New Vantage ownership experiences
Discussion
Hi,
In the past I have had a V8V and V12V, both great cars but needs changed and I left Aston ownership for a while. When the new Vantage came out I was not enthralled, which added in part to my looking elsewhere.
However since then, the new grill design has impressed, and when I have seen a few on the road the design is really striking, and looks much sharper than the older Vantage, perhaps time has allowed us to adjust to the change.
So, those of you that took the plunge and went for the new car, how has it been? Daily driving, exciting trips, reliability, the "feel good" factor of Astons.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, good or bad....
In the past I have had a V8V and V12V, both great cars but needs changed and I left Aston ownership for a while. When the new Vantage came out I was not enthralled, which added in part to my looking elsewhere.
However since then, the new grill design has impressed, and when I have seen a few on the road the design is really striking, and looks much sharper than the older Vantage, perhaps time has allowed us to adjust to the change.
So, those of you that took the plunge and went for the new car, how has it been? Daily driving, exciting trips, reliability, the "feel good" factor of Astons.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, good or bad....
Wayne95 said:
.....the new Vantage
.....the new grill design has impressed
.... looks much sharper than the older Vantage
You do realise that, having read your post, there's a group of people from here gathering together, carrying pitchforks and muttering darkly to each other as they light flaming torches? .....the new grill design has impressed
.... looks much sharper than the older Vantage
21 months of ownership of the new Vantage, and very happy. It does everything you want it to. Only slight niggle would be the adequate base audio option, but put it in sport+ or track and enjoy! More comfortable for longer journeys. Very reliable, Will still have free servicing package. Test drive one! Here’s mine at the recent AMHT festival.
Edited by yellow_tang on Wednesday 14th July 18:31
yellow_tang said:
21 months of ownership of the new Vantage, and very happy. It does everything you want it to. Only slight niggle would be the adequate base audio option, but put it in sport+ or track and enjoy! More comfortable for longer journeys. Very reliable, Will still have free servicing package. Test drive one! Here’s mine at the recent AMHT festival.
To be fair the base audio option on the old vantage was "adequate". Well to be honest I would say it was woefully inadequate, but then maybe I'm more picky about my audio systems.... Premium audio or B/O always was an essential spec item really on a car of that level.
LTP said:
Wayne95 said:
.....the new Vantage
.....the new grill design has impressed
.... looks much sharper than the older Vantage
You do realise that, having read your post, there's a group of people from here gathering together, carrying pitchforks and muttering darkly to each other as they light flaming torches? .....the new grill design has impressed
.... looks much sharper than the older Vantage
OP they are lovely things, enjoyed mine. I think there might be a price correction at the end of the year, if you could wait until then ?
LTP said:
You do realise that, having read your post, there's a group of people from here gathering together, carrying pitchforks and muttering darkly to each other as they light flaming torches?
I am prepared ! I’ve loved my V8 and V12, done over 30k miles in them. I actually though my 2010 V8 was the best looking, the newer sills and carbon bits detracted from the purity of the original look, but the V12 drove much better . But times move on, . Also looking at DB11 options
yellow_tang said:
21 months of ownership of the new Vantage, and very happy. It does everything you want it to. Only slight niggle would be the adequate base audio option, but put it in sport+ or track and enjoy! More comfortable for longer journeys. Very reliable, Will still have free servicing package. Test drive one! Here’s mine at the recent AMHT festival.
That is a great money shot right there. And they even let you in to AMHT events ( separate corner I suspect 😃)Edited by yellow_tang on Wednesday 14th July 18:31
I got one at 22 yrs of age and it's been decent. I have in track mode and done only about 4k miles. Reliabilty wise, when battery low get parking failure light come on but when driven regularly, i've not had any issues.
Think my next car won't be an Aston though but only as I fancy something a bit more extreme
Think my next car won't be an Aston though but only as I fancy something a bit more extreme
One irritating aspect is knowing that a large quantity of Vantages were released on the cheap.
All at the same cost too, even though some of the cars included options taking the list price to over £150,000.
£1000 cash, plus £1000 per month for 23 months.
Initial road tax (four figures) and servicing. "Don't worry, that is all free Sir."
Those Vantage buyers are very happy and praise the car highly. We have never heard them complain about anything at all.
I have never driven one, but clearly, it must be a very good car for the money.
I've owned for 20 months. 7 speed manual AMR version. The car is a kick to drive. The premium stereo is woeful and the interior layout is sloppy with a grim plastic navi screen (of ancient vintage) plastered in the center. The two demerits don't ruin the experience as the drive is really sublime. Since I got the car with a killer 2 year lease deal I'm not sure if I'd repeat with less good deal. Question is whether I'll buy the car outright at the end of the term. On the fence.....
