, N420, N430 and AMR models. These V8 models were not offered with adaptive suspension. It is possible to swap these setups out, but costly. Try each if unsure. Personally, Comfort is the one to go for in potholed UK. It’s still very good and allows you to make swifter progress as you’re not trying to avoid hedges and oncoming cars all the time. The Sport suspension on my second V8 was a mistake and I grew to regret it quickly.
The V12S only had adaptive dampers as standard. There was no passive option. In default mode it is closer to Comfort. I tried the button a couple of times and can’t see the point of changing on the road as body control is excellent as-is and it’s just the right side of being firm. I would happily have passive ones on my V12 if set to that one default level.
Gearboxes. The subject of most discussion. Started by lazy journalists who kept on thinking of the original SSI variant in early cars (up to around 2010?). The later SSII and SSIII are largely the same (double clutch plate aside) and both really good and engaging. Manuals are available (possibly more challenging with the 7 speed dogleg in the V12S) but check first you’re ok with the ergonomics. The manual stick location really hurt my shoulder after a year and it took several years to fully recover. Which is why I changed to SS and never looked back.
Tyres. If the originals, budget to get them all replaced with PS4S, Conti’s, etc. asap.
Each of the three audio systems (base, 700W Premium or 1,000 B&O) were available on the V8 models. It’s rare to see a base one on a later car and rare to see a B&O on a V8. I think the V12S only came with Premium or the B&O as a £5k option. You can tell a B&O system by the two theatrical rising tweeters at the extremes of the dashboard. Plus extra speakers against the transmission tunnel in the footwell and Bang & Olufsen written on the speaker grilles on the door. I’ve had one of each of the audio systems. Base is surprisingly good. Premium is surprisingly not much better but still good. B&O is absolutely, bloody incredible and worth the search!
Carbon lightweight seats are a popular option too. Asking Aston to change the normal ones over will set you back at least £15k, so again, if you want these, do your hunt beforehand. Rarer but not impossible to find on V8 and V12. I have never found the standard Sport seats to be supremely comfortable, but they are OK. Heated seats are not an option on the carbon versions, nor side airbags (hence why they weren’t offered in the USA.)
Cruise control was an option but can be retro fitted.
CarPlay only featured in the 2017 and 2018 model years and is excellent to have. But Aston Installations (based in Tewkesbury) can retro fit that along with cruise control.
Without doubt, and I don’t think anybody will argue this, regardless of the model of VH Vantage, before collection, get your AM dealer or specialist to do a secondary de-cat. Each came with 4 cats from the factory (apart from the final V12 AMR’s as I understand). The back two aren’t necessary for UK emissions laws/MOT. The difference is night and day. Not offensive but glorious.
The non-S V8 came with a different backbox to the S model. I had both and each de-cat’d. Controversial, maybe, but I much preferred the American style, but refined V8 burble of the non-S over the S’s backbox.
The V12 backbox is different again. And a very expensive titanium option as found on the GT12 and GT8 (ish). Now that one is VERY loud! It also needs a different rear valance from memory, so expensive. There’s that theme again
With the V12S, you can also get a power kit to increase BHP to 595. This came on the V12 AMR as standard, I think, and was a option to retrofit. (Surprise… that costs a fair bit too.) The noise improves again, but the 30 extra bhp is probably indistinguishable on the road.
With all this, my advise will be to really consider each of these options in advance and try them for yourself as they are quite personal. I would still recommend a MD is it’s your first (unlikely to be your last - it’s a very slippery slope). I wouldn’t even worry too much about whether it’s a V8 or V12 as they are both amazing. Just buy the best you can in your budget with the essential options you desire.
Good luck!
Wow, thanks for that super write up. Does AM provide a list of option codes anywhere, they don't seem to be in the brochures that I have seen in PDF format. I would suggest visiting of phoning HWM and speak to Paul or others on the sales team there and set out what you’re looking for. They have an extensive database of customers and other sources. Of all the MD’s, their age range of cars covered is probably the widest, but stock of VH Vantages is probably generally lower at the moment (same at AM Bristol last week as DB11’s, new Vantages and DBS’s are now more plentiful secondhand). I think many more are holding on to their VH Vantages as they realise they can’t be replaced.
Options on VH Vantage - you need to consider these in advance…
Any of the V8 models (excluding the GT8) from 2012.25MY onwards can have either the Comfort or Sport passive suspension setups. Both were available on the non-S, S, SP10, N420, N430 and AMR models. These V8 models were not offered with adaptive suspension. It is possible to swap these setups out, but costly. Try each if unsure. Personally, Comfort is the one to go for in potholed UK. It’s still very good and allows you to make swifter progress as you’re not trying to avoid hedges and oncoming cars all the time. The Sport suspension on my second V8 was a mistake and I grew to regret it quickly.
