new daily: DBS or vantage v12s?
Discussion
Hi everyone,
I’m currently torn between two cars: an Aston Martin DBS (Touchtronic II) and a V12 Vantage S (Sportshift III) – both in automatic.
The idea is to use it as a daily driver: some city driving, some motorway. I already own a manual exotic that takes all of my attention, so this time I’d like something more practical yet still sporty. At first I considered going manual again, but after spending quite some time with a Porsche 991 PDK, I realised that paddles can actually be a great compromise for everyday use.
The issue is that I have no opportunity to test drive either car, so I’m relying on owners’ feedback. I’ve read mixed things and it’s left me quite confused:
Some say the V12 Vantage S is brilliant when pushed hard, but that the gearbox feels erratic and clunky in low-speed/urban driving.
Others complain that the DBS Touchtronic feels slow and lazy with gear changes… although apparently the TCU can be re-mapped to make it more responsive.
Since this would be a daily, maintenance costs also matter. That’s actually why I’ve ruled out the Ferrari FF – I love the idea of it, but I don’t want to deal with potential 10–25k repair bills for the usual PTU/DCT issues.
So I’d love to hear real-world experiences from owners:
-In daily use (including city driving), which gearbox feels more liveable?
-Is the V12S really that frustrating outside of spirited driving?
-Can the DBS be “woken up” with a TCU tune or is it just inherently more GT and relaxed?
-And in terms of reliability and long-term running costs, how do they compare?
Any input would be hugely appreciated – thanks in advance! 🙏
I’m currently torn between two cars: an Aston Martin DBS (Touchtronic II) and a V12 Vantage S (Sportshift III) – both in automatic.
The idea is to use it as a daily driver: some city driving, some motorway. I already own a manual exotic that takes all of my attention, so this time I’d like something more practical yet still sporty. At first I considered going manual again, but after spending quite some time with a Porsche 991 PDK, I realised that paddles can actually be a great compromise for everyday use.
The issue is that I have no opportunity to test drive either car, so I’m relying on owners’ feedback. I’ve read mixed things and it’s left me quite confused:
Some say the V12 Vantage S is brilliant when pushed hard, but that the gearbox feels erratic and clunky in low-speed/urban driving.
Others complain that the DBS Touchtronic feels slow and lazy with gear changes… although apparently the TCU can be re-mapped to make it more responsive.
Since this would be a daily, maintenance costs also matter. That’s actually why I’ve ruled out the Ferrari FF – I love the idea of it, but I don’t want to deal with potential 10–25k repair bills for the usual PTU/DCT issues.
So I’d love to hear real-world experiences from owners:
-In daily use (including city driving), which gearbox feels more liveable?
-Is the V12S really that frustrating outside of spirited driving?
-Can the DBS be “woken up” with a TCU tune or is it just inherently more GT and relaxed?
-And in terms of reliability and long-term running costs, how do they compare?
Any input would be hugely appreciated – thanks in advance! 🙏
I have a V12V S Roadster sportshift. Use it regularly for longer journeys inc city driving and much prefer it over a manual. I always drive it using the paddles though, like a 2 pedal manual.
The key thing is NOT to put it in "D" full auto mode, where you may have read the negative feedback as its not as slick as a regular automatic car.
Once you have become accustomed to it, the Sportshift box is very engaging and rewarding to drive out of town.
Cant comment on the Touchtronic box in the DBS, not driven one.
The key thing is NOT to put it in "D" full auto mode, where you may have read the negative feedback as its not as slick as a regular automatic car.
Once you have become accustomed to it, the Sportshift box is very engaging and rewarding to drive out of town.
Cant comment on the Touchtronic box in the DBS, not driven one.
Thank mate, feedback greatly appreciated.
What about the daily use? And in terms of maintenance, did you face a lot of issues or its enough reliable to be used daily without morning drama? Or unexpected issues?
