So what don’t you like about your new shape Vantage?

[sjc]

Morning,
I’ve been looking at older shape V12 Vantages,having not been a particular fan of the more recent Astons… however.
There is one particular new shape in a colour combo’that has caught my eye,I had a good look at it yesterday,and I’m due for a drive this week.
The only thing I could find that I “might” not be happy with so far are the comfort seats,would be much happier and it would be more of an event with the sports seats (or I believe there’s a sports seat + as well).
So getting to the point,amongst the owners on here ,what have you found that you don’t like/annoys/is rubbish/you’d change if you had the chance ?
Ta in advance for any pointers.

[Longy00000]

For me the proportions on the new Mercedes associated model didn't sit right when first launched. The grill was too big and the headlights too small.
Over time I am now more accepting if the grill but still feel the headlights just aren't right.
So I suppose and I don't own a vantage of any type my thoughts would be that you should buy what ever will make you turn around for a last look as you walk away. That is probably rhe best staring point.

Edited by Longy00000 on Sunday 15th May 13:18

[Jon39]

The 2005 to 2018 Vantage was an instant hit immediately it was unveiled as a concept car in 2003.
Described as beautiful from every angle. Dealers were besieged by eager buyers wanting to place orders (actual car still unseen).
After the initial 2 year wait for delivery, the model went on to become the best selling Aston Martin of all.
Various improved models were introduced and many owners changed their first Vantage for later models. Repeat customers became quite common for Aston Martin.

Many of us were first attracted by the exterior smooth and understated beauty, but it was always known that whoever had the job of designing a successor, would face quite a challenge.

The 2018 Vantage arrived, revealing a far more aggresive appearance and clearly was mainly aimed at a fresh group of customers. The CEO said it was the company's hunter and would attract new younger wealthy customers.
Unfortunately it was subsequently discovered, that many younger people who can afford a new Vantage, tend to place their first financial priority on homes and family. Sales failed to meet targets and when dealers became overstocked, a £1,000 deposit plus 23 x £1,000 deal secured a brand new Vantage for 2 years, including free initial road tax and servicing.

That is the background story, but for everyone who likes the appearance, it is an extremely good car, with much greater performance and agility than its predecessor.

If you are interested, here is a list of all the Limited Editions and Special models.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17...

[WantSagaris]

Jon39 said:

Unfortunately it was subsequently discovered, that many younger people who can afford a new Vantage, tend to place their first financial priority on homes and family. Sales failed to meet targets and when dealers became overstocked, a £1,000 deposit plus 23 x £1,000 deal secured a brand new Vantage for 2 years, including free initial road tax and servicing.

I really don't think this is the reason for it not selling. There are plenty of young people globally who have the disposable income, particularly on finance, to afford these things.

The car in some configurations is definitely a looker, but it was too far removed from the previous gen/people's expectations to be a sales success and the competition is tough.

Unfortunately for the OP I am not an owner either, but if you want a less bias journos view on the car check out Matt Farah and Jason Cammisma in the States who both talked in quite a bit of detail over their issues with it such as over servoed brakes and unstable ride whilst cornering in the early press cars. These issues should now be ironed out and JC said that someone from the factory told him the cars were released early to meet deadlines so maybe the earlier models might be less desirable.

[Minglar]

There has been plenty (probably too much) new Vantage bashing on here for various reasons as most of the regular posters aren’t owners of the new model so I doubt that you’ll get too many helpful replies. As a result new Vantage owners generally shy away from this forum. Asking the question in one of the Facebook groups may be a better idea if you can. I don’t own one either but I did take an early car for a test drive a few years ago and this is what I posted on here at the time.

I took the white demonstrator at Grange Brentwood out yesterday for a fairly extensive test drive. Thanks to Garry for an entertaining couple of hours! Here are a few observations. Apologies if it’s covering old ground for some of you.

