Vantage V8 as daily driver
Discussion
As above, I’ve previously had 911s (991 and 992) in carrera S format and they’ve been impeccable as daily drivers.
Considering making the switch to a Vantage V8 but know little regards using it as a daily driver. School run for my daughter and general tootling, maybe the odd road trip.
Would appreciate others’ thoughts.
Considering making the switch to a Vantage V8 but know little regards using it as a daily driver. School run for my daughter and general tootling, maybe the odd road trip.
Would appreciate others’ thoughts.
Edited by NorthernUproar on Tuesday 14th November 20:49
I drove my first 2006 Vantage pretty much daily for 9 years and 83k miles. Left it at the airport, shops, pretty much everywhere you would a mainstream car. No problem with using it daily, and the coupe is very practical with generous luggage space.
Obviously if you do 6-10k miles a year or more, the maintenance will come around more quickly. As with any used car, check the history and what maintenance its had in recent years.
Obviously if you do 6-10k miles a year or more, the maintenance will come around more quickly. As with any used car, check the history and what maintenance its had in recent years.
NorthernUproar said:
As above, I’ve previously had 911s (991 and 992) in carrera S format and they’ve been impeccable as daily drivers.
Considering making the switch to a Vantage V8 but know little regards using it as a daily driver. School run for my daughter and general tootling, maybe the odd road trip.
Would appreciate others’ thoughts.
It would probably help if you could be a little more specific regarding which model you are considering, ie 2005-2017 Gaydon Vantage or 2017 onwards current model (soon to be updated). Bearing in mind you’re coming from 991/992 I would presume you’re talking about the latter. BRM. Considering making the switch to a Vantage V8 but know little regards using it as a daily driver. School run for my daughter and general tootling, maybe the odd road trip.
Would appreciate others’ thoughts.
Edited by NorthernUproar on Tuesday 14th November 20:49
Edited by Minglar on Wednesday 15th November 05:15
NorthernUproar said:
As above, I’ve previously had 911s (991 and 992) in carrera S format and they’ve been impeccable as daily drivers.
Considering making the switch to a Vantage V8 but know little regards using it as a daily driver. School run for my daughter and general tootling, maybe the odd road trip.
Would appreciate others’ thoughts.
What is it that worries you? The current vantage is a modern car and is not going to be any different from a modern 911. You will be aware there are no rear seats, which is often the dealbreaker for those coming from a 911. Considering making the switch to a Vantage V8 but know little regards using it as a daily driver. School run for my daughter and general tootling, maybe the odd road trip.
Would appreciate others’ thoughts.
Edited by NorthernUproar on Tuesday 14th November 20:49
Assuming you are fine with the looks, you might find the busy interior and elderly (early 2010s) Mercedes infotainment/interface not up to the standards you may have come to expect in the current vantage if such things matter much to you.
If that’s the case, it might be worth waiting a few months as an update is imminent with an all new driver interface, and updated styling and engine. The ‘new new’ Vantage will come at a premium so there will be some bargains out there for the previous car you are currently considering.
I would agree that coming from a more up to date 911, a 2022 Vantage should suit your remit. The only problem with asking the question in this forum is that the majority of posters seem to own Gaydon models, and owners of new Vantage rarely stick their heads out above the parapet. It’s a shame really, but since its launch the car has never really been lauded and revered that much on here, despite being far superior on many levels. My own personal experience of the later car is limited but I did take an extensive test drive not too long after it was launched. The car I drove only had two exhausts so that gives you an idea of how long ago it was! Performance and handling were very good imho, and for daily driving the automatic box suits the engine very well indeed. One issue for me was how wide it is, but that seems to be common place with all latest generation Aston Martins. Having said that, increased width is a 911 trait too nowadays. Hopefully some current owners will be able to offer you some more advice. Good luck with your search. BRM.
Hmmm. Difficult one. It will really depend upon the car as they all have quirks. Astons are not necessarily the most reliable car in the world.
Electrical issues seem to be the biggest problem, but you might get lucky. They are also very wide and very low, which doesn't bode well for everyday use. But to be honest, why not? Make sure you've got plenty in the bank for servicing and repairs though.
Electrical issues seem to be the biggest problem, but you might get lucky. They are also very wide and very low, which doesn't bode well for everyday use. But to be honest, why not? Make sure you've got plenty in the bank for servicing and repairs though.
I commuted daily ( 20 miles round trip ) in a variety of 997 models (both 1 and then 2 Gen ) then a V8S then a V12S ( both Gaydon models ) then finally a new vantage.
Parking in a car park especially at the station took a few days to overcome thoughts of damage but for whatever reason no damage ever done to any.
Perhaps more room given with the Astons !
Modern Gaydon Astons are generally reliable but do suffer quirks and will not be generally as bombproof as the Porsches.
Fuel flaps that don’t open ( there are solutions and tricks ) occasional sensor warnings ( some real some not ) etc.
I once struggled to get home with the V12 due to a sticking thermostat and heavy traffic but after a brief stop and open roads enough cooling to get home.
