So what don’t you like about your new shape Vantage?
Discussion
Jon39 said:
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.
Ford identified a gap with the previous Vantage, a gap that I feel is no longer there and with increased competition.
The sound from the standard radio is absolutely appalling, get one with the upgraded system if at all possible. Everything else about it is pretty marvellous - note I have Apple CarPlay installed so I don’t have to worry about the satnav being out of date. It’s bloody quick, handles very well, supremely comfortable, relatively practical from a space point of view, and everyone (other than the Pistonheads Massiv) thinks it looks and sounds fantastic.
I’m one of those owners of the new Vantage that normally wouldn’t waste time posting on a website with so many whiny legacy owners. Life is too short to listen to the half baked rationalizations and stupid anecdote based narratives that some people try to pawn off as wisdom.
However, since I was surfing, and your question was specific, I figured I’d post my 2 cents.
I was one of the owners that instantly fell in love with the new styling of the Vantage, particularly the Hunter grill. I still have no particular fondness for the “ updated” grill and prefer the original. It had a fresh modern look to me on day one and still does. I like the interior and the abundant buttons are not an issue. After a few drives you figure out what’s what and there is no drama.
Pros/Cons ( in no particular order)
I like my Cinnabar Orange car and the gloss black roof, skirts…. The combo is striking just wish it were a bit less common. Yeah…I’ve bumped into others a bit too often.
I don’t have any panel gap issues or fluky parking sensors as some have complained about.
I have the sport seats. Never liked the looks of the base seat. The sports seats are a bit too soft for my taste. Wish they were a little firmer/supportive.
I have the dual exhaust. Quad is louder but the same tonal qualities. I don’t need my car to be louder, and I never had an issue with the aesthetics of the dual. Good thing I don’t buy my cars for the next owner. On long trips I wish there was a quieter mode for the exhaust.
I wish there was more dynamic range in the suspension/ chassis modes. I usually drive in S+( for both engine and chassis modes). I wish the S was a bit more compliant for long trips like a 5 hour day ( usually when I want the car quieter too ). It really is a marginal GT car.
Surround view is a really nice to have. Front fender placement is a bit tricky.
I have the base stereo. It’s not great but when I A/B’d it with the Bose in my Cayman, it was better than the Bose which I never really complained about so go figure. Upgraded would be a nice to have.
Storage for long trips is great for a sports car. I’ve always liked hatches.
I like the matte carbon fiber in the interior, not sure how I feel about the satin silver parts. Glove box would have been nice but didn’t stop me from buying the car, LOL.
I didn’t want a dog leg 7 speed. I have three six speeds and didn’t need the hassle of getting my brain reprogrammed every few drives. Plus I thought the shifter was beyond fugly in the AMR car.
No complaints about the ZF transmission. It seems up to the job.
Ride height is great. No drama over speed bumps. Been “ off-road” a few times on the way to vineyards, farms…. Still in tact. I’m glad I have the 20” rather than 21” wheels.
Oh…and not to be completely superficial, I do have to admit, when I pull into some parking lot every couple weeks with 5 silver or black Porsches, I beam inside, that my car looks so much cooler, more modern and stands out from the crowd. And I would consider myself a Porsche fanboy.
However, since I was surfing, and your question was specific, I figured I’d post my 2 cents.
I was one of the owners that instantly fell in love with the new styling of the Vantage, particularly the Hunter grill. I still have no particular fondness for the “ updated” grill and prefer the original. It had a fresh modern look to me on day one and still does. I like the interior and the abundant buttons are not an issue. After a few drives you figure out what’s what and there is no drama.
Pros/Cons ( in no particular order)
I like my Cinnabar Orange car and the gloss black roof, skirts…. The combo is striking just wish it were a bit less common. Yeah…I’ve bumped into others a bit too often.
I don’t have any panel gap issues or fluky parking sensors as some have complained about.
I have the sport seats. Never liked the looks of the base seat. The sports seats are a bit too soft for my taste. Wish they were a little firmer/supportive.
I have the dual exhaust. Quad is louder but the same tonal qualities. I don’t need my car to be louder, and I never had an issue with the aesthetics of the dual. Good thing I don’t buy my cars for the next owner. On long trips I wish there was a quieter mode for the exhaust.
I wish there was more dynamic range in the suspension/ chassis modes. I usually drive in S+( for both engine and chassis modes). I wish the S was a bit more compliant for long trips like a 5 hour day ( usually when I want the car quieter too ). It really is a marginal GT car.
Surround view is a really nice to have. Front fender placement is a bit tricky.
