Which V8V to buy?

[MasterBlaster]

I am now looking for my dream spec V8V. I am budgeting for up to 55K, from which model year is the most desirable?
I have read on the forums there were changes to the navigation system and some minor interior changes. Which model year is that?
Is it worth the premium for the S model?
4,3L or 4,7L? the later engines seem less thirsty.
I guess what I am saying is shall I go for an early low mileage example , below my budget, or use all my budget and look for a well maintained later model.

[bananarob]

I would defo go for the 4.7, whether the S is justified I can’t comment. I had a similar dilemma back in 2009, drove them both and the 4.7 seemed a better engine....

[gibbon]

Drive the different models and decide yourself, and good dealer will be very accomodating.

For me, I'd either go for a limitted model such as n430 etc, or i'd go for a 2012 model onwards standard v8.

They have the bigger breaks, and importantly the quicker steering rack of the 's' model. Essentially they are an 'S' without the interior stitiching trim differences and the front and rear spoiler / diffuser in plastic not carbon. Same engine, and all other options are spec options.

For me it was the sweet spot in value / handling and feel. I came from a 2005 vantage that i'd had for four years, and the difference really was night and day.

Of course if theres a no premium for an 'S' and you find one that you like the spec of then that would also fit the bill for me. A lot will depend on whether you want manual or semi auto, manual 'S' is rare, there are quite a few manual post 2012 none 'S' though.

[Jon39]

The bodywork was revised for Model Year 2012.25.

Therefore, if you want a 4.7 with the original designer's bodywork, then the Model Years to look for are 2009 to 2012.

The main interior revision, together with many other detailed changes, was Model Year 2009.

[bogie]

there is an excellent guide book for £20 with all the detailed model information in it (and much more) - www.astonmartinreview.co.uk

also lots of info here http://astonmartins.com/car/v8-vantage-4-7-my2012-...

MY2012.25 onwards had many of the "S" changes included as standard.

You should be able to find a nice example within your budget

[bunnyburnett]

I have a 2011 4.7 with 7k on the clock I might consider selling pm if of interest

[gibbon]

I think the key is to drive them, the book can list all the changes, which is great in then identifying which models to test drive.

Only driving them will let you know whats important to you, its surprising how different various vantages can feel.

For me the later suspension, brakes and steering made a huge difference.

[V8V Pete]

gibbon said:

It's surprising how different various vantages can feel.

For me the later suspension, brakes and steering made a huge difference.

This ^^^^^^

I wouldn't worry about milage and would definitely go for a later car (2012.25 MY or V8S) if I possibly could and I've owned both a 2009 4.7 and a 2014MY V8S.