Because when I've digged topics I found the best and the worst about it. People talked about gearbox issue, drivetrain, etc.. my uncle had a db7 and it wasn't the most reliable car ever so I'm a hit scare to buy an Aston compared to a 911 ( used for 50.000km from new without unexpected problems)
What about the daily use? And in terms of maintenance, did you face a lot of issues or its enough reliable to be used daily without morning drama? Or unexpected issues?
Because when I've digged topics I found the best and the worst about it. People talked about gearbox issue, drivetrain, etc.. my uncle had a db7 and it wasn't the most reliable car ever so I'm a hit scare to buy an Aston compared to a 911 ( used for 50.000km from new without unexpected problems)
Im on my 3rd Vantage in use regularly/daily since 2007, over 160,000 miles so far. Never had a breakdown (touch wood!) 
My first 2006 Vantage I put 83k miles on over 9 years, some early years >15k miles a year. Traded that for a 2012 4.7 Roadster for following 8 years and the V12VS is more recent, only had it 18 months. Over time I have had a few other cars and wouldn't run the Vantage through winter, but I dont take it off the road, more often than not every few weeks during winter there are some nice driving days.
If you search on here running costs/issues are well documented by many owners over the years. Non routine maintenance issues I have experienced on V8:
air con compressor
ABS transducer
coolant sensor
thermostat
wheel bearings
window regulator
front and rear lights (moisture ingress)
The V12V could suffer many similar faults as the V8, although I read that the thermostat is not such a common issue on the V12.
If you are buying a well maintained used example you may find the previous owners have worked their way through many of the common things as they occur. I know my V12S has had its rear lights re-sealed and a vent kit on the front lights. If you buy from a main dealer you do get the benefit of the Timeless Warranty for piece of mind in the first year.
Im sure some of the longer term V12V owners will be along soon to share their experience
My first 2006 Vantage I put 83k miles on over 9 years, some early years >15k miles a year. Traded that for a 2012 4.7 Roadster for following 8 years and the V12VS is more recent, only had it 18 months. Over time I have had a few other cars and wouldn't run the Vantage through winter, but I dont take it off the road, more often than not every few weeks during winter there are some nice driving days.
If you search on here running costs/issues are well documented by many owners over the years. Non routine maintenance issues I have experienced on V8:
air con compressor
ABS transducer
coolant sensor
thermostat
wheel bearings
window regulator
front and rear lights (moisture ingress)
The V12V could suffer many similar faults as the V8, although I read that the thermostat is not such a common issue on the V12.
If you are buying a well maintained used example you may find the previous owners have worked their way through many of the common things as they occur. I know my V12S has had its rear lights re-sealed and a vent kit on the front lights. If you buy from a main dealer you do get the benefit of the Timeless Warranty for piece of mind in the first year.
Im sure some of the longer term V12V owners will be along soon to share their experience
TT2 is far more reliable as a daily than SS3 (or 2 or 1). You said you wanted to use the daily in auto. If that’s true the TT2 is the only choice since SS3 in auto is crap. It works great in manual mode, however. You should be able to drive the TT2 without any issues, but it is practically certain SS3 will strand you sooner or later; sooner if you daily it and use auto mode.
I’ve had my V12VS for about 18 months too.
I find at low speed in traffic that Drive works better than manual shifting. If I'm creeping along in stop start traffic I’ll often use it. Manual mode in these conditions seems to confuse the box, as I think it’s expecting more revs. It will sometimes try to throttle blip on upshifts.
Out o the open road, then the sportshift is great fun and just as rewarding as a manual.
I’ve never driven a DBS so can’t comment on the auto box.
Whichever way you go, it’s an interesting choice to have. It is worth spending the time to find a good one..I looked at many before buying mine.
I find at low speed in traffic that Drive works better than manual shifting. If I'm creeping along in stop start traffic I’ll often use it. Manual mode in these conditions seems to confuse the box, as I think it’s expecting more revs. It will sometimes try to throttle blip on upshifts.
