Thinking of taking the plunge... V12 Vantage
Discussion
Hi all, I am seriously considering entering the AM world and the V12V is definitely my car of choice, they are starting to get in to the realms of possibility regarding their price etc.
Just wondering if any V12V owners can advise me on things to look out for, any known niggles, average maintenance costs, clutch replacements, etc., etc.
Coming from a TVR so used to relatively high servicing and maintenance, so wouldn't expect the AM to be any less.
Any other comments on V12 ownership would be great!
Thanks!
Matt
Just wondering if any V12V owners can advise me on things to look out for, any known niggles, average maintenance costs, clutch replacements, etc., etc.
Coming from a TVR so used to relatively high servicing and maintenance, so wouldn't expect the AM to be any less.
Any other comments on V12 ownership would be great!
Thanks!
Matt
stimshady said:
Hi all, I am seriously considering entering the AM world and the V12V is definitely my car of choice, they are starting to get in to the realms of possibility regarding their price etc.
Just wondering if any V12V owners can advise me on things to look out for, any known niggles, average maintenance costs, clutch replacements, etc., etc.
Coming from a TVR so used to relatively high servicing and maintenance, so wouldn't expect the AM to be any less.
Any other comments on V12 ownership would be great!
Thanks!
Matt
I went on a driving experience day at Millbrook this week where I met five Aston Martin Drivers some of whom race GT3 & GT4 and every single one of them said if they had the opportunity, out of the entire range, they'd have the V12v. 'Nuff said really. Just wondering if any V12V owners can advise me on things to look out for, any known niggles, average maintenance costs, clutch replacements, etc., etc.
Coming from a TVR so used to relatively high servicing and maintenance, so wouldn't expect the AM to be any less.
Any other comments on V12 ownership would be great!
Thanks!
Matt
Little Donkey said:
I went on a driving experience day at Millbrook this week where I met five Aston Martin Drivers some of whom race GT3 & GT4 and every single one of them said if they had the opportunity, out of the entire range, they'd have the V12v. 'Nuff said really.
Quelle surprise - 5 racing drivers prefer the racing car. I wonder what the answer would have been if they were 5 AM Designers, Technicians or Corporate Bods ??Op has settled on V12V so I don't think he's looking to analyse the range. Excellent car to settle on too.
If a Dealer purchase then you will get a 1 year warranty as peace of mind for most things. Service, maintenance,tracker, rfl should all come in under 2k pa....then you need to insure.
Your biggest enemy will - as always - be depreciation
Getting into a V12V from my V8V is my planned upgrade path. Plenty of people on here who are V12V owners will give some advice but it is rare that anyone posts up about issues with that model.
If you do get one please make sure you use it to the full. Having been behind and in front of V12Vs on a run they are amazingly capable cars that we when driven well will give anything a run for its money and leave most in their wake. It is sad when you see three year old V12Vs with less than 1,000 miles per annum on the clock. If ever a car was made to be driven it is this one.
Enjoy the hunt and look forward to seeing your new p&j
If you do get one please make sure you use it to the full. Having been behind and in front of V12Vs on a run they are amazingly capable cars that we when driven well will give anything a run for its money and leave most in their wake. It is sad when you see three year old V12Vs with less than 1,000 miles per annum on the clock. If ever a car was made to be driven it is this one.
Enjoy the hunt and look forward to seeing your new p&j
Jockman said:
Quelle surprise - 5 racing drivers prefer the racing car. I wonder what the answer would have been if they were 5 AM Designers, Technicians or Corporate Bods ??
Op has settled on V12V so I don't think he's looking to analyse the range. Excellent car to settle on too.
If a Dealer purchase then you will get a 1 year warranty as peace of mind for most things. Service, maintenance,tracker, rfl should all come in under 2k pa....then you need to insure.
Your biggest enemy will - as always - be depreciation
Thanks! Under 2K is probably a little less than the TVR costs per annum, so that sounds promising. Insurance is bound to be a little more, but early quotes indicate it's not going to be too crazy. Op has settled on V12V so I don't think he's looking to analyse the range. Excellent car to settle on too.
If a Dealer purchase then you will get a 1 year warranty as peace of mind for most things. Service, maintenance,tracker, rfl should all come in under 2k pa....then you need to insure.