It’s quick. I would say comparable to my V12V and the power is easily accessible. The engine has plenty of torque and the mid range pull is impressive. Didn’t really experience any turbo lag either. I stayed away from Track Mode, for both suspension, and throttle settings, but the noise wasn’t too bad in comparison to my car. In Sport+ it burbles on the overrun, but all in all I don’t think it’s as good a noise as from the NA engine. No complaints on the gearbox. I really can’t see why the new breed of owner would want a manual. On that subject, they are going to have to move things to get a gear-lever in there. The ride is very very good. The car feels planted and handles very well. Mrs Minglar doesn’t like being a passenger in mine due to the harsh ride, so this is one area where the new car definitely hits the right spot. Mixed feelings on the interior. There’s more room for sure and the view out was better than I expected. When I sat in the car in May I couldn’t place the front at all, but some tinkering with the seats cures that, although it does feel like a slightly higher driving position. Didn’t like the dash very much. The central dial is small and it’s feels too much like a games console to me. I prefer the analogue dials on mine. There are a lot of buttons in the centre and it’s very clear to see the link to Mercedes in this respect, particularly with all the stalks on the left hand side of the steering column. The media/nav screen is fine but it would be nice if it can be hidden. It can’t, so there is no point dwelling. Rear view mirror looked pretty cheap compared to mine too. Overall the shape is growing on me. It looks good from the back and the light bar works really well. As we see more on the road I suspect the older cars could look a little dated (or classic, depending on your viewpoint!) Gloss black trim works well. Still not totally sold on the front of the car, but it does look aggressive, and is much better with a number plate fitted. Colour wise, I think the car looks better in darker shades. Black (my favourite) would be interesting to see in the flesh. It’s been noted before, and it’s the same with the DB11, but it’s very wide! I understand this is due to the aluminium construction in a similar vein to the AMG GT and F-Type, but for me this is a real stumbling block. My garage is relatively narrow and it was a right palaver getting it in. The car is 3 inches wider over the rear, but the main problem is the mirrors. 5 inches wider when they are open. It’s a problem with a garage which is only 7ft 6 inches wide! I guess the cost to change for me would be £60/70k assuming a decent spec car comes in around £140k. Man maths isn’t a problem, but I’m not sure at the moment. So to sum up, I was very impressed and pleasantly surprised. But it feels a bit too modern for me and I think I still prefer the looks and feeling of my current car. The new one hasn’t tugged my heart strings and made me yearn to get one in the same way the V12V did. So for now staying put, but certainly not ruling one out in the future. It’s the future of Aston Martin and there will be many first time owners who will be delighted with their purchase and rightly so. It’s a very good car.

That may help a little bit

Best Regards

Minglar

[oilit]

A friend of mine has had one for a couple of months now. He LOVES it, and bought it because of the German engineered engine - he liked the idea of better reliability.

It has had to go back in for a wiring issue, but other than that he says it's been as he expected.

[HDPete]

On mine, it’s the poor panel gaps and lack of CarPlay that irritate.

[Finding Neutral]

I’ve spent a lot of time in them and tbh, I think if it didn’t have an Aston badge on it, it would probably be viewed in higher regard than it is.

They’re fairly capable cars with half decent build quality and they go pretty well.


But, they don’t really feel like an Aston to me and clearly a lot of people.

I think they’re becoming a good buy though as prices have dropped out of their ass. It’s a lot of car for the money in my opinion.

[Ninja59]

I am going to be controversial, I never gelled with the looks of the previous version, especially the rear 3/4 oddly. The DB9 looked better but I can never explain why.

As younger owner, I love the aggressive front end of the new one and the rear light bar, plus integrated spoiler. The rear of the car is truly brilliant.

Mine is Divine Red so a bit of bold, but not in a here i am way like some of the brighter colours.

I am not overly bothered by tech in cars now, a lot of it feels and is gimmicky. I also don't appreciate the packages of things and specs, whilst early vantages had a number of options not long after it is nice to see most things included.

Talking off hand about the comfort seats, sports wheels and the sports plus pack. The sports plus pack is common (sports plus pack is the sports wheel and upgraded seats), as the wheel alone is/was a pricey upgrade. I got told flat out that trade in without the upgraded seats would loose you around 2-3k. People simply don't want them. Early cars with only the twin exit not quad, which is now standard would loose 3k on trade in...

