V12VS Manual values closer to SS and thoughts on this car?

[PHFS]

When I bought my V12VS SS3 just under 2 years ago, the manuals coupes were approx 50k more.

Now, there are 2 cars and the gap has dropped to 20-30k.
This is on 30k mile: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405179...
I do fancy a swap to this one at 23k miles. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502209...

Has a light headliner but otherwise very close to my SS3 and I am tempted. But I am worried I will miss the SS3, which I have really bonded with, Its a great involving paddle system. The manual is also a lot more money!
Mine is 2015, so wondering if the 2018 will give me a few more worry free years. I have heard that are lots of subtle improvements even model year as well.

Edited by PHFS on Monday 10th March 21:20

[AMRicardo]

I think the gap has always been around £20-30k for same model year and miles. But perhaps slightly distorted to seem greater as the manuals are all MY17/18 cars and the SS from 2014 onwards.

Interesting to see one dip below the 100k barrier. That example has been on the market for perhaps a year now, originally listed for 130k.

Really it depends on your preferences and the cost to swap. Go for a test drive, see where a trade in discussion gets you to with the dealer and decide if that premium is worth it to you.

MY17 introduced the new dash and updated infotainment with Carplay and a few other tweaks so are the last and best of the breed. I believe there are only 94 manual S’s in the UK out of a total production run of c. 350.

[LooneyTunes]

Worth trying one, but it took me a while to bond with the 7-speed gearbox - personally I think it could have done with a firmer spring on the gate over to first so that it could be driven more like a 6 speeder. Could just be me though, as I have a few other manuals that are more consistent with the gearbox layout so easier to drive with less thought.

[franki68]

PHFS said:

When I bought my V12VS SS3 just under 2 years ago, the manuals coupes were approx 50k more.

Now, there are 2 cars and the gap has dropped to 20-30k.
This is on 30k mile: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405179...
I do fancy a swap to this one at 23k miles. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502209...

Has a light headliner but otherwise very close to my SS3 and I am tempted. But I am worried I will miss the SS3, which I have really bonded with, Its a great involving paddle system. The manual is also a lot more money!
Mine is 2015, so wondering if the 2018 will give me a few more worry free years. I have heard that are lots of subtle improvements even model year as well.

Edited by PHFS on Monday 10th March 21:20

If you are enjoying it why change ?
Agreed about prices on manuals they have dropped enormously since I bought mine (typical)

[BlackTails]

PHFS said:

When I bought my V12VS SS3 just under 2 years ago, the manuals coupes were approx 50k more.

Now, there are 2 cars and the gap has dropped to 20-30k.
This is on 30k mile: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405179...
I do fancy a swap to this one at 23k miles. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502209...

Has a light headliner but otherwise very close to my SS3 and I am tempted. But I am worried I will miss the SS3, which I have really bonded with, Its a great involving paddle system. The manual is also a lot more money!
Mine is 2015, so wondering if the 2018 will give me a few more worry free years. I have heard that are lots of subtle improvements even model year as well.

Edited by PHFS on Monday 10th March 21:20

For whatever reasons, V12VS values seem to be quite soft at the moment, esp compared to say Vanquish II values, which look undentable. This is despite most of the specialists I’ve spoken to seeming to think the V12V/VS is a future classic, whichever gearbox it has.

Like you, I really like the SS3 gearbox. I ran a manual GT4 alongside mine for a while and whilst the manual box was a nice thing to play with, it confirmed to me that without a large amount of practice I would be shifting consistently well, not as quickly as the SS3 box can.

If though your car is a 15, then presumably it is pre-waterfall centre console. That would be something I’d see as part of a package upgrade. And if you’re looking at it from a package upgrade pov, then perhaps consider waiting for one with the lightweight seats too.

[nickv12]

When I bought my SportShift V12 AMR in 2021, when it was 3 years old, there were manual V12 AMR's available for £50k more. In fact, Nicholas Mee still has a V12 AMR manual Roadster for sale at over £180k with 3+k miles on the clock! (https://www.nicholasmee.co.uk/aston-martin-car-sales/18883033-aston-martin-v12-vantage-amr-roadster/)

Taking into account AMR's are spec'd-up V12S' (with the Power Pack fitted, and the secondary cats never fitted from factory), the percentage difference in pricing between SS and manual is—to me—not justified. And I kind of considered that when I bought mine, even though I was insisting on having a SS over a manual for various reasons.

As time goes by, more and more younger drivers who get into the more common Aston ownership age range (50+) will be inclined towards automatics and non-manuals. Yes, you have to learn the SS to get the best from it, but the same can be said for a manual, which is what makes them both interesting and interactive.

Manuals are likely to always fetch a premium and not because of rarity, but more to do with a kind of folklore. (Most of the final run AMR's were manual, with very few SS cars). But I don't think a 25% increase will remain.

