New Vantage ownership experiences
Discussion
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
ArgieBargy said:
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.
How do you find the manual box? Heavy/light smooth or notchy?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.
Wayne95 said:
How do you find the manual box? Heavy/light smooth or notchy?
I have the AMR with the 7 speed. The transmission is adequate but isn't world class like the 6 speed manual in the 911 GT3. I can't quite figure out why AM didn't bolt the nice 6 speed they had into this car. Maybe torque issues? The transmission requires a bit of work and is def notchy. It is enjoyable and grew on me over time. I also have a 911 with a manual and when I get into that car it is a much more seamless experience but the AMR is a blast to drive regardless.Wayne95 said:
ArgieBargy said:
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.
How do you find the manual box? Heavy/light smooth or notchy?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.
It’s certainly not as sweet to use as the Porsche 6-speed but I think the dogleg pattern suits the car and does add to the Vantage’s non-conformist character.
Having said all that, my AMR is purely a weekend toy so the manual is perfect – I would probably prefer the auto if I was wanting to use the car as a daily.
Hope that helps?
I'd echo others on here, it's been a great car to 'own'. My brother also got one at the same time as me on the deal, so this is my real world experience of two of these.
Positives
- All the oily bits are dead reliable, as is the infotainment. Zero glitches or annoying issues, never so much as a warning light on either car
- Feels very solid and well made, you'll have no problem dailying it if that's what you intend to do. Very smooth, great for touring and the auto is perfect in town, whilst being fast enough in Sport + mode
- 360 degree cameras (not sure if this was an option, we both have them) are fantastic, obviously pinched straight out of a merc but make manoeuvring it a doddle. It's also not really that low for a sports car, so it doesn't scrape on speed bumps or multi storey carparks
- It gets positive attention EVERYWHERE. I owned a 4.3 Vantage which got some looks/compliments, but I can't go anywhere in this without someone commenting on it, or coming back to it when parked to see people taking pictures of it. I think it being very bright blue (Elwood) helps with this, but I've never owned anything quite like it. Although this might be a slight negative for you
- It's easy to drive. My girlfriend happily drives it and I don't really worry that this was her 'first supercar' type experience. In normal (Sport) mode it's not snappy on the accelerator and the steering is nicely weighted. She loves it.
- The boot/hatch is very good for the size of car, and the cabin is well packaged meaning plenty of legroom and space to store stuff behind/between the seats. My F Type was terrible for this with a tiny cabin.
- It's actually quite good on fuel. Keeping it under a ton on a motorway run and it'll do high 20's, even low 30's if you can stick to 70.
- It makes a good noise. Not quite decatted 4.7 noise, but still very good for a modern car.
Negatives
- Annoying quality issues that should have been sorted at the factory - my aircon made an awful whining noise, the paint was full of sanding marks, the drivers door profile to rear quarter was terrible and it had a few rattles. All sorted under warranty, including a week at the bodyshop, but it shouldn't have been delivered like that. I do believe the more recent cars are now better on this front. My brother's car in comparison hasn't had a single warranty claim or any issues at all
- As others have said, the base audio is crap. My brother has the premium audio, which in all honesty isn't that much better either. The B&O system is missed
- THE BRAKES. My lord the brakes. They squeak horribly and seemingly nothing can be done to fix this. It's incredibly annoying/embarrassing and the thing I dislike the most about the car
- They seem to collect punctures. I've had 1 and my brother 2. We do both live in the countryside but not exactly out in the sticks.
I'd honestly say test drive one and see what you think. I could easily daily mine if I wanted to and it's been an easy car to own, not wanting for really anything after the initial warranty claims and I dare say cheap motoring for this type of car.
My current thinking is not to buy it at the end of the PCP and to get something different instead, but this is because I want to try out more cars like this whilst we still can, rather than the vantage making me want to get rid of it. 2 years is enough for a car for me, there's too many out there to settle on 1!