[Minglar]

I’ve never been a huge fan of the fussy detailing on the side vents. To my eyes they just don’t line up properly with the swage lines on the doors. It looks more apparent when they are body coloured. The perforated metallic finish or CF seem to work a lot better in that respect. To the OP there have been stories of diff whine at around 70mph in the cruise. Some posters on here reported the problem a while ago and had it replaced by AM at no cost to themselves. Funnily enough, one of the recent reviews of new V12 Vantage reported the same thing. Something to look out for during your search for sure. Good luck.

Best Regards

Minglar

[Ninja59]

Minglar said:

I’ve never been a huge fan of the fussy detailing on the side vents. To my eyes they just don’t line up properly with the swage lines on the doors. It looks more apparent when they are body coloured. The perforated metallic finish or CF seem to work a lot better in that respect. To the OP there have been stories of diff whine at around 70mph in the cruise. Some posters on here reported the problem a while ago and had it replaced by AM at no cost to themselves. Funnily enough, one of the recent reviews of new V12 Vantage reported the same thing. Something to look out for during your search for sure. Good luck.

Best Regards

Minglar

Not the same diff though the V8's is an ediff. The v12 is mechanical...

I dont think the whine is present in many cars, all the cars I have driven at that speed showed no noise.

[Minglar]

Ninja59 said:

Minglar said:

I’ve never been a huge fan of the fussy detailing on the side vents. To my eyes they just don’t line up properly with the swage lines on the doors. It looks more apparent when they are body coloured. The perforated metallic finish or CF seem to work a lot better in that respect. To the OP there have been stories of diff whine at around 70mph in the cruise. Some posters on here reported the problem a while ago and had it replaced by AM at no cost to themselves. Funnily enough, one of the recent reviews of new V12 Vantage reported the same thing. Something to look out for during your search for sure. Good luck.

Best Regards

Minglar

Not the same diff though the V8's is an ediff. The v12 is mechanical...

I dont think the whine is present in many cars, all the cars I have driven at that speed showed no noise.

Ah fair enough. I didn’t know they were different. I think the problems that were reported on here were with early cars for sure, so that problem may now be eradicated. As with most things AM, as the cars develop they improve, and the teething problems get resolved.

Best Regards

Minglar

[Jon39]

WantSagaris said:

I really don't think this is the reason for it not selling. There are plenty of young people globally who have the disposable income, particularly on finance, to afford these things. ....

Hello WantSagaris,

What do you feel the reasons are, for the poor sales of this model ?

The previous Vantage seemed to have appeal for all age groups. AML greatly benefited by the numerous (shall we say) more mature buyers, who were very willing to repeatedly splash a spare £100,000 or so, on a weekend toy, just to use occasionally.

Seeking younger buyers is not new for AML. It was referred to at a Newport Pagnell new model launch decades ago.
I think there might be a concern about the older generation disappearing, but of course new people are joining that group each day.
It is a fact, that a greater amount of disposable income is available for many, as they become older.

[sjc]

Minglar cheers.
Interesting you say about the driving position and placing the front corners,that’s another concern from when I sat it it.I felt I either sit high “on” the seat which helped,or much lower and further back which is much more comfortable,but then I’m looking up and over the bonnet and can’t see the extremities.
I’m going from a Noble,which is the easiest thing to point and squirt.

[sjc]

Jon39 said:

WantSagaris said:

I really don't think this is the reason for it not selling. There are plenty of young people globally who have the disposable income, particularly on finance, to afford these things. ....

Hello WantSagaris,

What do you feel the reasons are, for the poor sales of this model ?

The previous Vantage seemed to have appeal for all age groups. AML greatly benefited by the numerous (shall we say) more mature buyers, who were very willing to repeatedly splash a spare £100,000 or so, on a weekend toy, just to use occasionally.

