Discussion
Long time lurker here, been spending the last few months on this forum learning and researching. Finally bit the bullet yesterday and am now the proud owner of a 2011 Vantage S. Absolutely loving it! I know pictures are obligatory so see below...ive already accepted she's rarely going to be clean.
Dom
Dom
RB99 said:
Well done! I do like a black one. How was your first drive?
I got half way down the road and had to pull over because the handbrake warning was beeping. Sat in a bus lane trying to work out how to disengage it haha. Have got a few hours under my belt over the weekend, still learning the sportshift system and how to get the best out of it. I'd been set on a manual but feeling happy with my choice of sportshift, it's far from a perfect system but the fact it needs learning is a positive not a negative to me. Going to enjoy getting the most out of it! The sound is incredible, the fit and finish is better than I expected and it's also exploitable on normal roads - great visibility, not too wide and really usable power.Dom
Zeemax_Mini said:
I got half way down the road and had to pull over because the handbrake warning was beeping. Sat in a bus lane trying to work out how to disengage it haha. Have got a few hours under my belt over the weekend, still learning the sportshift system and how to get the best out of it. I'd been set on a manual but feeling happy with my choice of sportshift, it's far from a perfect system but the fact it needs learning is a positive not a negative to me. Going to enjoy getting the most out of it! The sound is incredible, the fit and finish is better than I expected and it's also exploitable on normal roads - great visibility, not too wide and really usable power.
Dom
I recall it took me a month to adjust to the Sportshift, during which I frequently thought it would go back. Then it clicked and I’ve loved it ever since, involving, precise and great fun on twisty mountain roads! After that first month I never used ‘D’ always the paddles, and always in sport mode - great fun - enjoy 😊Dom
Zeemax_Mini said:
RB99 said:
Well done! I do like a black one. How was your first drive?
I got half way down the road and had to pull over because the handbrake warning was beeping. Sat in a bus lane trying to work out how to disengage it haha. Have got a few hours under my belt over the weekend, still learning the sportshift system and how to get the best out of it. I'd been set on a manual but feeling happy with my choice of sportshift, it's far from a perfect system but the fact it needs learning is a positive not a negative to me. Going to enjoy getting the most out of it! The sound is incredible, the fit and finish is better than I expected and it's also exploitable on normal roads - great visibility, not too wide and really usable power.Dom
Sportshift seems to divide opinion, but there are plenty who swear by it. I have a manual, but can certainly see the appeal of the quicker gear changes on a good road. Enjoy!
Zeemax_Mini said:
Ten years ago, a classic car enthusiast took a good look at my V8V and said AM will won't be able to improve the looks of that shape and looking at the replacement Vantage, he's not wrong.Well done on your purchase; it looks fantastic.
SL500UK said:
Zeemax_Mini said:
Ten years ago, a classic car enthusiast took a good look at my V8V and said AM will won't be able to improve the looks of that shape and looking at the replacement Vantage, he's not wrong.Well done on your purchase; it looks fantastic.
RB99 said:
Zeemax_Mini said:
RB99 said:
Well done! I do like a black one. How was your first drive?
I got half way down the road and had to pull over because the handbrake warning was beeping. Sat in a bus lane trying to work out how to disengage it haha. Have got a few hours under my belt over the weekend, still learning the sportshift system and how to get the best out of it. I'd been set on a manual but feeling happy with my choice of sportshift, it's far from a perfect system but the fact it needs learning is a positive not a negative to me. Going to enjoy getting the most out of it! The sound is incredible, the fit and finish is better than I expected and it's also exploitable on normal roads - great visibility, not too wide and really usable power.Dom
It was redeemed by a chap coming out of the petrol station as I was walking in who said “that’s absolutely beautiful” I beamed from ear to ear and said “I know - I’ve literally just bought it !” Mine’s onyx black as well, reminds me of the first wonderful moments of picking it up....
Zeemax_Mini said:
Dyou know what, normally with cars I can convince myself that the older model "will do" but really if I had the money I'd take the newer version. I can honestly say I'd take my version over a new vantage, without a second thought. It's just so effortlessly cool and classy, I don't feel like an idiot driving it and the attention it gets is 99% positive. Absolutely loving it - and whilst I was totally set on the manual, I'm so so pleased I went sportshift...the fact its not perfect and needs learning is definitely a positive rather than a negative.
I totally get what you are saying. Same experience here in Italy, where Aston are even rarer. I feel like in traffic I am doing a public service, with the museums closed for the pandemic. 
Just a thought on the "looking like an idiot": why you say so? I mean, do you feel there are some cars in the same bracket as the Aston that could make you feel like that? Genuinely asking, no critique.
Edited by EVR on Tuesday 13th April 13:11
Zeemax_Mini said:
Dyou know what, normally with cars I can convince myself that the older model "will do" but really if I had the money I'd take the newer version. I can honestly say I'd take my version over a new vantage, without a second thought. It's just so effortlessly cool and classy, I don't feel like an idiot driving it and the attention it gets is 99% positive. Absolutely loving it - and whilst I was totally set on the manual, I'm so so pleased I went sportshift...the fact its not perfect and needs learning is definitely a positive rather than a negative.
Interesting and well put. Congratulations on your new work of art.
There have been two dates in the memory of this forum. Both caused split opinion and resulted in many active PH contributors leaving the forum.
21 November 2017 - New Vantage launched. Critical comments about the looks, followed by accusations of being disloyal.
3 October 2018 - Aston Martin company flotation. Critical comments about the high valuation, followed by accusations of being disloyal.
Later on, the subsequent poor sales and disasterous share price fall, later revealed which group of posters were more accurate.
You are quite right Zeemax, beautiful understated design has so often been the reason for buying an Aston Martin.
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