Wayne95 - I have to agree with you. The new front is certainly an improvement. For a car manufacturer to introduce a totally new front as an option says something!
I discovered that it was hard for me to accurately judge the new design when parked in the showroom. When I finally saw the new Vantage on the road, its striking design really impressed.
There are some recent cost-cutting measures apparent, though. One that I have noticed on new cars is the lack of the large embroided leather feature between the seats. The leather headliner option is also gone from the configurator for some reason.
A major facelift of the new Vantage is planned within the next 12-18 months so it could be worth waiting to see what that entails. Whatever your choice I think they are wonderful.
I discovered that it was hard for me to accurately judge the new design when parked in the showroom. When I finally saw the new Vantage on the road, its striking design really impressed.
There are some recent cost-cutting measures apparent, though. One that I have noticed on new cars is the lack of the large embroided leather feature between the seats. The leather headliner option is also gone from the configurator for some reason.
A major facelift of the new Vantage is planned within the next 12-18 months so it could be worth waiting to see what that entails. Whatever your choice I think they are wonderful.
Jon39 said:
One irritating aspect is knowing that a large quantity of Vantages were released on the cheap.
All at the same cost too, even though some of the cars included options taking the list price to over £150,000.
£1000 cash, plus £1000 per month for 23 months.
Initial road tax (four figures) and servicing. "Don't worry, that is all free Sir."
Those Vantage buyers are very happy and praise the car highly. We have never heard them complain about anything at all.
I have never driven one, but clearly, it must be a very good car for the money.
Ordered a new 992s for Q1 next year to coincide with a big birthday, which unfortunately for Aston Martin beats the Vantage in every way IMO. Nowhere near as cheap a deal, but just as excited. Isn’t that what driving these toys is all about?
Cleverley said:
Why is that “irritating” ?? because you didn’t take the deal ?
We are all different.
Some like to change their car every 2 or 3 years (regular motor trade friends)
and others might choose an Aston Martin, which they just want to keep and enjoy.
'Irritating' of course meaning,
something being sold (with options) for £150,000,
then reduced to £120,000,
after two months, the price is increased up to £150,000 again.
What is the car really worth ?
Think of the timepiece world. Rarely heard. 'I have had my Rolex for 2 years, it is time to replace it now with another watch'.
Enjoy your Porsche.
Edited by Jon39 on Thursday 15th July 09:06
I love mine Wayne; it's my daily drive in all weathers and with no issues (other than the occasional squeaky brakes which I have experienced with several Astons). Have had most of the Astons in the past 20 years and also most of the Porsches.
Other motorists are kinder to Aston drivers and I regularly receive complimentary comments from strangers. All who have commented talk favourably on the style.
This current model Vantage is quick, stable, comfortable, very roomy (for two) and has a fantastic exhaust sound. Don't hesitate, get one.
Other motorists are kinder to Aston drivers and I regularly receive complimentary comments from strangers. All who have commented talk favourably on the style.
This current model Vantage is quick, stable, comfortable, very roomy (for two) and has a fantastic exhaust sound. Don't hesitate, get one.
Agree with the general sentiment. Fantastic car, but some small flaws (typical aston).
It does not need a v12. Sport plus and the thing goes from 30-100 plus in warp speed. Sensible driving gets 30 mpg. Handling is great, especially on good suitable roads. Not 911 precision, but almost. Any quite frankly given the pluses (favourable reaction from public, exhaust note etc) very acceptable.
Looks have always appealed to me (I like the 'hunter' grill arrangement and wife (designer) agrees). Don't see many on the road, but when you do they are so different from anything else.
Negatives: cabin noisy in the 60-75 mph range on many road surfaces, odd rattle, windscreen drain holes block easily.
Clearly the design/engine partner was a step too far for many existing owners, but please try one. Most of the reasons they are not bought 'disappear' or aren't important when you drive your favourite piece of road in one.
It does not need a v12. Sport plus and the thing goes from 30-100 plus in warp speed. Sensible driving gets 30 mpg. Handling is great, especially on good suitable roads. Not 911 precision, but almost. Any quite frankly given the pluses (favourable reaction from public, exhaust note etc) very acceptable.
Looks have always appealed to me (I like the 'hunter' grill arrangement and wife (designer) agrees). Don't see many on the road, but when you do they are so different from anything else.
Negatives: cabin noisy in the 60-75 mph range on many road surfaces, odd rattle, windscreen drain holes block easily.
Clearly the design/engine partner was a step too far for many existing owners, but please try one. Most of the reasons they are not bought 'disappear' or aren't important when you drive your favourite piece of road in one.
Thanks for the feedback from happy owners - I knew you must be out there.