Seeking younger buyers is not new for AML. It was referred to at a Newport Pagnell new model launch decades ago.
I think there might be a concern about the older generation disappearing, but of course new people are joining that group each day.
It is a fact, that a greater amount of disposable income is available for many, as they become older.

The styling in all the recent models is bloody dreadful,that has to be the biggest factor.That and the fact that Astons gave a bespoke image,and now that model has an AMG engine.That part doesn’t particularly bother me,and the particular car I’m
looking at has been specced a little more reserved which is why I’m thinking of it. The new DBS is better styling wise,but a different market.

[kitz]

It’s a fantastic car .. I had absolutely no problems with mine . You asked what I did not like ….well on a long drive the engine noise could be tiresome and that’s it .

[Ninja59]

sjc said:

The styling in all the recent models is bloody dreadful,that has to be the biggest factor.That and the fact that Astons gave a bespoke image,and now that model has an AMG engine.That part doesn’t particularly bother me,and the particular car I’m
looking at has been specced a little more reserved which is why I’m thinking of it. The new DBS is better styling wise,but a different market.

I dont think it is the styling so much, but people in general don't like change, the VH cars with a lot of respect had a number of similar styling elements. The DB11 clearly had to move things on, and similar to the Vantage moving things on.

I get this alienated a number of VH owners, but at least the styling of each remained individual and not on the use of a photocopier like other manufacturers.

In regards to the engines, yes a number of diehards probably think it is just a merc in drag, but without giving the car any real opportunity. Equally, I suspect the whole NA v turbo argument got some others.

[Minglar]

sjc said:

Minglar cheers.
Interesting you say about the driving position and placing the front corners,that’s another concern from when I sat it it.I felt I either sit high “on” the seat which helped,or much lower and further back which is much more comfortable,but then I’m looking up and over the bonnet and can’t see the extremities.
I’m going from a Noble,which is the easiest thing to point and squirt.

No problem at all. You’re very welcome. I hope it helps a bit. It will certainly be very different to a Noble that’s for sure. I wrote that “review” in August 2018, and the car I drove was pretty much brand new. It was an early car though as it only had two exhaust pipes which frankly looked quite ridiculous. As you probably know that was rectified as the car developed and owners of early cars were given the option to upgrade to the quad set up. The price I quoted was because I was considering a new one, and £140k was roughly the going rate for a decent spec then. If you’re looking for a used one you should be able to get a decent example for below six figures nowadays.

Best Regards

Minglar

[Coobie]

Totally agree with SJC's comment. That is the reason I chose the new vantage. I was strongly considering a gt3, but felt that in the end it looked like most previous gen 911s ( even with the wing!). The design of the new models are wonderful and set them apart from the older designs. I applaud Aston for moving forward and not staying stuck in the past and I admit I am not overly thrilled with the extreme design of the front end of the new hypercars. The AMG engine is awesome. Sorry, I know it's not "Aston" and my car is somehow lesser to those old gen owners on this board, but it is a beast and the car handles superbly. Those are facts.

[sjc]

Minglar said:

sjc said:

Minglar cheers.
Interesting you say about the driving position and placing the front corners,that’s another concern from when I sat it it.I felt I either sit high “on” the seat which helped,or much lower and further back which is much more comfortable,but then I’m looking up and over the bonnet and can’t see the extremities.
I’m going from a Noble,which is the easiest thing to point and squirt.

No problem at all. You’re very welcome. I hope it helps a bit. It will certainly be very different to a Noble that’s for sure. I wrote that “review” in August 2018, and the car I drove was pretty much brand new. It was an early car though as it only had two exhaust pipes which frankly looked quite ridiculous. As you probably know that was rectified as the car developed and owners of early cars were given the option to upgrade to the quad set up. The price I quoted was because I was considering a new one, and £140k was roughly the going rate for a decent spec then. If you’re looking for a used one you should be able to get a decent example for below six figures nowadays.

Best Regards

Minglar

Yes the particular one that has caught my eye was just over the 140K mark new,and now below 6 figures. I fully expect it to tank in depreciation but I’m 57 now and as much as that might hurt,life is short!… if only it had sports seats !