Vanquish S as a garage buddy to V12VSM
Discussion
Afternoon all,
Whilst I love my V12S Manual Vantage and will never sell it, for long continental driving and occasional trips to London it is wasted and can be hard work. For a regular hoon to Scotland and to Le Mans it is perfect.
I was going to buy an FF to keep it company (I have normal daily wheels separately) for longer tours. But honestly the owners experiences I have read on here and elsewhere (PTU failures, gearbox failures, carbon brake bolt failures, electronic failures) are putting me off. I have had 3 Astons now and whilst I have had my share of gremlins all issues have been sorted quickly and none have been expensive, even for the warranty company.
For those who have owned both, would you consider a Vanquish S (last shape) to be different enough from the Vantage (would go coupe again, same engine but obviously its an auto and more relaxed) to warrant owning both? Or am I better off to buy an FF, with hopefully the main issues already sorted or fixing them priced in and have something different? From main dealers they are similar money and probably bargains to be had on both at the moment.
My only Ferrari ownership experience (new 488 in 2018) was disappointing, aside from the driving obviously which was sublime, my AM ownership experience has been brilliant and I have many contacts at the factory and at Works who could source me a nice one.
Views?
With apologies to all for the tone-deaf first world problem.
Whilst I love my V12S Manual Vantage and will never sell it, for long continental driving and occasional trips to London it is wasted and can be hard work. For a regular hoon to Scotland and to Le Mans it is perfect.
I was going to buy an FF to keep it company (I have normal daily wheels separately) for longer tours. But honestly the owners experiences I have read on here and elsewhere (PTU failures, gearbox failures, carbon brake bolt failures, electronic failures) are putting me off. I have had 3 Astons now and whilst I have had my share of gremlins all issues have been sorted quickly and none have been expensive, even for the warranty company.
For those who have owned both, would you consider a Vanquish S (last shape) to be different enough from the Vantage (would go coupe again, same engine but obviously its an auto and more relaxed) to warrant owning both? Or am I better off to buy an FF, with hopefully the main issues already sorted or fixing them priced in and have something different? From main dealers they are similar money and probably bargains to be had on both at the moment.
My only Ferrari ownership experience (new 488 in 2018) was disappointing, aside from the driving obviously which was sublime, my AM ownership experience has been brilliant and I have many contacts at the factory and at Works who could source me a nice one.
Views?
With apologies to all for the tone-deaf first world problem.
Thanks for the replies.
re: the 911, I had a 991 GTS for a while, was amazing but my lasting memory was it was too noisy inside, couldn't hold a phone conversation. Weird key decision choice but every 911 I have tried since was the same, too damn noisy. Weapons though.
I stuck into the PH search box:
2012 onwards
2 door coupe
4 litre+ engine
£90-£110k
There is some lovely stuff in there.
What actually caught my eye the most was this which made me re-think everything:
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16094858
I don't like McLaren's normally, that whole tiny front and too long rear end never sat well with me. The GT shape however seems to resolve it so much better (but what do I know).
Not given up on a Vanquish though, they are bloody lovely and that V12 NA sound is intoxicating.
re: the 911, I had a 991 GTS for a while, was amazing but my lasting memory was it was too noisy inside, couldn't hold a phone conversation. Weird key decision choice but every 911 I have tried since was the same, too damn noisy. Weapons though.
I stuck into the PH search box:
2012 onwards
2 door coupe
4 litre+ engine
£90-£110k
There is some lovely stuff in there.
What actually caught my eye the most was this which made me re-think everything:
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16094858
I don't like McLaren's normally, that whole tiny front and too long rear end never sat well with me. The GT shape however seems to resolve it so much better (but what do I know).
Not given up on a Vanquish though, they are bloody lovely and that V12 NA sound is intoxicating.
Phil74891 said:
I have two good friends with Vanq S, both love them. I have a V12VS SS3 which I use for short and long trips. Brilliant for both. Have you considered a Ferrari Roma? I think that’s what I’d like to sit next to the Aston 
The Roma is gorgeous but I suspect too expensive (will be car No. 9), I need to keep one eye on annual depreciation. 20% pa on a £100k car is kind of OK, make that £150k or higher and it gets a little painful when you have multiple.My V12VSM is broadly worth what I paid for it in early 2019 (its a March 2018 car).
Interesting question Reformed. I too am getting the bug to add another Aston to keep my V12VS SS company. I am looking for something between my V12VS and DBX707. A true GT. The later Vanquish seems to be catching my thoughts, although for the first time in my life I'm contemplating a Volante. I'll watch your journey with key interest.
I had have both a V12VSM and a Vanquish S Volante for several years now. They’re very different cars and I really think the different gearbox choices made suit them.
The Vanquish was the first I owned, the Vantage came along later. The former gets used more and is the one I would be least likely to sell.
I think the V12VSM would be used more if I had fewer vehicles as, even after a decade of ownership, I often find myself reaching for the Cebera key ring when I’m in coupe mood. I’ve got other open top options but they’re different enough to not really compete with the Vanquish..
The Vanquish S can be more relaxed, but it’s no slouch and can still get round corners.. With the roof down and the valves open, it sounds fantastic too. It’s so good/special that I’ve never felt the need to look at a DBSS but in idle moment have wondered how a GT8/12 might sit alongside it.
For a driving trip by myself or with friends in other cars, I’d consider taking the Vantage. 2 up it’d definitely be the Vanquish.
Would I have coupes in both? Probably not, but I did consider a non-S Vanquish coupe for commuting.
The Vanquish was the first I owned, the Vantage came along later. The former gets used more and is the one I would be least likely to sell.