I have the base stereo. It’s not great but when I A/B’d it with the Bose in my Cayman, it was better than the Bose which I never really complained about so go figure. Upgraded would be a nice to have.
Storage for long trips is great for a sports car. I’ve always liked hatches.
I like the matte carbon fiber in the interior, not sure how I feel about the satin silver parts. Glove box would have been nice but didn’t stop me from buying the car, LOL.
I didn’t want a dog leg 7 speed. I have three six speeds and didn’t need the hassle of getting my brain reprogrammed every few drives. Plus I thought the shifter was beyond fugly in the AMR car.
No complaints about the ZF transmission. It seems up to the job.
Ride height is great. No drama over speed bumps. Been “ off-road” a few times on the way to vineyards, farms…. Still in tact. I’m glad I have the 20” rather than 21” wheels.
Oh…and not to be completely superficial, I do have to admit, when I pull into some parking lot every couple weeks with 5 silver or black Porsches, I beam inside, that my car looks so much cooler, more modern and stands out from the crowd. And I would consider myself a Porsche fanboy.
Edited by GreasyHands on Sunday 15th May 22:30
Edited by GreasyHands on Sunday 15th May 22:39
Edited by GreasyHands on Monday 16th May 10:55
Edited by GreasyHands on Monday 16th May 11:03
Sticks/Greasythanks for your insights,all good food for thought.Not fussed about the radio as I never have it on,camera I didn’t think I’d need (it hasn’t got it), but that and the lack sports seats might sway be against it.
Deffo gonna book a drive!
Deffo gonna book a drive!
Edited by sjc on Sunday 15th May 23:51
I bough a new v8 Vantage when they were announced as unlike most, I actually loved the styling of the new car. However, it was always my intent to keep my v12 Vantage as well.
The new car is better in almost every measurable way with better ride, handling, comfort and performance, however even I think the old one still has the edge on the looks.
I had an early 2018 coupe and to be honest I had a few issues with it that meant it was off the road for a while as it ended up being totally repainted due to poor factory paint. I changed it last year to a new convertible model and I’m much happier with this over the coupe.
When comparing the new v8 to the old v12 then performance is very similar but the v12 ‘feels’ more powerful to me and sounds so much better. In any gear the v12 just pulls like a train whereas the v8 needs to drop a couple of gears to take off. The v8 is a great cruiser and sports seats are very comfortable.
Watch out for diff whine in the v8 as it’s really annoying on the motorway and inspect the paint finish.
You won’t go wrong with either car but if I could only keep one then I’d keep the v12.
The new car is better in almost every measurable way with better ride, handling, comfort and performance, however even I think the old one still has the edge on the looks.
I had an early 2018 coupe and to be honest I had a few issues with it that meant it was off the road for a while as it ended up being totally repainted due to poor factory paint. I changed it last year to a new convertible model and I’m much happier with this over the coupe.
When comparing the new v8 to the old v12 then performance is very similar but the v12 ‘feels’ more powerful to me and sounds so much better. In any gear the v12 just pulls like a train whereas the v8 needs to drop a couple of gears to take off. The v8 is a great cruiser and sports seats are very comfortable.
Watch out for diff whine in the v8 as it’s really annoying on the motorway and inspect the paint finish.
You won’t go wrong with either car but if I could only keep one then I’d keep the v12.
ripley500 said:
I bough a new v8 Vantage when they were announced as unlike most, I actually loved the styling of the new car. However, it was always my intent to keep my v12 Vantage as well.
The new car is better in almost every measurable way with better ride, handling, comfort and performance, however even I think the old one still has the edge on the looks.
I had an early 2018 coupe and to be honest I had a few issues with it that meant it was off the road for a while as it ended up being totally repainted due to poor factory paint. I changed it last year to a new convertible model and I’m much happier with this over the coupe.
When comparing the new v8 to the old v12 then performance is very similar but the v12 ‘feels’ more powerful to me and sounds so much better. In any gear the v12 just pulls like a train whereas the v8 needs to drop a couple of gears to take off. The v8 is a great cruiser and sports seats are very comfortable.
Watch out for diff whine in the v8 as it’s really annoying on the motorway and inspect the paint finish.
You won’t go wrong with either car but if I could only keep one then I’d keep the v12.
I remember when you got your one. I think it was red and had very nice silver wheels. I know you had issues and I remember the whine too. A few others on here did suffer from the same problem. Your summary above pretty much sums up exactly how I felt at the time too. I couldn’t have both so the decision was either keep my V12V or trade it in and pay the cost to change for the V8. I chose the former and whilst that may make me a full time member of the PH Massiv, I think I made the right decision at the time. I think as new Vantage has developed over the last few years every iteration has received improvements and tweaks and the car is a lot better now than when it was first launched in 2017. To be fair that was exactly the same situation with VH Vantage too though. The last ever V600 was a very different car to the car launched in 2005. Unfortunately this part of the PH world has never really warmed to new Vantage and probably never will, so my advice to anyone thinking of getting one would be to join one or more of the many Facebook AM groups, as the crowd on there is much more fond of it.The new car is better in almost every measurable way with better ride, handling, comfort and performance, however even I think the old one still has the edge on the looks.
I had an early 2018 coupe and to be honest I had a few issues with it that meant it was off the road for a while as it ended up being totally repainted due to poor factory paint. I changed it last year to a new convertible model and I’m much happier with this over the coupe.
When comparing the new v8 to the old v12 then performance is very similar but the v12 ‘feels’ more powerful to me and sounds so much better. In any gear the v12 just pulls like a train whereas the v8 needs to drop a couple of gears to take off. The v8 is a great cruiser and sports seats are very comfortable.
Watch out for diff whine in the v8 as it’s really annoying on the motorway and inspect the paint finish.
You won’t go wrong with either car but if I could only keep one then I’d keep the v12.
Best Regards
Minglar
Minglar said:
.... I couldn’t have both so the decision was either keep my V12V or trade it in and pay the cost to change for the V8. I chose the former ....
Perhaps interesting Richard, to think for a moment about the arithmetic involved in your decusion. You certainly made the correct choice in that respect.
To be fair though, the numbers might be similar for the purchase of any high price new car
New V8V with some options at launch = £140,000.
Depreciation to now = probably £60,000.
Your V12V, perhaps Zero depreciation since decision time.
You are not the overall winner amongst members here though. How about this example;
Order placed for a new 2005 V8 Vantage.
Depreciation to now probably £50,000.
Before delivery, the order was cancelled.
Instead purchased a beautiful Aston Martin DB3.
Value now astronomic.
I must be one of the rare owners of the previous gen that actually likes the new gen and the hunter grille too.
Around the presentation, I was not enthralled, but also because I was about to buy my current car; I was in the full honey moon period. Now the new shape is growing on me and I see myself getting one at some point.
Around the presentation, I was not enthralled, but also because I was about to buy my current car; I was in the full honey moon period. Now the new shape is growing on me and I see myself getting one at some point.
Jon39 said:
Minglar said:
.... I couldn’t have both so the decision was either keep my V12V or trade it in and pay the cost to change for the V8. I chose the former ....
Perhaps interesting Richard, to think for a moment about the arithmetic involved in your decusion. You certainly made the correct choice in that respect.
To be fair though, the numbers might be similar for the purchase of any high price new car
New V8V with some options at launch = £140,000.
Depreciation to now = probably £60,000.
Your V12V, perhaps Zero depreciation since decision time.
You are not the overall winner amongst members here though. How about this example;
Order placed for a new 2005 V8 Vantage.
Depreciation to now probably £50,000.
Before delivery, the order was cancelled.
Instead purchased a beautiful Aston Martin DB3.
Value now astronomic.
Best Regards
Minglar
Minglar said:
.... I can’t see the point of buying a new one if the whole range is due to be overhauled for 2023 (assuming that actually happens of course).
There does seem to be an expectation amongst some here, of a complete rework inside and out, for the DB11, Vantage and DBS in 2023.
It is standard practice for the major motor manufacturers to do a refresh about two thirds of the way through a(n often) 7 year model run, but it usually involves fairly minor cosmetics.
We sometimes hear about type approval, so perhaps too many alterations involve complex regulatory procedures.
My guess therefore would be, not huge changes in 2023.
Does anyone know whether installing the TTV12 in the Vantage, would have required new type approval?
I would also be interested to know, what type approval involves.
I'm not a new Vanatge owner but I am certainly the target market for it and have heavily considered the regular Vantage & F1 as a replacement for my NSX.
I haven't commited to buying one simply becuase the car it would replace is simply better for my usage currently and I have a DBX for daily duties.
The AMG engine is a draw as I've had C63's in the past and the 4.0 is not to be sniffed at. Same with the gearbox, no its not a DCT but more than good enough.
The things that put me off is that the car is clearly due an update/facelift at some point which lingers in my mind, as wouldn't want to commit to then lose out on fresh updates.
The headlights do look alittle small but honestly not a deal breaker, same with the infotainment screen. Yeah its not the best solution but again not the be all and end all.