The most major issue was an incorrect lining up of the ZBC which meant a trip to the dealers of the new vantage but no breakdown.
Not saying I didn’t have to endure some flatbed recoveries and we had other cars too.
But driving home in an Aston was always a good end to any day.
Parking in a car park especially at the station took a few days to overcome thoughts of damage but for whatever reason no damage ever done to any.
Perhaps more room given with the Astons !
Modern Gaydon Astons are generally reliable but do suffer quirks and will not be generally as bombproof as the Porsches.
Fuel flaps that don’t open ( there are solutions and tricks ) occasional sensor warnings ( some real some not ) etc.
I once struggled to get home with the V12 due to a sticking thermostat and heavy traffic but after a brief stop and open roads enough cooling to get home.
The most major issue was an incorrect lining up of the ZBC which meant a trip to the dealers of the new vantage but no breakdown.
Not saying I didn’t have to endure some flatbed recoveries and we had other cars too.
But driving home in an Aston was always a good end to any day.
I have not driven the new Vantage, but previously owned a Mercedes C63S AMG, which essentially has the same engine and infotainment systems. I drove it for work and put over 115K miles in 5 years without a hint of an issue (Okay, the wiring harness chaffed and the sport exhaust wouldn't open but this was fixed under warranty at 20K miles.) This included not driving very much during the Pandemic. I live in the snow belt in the US and simply put winter tires on it to drive in the winter. I traded it in for a DBX707, otherwise I would still be driving it.
Other than ergonomics, I would assume the daily driving experience would be similar. Perhaps a "new" Vantage driver can share their experience.
Other than ergonomics, I would assume the daily driving experience would be similar. Perhaps a "new" Vantage driver can share their experience.
stevenichols said:
Astons are not necessarily the most reliable car in the world.
Electrical issues seem to be the biggest problem, but you might get lucky.
Make sure you've got plenty in the bank for servicing and repairs though.
Electrical issues seem to be the biggest problem, but you might get lucky.
Make sure you've got plenty in the bank for servicing and repairs though.
Really ?
My own and others on here have experienced complete reliability.
Have you been unlucky during your Aston Martin ownership, Steven ?
Perhaps as a journalist, you drove a test car that had electrical issues.
Unfortunately some journalists let down the high standards and spoil things for their colleagues.
I just knew that the BBC were going to reveal their incompetence, yet again today.
The reason given by the BBC for the significant reduction in UK annual consumer inflation, was falling energy prices.
Absolute tosh.
The real reason, is that the very significant monthly inflation increase in October 2022, dropped out of the 12 month calculation.
The BBC employee needs to brush up on simple arithmetic, and become familiar with simple percentage change calculations.
Jon39 said:
Really ?
My own and others on here have experienced complete reliability.
Have you been unlucky during your Aston Martin ownership, Steven ?
Perhaps as a journalist, you drove a test car that had electrical issues.
Unfortunately some journalists let down the high standards and spoil things for their colleagues.
I just knew that the BBC were going to reveal their incompetence, yet again today.
The reason given by the BBC for the significant reduction in UK annual consumer inflation, was falling energy prices.
Absolute tosh.
The real reason, is that the very significant monthly inflation increase in October 2022, dropped out of the 12 month calculation.
The BBC employee needs to brush up on simple arithmetic, and become familiar with simple percentage change calculations.
I have done 13k in mine. In that time:
Micro blistering on roof, passenger door, rear driver's 3/4 and bonnet. Gaydon agreed eventually to let Works repaint these
Diff cooler plate leak is common - £800 fix in an MD
Window regulator issue on the passenger side
Headlight switch failure
False positive on a coolant system issue
Exhaust trim melting
Electrical gremlins-
Oil level sensors are common to flash positive
E diff failure caused by battery voltage issues
Dealer issues:
Post paint damage by Works and some minor trim issues (which it returns for the final trim bit tomorrow)
Engine brace scratch
Overall I am a happy chappy. The MDs Works and Sevenoaks have in general been fine to deal with and when there have been issues one call has resolved matters (in fairness though for clarity the post paint damage at Works required me contacting Paul Spires, but service from Justin and Paul quickly resolved matter amicably).
This last bit is one of the reasons my car in general is serviced and cared for at Works.My history with dealers in general has resulted in arguments, but not with AM.
Post 2020 ish, Vantages will sound quieter due to GPFs unlike earlier ones which are MUCH louder, like mine. Although later cars are no longer generally painted at Gaydon but shipped to Wales and back.
They also removed some of the extra leather bits of earlier car internally.
Very early cars may be missing - quad exhaust exit, cameras, glass PRND switches amongst numerous other things like keyless, however these are now standard. This makes purchasing easier as essentially you are looking at colour, wheels and interior.
Extended warranty is about £1.8k per year. I have had no issues claiming on it, minus some exhaust work which is NOT generally covered. That being said, in terms of goodwill, Gaydon use:
Extended warranty yes or no
Servicing location and history
Number of cars
Length of ownership
On whether to grant goodwill.