Out o the open road, then the sportshift is great fun and just as rewarding as a manual.
I’ve never driven a DBS so can’t comment on the auto box.
Whichever way you go, it’s an interesting choice to have. It is worth spending the time to find a good one..I looked at many before buying mine.
I only had the V12S which for a number of years was my daily but also used for weekends away and the occasional hoon out with various clubs.
SS3 take a a bit of getting used to ( think toe curl when you change gear slowly ) and after a short while it becomes second nature. When on it changing gear without lifting also works well.
I never used the Auto buttons but frankly you don’t need to.
Think of it as an automated manual and you won’t go far wrong.
Suspension can be set in 3 settings but the majority of time I left it in normal and that seemed perfectly decent.
The ride was better and the drive more enjoyable than in my previous Aston , a V8S which was manual, especially so for daily commuting.
I had the middle cats taken out and replaced with quicksilver straight through pipes ( done at the dealers prior delivery ) which just added to the overall experience.
I also had a switch fitted which didn’t open the valves at start up and at low revs - I didn’t want to wake up the village when I left for work at 6
SS3 take a a bit of getting used to ( think toe curl when you change gear slowly ) and after a short while it becomes second nature. When on it changing gear without lifting also works well.
I never used the Auto buttons but frankly you don’t need to.
Think of it as an automated manual and you won’t go far wrong.
Suspension can be set in 3 settings but the majority of time I left it in normal and that seemed perfectly decent.
The ride was better and the drive more enjoyable than in my previous Aston , a V8S which was manual, especially so for daily commuting.
I had the middle cats taken out and replaced with quicksilver straight through pipes ( done at the dealers prior delivery ) which just added to the overall experience.
I also had a switch fitted which didn’t open the valves at start up and at low revs - I didn’t want to wake up the village when I left for work at 6
I own a SS3 V12VSR, not as my daily though.
As mentioned by other posters, box is great using the paddles, I never use Auto, the D button stands for Don’t.
It’s not an auto, it’s an automated manual and has a clutch but no clutch pedal.
If you want the comfort of a proper torque converter automatic gearbox you should look elsewhere, DBS with Touchtronic 2 would be a better choice for your usage.
Someone mentioned SS3 will leave you stranded at some point, the gearbox is very strong, only weak point are the ASM hydraulic feed pipes.
The original ones are bad quality and should be replaced by better quality ones from David Appleby Engineering.
This is the only reason it would leave you stranded without mechanical damage but you would no longer be able to change gears.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=222909...
As mentioned by other posters, box is great using the paddles, I never use Auto, the D button stands for Don’t.
It’s not an auto, it’s an automated manual and has a clutch but no clutch pedal.
If you want the comfort of a proper torque converter automatic gearbox you should look elsewhere, DBS with Touchtronic 2 would be a better choice for your usage.
Someone mentioned SS3 will leave you stranded at some point, the gearbox is very strong, only weak point are the ASM hydraulic feed pipes.
The original ones are bad quality and should be replaced by better quality ones from David Appleby Engineering.
This is the only reason it would leave you stranded without mechanical damage but you would no longer be able to change gears.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=222909...
Thanks a lot for the replies — I really wasn’t expecting any, so it’s reassuring to read your input. 🙏
the car won't be use in automatic mode at all, when I was talking about automatic I had the shift mode in head, more than real automatic mode. I think except dual clutch none of these gearbox are good in real automatic mode, so I was aware of how it's a s
t. but less about their reliability/durability and daily usage.
I’m currently looking at cars with mileage between 8,000 and 40,000 km. I’m well aware that at those figures some big bills could come up eventually, but at least they don’t seem to suffer from the same issues as the Ferrari FF, where the gearbox (ATF/TCU) can fail randomly anywhere between 20–80k km, with repair bills ranging anywhere from €10k to €35k. That’s really the type of problem I’d like to avoid.