Overall I think the new Vantage is a solid package especially in the handling department which no one really makes enough noise about imo.It certainly "loses out" on paper VS the competition. Below are the points I feel probably put most people off.
- torque converter
- non bespoke engine
- fussy interior/low tech
- OK power output (middle of the road in segment)
- divisive design
Compare this to a 570S, AMG GTR, 911 GTS/turbo for similar cash and I do understand why they haven't sold as many. Especially when a regular Vantage can be over £150K with a few options ticked.
I haven't commited to buying one simply becuase the car it would replace is simply better for my usage currently and I have a DBX for daily duties.
The AMG engine is a draw as I've had C63's in the past and the 4.0 is not to be sniffed at. Same with the gearbox, no its not a DCT but more than good enough.
The things that put me off is that the car is clearly due an update/facelift at some point which lingers in my mind, as wouldn't want to commit to then lose out on fresh updates.
The headlights do look alittle small but honestly not a deal breaker, same with the infotainment screen. Yeah its not the best solution but again not the be all and end all.
Overall I think the new Vantage is a solid package especially in the handling department which no one really makes enough noise about imo.It certainly "loses out" on paper VS the competition. Below are the points I feel probably put most people off.
- torque converter
- non bespoke engine
- fussy interior/low tech
- OK power output (middle of the road in segment)
- divisive design
Compare this to a 570S, AMG GTR, 911 GTS/turbo for similar cash and I do understand why they haven't sold as many. Especially when a regular Vantage can be over £150K with a few options ticked.
Edited by nathwraith1 on Monday 16th May 12:27
Good question. My 'didn't like' list is quite short from the fortnight I had one as a loaner:
Preferred the sound of my V12VS
It beeped too much and far too loud
Fussy switchgear
Crappy maps and infotainment thing (I have AMi iii and CarPlay on mine)
Aesthetic - I like the less aggressive look of the previous version.
But there's a hell of a lot to like about it as well. Great car, but perhaps more colour sensitive than its predecessor.
Preferred the sound of my V12VS
It beeped too much and far too loud
Fussy switchgear
Crappy maps and infotainment thing (I have AMi iii and CarPlay on mine)
Aesthetic - I like the less aggressive look of the previous version.
But there's a hell of a lot to like about it as well. Great car, but perhaps more colour sensitive than its predecessor.
nathwraith1 said:
Compare this to a 570S, AMG GTR, 911 GTS/turbo for similar cash and I do understand why they haven't sold as many. Especially when a regular Vantage can be over £150K with a few options ticked.
I agree there is a lot of competition and choice at the price range. I considered all three of those cars, plus some others. In the end, you put your money down and buy one if you’re not too busy on forums complaining about what you don’t like about a car you’re not going to buy.Edited by nathwraith1 on Monday 16th May 12:27
The scissor(?) doors in the 570S knocked that car out of my consideration because I keep 5 cars in a three car garage and use a couple storage lifts. Just my personal constraint. In addition, I prefer more luggage/storage space for road-trips.
I never took a liking to the AMG-GT styling. Just personal preference.
I have nothing bad to say about Porsche. Easy cars to live with, great PCA/ owners activities and support, drives great. ( better than Vantage, IMO) but there are just so many out there. Even with PTS/CXX it’s hard not to be just another Porsche…if I could only have one car, and didn’t want any drama, it would be hard to say no.
We are spoiled for choice in many ways. Definitely difficult for Aston to thread the needle.
Maybe another minority opinion, but I liked Andy Palmer and the direction he was taking the company. Too bad he forgot to pump the brakes before he drove off a cliff. So far Stroll does very little for me, in terms of excitement, so I’m waiting patiently for the post Stroll period. Hard for me to imagine Stroll will knock the cover off the ball. ( Although the 707, not a car for me, seemed like a nice bolt on). In the meantime, I’ll enjoy my new fangled Aston until I get bored with it and find something I prefer. I don’t see myself going into anybody’s back catalog so we’ll see what the future brings.
Edited by GreasyHands on Monday 16th May 16:19
Edited by GreasyHands on Monday 16th May 16:20
GreasyHands said:
.... I liked Andy Palmer and the direction he was taking the company. ....
We all liked him to begin with.
Seven new models in seven years, use the profit from each car to pay development costs of the next model. Sounded great.
We were rather slow to realise, that such a plan needed constant showers of money raining down.
The final direction was south to Italy, not taking the Company, but the proceeds of a hugely successful (for the seller) overpriced share sale.
AP completed the job he was employed to do, but by then, the Company had literally run out of cash.
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff