RE: Aston Martin V8 Vantage: PH Buying Guide
Discussion
timothymcn said:
This is the easiest counterpoint to the F-type. Gorgeous British sports car with a V8, but this one comes as a coupe and an optional set of three pedals, for way less cash. Hard to argue with that.
It does feel a whole generation behind the F-Type though and that also comes with a V8 and Coupe mode.Matt Bird said:
Don't adjust your sets, this isn't 2013 again! We've update the Vantage Buying Guide with some fresh knowledge and pics to keep it relevant for 2020, and it seemed a shame to waste the original story. So here it is, refreshed and ready to help you buy again.
Cheers!
Matt
I’d love to know what logarithm you use as I was just looking at the original Buyers Guide late last night!Cheers!
Matt
Damn you PH, for bringing the car to everyone’s attention. Again!!!
It really irritates me when reviews point out how bad the in-car entertainment is on older cars. If you want the latest infotainment you would not be looking at older cars. Can't we all just agree they are products of their time and never mention it again, please.
Love these btw. There is a V12 Vantage that lives under a cover round the corner from me, always fancied that, or the V600.
Love these btw. There is a V12 Vantage that lives under a cover round the corner from me, always fancied that, or the V600.
neutral 3 said:
These are very £ tempting ATM ( 4.7 model for me ) but what are running costs like ?
Service maybe £600, discs £120-200 each, pads £100 a set, clutch £2500-3000, tyres £800-ish a set, insurance £400 upwards, nothing too silly.All of the top of my head so ball park only.
Leftfootwonder said:
It really irritates me when reviews point out how bad the in-car entertainment is on older cars. If you want the latest infotainment you would not be looking at older cars. Can't we all just agree they are products of their time and never mention it again, please.
Love these btw. There is a V12 Vantage that lives under a cover round the corner from me, always fancied that, or the V600.
Agree, if it really bothers you just update the head unit to something modern!Love these btw. There is a V12 Vantage that lives under a cover round the corner from me, always fancied that, or the V600.
I’ve got to admit I’ve lusted after these for years, particularly a 4.7 2009 or 2010 without the flared sills and the optional Sportspack. While they do look good in dark grey they look even better in blue and there are a couple of tasty looking ones on AT at the moment.
I might be in a position to buy one next year, but, I must admit a Dax Tojero is a similar budget and also tickles my fancy. Very different vehicles I know!
I might be in a position to buy one next year, but, I must admit a Dax Tojero is a similar budget and also tickles my fancy. Very different vehicles I know!
CaptainSensib1e said:
Leftfootwonder said:
It really irritates me when reviews point out how bad the in-car entertainment is on older cars. If you want the latest infotainment you would not be looking at older cars. Can't we all just agree they are products of their time and never mention it again, please.
Love these btw. There is a V12 Vantage that lives under a cover round the corner from me, always fancied that, or the V600.
Agree, if it really bothers you just update the head unit to something modern!Love these btw. There is a V12 Vantage that lives under a cover round the corner from me, always fancied that, or the V600.
I never really liked the Aston's too much when they first came out, they looked quite boring & all the models looked the same just different sizes. Over time I've definitely changed my mind and come to appreciate the simple beauty of them, even the interior although dated still has a touch of class compared to contemporaries.
Syndrome280 said:
I’ve got to admit I’ve lusted after these for years, particularly a 4.7 2009 or 2010 without the flared sills and the optional Sportspack. While they do look good in dark grey they look even better in blue and there are a couple of tasty looking ones on AT at the moment.
I might be in a position to buy one next year, but, I must admit a Dax Tojero is a similar budget and also tickles my fancy. Very different vehicles I know!
I have what i think is the sweet spot, 4.7, Manual, 2008. In fact its a ex-Aston owned car (hasten to add I have had no issues with this being ex-Aston owned). No side skirts and to top it, its the only 4.7 Fire Red non-S in the UK.....unless someone comes forward to disprove me.I might be in a position to buy one next year, but, I must admit a Dax Tojero is a similar budget and also tickles my fancy. Very different vehicles I know!
Wait out and look for one, they are worth it!
What kind of "infotainment" exactly do you need when driving this car? Your phone can double as satnav, or are you going to use it as a repmobile visiting customers across the country? Your are going to be busy with the gearstick and pedals, and your ears will want to listen to the engine and exhaust sound, not some MP3 "deep house lounge" Muzak.
petop said:
I have what i think is the sweet spot, 4.7, Manual, 2008. In fact its a ex-Aston owned car (hasten to add I have had no issues with this being ex-Aston owned). No side skirts and to top it, its the only 4.7 Fire Red non-S in the UK.....unless someone comes forward to disprove me.
Wait out and look for one, they are worth it!
Ooooh. I’ve not seen one in that shade of red, combined with the classic sills that’s is a tasty example. Wait out and look for one, they are worth it!
It is a great shame more people didn’t option these in colours beyond grey, silver or black.
PH said:
Sensible money would probably still go into a 911
"Sensible"? Have you not read your own 997 buyers' guide and accompanying thread? 
The Vantage is a product from an era when Aston's then-CEO Ulrich Bez brought in a team of Toyota / Lexus gurus to advise on build-quality and reliability.
Meanwhile, it seems Porsche brought in a team of Lehman Brothers gurus to advise on how to cut costs and rapaciously exploit a loyal customer base.
RMDB9 said:
Its not a shame because red is a "look at me" colour (which is fine) but it doesnt suit the understated and restrained V8V looks.
"Well obviously i have to disagree because owning the car i have never had a negative comment made. In fact pulling into Aston meet at Beaulieu the other year the old dear at the entrance collecting the tickets said "nice colour, makes a change of all the greys and blacks that have been coming through".
petop said:
RMDB9 said:
Its not a shame because red is a "look at me" colour (which is fine) but it doesnt suit the understated and restrained V8V looks.
"Well obviously i have to disagree because owning the car i have never had a negative comment made. In fact pulling into Aston meet at Beaulieu the other year the old dear at the entrance collecting the tickets said "nice colour, makes a change of all the greys and blacks that have been coming through".
FWIW that's a rather nice and rare shade of red, but crucially not a shade I would say is OTT. If it was a Ferrari shade, perhaps, but that one stands out from the rest of the V8V crowd in a very pleasant way.
Frimley111R said:
timothymcn said:
This is the easiest counterpoint to the F-type. Gorgeous British sports car with a V8, but this one comes as a coupe and an optional set of three pedals, for way less cash. Hard to argue with that.
It does feel a whole generation behind the F-Type though and that also comes with a V8 and Coupe mode.Nice to see this article again. It still has a number of errors, though. Even though many were addressed in the comments from years ago, I think it's worth repeating...
MY2012.25 got N400 sills, not S sills, and the front and rear facias were in textured black plastic (the CF of the S was an expensive option).
Glad to see that the article doesn't just say the engine is the Jag V8 (happens too often). In addition to the bespoke parts mentioned, the Aston V8's block, cams, valves, and bearings are also bespoke – essentially the entire engine is bespoke to Aston Martin.
The article says “make sure the plastic engine cover is securely mounted as it can work free and melt on the exhaust manifolds. Not as dangerous as it sounds, but worth looking out for.” Er, thankfully there is no plastic engine cover! One of the great things about these cars is that you can actually see the engine, as well as other aesthetically pleasing things such as the dry sump tank and the car's structure.
The Sports Pack (wheels and suspension) was never offered on the 4.3 when new (except, of course, it was standard on the N400 that introduced it) – it was first offered as an option on the MY2009 4.7. It was then offered as a retrofit for the standard 4.3 (or non-Sports Pack 4.7). The pack described in the article that boosted the 4.3’s power to N400 level is called the Power Pack or Power Upgrade.
The Prodrive equipment was for the 4.3 cars.
The quicker S steering rack that became the only rack for MY2012.25 does not, IMO, offer better feel, though it is, obviously, quicker. Steering feel is one of the V8V’s (all of them) best features, and was improved with the intro of the 4.7 cars.
I have to wonder why you say the “sensible money would probably still go into a 911.” I like 911s, but the Vantage is much more exotic and special, IMO, so it seems less sensible. People tend to assume that Astons are troublesome and Porsches are bulletproof, yet reality says otherwise in this case. The 997.1 is vulnerable to catastrophic engine failure (the infamous IMS bearing, plus bore scoring issues). Porschefiles will say that the issue is overblown on the internet. Maybe it is, but the number of failures is still MUCH too high, and IMO inexcusable from the company that was the king of endurance racing and had such a reputation for durability. They cut costs drastically -- and it shows. The Vantage has no such fundamental mechanical problems.
I’ve had my 2009 Coupe (manual, Sports Pack) from new. It’s been completely reliable, it’s a genuinely superb driver’s car, it’s beautifully built, and it’s one of the best looking cars ever made IMO. It looks and feels worth every dollar/pound of its price new. I love it every bit as much today as I did when I took delivery. These are wonderful cars and, at current prices, outrageous value for money.
MY2012.25 got N400 sills, not S sills, and the front and rear facias were in textured black plastic (the CF of the S was an expensive option).
