Possible V12 S purchase - urgent advice needed
Discussion
Afternoon- looking for some words of wisdom on here and if I need my head examining! Having had 2 x V8 vantage in the past which were an issue from the start(!) I find myself weirdly drawn to the V12s. Now that’s the first question, despite 2 bad experiences surely the 3rd couldn’t be a repeat?!?
2nd question- it’s currently up for sale with an AM dealer, done slightly higher than average miles (for an Aston) but the main concern is the service history which mentions some specifics about the car in the detail.Now this could of course work for or against the car- but it does have a full history with AM and likely to have been well looked after. What are people’s thoughts? Walk away or proceed?
2nd question- it’s currently up for sale with an AM dealer, done slightly higher than average miles (for an Aston) but the main concern is the service history which mentions some specifics about the car in the detail.Now this could of course work for or against the car- but it does have a full history with AM and likely to have been well looked after. What are people’s thoughts? Walk away or proceed?
Edited by WelshBoltonBen on Wednesday 12th August 13:06
WelshBoltonBen said:
Afternoon- looking for some words of wisdom on here and if I need my head examining! Having had 2 x V8 vantage in the past which were an issue from the start(!) I find myself weirdly drawn to the V12s. Now that’s the first question, despite 2 bad experiences surely the 3rd couldn’t be a repeat?!?
2nd question- it’s currently up for sale with an AM dealer, done slightly higher than average miles (for an Aston) but the main concern is the service history which mentions it being a press/ prototype/ evaluation car. Now this could of course work for or against the car- but it does have a full history with AM and likely to have been well looked after. What are people’s thoughts? Walk away or proceed?
The best way to be sure is to test drive and give it a thorough look over in person. I wouldn't worry about it being an ex-press car / prototype. Before they were originally put into the dealer network after press duties, they were inspected and had anything worn out replaced - they probably got to the dealer network in better health than some of the brand new cars did.2nd question- it’s currently up for sale with an AM dealer, done slightly higher than average miles (for an Aston) but the main concern is the service history which mentions it being a press/ prototype/ evaluation car. Now this could of course work for or against the car- but it does have a full history with AM and likely to have been well looked after. What are people’s thoughts? Walk away or proceed?
They often had quite high levels of kit also (similar to KX ex-director cars and such).
Far more knowledgeable ones on here than me but,I bought mine 2 months ago 2017 V12VS From Aston Martin Newcastle and have to say I absolutely love it.
Here she is in Wales last week....
It’s my first Aston mainly Porsche Gt’s and Turbos in the past but this car for me is just such a sense of occasion, the concerns you have about the cars past you are considering and mileage are probably an issue when you come to sell more so than buying if it’s under warranty and service stacks up then only you can decide.

Here she is in Wales last week....
It’s my first Aston mainly Porsche Gt’s and Turbos in the past but this car for me is just such a sense of occasion, the concerns you have about the cars past you are considering and mileage are probably an issue when you come to sell more so than buying if it’s under warranty and service stacks up then only you can decide.
I’m actually trying to weigh up a 19 plate i8 roadster ( as in a i8 now) , but engine noise is ahem, limited. Or the V12 S. trying to do the usual man maths of residuals and future values. It’s a massive unknown made worse with the economic climate, but think the V12 may be a “safer” place ( if there is such a car thing)
WelshBoltonBen said:
I’ll let you know. Think it’s fair to discuss with dealer first and see if anything can be struck as a deal.
Yes absolutely understand and Thankyou for the compliment, as they are so mileage sensitive I wanted the lowest mileage newest for my budget then which was £90k and got a one owner car with 4K miles. I see the red one on Autotrader at the moment looks great.Good luck with your negotiations.
NTM55 said:
My view having had a 12S for 16 months.
Initial problems were down to poor main dealer prep which spoiled the experience
Since then its been faultless, outstanding to drive
This. Initial problems were down to poor main dealer prep which spoiled the experience
Since then its been faultless, outstanding to drive
The V12S is an utterly awesome car to own. It's on a different planet to the V8 versions, and far far more desirable than the i8 in my opinion (I too considered the i8 before I bought the Aston)
Get the Timeless warranty from AM and it's a no brainer. Buy on condition and haggle like mad for stuff like an extra year or two on the warranty and such like.
My personal view is that the V12 S is already acquiring desirable classic status, which bodes well for future values/residuals. However, anyone buying this kind of top end car right now, in the current market, and expecting bullet proof residuals in the short term is perhaps not being realistic.
But all that pales to nought when those exhaust butterflies open, sports mode is engaged and the right pedal is mashed to the carpet.
andymadmak said:
This.
The V12S is an utterly awesome car to own. It's on a different planet to the V8 versions, and far far more desirable than the i8 in my opinion (I too considered the i8 before I bought the Aston)
Get the Timeless warranty from AM and it's a no brainer. Buy on condition and haggle like mad for stuff like an extra year or two on the warranty and such like.
My personal view is that the V12 S is already acquiring desirable classic status, which bodes well for future values/residuals. However, anyone buying this kind of top end car right now, in the current market, and expecting bullet proof residuals in the short term is perhaps not being realistic.
But all that pales to nought when those exhaust butterflies open, sports mode is engaged and the right pedal is mashed to the carpet.
Ooh just love that last sentence.......think I’ll take a drive out over Salisbury plain.....once the traffic dies down...... The V12S is an utterly awesome car to own. It's on a different planet to the V8 versions, and far far more desirable than the i8 in my opinion (I too considered the i8 before I bought the Aston)
Get the Timeless warranty from AM and it's a no brainer. Buy on condition and haggle like mad for stuff like an extra year or two on the warranty and such like.
My personal view is that the V12 S is already acquiring desirable classic status, which bodes well for future values/residuals. However, anyone buying this kind of top end car right now, in the current market, and expecting bullet proof residuals in the short term is perhaps not being realistic.
But all that pales to nought when those exhaust butterflies open, sports mode is engaged and the right pedal is mashed to the carpet.

I would suggest if you do purchase check the MOT status on the DVLA website for any advisories and if possible obtain an independent inspection within the first month as if anything is found you have the right to a full reimbursement under the consumer rights act.
After an independent inspection my Vanquish required four new dampers and timing chain cover gasket to be replaced which would have cost the AM dealer approx £8K before selling.
Should have been sorted as part of the Timeless warranty inspection but why highlight a problem when it can be fixed FOC after sale under the Timeless warranty.
Most AM dealers use the Timeless warranty (which is a Car Care plan) to fix issues after the car is sold.
As Andymadmac said if you can negotiate a two-year timeless warranty into the bargain go for it.
After an independent inspection my Vanquish required four new dampers and timing chain cover gasket to be replaced which would have cost the AM dealer approx £8K before selling.
Should have been sorted as part of the Timeless warranty inspection but why highlight a problem when it can be fixed FOC after sale under the Timeless warranty.
Most AM dealers use the Timeless warranty (which is a Car Care plan) to fix issues after the car is sold.
As Andymadmac said if you can negotiate a two-year timeless warranty into the bargain go for it.
Edited by SHIFTY on Thursday 13th August 09:07
Ran mine for 20 months 8 of those without warranty and only issues I had were the C02 sensor going off a couple of times that only required resetting. Seems engine and gearbox are fairly bombproof in these and mine only ever needed normal servicing and consumables. No other car sounds like a V12VS between 2.5 and 5k rpm...absolutely orchestral noise, layered baritone and wonderful! There's a real feelgood factor to owning one but I had to scratch the Mclaren itch so unfortunately it had to make way. Defo see myself in a V12 Aston again at some point..a Vanquish or DB11 AMR perhaps but that's for another day!
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