The V12S only had adaptive dampers as standard. There was no passive option. In default mode it is closer to Comfort. I tried the button a couple of times and can’t see the point of changing on the road as body control is excellent as-is and it’s just the right side of being firm. I would happily have passive ones on my V12 if set to that one default level.
Gearboxes. The subject of most discussion. Started by lazy journalists who kept on thinking of the original SSI variant in early cars (up to around 2010?). The later SSII and SSIII are largely the same (double clutch plate aside) and both really good and engaging. Manuals are available (possibly more challenging with the 7 speed dogleg in the V12S) but check first you’re ok with the ergonomics. The manual stick location really hurt my shoulder after a year and it took several years to fully recover. Which is why I changed to SS and never looked back.
Tyres. If the originals, budget to get them all replaced with PS4S, Conti’s, etc. asap.
Each of the three audio systems (base, 700W Premium or 1,000 B&O) were available on the V8 models. It’s rare to see a base one on a later car and rare to see a B&O on a V8. I think the V12S only came with Premium or the B&O as a £5k option. You can tell a B&O system by the two theatrical rising tweeters at the extremes of the dashboard. Plus extra speakers against the transmission tunnel in the footwell and Bang & Olufsen written on the speaker grilles on the door. I’ve had one of each of the audio systems. Base is surprisingly good. Premium is surprisingly not much better but still good. B&O is absolutely, bloody incredible and worth the search!
Carbon lightweight seats are a popular option too. Asking Aston to change the normal ones over will set you back at least £15k, so again, if you want these, do your hunt beforehand. Rarer but not impossible to find on V8 and V12. I have never found the standard Sport seats to be supremely comfortable, but they are OK. Heated seats are not an option on the carbon versions, nor side airbags (hence why they weren’t offered in the USA.)
Cruise control was an option but can be retro fitted.
CarPlay only featured in the 2017 and 2018 model years and is excellent to have. But Aston Installations (based in Tewkesbury) can retro fit that along with cruise control.
Without doubt, and I don’t think anybody will argue this, regardless of the model of VH Vantage, before collection, get your AM dealer or specialist to do a secondary de-cat. Each came with 4 cats from the factory (apart from the final V12 AMR’s as I understand). The back two aren’t necessary for UK emissions laws/MOT. The difference is night and day. Not offensive but glorious.
The non-S V8 came with a different backbox to the S model. I had both and each de-cat’d. Controversial, maybe, but I much preferred the American style, but refined V8 burble of the non-S over the S’s backbox.
The V12 backbox is different again. And a very expensive titanium option as found on the GT12 and GT8 (ish). Now that one is VERY loud! It also needs a different rear valance from memory, so expensive. There’s that theme again
With the V12S, you can also get a power kit to increase BHP to 595. This came on the V12 AMR as standard, I think, and was a option to retrofit. (Surprise… that costs a fair bit too.) The noise improves again, but the 30 extra bhp is probably indistinguishable on the road.
With all this, my advise will be to really consider each of these options in advance and try them for yourself as they are quite personal. I would still recommend a MD is it’s your first (unlikely to be your last - it’s a very slippery slope). I wouldn’t even worry too much about whether it’s a V8 or V12 as they are both amazing. Just buy the best you can in your budget with the essential options you desire.
Good luck!
Thanks for the insight on HWM. I bought a new Alfa from them in 2010 and had it serviced by them until 2013 but not had any dealings with them since. I'll give them a call and see what they say around availability.
Unlike most posters here I only have experience of driving one Aston Martin, my 16 plate V12 Vantage S.
In my eyes it looks like a work of art, just a beautiful thing to look at. It has the lightweight seats which are wonderfully comfortable, can easily spend a full day in them without any discomfort setting in.
Definitely an occasion to drive in any scenario, either in heavy traffic or moving on a bit, it's even an occasion to open the garage door and seeing it sat there.
If you go for one you will NOT be disappointed.
In my eyes it looks like a work of art, just a beautiful thing to look at. It has the lightweight seats which are wonderfully comfortable, can easily spend a full day in them without any discomfort setting in.
Definitely an occasion to drive in any scenario, either in heavy traffic or moving on a bit, it's even an occasion to open the garage door and seeing it sat there.
If you go for one you will NOT be disappointed.
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