There's a growing number of us—measured anecdotally—that see the SS as the 'box that suits the V12. But it will remain a personal decision. Any Vantage is a Good Thing.

[PHFS]

BlackTails said:

For whatever reasons, V12VS values seem to be quite soft at the moment, esp compared to say Vanquish II values, which look undentable. This is despite most of the specialists I’ve spoken to seeming to think the V12V/VS is a future classic, whichever gearbox it has.

Like you, I really like the SS3 gearbox. I ran a manual GT4 alongside mine for a while and whilst the manual box was a nice thing to play with, it confirmed to me that without a large amount of practice I would be shifting consistently well, not as quickly as the SS3 box can.

If though your car is a 15, then presumably it is pre-waterfall centre console. That would be something I’d see as part of a package upgrade. And if you’re looking at it from a package upgrade pov, then perhaps consider waiting for one with the lightweight seats too.

The waterfall new dash was not carbon, which is a negative.
However, i did fit Aston Installations CarPlay and front camera as soon as I got my car, so apart for a new style dash, not much of a change

I actually really like my heated Sport seats as do drive over winter. But would be happy to try Alcantara lightweights.

nickv12 said:

When I bought my SportShift V12 AMR in 2021, when it was 3 years old, there were manual V12 AMR's available for £50k more. In fact, Nicholas Mee still has a V12 AMR manual Roadster for sale at over £180k with 3+k miles on the clock! (https://www.nicholasmee.co.uk/aston-martin-car-sales/18883033-aston-martin-v12-vantage-amr-roadster/)

Taking into account AMR's are spec'd-up V12S' (with the Power Pack fitted, and the secondary cats never fitted from factory), the percentage difference in pricing between SS and manual is—to me—not justified. And I kind of considered that when I bought mine, even though I was insisting on having a SS over a manual for various reasons.

As time goes by, more and more younger drivers who get into the more common Aston ownership age range (50+) will be inclined towards automatics and non-manuals. Yes, you have to learn the SS to get the best from it, but the same can be said for a manual, which is what makes them both interesting and interactive.

Manuals are likely to always fetch a premium and not because of rarity, but more to do with a kind of folklore. (Most of the final run AMR's were manual, with very few SS cars). But I don't think a 25% increase will remain.

There's a growing number of us—measured anecdotally—that see the SS as the 'box that suits the V12. But it will remain a personal decision. Any Vantage is a Good Thing.

Yes, I totally agree - I think I am now one of those growing number!
The SS3 really is such a good fit for this V12 car. It's a joy. So mechanical and involving.
If you try a later ZF Aston, it really is best to keep them in Drive. Paddles do not feel like you are involved in changing gearing no need to balance the throttle like you do with the SS.

And yes, saying all that, its personal preference, Manual or SS, both support the character of the V12.

[PHFS]

Some great points here on all these replies, thanks

AMRicardo said:

I think the gap has always been around £20-30k for same model year and miles. But perhaps slightly distorted to seem greater as the manuals are all MY17/18 cars and the SS from 2014 onwards.

Interesting to see one dip below the 100k barrier. That example has been on the market for perhaps a year now, originally listed for 130k.

Really it depends on your preferences and the cost to swap. Go for a test drive, see where a trade in discussion gets you to with the dealer and decide if that premium is worth it to you.

MY17 introduced the new dash and updated infotainment with Carplay and a few other tweaks so are the last and best of the breed. I believe there are only 94 manual S’s in the UK out of a total production run of c. 350.

I have now driven the 7speed now. Hmm.
It’s clearly a different style box and I’m sure with practice I could/would master it . I just didn’t gel with it, and I walked away 50/50.
I would need to take a leap of faith with it. And with enjoying the SS3 so much, that feels a big risk.

The waterfall new dash was not carbon, but looks nice. i did fit Aston Installations CarPlay and front camera as soon as I go the car, so this is not much of a reason to change. And you could even argue the centre armrest controller is better than having to reach to the dash.

The car did seem to have less tyre noise. Maybe the exhaust was a bit quieter as well, which was surprising

LooneyTunes said:

Worth trying one, but it took me a while to bond with the 7-speed gearbox - personally I think it could have done with a firmer spring on the gate over to first so that it could be driven more like a 6 speeder. Could just be me though, as I have a few other manuals that are more consistent with the gearbox layout so easier to drive with less thought.

agree, I missed the standard 6 speed layout and was very worried about mis-shift. Also found it hard to go 1st to 2nd, and want 4th. Same for 3rd and got 5th. But I am sure with practice, you can master it.
It made me think of trying the GT4 manual.

franki68 said:

If you are enjoying it why change ?
Agreed about prices on manuals they have dropped enormously since I bought mine (typical)

I do get these daft thoughts of what if (about other cars) But yes, I am there now. why change?