Its good to see the reliability strong, even for a new model. I've had a few Porsche's, and to be honest they have not been great, if you put miles on them you start to have change all the things Porsche consider wear items ( suspension bushes, engine mounts). My Aston's have been heavier, but seem to last better.
I want to be able to go on long weekends with luggage and my wife, which my old Vantage did well with the hatch. This appeals with the new one too. Aston's are about the special journeys for me, not just a quick blast, so the comfort over those trips is needed as I'm getting on a bit.
So its time to arrange a test drive
Its good to see the reliability strong, even for a new model. I've had a few Porsche's, and to be honest they have not been great, if you put miles on them you start to have change all the things Porsche consider wear items ( suspension bushes, engine mounts). My Aston's have been heavier, but seem to last better.
I want to be able to go on long weekends with luggage and my wife, which my old Vantage did well with the hatch. This appeals with the new one too. Aston's are about the special journeys for me, not just a quick blast, so the comfort over those trips is needed as I'm getting on a bit.
So its time to arrange a test drive
Wayne95 said:
Thanks for the feedback from happy owners - I knew you must be out there.
Its good to see the reliability strong, even for a new model. I've had a few Porsche's, and to be honest they have not been great, if you put miles on them you start to have change all the things Porsche consider wear items ( suspension bushes, engine mounts). My Aston's have been heavier, but seem to last better.
I want to be able to go on long weekends with luggage and my wife, which my old Vantage did well with the hatch. This appeals with the new one too. Aston's are about the special journeys for me, not just a quick blast, so the comfort over those trips is needed as I'm getting on a bit.
So its time to arrange a test drive
Enjoy the experience! The two Aston dealerships that I dealt with were an absolute pleasure. AM Leeds where I got the car from and especially AM Nottingham-picked the car up when it had a fuel cap issue and supplied FOC some touch up paint, when they agreed that £70 for some was too much. Same again come service time - all FOC
We looked at a DB11 as a we need the small back seats for our boy, but the pull by the Porsche was strong after we had the test drive.
When the range is revamped, we may re visit
Enjoy in good health
Its good to see the reliability strong, even for a new model. I've had a few Porsche's, and to be honest they have not been great, if you put miles on them you start to have change all the things Porsche consider wear items ( suspension bushes, engine mounts). My Aston's have been heavier, but seem to last better.
I want to be able to go on long weekends with luggage and my wife, which my old Vantage did well with the hatch. This appeals with the new one too. Aston's are about the special journeys for me, not just a quick blast, so the comfort over those trips is needed as I'm getting on a bit.
So its time to arrange a test drive
Enjoy the experience! The two Aston dealerships that I dealt with were an absolute pleasure. AM Leeds where I got the car from and especially AM Nottingham-picked the car up when it had a fuel cap issue and supplied FOC some touch up paint, when they agreed that £70 for some was too much. Same again come service time - all FOC
We looked at a DB11 as a we need the small back seats for our boy, but the pull by the Porsche was strong after we had the test drive.
When the range is revamped, we may re visit
Enjoy in good health
Just another very happy new Vantage owner to pipe up and agree with all the others, above.
The many positives for the new Vantage far outweigh any negatives. I would just suggest getting the Apple CarPlay upgrade carried out and AM dealers can now install an official retrofit.
I honestly can’t think of many better cars to take for a long weekend. Mine was perfect for a very entertaining week spent around Scotland.
Excellent ride, terrific handling, comfortable, practical, etc. The engine is superb and makes a great noise. Ample space in the cabin and lots of room in the boot for luggage.
The Vantage always gets lots of love and positive attention from people out and about in the real world.
I currently have the 7-speed manual AMR 59 and have now also ordered an F1 Edition. Not to replace the AMR but to live alongside it - says it all really.
The many positives for the new Vantage far outweigh any negatives. I would just suggest getting the Apple CarPlay upgrade carried out and AM dealers can now install an official retrofit.
I honestly can’t think of many better cars to take for a long weekend. Mine was perfect for a very entertaining week spent around Scotland.
Excellent ride, terrific handling, comfortable, practical, etc. The engine is superb and makes a great noise. Ample space in the cabin and lots of room in the boot for luggage.
The Vantage always gets lots of love and positive attention from people out and about in the real world.
I currently have the 7-speed manual AMR 59 and have now also ordered an F1 Edition. Not to replace the AMR but to live alongside it - says it all really.
Don’t see any in Northeast Florida. People that see mine stop in their tracks. The first comment most make is that they love the aggressive
look of the hunter grill. I’ve had many new sports cars over the past 40 years. I would rank the new Vantage the best that I have ever owned.
No other car makes me grin like this one.
look of the hunter grill. I’ve had many new sports cars over the past 40 years. I would rank the new Vantage the best that I have ever owned.
No other car makes me grin like this one.
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