I could go into the detail more but that is a good summary. The facelift is due very soon, using the DB12 engine and revised rear suspension, it will have more power than the F1 edition which has a slight uplift on the standard car itself. That being said the facelift is not quite as greater performer as the F1, but will be a slight improvement on the normal car. Whether you will be able to retrofit these changes, not sure.
Micro blistering on roof, passenger door, rear driver's 3/4 and bonnet. Gaydon agreed eventually to let Works repaint these
Diff cooler plate leak is common - £800 fix in an MD
Window regulator issue on the passenger side
Headlight switch failure
False positive on a coolant system issue
Exhaust trim melting
Electrical gremlins-
Oil level sensors are common to flash positive
E diff failure caused by battery voltage issues
Dealer issues:
Post paint damage by Works and some minor trim issues (which it returns for the final trim bit tomorrow)
Engine brace scratch
Overall I am a happy chappy. The MDs Works and Sevenoaks have in general been fine to deal with and when there have been issues one call has resolved matters (in fairness though for clarity the post paint damage at Works required me contacting Paul Spires, but service from Justin and Paul quickly resolved matter amicably).
This last bit is one of the reasons my car in general is serviced and cared for at Works.My history with dealers in general has resulted in arguments, but not with AM.
Post 2020 ish, Vantages will sound quieter due to GPFs unlike earlier ones which are MUCH louder, like mine. Although later cars are no longer generally painted at Gaydon but shipped to Wales and back.
They also removed some of the extra leather bits of earlier car internally.
Very early cars may be missing - quad exhaust exit, cameras, glass PRND switches amongst numerous other things like keyless, however these are now standard. This makes purchasing easier as essentially you are looking at colour, wheels and interior.
Extended warranty is about £1.8k per year. I have had no issues claiming on it, minus some exhaust work which is NOT generally covered. That being said, in terms of goodwill, Gaydon use:
Extended warranty yes or no
Servicing location and history
Number of cars
Length of ownership
On whether to grant goodwill.
I could go into the detail more but that is a good summary. The facelift is due very soon, using the DB12 engine and revised rear suspension, it will have more power than the F1 edition which has a slight uplift on the standard car itself. That being said the facelift is not quite as greater performer as the F1, but will be a slight improvement on the normal car. Whether you will be able to retrofit these changes, not sure.
Ninja59 said:
The facelift is due very soon, using the DB12 engine and revised rear suspension, it will have more power than the F1 edition which has a slight uplift on the standard car itself. That being said the facelift is not quite as greater performer as the F1, but will be a slight improvement on the normal car. Whether you will be able to retrofit these changes, not sure.
I am currently the owner of two Astons, a V12 Vantage S Roadster I bought in 2015 and a DBX707 which I have owned for a year now and which is my daily driver, I have driven about 20,000 km (about 13,000 miles) long distance, short drives, spirited drives when I’m on my own, ski trips to the Alps and the car has been faultless.
V12VSR has about 30,000 km (about 19,000 miles) in 8 years, also faultless save for a dead battery.
No worries, they are pretty bombproof if looked after, especially the newer ones.
They’re always an event to drive and feel special.
I wouldn’t think twice about buying one over a Porsche which are pretty mainstream nowadays.
Good luck with your search.
CSK1 said:
There will probably be an F1 Edition of the new model too. That might be the one to go for. Revised interior and infotainment, facelifted front end with larger headlights, a bit more power. It could turn out to be a great car as the current F1 Edition is already pretty good.
I am currently the owner of two Astons, a V12 Vantage S Roadster I bought in 2015 and a DBX707 which I have owned for a year now and which is my daily driver, I have driven about 20,000 km (about 13,000 miles) long distance, short drives, spirited drives when I’m on my own, ski trips to the Alps and the car has been faultless.
V12VSR has about 30,000 km (about 19,000 miles) in 8 years, also faultless save for a dead battery.
No worries, they are pretty bombproof if looked after, especially the newer ones.
They’re always an event to drive and feel special.
I wouldn’t think twice about buying one over a Porsche which are pretty mainstream nowadays.
Good luck with your search.
I may or may not already be aware of an AMR bit, at least for the DB12...it is not that far to stretch that for the Vantage as well.I am currently the owner of two Astons, a V12 Vantage S Roadster I bought in 2015 and a DBX707 which I have owned for a year now and which is my daily driver, I have driven about 20,000 km (about 13,000 miles) long distance, short drives, spirited drives when I’m on my own, ski trips to the Alps and the car has been faultless.
V12VSR has about 30,000 km (about 19,000 miles) in 8 years, also faultless save for a dead battery.
No worries, they are pretty bombproof if looked after, especially the newer ones.
They’re always an event to drive and feel special.
I wouldn’t think twice about buying one over a Porsche which are pretty mainstream nowadays.
Good luck with your search.
LTP said:
Jon's having a pop at stevenichols' occupation stated in his profile, ...
Sometimes, people who possibly have never owned an Aston Martin, tell us that Aston Martins are unreliable.
Maybe Steve will tell us about his car and why it became unreliable. Some are troublesome, but I think a small minority.
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