Your biggest enemy will - as always - be depreciation
The depreciation part is something i guess i'll have to live with - quite fortunate with the TVR in that it's actually worth the same, if not a little more than i paid for it some years back, a rare occurence in the motor industry.
v8woollie said:
Getting into a V12V from my V8V is my planned upgrade path. Plenty of people on here who are V12V owners will give some advice but it is rare that anyone posts up about issues with that model.
If you do get one please make sure you use it to the full. Having been behind and in front of V12Vs on a run they are amazingly capable cars that we when driven well will give anything a run for its money and leave most in their wake. It is sad when you see three year old V12Vs with less than 1,000 miles per annum on the clock. If ever a car was made to be driven it is this one.
Enjoy the hunt and look forward to seeing your new p&j
Yes, it will definitely be used, on average i do about 5,000 miles a year in the TVR, so i would expect my AM motoring to be very similar! Cheers!If you do get one please make sure you use it to the full. Having been behind and in front of V12Vs on a run they are amazingly capable cars that we when driven well will give anything a run for its money and leave most in their wake. It is sad when you see three year old V12Vs with less than 1,000 miles per annum on the clock. If ever a car was made to be driven it is this one.
Enjoy the hunt and look forward to seeing your new p&j
The V12V is a great choice, A.M. Production was nicely tuned by the time the V12 was launched, so you shouldn't have any major issues. You need the Premium Audio and then to choose either the optional lightweight seats ( which suit the cars hardcore persona best) or you can have normal seats which have side airbags and can have heating. The CCM ceramic brakes need VERY careful inspection as they are very expensive to replace, also check if the owner has ever used acid based wheel cleaner, as this can damage the discs. The trick tyres wear quickly so need checking across the full width, winter tyres/alloys are recommended for temperatures below 7C, or ideally you would want the new more sensible Pirelli tyre option ( in the wet cold UK anyway!). Body/paintwork needs careful inspection, as does the carbon-fibre splitter/ diffuser. The engine can use oil, so be sure to dip the stick and ask how often the owner checks himself as this is one area where a few get caught out and engine damage occurs! Tip/ on the test drive take the rear parcel shelf out and prepare to enjoy 
best of luck, further info via my profile if required and plenty of knowledgable V12V owners on here to add their bit, in addition to the great points above.
best of luck, further info via my profile if required and plenty of knowledgable V12V owners on here to add their bit, in addition to the great points above.Grant3 said:
The engine can use oil, so be sure to dip the stick and ask how often the owner checks himself as this is one area where a few get caught out and engine damage occurs!
Is there a specific way to check the oil on the V12V? TVR has a very 'unique' way of having to check, you have to get the engine up to temp, shut it off, run around the car and do the dip... i imagine the AM is a little more user-friendly?stimshady said:
Is there a specific way to check the oil on the V12V? TVR has a very 'unique' way of having to check, you have to get the engine up to temp, shut it off, run around the car and do the dip... i imagine the AM is a little more user-friendly?
V12V is simples...dip it as normal. V8V with dry sumps are a bit more complicated...as always RTFM !PS If you are going to try it...be prepared to buy it
hence my postGrant is probably the most knowledgable guy on here . I can only tell you that it makes a great getaway car and that there is enough boot space for my chimney sweep brushes
Seriously though, the tyre debate on the Corsa's and cold weather is something you need to consider when changing, but no faults that I have experienced except the squeeling clutch that was replaced under warranty. Early cars had an issue with a squeeling clutch plate, but that is all I am aware of.
It has already been said, if you drive it, you buy it...... simples.
I love mine and you will know why when you drive one.
. I can only tell you that it makes a great getaway car and that there is enough boot space for my chimney sweep brushes Seriously though, the tyre debate on the Corsa's and cold weather is something you need to consider when changing, but no faults that I have experienced except the squeeling clutch that was replaced under warranty. Early cars had an issue with a squeeling clutch plate, but that is all I am aware of.
It has already been said, if you drive it, you buy it...... simples.
I love mine and you will know why when you drive one.
stimshady said:
Tony V12V said:
V12V is simples...dip it as normal. V8V with dry sumps are a bit more complicated...as always RTFM !
Thanks Tony, can you do it from cold engine or do you have to warm her up?!Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff