V8 Vantage - 2012 or 2014?
Discussion
I am new to the Aston Martin brand - the V8 Vantage is a car I have always dreamed of owning and am now in the fortunate position to get one.
I test drove a 2012 Roadster today with the AMS gearbox - and was pleasantly surprised as I had thought a manual would be my preference.
The dealer also had a 2014 model which has the AMS II gearbox and the other (seemingly minor) facelift changes.
The difference in price is not too significant but I did not have the chance to drive the 2014 car.
I would be grateful for any comments as to whether the newer gearbox is really that much better than the older version - if it is then that would be a fairly big factor in making the decision.
The other factor is that the 2012 model has much nicer wheels than the 2014 car. Before I ask, is it likely that an AM main dealer would entertain changing the wheels between cars? My previous experience is mainly with Porsche and they would just say no! If I could swap the wheels from the 2012 car onto the 2014, then I would buy the newer car.
Sorry if these questions are a bit naive, but I don’t want to compromise on my “dream” car and make a mistake. If I can get to a decision this weekend, hopefully I will be back with some pics of the new addition next weekend!
I test drove a 2012 Roadster today with the AMS gearbox - and was pleasantly surprised as I had thought a manual would be my preference.
The dealer also had a 2014 model which has the AMS II gearbox and the other (seemingly minor) facelift changes.
The difference in price is not too significant but I did not have the chance to drive the 2014 car.
I would be grateful for any comments as to whether the newer gearbox is really that much better than the older version - if it is then that would be a fairly big factor in making the decision.
The other factor is that the 2012 model has much nicer wheels than the 2014 car. Before I ask, is it likely that an AM main dealer would entertain changing the wheels between cars? My previous experience is mainly with Porsche and they would just say no! If I could swap the wheels from the 2012 car onto the 2014, then I would buy the newer car.
Sorry if these questions are a bit naive, but I don’t want to compromise on my “dream” car and make a mistake. If I can get to a decision this weekend, hopefully I will be back with some pics of the new addition next weekend!
I could be wrong but if you're looking at SSI on the 2012 car and SSII on the 2014 then it sounds like the 2014 will be a 4.7 litre and the 2012 car a 4.3 litre.
A year ago I was in a similar position to you as I could suddenly afford an Aston and I've always thought the Vantage had the best proportions - the DB9 being too long for its height and looking "overstretched". I tried a 4.3 manual and was amazed at the poor low-down torque, then I drove a 4.7 and my mind was immediately made up - it just had to be a 4.7. Some people like the 4.3. Some people like Marmite.
I believe the SSI is a 6-speed and the SSII is 7, so I think you get a higher overall top gear ratio for more relaxed cruising and more gears to play with, as well as the SSII being just a better box. I also read that the SSi has a "crawl" feature to make it behave like a conventional auto on idle, which the SSII doesn't have; the SSII has a "hill hold" feature to help you move off on a slope. I also read that the SSI has a rudimentary launch control that's absent on the SSII, and there may be other differences between the two that I'm not aware of that I'm sure others will point out.
You'll still have to learn to drive round its limitations, which are mainly low-speed manoeuvring when it can get itself into a transmission shunt that'll make you look like a learner driver if you're not super-gentle on the throttle. Also, in my opinion, never use the "D" button just drive it on the paddles as, with a slight lift of the throttle as you change up you can get seamless changes. You are also better off changing down into 1st yourself if you're doing something like slowly trickling towards a junction or roundabout because the 'box will shift down automatically if the revs get too low (even in manual mode), so if you decide to go at the same instant the car decides it wants first, then you'll be stuck with no gear and no power for a fraction of a sec until it sorts itself out - embarrassing if you're half-way across and there's a car approaching. The same applies to shifting from 3rd to 2nd, but much less so.
Other than that buy on condition and mileage and, if the two are comparable, then go for the newest car you can.
As far as the wheels go, if they are the original wheels as fitted by the factory then they'll be part of the spec and no dealer worth his salt would corrupt the spec of a vehicle he had to sell unless it was really worth his while, but if you don't ask you don't get. I too saw cars with the much nicer 5-spokes, as fitted to the S, but I'm very happy with my choice.
Hope this helps and they are fabulous, fabulous cars.
A year ago I was in a similar position to you as I could suddenly afford an Aston and I've always thought the Vantage had the best proportions - the DB9 being too long for its height and looking "overstretched". I tried a 4.3 manual and was amazed at the poor low-down torque, then I drove a 4.7 and my mind was immediately made up - it just had to be a 4.7. Some people like the 4.3. Some people like Marmite.
I believe the SSI is a 6-speed and the SSII is 7, so I think you get a higher overall top gear ratio for more relaxed cruising and more gears to play with, as well as the SSII being just a better box. I also read that the SSi has a "crawl" feature to make it behave like a conventional auto on idle, which the SSII doesn't have; the SSII has a "hill hold" feature to help you move off on a slope. I also read that the SSI has a rudimentary launch control that's absent on the SSII, and there may be other differences between the two that I'm not aware of that I'm sure others will point out.
You'll still have to learn to drive round its limitations, which are mainly low-speed manoeuvring when it can get itself into a transmission shunt that'll make you look like a learner driver if you're not super-gentle on the throttle. Also, in my opinion, never use the "D" button just drive it on the paddles as, with a slight lift of the throttle as you change up you can get seamless changes. You are also better off changing down into 1st yourself if you're doing something like slowly trickling towards a junction or roundabout because the 'box will shift down automatically if the revs get too low (even in manual mode), so if you decide to go at the same instant the car decides it wants first, then you'll be stuck with no gear and no power for a fraction of a sec until it sorts itself out - embarrassing if you're half-way across and there's a car approaching. The same applies to shifting from 3rd to 2nd, but much less so.
Other than that buy on condition and mileage and, if the two are comparable, then go for the newest car you can.
As far as the wheels go, if they are the original wheels as fitted by the factory then they'll be part of the spec and no dealer worth his salt would corrupt the spec of a vehicle he had to sell unless it was really worth his while, but if you don't ask you don't get. I too saw cars with the much nicer 5-spokes, as fitted to the S, but I'm very happy with my choice.
Hope this helps and they are fabulous, fabulous cars.
Edited by LTP on Saturday 22 February 23:52
Thank you for the reply - I think that has helped make my mind up to go for the newer car. They are both 4.7L engines so the only real difference is the gearbox other than the minor facelift changes
The newer car is £7k more expensive but that does not seem like too big a jump for a car that is 2.5 years newer and has only got 7k on the clock compared to 18k on the older car.
The hill start assist would be useful as my driveway is on quite a slope - my wife is paranoid about rolling back and hitting our other car!
Hopefully I can get a deal done and will be able to get some pics of the new toy soon...
The newer car is £7k more expensive but that does not seem like too big a jump for a car that is 2.5 years newer and has only got 7k on the clock compared to 18k on the older car.
The hill start assist would be useful as my driveway is on quite a slope - my wife is paranoid about rolling back and hitting our other car!
Hopefully I can get a deal done and will be able to get some pics of the new toy soon...
LTP said:
I could be wrong but if you're looking at SSI on the 2012 car and SSII on the 2014 then it sounds like the 2014 will be a 4.7 litre and the 2012 car a 4.3 litre.
Customer order deliveries of 4.7 Vantages began for Model Year 2009 (ie. September 2008), so both of the cars should be 4.7.
With the 2008 financial crash and many cancelled 4.3 orders, a few of the 4.3 cars were not first registered until later in 2009, but probably not after that.
AML usually do any model changes after the annual factory holiday, but were late with the MY 2012 changes. Those came early in 2012, so are referred to as Model Year 2012.25.
I would doubt a dealer would swap wheels, because that would leave their remaining stock car with non-original wheels. Some buyers lay great importance on originality.
Good luck with your choice OP. Wonderful cars to own.
£7k uplift for 2.5 years newer and 10k less miles is a no brainer, so long as all other spec of both cars is similar and meets your requirements. Id go for the newer car. When you come to resell the book value is given on year/mileage to start with.
You can change wheels easy enough, the key difference over the years has been the width between S and non S wheel versions, but I think this changed from MY2012.25 onwards as many of the "S" upgrades became standard, as did the "S" spec i.e. you get wider wheels/tyres, bigger brakes, sports suspension, quicker steering rack.
Have a look on this site for spec differences: https://astonmartins.com/car-category/vh-current-p...
You should also get "the bible" Grant Neals excellent guide to modern AM http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/
If you really dont like the wheels on the 14 car then I would tell the dealer and see what they can do, they might have some spare wheels in stock or can do a deal on p/x for new set. Will be cheaper than doing yourself later. The wheels can really make or break the car for me, I have a couple of AM designs that are my favourites and some that I wouldn't buy a car with...
You can change wheels easy enough, the key difference over the years has been the width between S and non S wheel versions, but I think this changed from MY2012.25 onwards as many of the "S" upgrades became standard, as did the "S" spec i.e. you get wider wheels/tyres, bigger brakes, sports suspension, quicker steering rack.
Have a look on this site for spec differences: https://astonmartins.com/car-category/vh-current-p...
You should also get "the bible" Grant Neals excellent guide to modern AM http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/
If you really dont like the wheels on the 14 car then I would tell the dealer and see what they can do, they might have some spare wheels in stock or can do a deal on p/x for new set. Will be cheaper than doing yourself later. The wheels can really make or break the car for me, I have a couple of AM designs that are my favourites and some that I wouldn't buy a car with...
Thanks again for all the advice and comments.
As a result, I will be taking delivery of a 2014 V8 Vantage roadster on Saturday! It is Meteorite Silver (although it looks virtually black to me!) with Obsidian black leather and silver stitching.
The dealer is swapping the wheels which is good news - I really was not sure that they would do so. They are also servicing the car, getting a new MOT done and activating the tracker (insurance insisted on this unfortunately).
Pictures will follow in due course - that is if I can ever bring myself to get out of the car for long enough to take a picture......
As a result, I will be taking delivery of a 2014 V8 Vantage roadster on Saturday! It is Meteorite Silver (although it looks virtually black to me!) with Obsidian black leather and silver stitching.
The dealer is swapping the wheels which is good news - I really was not sure that they would do so. They are also servicing the car, getting a new MOT done and activating the tracker (insurance insisted on this unfortunately).
Pictures will follow in due course - that is if I can ever bring myself to get out of the car for long enough to take a picture......
Good choice!
The 2012.25 model year has most of the enhancements introduced for the S spec apart from the 10hp hike (nobody will notice), standard exhaust, non-CF chin spoiler.
You get the better SS gearbox (I think it’s great after first a manual and then a change 2 years ago), improved steering mechanism (including extra strengthening?), suspension tweaks, etc.
All from memory based on the Gaydon “buyers bible”.
The 2012.25 model year has most of the enhancements introduced for the S spec apart from the 10hp hike (nobody will notice), standard exhaust, non-CF chin spoiler.
You get the better SS gearbox (I think it’s great after first a manual and then a change 2 years ago), improved steering mechanism (including extra strengthening?), suspension tweaks, etc.
All from memory based on the Gaydon “buyers bible”.
nickv8 said:
Good choice!
The 2012.25 model year has most of the enhancements introduced for the S spec apart from the 10hp hike (nobody will notice), standard exhaust, non-CF chin spoiler.
You get the better SS gearbox (I think it’s great after first a manual and then a change 2 years ago), improved steering mechanism (including extra strengthening?), suspension tweaks, etc.
All from memory based on the Gaydon “buyers bible”.
the MY2012.25 also has those pesky secondary cats that quiet it down a bit too much for some, so for £500 you can replace with decat pipes and get the 10bhp as well as improved noise The 2012.25 model year has most of the enhancements introduced for the S spec apart from the 10hp hike (nobody will notice), standard exhaust, non-CF chin spoiler.
You get the better SS gearbox (I think it’s great after first a manual and then a change 2 years ago), improved steering mechanism (including extra strengthening?), suspension tweaks, etc.
All from memory based on the Gaydon “buyers bible”.
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