I think the V12VSM would be used more if I had fewer vehicles as, even after a decade of ownership, I often find myself reaching for the Cebera key ring when I’m in coupe mood. I’ve got other open top options but they’re different enough to not really compete with the Vanquish..
The Vanquish S can be more relaxed, but it’s no slouch and can still get round corners.
. With the roof down and the valves open, it sounds fantastic too. It’s so good/special that I’ve never felt the need to look at a DBSS but in idle moment have wondered how a GT8/12 might sit alongside it. For a driving trip by myself or with friends in other cars, I’d consider taking the Vantage. 2 up it’d definitely be the Vanquish.
Would I have coupes in both? Probably not, but I did consider a non-S Vanquish coupe for commuting.
Look at what you can buy for that range, a lovely 30-ish cars:
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/search?body-type=C...
(not my real postcode!)
I excluded Mercedes as the AMG GT is not for me.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/search?body-type=C...
(not my real postcode!)
I excluded Mercedes as the AMG GT is not for me.
If you cut out Ferrari it does eliminate a few options.
FWIW, before I decided to buy the Vantage, I considered:
720s - McLaren dealer managed to wrestle defeat from the jaws of success. Didn't instil confidence in their desire to deliver a decent service post-sale. About a week later I bought the Vantage.
Maserati GranCabrio/Coupe - cheaper and older but arguably still has something about it. Unfortunately MrsLT went to look at whatever their SUV is and they managed to properly piss her off.
AMG GT - technically good, but not a huge fan of turbos and wary of depreciation.
S-class coupe - good cars but not special enough.
911 - Great as a daily, but not special enough as a toy? A lot of cross-over with the Vantage.
BMW 8-series - a friend runs one and loves it, but it's not really at the same level as an Aston.
There was also a bit of thought given to Noble, Morgan, and even another TVR. Trouble is when you've got a couple of niche/classics its easy to end up spending way too much time on them/running them to specialists so I decided to wait before adding any more of those.
FWIW, before I decided to buy the Vantage, I considered:
720s - McLaren dealer managed to wrestle defeat from the jaws of success. Didn't instil confidence in their desire to deliver a decent service post-sale. About a week later I bought the Vantage.
Maserati GranCabrio/Coupe - cheaper and older but arguably still has something about it. Unfortunately MrsLT went to look at whatever their SUV is and they managed to properly piss her off.
AMG GT - technically good, but not a huge fan of turbos and wary of depreciation.
S-class coupe - good cars but not special enough.
911 - Great as a daily, but not special enough as a toy? A lot of cross-over with the Vantage.
BMW 8-series - a friend runs one and loves it, but it's not really at the same level as an Aston.
There was also a bit of thought given to Noble, Morgan, and even another TVR. Trouble is when you've got a couple of niche/classics its easy to end up spending way too much time on them/running them to specialists so I decided to wait before adding any more of those.
For me, and I'm admittedly biased (2017 Vanquish S volante), the deciding factors were:
Looks - what can I say, its gorgeous from all angles (in my opinion) - box ticked
Sound - subliminal - once I heard the S on cold start, I was hooked.
Comfort - for myself and the wife to embark on road trips.
Uniqueness - I wanted something special that you don't see on a daily basis.
V12 NA - a dying breed.
The nearest current competitor is the Ferrari Roma (but a V8) - but I would still pick the AM.
OP - can't help with your original question as to whether the Vanq is a stablemate for the V12VSM - but wanted to give a thumbs up for the Vanq S.
Looks - what can I say, its gorgeous from all angles (in my opinion) - box ticked
Sound - subliminal - once I heard the S on cold start, I was hooked.
Comfort - for myself and the wife to embark on road trips.
Uniqueness - I wanted something special that you don't see on a daily basis.
V12 NA - a dying breed.
The nearest current competitor is the Ferrari Roma (but a V8) - but I would still pick the AM.
OP - can't help with your original question as to whether the Vanq is a stablemate for the V12VSM - but wanted to give a thumbs up for the Vanq S.
We have a V12VS 7spd manual and an AMR Rapide (8spd auto).
Although the cars do have a common platform and the same 595bhp n/a V12 they are in nature very different and quite dissimilar to drive and own!
The Vanquish S is in many ways very very similar to an AMR Rapide albeit with slightly less space in the rear seats. I think you’d be very happy with the pair as a combo! We are very happy with our Duo!
(Pic borrowed from my post relating to recently moving home).
Although the cars do have a common platform and the same 595bhp n/a V12 they are in nature very different and quite dissimilar to drive and own!
The Vanquish S is in many ways very very similar to an AMR Rapide albeit with slightly less space in the rear seats. I think you’d be very happy with the pair as a combo! We are very happy with our Duo!
(Pic borrowed from my post relating to recently moving home).
AdamV12V said:
We have a V12VS 7spd manual and an AMR Rapide (8spd auto).
Although the cars do have a common platform and the same 595bhp n/a V12 they are in nature very different and quite dissimilar to drive and own!
The Vanquish S is in many ways very very similar to an AMR Rapide albeit with slightly less space in the rear seats. I think you’d be very happy with the pair as a combo! We are very happy with our Duo!
(Pic borrowed from my post relating to recently moving home).
Is that factory paint on the vantage or a wrap ?Although the cars do have a common platform and the same 595bhp n/a V12 they are in nature very different and quite dissimilar to drive and own!
The Vanquish S is in many ways very very similar to an AMR Rapide albeit with slightly less space in the rear seats. I think you’d be very happy with the pair as a combo! We are very happy with our Duo!
(Pic borrowed from my post relating to recently moving home).
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