Glad to see that the article doesn't just say the engine is the Jag V8 (happens too often). In addition to the bespoke parts mentioned, the Aston V8's block, cams, valves, and bearings are also bespoke – essentially the entire engine is bespoke to Aston Martin.
The article says “make sure the plastic engine cover is securely mounted as it can work free and melt on the exhaust manifolds. Not as dangerous as it sounds, but worth looking out for.” Er, thankfully there is no plastic engine cover! One of the great things about these cars is that you can actually see the engine, as well as other aesthetically pleasing things such as the dry sump tank and the car's structure.
The Sports Pack (wheels and suspension) was never offered on the 4.3 when new (except, of course, it was standard on the N400 that introduced it) – it was first offered as an option on the MY2009 4.7. It was then offered as a retrofit for the standard 4.3 (or non-Sports Pack 4.7). The pack described in the article that boosted the 4.3’s power to N400 level is called the Power Pack or Power Upgrade.
The Prodrive equipment was for the 4.3 cars.
The quicker S steering rack that became the only rack for MY2012.25 does not, IMO, offer better feel, though it is, obviously, quicker. Steering feel is one of the V8V’s (all of them) best features, and was improved with the intro of the 4.7 cars.
I have to wonder why you say the “sensible money would probably still go into a 911.” I like 911s, but the Vantage is much more exotic and special, IMO, so it seems less sensible. People tend to assume that Astons are troublesome and Porsches are bulletproof, yet reality says otherwise in this case. The 997.1 is vulnerable to catastrophic engine failure (the infamous IMS bearing, plus bore scoring issues). Porschefiles will say that the issue is overblown on the internet. Maybe it is, but the number of failures is still MUCH too high, and IMO inexcusable from the company that was the king of endurance racing and had such a reputation for durability. They cut costs drastically -- and it shows. The Vantage has no such fundamental mechanical problems.
I’ve had my 2009 Coupe (manual, Sports Pack) from new. It’s been completely reliable, it’s a genuinely superb driver’s car, it’s beautifully built, and it’s one of the best looking cars ever made IMO. It looks and feels worth every dollar/pound of its price new. I love it every bit as much today as I did when I took delivery. These are wonderful cars and, at current prices, outrageous value for money.
Had mine for circa 2.5 years. De-catted with the Aston n400 power upgrade. Sounds like thunder. They get so much attention, you don’t see many on the road and people thing you’ve paid a fortune. They don’t really know how much they are and presume it’s over £50k due to the brand. Have a few niggles but that’s part of the ownership and keeps me engaged. Near side window has a mind of its own and drops a little like the door is open and doesn’t let me lock the car sometimes. Think I need a module. Gear linkeage came away when going from 2nd to 3rd and my car was stuck in 3rd. Got towed home and literately clipped the link back to the gear lever. Warning lights pop up and then disappear at least once a quarter. Always keep the battery on charge all the tiime. Gas struts are weak on older cars. My doors struggle to say open and my boot falls on my head after 15 seconds when I’m taking the charger off. Alway hold it up with your head or arm as you can look silly. It had blocked rear drains and this soaked my carpet when I first got the car. Poked around the two rear holes and blew in them. Seems to be ok now. My passenger door mirror doesn’t electrically fold in anymore. Not really bothered but surely could get it fixed. Only bits that seem to get rusty is the rear open mesh/oil cooler grill cover. Little bit of a rub down and some satin pain does the job. The sat nav is old but It why does it matter? It takes a little while to load your destination and takes you to your destination or at least somewhere near. Again adds to the fun when going for an adventure. I’m not using everyday so don’t care. It isn’t the fastest car unless over 5k rpm. Mine has the Aston power n400 upgrade and is de-catted.
I think the turbos in any tdi or modern car make anything naturally aspirated feel slow. You drive them differently. It makes the drive more engaging and different to you normal everyday car. Surely that’s the point of a second car/toy. I want to feel fast, keep engaged and not lose my license every time I have a little play. It’s a nice balance. I’ve had lots of sport, luxury cars and can honestly say it’s a decent all rounder. They all have niggles. It’s part of the hobby. It’s classy has hell and sounds gorgeous. Did I mention the noise it makes 😆
I think the turbos in any tdi or modern car make anything naturally aspirated feel slow. You drive them differently. It makes the drive more engaging and different to you normal everyday car. Surely that’s the point of a second car/toy. I want to feel fast, keep engaged and not lose my license every time I have a little play. It’s a nice balance. I’ve had lots of sport, luxury cars and can honestly say it’s a decent all rounder. They all have niggles. It’s part of the hobby. It’s classy has hell and sounds gorgeous. Did I mention the noise it makes 😆
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