What you’ve listed so far sounds “normal” — nothing that would be a complete dealbreaker.
it will be my first automatic gearbox and I have several biais about it except the pdk, which known as the best. so all feedback on long term use is greatly appreciated.
I’m still hoping to hear more feedback from other owners, but these first responses are already very much appreciated!
the car won't be use in automatic mode at all, when I was talking about automatic I had the shift mode in head, more than real automatic mode. I think except dual clutch none of these gearbox are good in real automatic mode, so I was aware of how it's a s
t. but less about their reliability/durability and daily usage.I’m currently looking at cars with mileage between 8,000 and 40,000 km. I’m well aware that at those figures some big bills could come up eventually, but at least they don’t seem to suffer from the same issues as the Ferrari FF, where the gearbox (ATF/TCU) can fail randomly anywhere between 20–80k km, with repair bills ranging anywhere from €10k to €35k. That’s really the type of problem I’d like to avoid.
What you’ve listed so far sounds “normal” — nothing that would be a complete dealbreaker.
it will be my first automatic gearbox and I have several biais about it except the pdk, which known as the best. so all feedback on long term use is greatly appreciated.
I’m still hoping to hear more feedback from other owners, but these first responses are already very much appreciated!
I have had both although both in manual form but have driven both in auto form as well.
The DBS is better looking and has more presence , but it does struggle to put its power down even though it has less are power .
The Vantage is a better size for U.K. roads but the ride is firmer .
The gearbox is not the best in either tbh , the Vantage is more involving but you really want to be using the paddles and not leaving it in auto and factoring that in the dbs makes a better daily I think but both are great fun and full of charm and either will make you smile .
The DBS is better looking and has more presence , but it does struggle to put its power down even though it has less are power .
The Vantage is a better size for U.K. roads but the ride is firmer .
The gearbox is not the best in either tbh , the Vantage is more involving but you really want to be using the paddles and not leaving it in auto and factoring that in the dbs makes a better daily I think but both are great fun and full of charm and either will make you smile .
filippo13 said:
Hi everyone,
So I’d love to hear real-world experiences from owners:
-In daily use (including city driving), which gearbox feels more liveable?
-Is the V12S really that frustrating outside of spirited driving?
-Can the DBS be “woken up” with a TCU tune or is it just inherently more GT and relaxed?
-And in terms of reliability and long-term running costs, how do they compare?
Any input would be hugely appreciated – thanks in advance! ?
I can only speak to the V12VS, which I’ve run alongside full autos, manuals, and PDKs (if you can be bothered to head over the Owners’ Gallery forum at 911uk.com, you’ll find a V12VS vs 991 TTS write up which may answer some questions you haven’t asked!). So I’d love to hear real-world experiences from owners:
-In daily use (including city driving), which gearbox feels more liveable?
-Is the V12S really that frustrating outside of spirited driving?
-Can the DBS be “woken up” with a TCU tune or is it just inherently more GT and relaxed?
-And in terms of reliability and long-term running costs, how do they compare?
Any input would be hugely appreciated – thanks in advance! ?
The sportshift3 gearbox is fine around town - just use the paddles and feather the throttle for upshifts - paddle/pedal, in that order. It’s more engaging that an auto or PDK and more consistent than a full manual.
I wouldn’t say the gearbox is ever frustrating. It has idiosyncrasies that you can drive around - the most obvious being that you can’t feather the throttle in second at low (<7mph) speed. If you pull forward under low throttle you may get some clutch judder, and if you apply the throttle purposefully you may find yourself sitting in the back of the car in front. So drop to first manually and all is well.
Mine is usually £800-1300 a year to service. I have been left stranded only once in 7 years - complete loss of drive and a box full of neutral as Martin Brundle used to say. That was a dead relay which cost buttons to fix (the tow truck was a lot more!). Generally they are pretty reliable things, I’d say. They reward frequent use though - a low/weak battery will throw up a host of warnings, and the jump start procedure is, well, unconventional.