Positives
- All the oily bits are dead reliable, as is the infotainment. Zero glitches or annoying issues, never so much as a warning light on either car
- Feels very solid and well made, you'll have no problem dailying it if that's what you intend to do. Very smooth, great for touring and the auto is perfect in town, whilst being fast enough in Sport + mode
- 360 degree cameras (not sure if this was an option, we both have them) are fantastic, obviously pinched straight out of a merc but make manoeuvring it a doddle. It's also not really that low for a sports car, so it doesn't scrape on speed bumps or multi storey carparks
- It gets positive attention EVERYWHERE. I owned a 4.3 Vantage which got some looks/compliments, but I can't go anywhere in this without someone commenting on it, or coming back to it when parked to see people taking pictures of it. I think it being very bright blue (Elwood) helps with this, but I've never owned anything quite like it. Although this might be a slight negative for you
- It's easy to drive. My girlfriend happily drives it and I don't really worry that this was her 'first supercar' type experience. In normal (Sport) mode it's not snappy on the accelerator and the steering is nicely weighted. She loves it.
- The boot/hatch is very good for the size of car, and the cabin is well packaged meaning plenty of legroom and space to store stuff behind/between the seats. My F Type was terrible for this with a tiny cabin.
- It's actually quite good on fuel. Keeping it under a ton on a motorway run and it'll do high 20's, even low 30's if you can stick to 70.
- It makes a good noise. Not quite decatted 4.7 noise, but still very good for a modern car.
Negatives
- Annoying quality issues that should have been sorted at the factory - my aircon made an awful whining noise, the paint was full of sanding marks, the drivers door profile to rear quarter was terrible and it had a few rattles. All sorted under warranty, including a week at the bodyshop, but it shouldn't have been delivered like that. I do believe the more recent cars are now better on this front. My brother's car in comparison hasn't had a single warranty claim or any issues at all
- As others have said, the base audio is crap. My brother has the premium audio, which in all honesty isn't that much better either. The B&O system is missed
- THE BRAKES. My lord the brakes. They squeak horribly and seemingly nothing can be done to fix this. It's incredibly annoying/embarrassing and the thing I dislike the most about the car
- They seem to collect punctures. I've had 1 and my brother 2. We do both live in the countryside but not exactly out in the sticks.
I'd honestly say test drive one and see what you think. I could easily daily mine if I wanted to and it's been an easy car to own, not wanting for really anything after the initial warranty claims and I dare say cheap motoring for this type of car.
My current thinking is not to buy it at the end of the PCP and to get something different instead, but this is because I want to try out more cars like this whilst we still can, rather than the vantage making me want to get rid of it. 2 years is enough for a car for me, there's too many out there to settle on 1!
I don’t wish to bring down the tone of the thread but I had one for 12 months and wasn’t a fan.
To be fair I had major reservations on the (several) test drive(s) too, but I thought I’d give it a fair shot and trust that it was a grower. My feelings didn’t change though.
Mine was even on the “cheap deal” which is what got me into the drivers seat after initially considering and rejecting the full-price version at launch. I did find I was warmer (more forgiving maybe) toward some elements as soon as the price was reduced, so it’s not that I went in with my mind made up.
Take one for a spin, ideally 24hrs. Make your own mind up.
To be fair I had major reservations on the (several) test drive(s) too, but I thought I’d give it a fair shot and trust that it was a grower. My feelings didn’t change though.
Mine was even on the “cheap deal” which is what got me into the drivers seat after initially considering and rejecting the full-price version at launch. I did find I was warmer (more forgiving maybe) toward some elements as soon as the price was reduced, so it’s not that I went in with my mind made up.
Take one for a spin, ideally 24hrs. Make your own mind up.
Shrimpvende said:
... Keeping it under a ton on a motorway run and it'll do high 20's, ...
Thank you for your review, S.
Which sections of motorways would you recommend for driving at near to 100 mph, without any risk of being caught?
Do you rule out 'Smart' motorways, and those with the new small yellow box speed cameras?
I've had mine for just over a year now, done 4000 miles and love it.
Mines the 8 speed auto and I figured I'd just use the paddles but I don't and nearly always use auto and change the engine settings to suit. When really pressing on the car is so quick that changing gear is one less thing to worry about and though it's only a single clutch it's way better than some sports car twin clutch setups I've driven. Though I'll admit the PDK is better.
360 camera is a must, it is a wide car, im six foot tall and cant see any thing of the bonnet, parking would be a nightmare without it.
Infotainment system is OK works well but, base audio sound is pants by modern standards and the SAT NAV isn't very good either.
Mine is Scorpus Red with black painted splitter and sills and yes it attracts a lot of attention but, quality of the paint finish is poor, I guess my inspector was blind. I also have problems with fit of the drivers side vent. It's out of position and the body crease line dosent match. Been back twice still not sorted but they acknowledge it not right and are now going to replace the wing and vent. Collection and delivery in covered trailer.
The actual paint is very soft and is chipping badly, should have had it PPFed. But don't recommend Aston do it as the stuff they put on the rear arches is marked as bad as the paint would be.
Just had my first free service that cost me £450. Some minor consumables that I could have sorted but the main items were tracking and NAV update. Both front and rear tracking was out, so whole thing four wheel realigned. Can't argue I didn't do it though I sure I haven't had any big hit to cause that. Map update was £140 for 2020 map, it's a 2020 car so that was a bitter pill, the maps on it were 2018 and missing loads of roads, can't say yet if this version is any better. I did ask for this though I don't think they would offered it.
Don't get wrong I really love this car, it's a keeper and over time I will get her sorted.
Forgot to add, my brakes don't squeal and work really well, boy do need them.
Mines the 8 speed auto and I figured I'd just use the paddles but I don't and nearly always use auto and change the engine settings to suit. When really pressing on the car is so quick that changing gear is one less thing to worry about and though it's only a single clutch it's way better than some sports car twin clutch setups I've driven. Though I'll admit the PDK is better.
360 camera is a must, it is a wide car, im six foot tall and cant see any thing of the bonnet, parking would be a nightmare without it.
Infotainment system is OK works well but, base audio sound is pants by modern standards and the SAT NAV isn't very good either.
Mine is Scorpus Red with black painted splitter and sills and yes it attracts a lot of attention but, quality of the paint finish is poor, I guess my inspector was blind. I also have problems with fit of the drivers side vent. It's out of position and the body crease line dosent match. Been back twice still not sorted but they acknowledge it not right and are now going to replace the wing and vent. Collection and delivery in covered trailer.
The actual paint is very soft and is chipping badly, should have had it PPFed. But don't recommend Aston do it as the stuff they put on the rear arches is marked as bad as the paint would be.
Just had my first free service that cost me £450. Some minor consumables that I could have sorted but the main items were tracking and NAV update. Both front and rear tracking was out, so whole thing four wheel realigned. Can't argue I didn't do it though I sure I haven't had any big hit to cause that. Map update was £140 for 2020 map, it's a 2020 car so that was a bitter pill, the maps on it were 2018 and missing loads of roads, can't say yet if this version is any better. I did ask for this though I don't think they would offered it.
Don't get wrong I really love this car, it's a keeper and over time I will get her sorted.
Forgot to add, my brakes don't squeal and work really well, boy do need them.
Edited by Simon.b on Monday 19th July 17:45
Simon.b said:
Mines the 8 speed auto and I figured I'd just use the paddles but I don't and nearly always use auto and change the engine settings to suit. When really pressing on the car is so quick that changing gear is one less thing to worry about and though it's only a single clutch it's way better than some sports car twin clutch setups I've driven. Though I'll admit the PDK is better.
Pedant hat firmly on my head, I just can't help myself and have to point out that the 8-speed auto in the new Vantage (or DB11, for that matter) is the ZF 8-speed conventional automatic which has a torque converter and no clutch. 
LTP said:
the ZF 8-speed conventional automatic which has a torque converter and no clutch.
Yes sorry, me being a d**k, in my defence I was in the garden, sat in the sun getting very hot. I still stand by the point though, that gear box set up is very good. I think I'm correct in that BMW dropped their twin clutch for the new M3 and put the same ZF 8 auto box in, or am I still asleep and dreaming. Simon.b said:
Yes sorry, me being a d**k, in my defence I was in the garden, sat in the sun getting very hot. I still stand by the point though, that gear box set up is very good. I think I'm correct in that BMW dropped their twin clutch for the new M3 and put the same ZF 8 auto box in, or am I still asleep and dreaming.
I checked and on the BMW M YouTube website you appear to be correct https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfv64RP_dHo
Mind you, 4 years ago, when reviewing the DB11, Harry Metcalfe did point out how good the ZF auto was and wonder if dual-clutch systems would fade away
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCWXqn8rYk8 (from 8:20 if you don't want the whole video)
Had mine about three months now; previous car was a Maserati Granturismo, and before that a 997 Turbo. Initial impressions is that it’s much closer to the Porsche than the Maserati in terms of performance, NVH and space, but gives you a feel-good factor closer to the Maser. I really like the interior, and although reviews say the button layout is confusing, it really isn’t after you’ve used it for a couple of weeks. Aircon is great, satnav maps are very out of date, but all the stuff about it being “two generations old” whilst factual, won’t impact on your life. The sound from the standard speakers is absolutely crap, and is the one thing I wish I could change. I can’t think I’ve ever had a car that attracts as much attention, all of which has been positive thus far. The one thing you absolutely cannot do is take liberties with the 503bhp in the wet. If will step sideways on you if you prod it, in a way the (admittedly less powerful, but 4WD) 911 never did. Very practical for a car at this level - boot is huge. Engine noise is not in the same league as the n/a Maserati, but still makes me smile. Track mode is a bit much for use on the roads around where I live, but I guess the clue is in the name. Dealer is excellent.
Famous last words, but I haven’t regretted my purchase once.
Famous last words, but I haven’t regretted my purchase once.
Love:
-Exterior styling
-Engine
-Seat Comfort
-Handling on canyon roads (Central California Coast)
-Leather interior hand craftsmanship
-Large storage area
-Pedal layout
-Excellent cross country tourer (Almost GT level performance)
Like:
-Manual Transmission (good fun but a bit temperamental)
Not so good:
-Premium stereo (Not)
-Lack of glovebox (maddeningly difficult to store hard to replace insurance and registration paperwork)
-Ancient tech plonked in the middle of the dashboard (Looks cheap, rather have nothing than a plastic iPad looking thing up there)
-Glitchy, super annoying parking sensors (Dealer wants the car for 1 week to sort it out)
-Fit and finish on the bonnet and the door jams
-Anemic headlights, lack of auto high beam function
Overall:
I love the car. it has a lot of heart and that helps it overcome it's deficiencies.
-Exterior styling
-Engine
-Seat Comfort
-Handling on canyon roads (Central California Coast)
-Leather interior hand craftsmanship
-Large storage area
-Pedal layout
-Excellent cross country tourer (Almost GT level performance)
Like:
-Manual Transmission (good fun but a bit temperamental)
Not so good:
-Premium stereo (Not)
-Lack of glovebox (maddeningly difficult to store hard to replace insurance and registration paperwork)
-Ancient tech plonked in the middle of the dashboard (Looks cheap, rather have nothing than a plastic iPad looking thing up there)
-Glitchy, super annoying parking sensors (Dealer wants the car for 1 week to sort it out)
-Fit and finish on the bonnet and the door jams
-Anemic headlights, lack of auto high beam function
Overall:
I love the car. it has a lot of heart and that helps it overcome it's deficiencies.
Had the car for about 4 months now and agree with the others. The engine and handling are top notch. Truly a special car. The stereo is not up to par for the price point and unfortunately my brakes tend to squeal. However, driving this car puts a grin on my face every time I stomp on the little pedal. In the end that's what really matters.
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
Hey OP, just wondering if you've had chance to arrange your 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
Would be keen to know how you get on, before the pitchfork brigade have this thread closed down for being far too positive towards the Beelzebub Vantage...
Not arranged my test drive yet - work been very busy and I need to find a day to take some time out.
Hopefully in the next few weeks, my local dealer in Cheltenham is always very accommodating, so looking forward to the experience.
Maybe get an extended loan for a few days so I can try it out on short and longer drives. I've had many different cars over the years, but feeling like I want to settle on one now so it has to be right. It wont be my daily driver, (I-pace for that) but I'm planning some long weekends away so should be fun
Hopefully in the next few weeks, my local dealer in Cheltenham is always very accommodating, so looking forward to the experience.
Maybe get an extended loan for a few days so I can try it out on short and longer drives. I've had many different cars over the years, but feeling like I want to settle on one now so it has to be right. It wont be my daily driver, (I-pace for that) but I'm planning some long weekends away so should be fun
REM2112 said:
Your fourth Aston Martin, Rob.
Great loyalty.
Please add your name to my multiple owners topic, if you have not already done so.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
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