BlackTails said:

For whatever reasons, V12VS values seem to be quite soft at the moment, esp compared to say Vanquish II values, which look undentable. This is despite most of the specialists I’ve spoken to seeming to think the V12V/VS is a future classic, whichever gearbox it has.

Like you, I really like the SS3 gearbox. I ran a manual GT4 alongside mine for a while and whilst the manual box was a nice thing to play with, it confirmed to me that without a large amount of practice I would be shifting consistently well, not as quickly as the SS3 box can.

If though your car is a 15, then presumably it is pre-waterfall centre console. That would be something I’d see as part of a package upgrade. And if you’re looking at it from a package upgrade pov, then perhaps consider waiting for one with the lightweight seats too.

Oh, what are your thoughts on the GT4. I keep looking at these as the other car to try. I imagine it's a better technical car to drive, but perhaps not as special.

Edited by PHFS on Wednesday 12th March 22:27

[AMRicardo]

Quote “The waterfall new dash was not carbon, but looks nice. i did fit Aston Installations CarPlay and front camera as soon as I go the car, so this is not much of a reason to change. And you could even argue the centre armrest controller is better than having to reach to the dash.”

Piano black was standard with carbon on the options list.





MY17/18 cars have the same exhaust and silencer as earlier versions. Pre-regs GPF etc etc. Glorious and utterly antisocial with the valves open, especially with secondary decat.

The layout and tight spacing make the box a hurdle to just hop in and have a go. But once you have a few hundred miles of changes it’s a pleasure.

[BlackTails]

PHFS said:

Oh, what are your thoughts on the GT4. I keep looking at these as the other car to try. I imagine it's a better technical car to drive, but perhaps not as special.

Edited by PHFS on Wednesday 12th March 22:27

I had a 981 with buckets, cage, harnesses the lot. Sublime driving experience. The gearbox was lovely to use, the pedal weights perfect, and the steering feel great. Its party trick was never having to slow down.

However. The ride is not supple. It is a noisy car - not just the engine but the transmission, as if one is in a dedicated, shelled out track car. It’s a bit too noisy for a few tracks, as I found out. And the Cup2 tyres it comes with aren’t rain friendly.

The upshot for me was that although I loved driving it, no one else in the family wanted to be driven in it. Too noisy, too harsh, and (for them) too quick around corners. So very much a “just for me” car, which in the end I couldn’t justify keeping.

[franki68]

BlackTails said:

I had a 981 with buckets, cage, harnesses the lot. Sublime driving experience. The gearbox was lovely to use, the pedal weights perfect, and the steering feel great. Its party trick was never having to slow down.

However. The ride is not supple. It is a noisy car - not just the engine but the transmission, as if one is in a dedicated, shelled out track car. It’s a bit too noisy for a few tracks, as I found out. And the Cup2 tyres it comes with aren’t rain friendly.

The upshot for me was that although I loved driving it, no one else in the family wanted to be driven in it. Too noisy, too harsh, and (for them) too quick around corners. So very much a “just for me” car, which in the end I couldn’t justify keeping.

Funny , my wife hated going in the gt4 .
Dynamically fantastic , but with some drawbacks you mention and not on the same planet as an event to drive or how fast it feels .

[PHFS]

AMRicardo said:

MY17/18 cars have the same exhaust and silencer as earlier versions. Pre-regs GPF etc etc. Glorious and utterly antisocial with the valves open, especially with secondary decat.

The layout and tight spacing make the box a hurdle to just hop in and have a go. But once you have a few hundred miles of changes it’s a pleasure.

Maybe it was just the test drive focus, so was not listening so much. or the car has better insulation but exhaust just as noisy on the outside

[PHFS]

BlackTails said:

I had a 981 with buckets, cage, harnesses the lot. Sublime driving experience. The gearbox was lovely to use, the pedal weights perfect, and the steering feel great. Its party trick was never having to slow down.

However. The ride is not supple. It is a noisy car - not just the engine but the transmission, as if one is in a dedicated, shelled out track car. It’s a bit too noisy for a few tracks, as I found out. And the Cup2 tyres it comes with aren’t rain friendly.

The upshot for me was that although I loved driving it, no one else in the family wanted to be driven in it. Too noisy, too harsh, and (for them) too quick around corners. So very much a “just for me” car, which in the end I couldn’t justify keeping.

Interesting! my boys like going in the V12 (so I think would be fine with the GT4), better half not so much.

[PHFS]

to close this off after posting a couple of weeks ago, I still feel I made the right call to stick and not spend the extra money.

The SS3 is a wonderfull match for the V12, as is the manual. Either is a win and whatever your personal preference at the time is!

Edited by PHFS on Thursday 27th March 12:09

Edited by PHFS on Thursday 27th March 12:13