There is stuff you’ll find about primary cat ingestion (the 5.9 naturally aspirated engine, not the 5.2 twin turbo in the 2018 onwards DBS) which neatly divides internet opinion. I’ll leave that one for another day…
CSK1 said:
filippo13 said:
LTP said:
DB9VolanteDriver said:
<snip>
but it is practically certain SS3 will strand you sooner or later; sooner if you daily it and use auto mode.
Care to try to justify this comment?but it is practically certain SS3 will strand you sooner or later; sooner if you daily it and use auto mode.
BlackTails said:
I can only speak to the V12VS, which I’ve run alongside full autos, manuals, and PDKs (if you can be bothered to head over the Owners’ Gallery forum at 911uk.com, you’ll find a V12VS vs 991 TTS write up which may answer some questions you haven’t asked!).
The sportshift3 gearbox is fine around town - just use the paddles and feather the throttle for upshifts - paddle/pedal, in that order. It’s more engaging that an auto or PDK and more consistent than a full manual.
I wouldn’t say the gearbox is ever frustrating. It has idiosyncrasies that you can drive around - the most obvious being that you can’t feather the throttle in second at low (<7mph) speed. If you pull forward under low throttle you may get some clutch judder, and if you apply the throttle purposefully you may find yourself sitting in the back of the car in front. So drop to first manually and all is well.
Mine is usually £800-1300 a year to service. I have been left stranded only once in 7 years - complete loss of drive and a box full of neutral as Martin Brundle used to say. That was a dead relay which cost buttons to fix (the tow truck was a lot more!). Generally they are pretty reliable things, I’d say. They reward frequent use though - a low/weak battery will throw up a host of warnings, and the jump start procedure is, well, unconventional.
There is stuff you’ll find about primary cat ingestion (the 5.9 naturally aspirated engine, not the 5.2 twin turbo in the 2018 onwards DBS) which neatly divides internet opinion. I’ll leave that one for another day…
Thanks everyone for the valuable feedback – it really helped me put things into perspective. I feel a lot less worried now and actually more confident about living with the SSIII gearbox on a daily basis.The sportshift3 gearbox is fine around town - just use the paddles and feather the throttle for upshifts - paddle/pedal, in that order. It’s more engaging that an auto or PDK and more consistent than a full manual.
I wouldn’t say the gearbox is ever frustrating. It has idiosyncrasies that you can drive around - the most obvious being that you can’t feather the throttle in second at low (<7mph) speed. If you pull forward under low throttle you may get some clutch judder, and if you apply the throttle purposefully you may find yourself sitting in the back of the car in front. So drop to first manually and all is well.
Mine is usually £800-1300 a year to service. I have been left stranded only once in 7 years - complete loss of drive and a box full of neutral as Martin Brundle used to say. That was a dead relay which cost buttons to fix (the tow truck was a lot more!). Generally they are pretty reliable things, I’d say. They reward frequent use though - a low/weak battery will throw up a host of warnings, and the jump start procedure is, well, unconventional.
There is stuff you’ll find about primary cat ingestion (the 5.9 naturally aspirated engine, not the 5.2 twin turbo in the 2018 onwards DBS) which neatly divides internet opinion. I’ll leave that one for another day…
I never really intended to drive it in full auto anyway; my plan has always been to use it in paddle shift/manual mode, and from what I understand it works well in that context – which is exactly what matters to me. To be honest, a V12S doesn’t strike me as the right car to just leave in full auto mode.
As for maintenance and potential issues, nothing particularly scary has come up, and even the expected running costs sound pretty fair. I was originally planning to buy a Ferrari FF and had set aside a €10k/year maintenance budget for it… so the Aston seems quite reasonable in comparison, lol.
I’ll keep digging around this forum, and dig 991.uk to find this famous comparison. But overall I’m feeling much more reassured.
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