Should I go for a Vantage?
Discussion
Andy_M_ said:
Hi NIck, that's an interesting car. Is that the only AMG 4.0 V8 with a manual in any car?
Yes it is, Mercedes from an AM perspective can be challenging, whether that plays out with more issues regarding warranty side I don't know. It is worth flagging, it is the same dogleg Graziano box that was in the old VH Vantage cars so if you did not/do not like that you won't like the new one irresspective of engine either.
You’ll be OK with any Vantage, just don’t expect them to feel as quick as the equivalent design-era (997) Porker, which for base V8 could be said to be the base C2, for the V8S the 997C2S and the V12/S the turbo/turbo S.
The Aston is a different proposition, they can’t really be compared. While a little bit ‘slower’ or less sharp, any Aston feels and is a more special car than any 911 (GT3 excepted). After a few months or years of 911 ownership, there’s a good chance you might get bored of it. Assuming you can live with the slight outright performance deficit (and there are many things that can be done to improve all but perhaps the very last of the n/a Vantages), there’s far less of a chance you’d get bored of your Aston. See the multiple owners thread for evidence of that. Astons can get under your skin in a way few others can.
Before buying my 1st Aston I had many performance cars inc two 911, but I’d never held on to any car longer than two years. I’ve had my own V8VS for seven years now and am even planning on taking it with me as I leave the UK.
The Aston is a different proposition, they can’t really be compared. While a little bit ‘slower’ or less sharp, any Aston feels and is a more special car than any 911 (GT3 excepted). After a few months or years of 911 ownership, there’s a good chance you might get bored of it. Assuming you can live with the slight outright performance deficit (and there are many things that can be done to improve all but perhaps the very last of the n/a Vantages), there’s far less of a chance you’d get bored of your Aston. See the multiple owners thread for evidence of that. Astons can get under your skin in a way few others can.
Before buying my 1st Aston I had many performance cars inc two 911, but I’d never held on to any car longer than two years. I’ve had my own V8VS for seven years now and am even planning on taking it with me as I leave the UK.
alscar said:
I then made the mistake of driving a V12 S ( sportshift 3 - basically think automated manual ) a couple of years later and specced one from new.
2 years post that bought a Vantage GT8 which I still have.
In the meantime I sold the V12 and bought a new shape Vantage which I have also now sold.
Driving the V12 daily was far more pleasant than the V8S manual.
The new shape Vantage was great to drive and in isolation feels more 911 like than perhaps the others.
GT8 is obviously a different proposition altogether - I will never sell that.
Hi, I wonder, I know the GT8 is special, but how special, not talking about it being rare and more expensive, but how can you explain the GT82 years post that bought a Vantage GT8 which I still have.
In the meantime I sold the V12 and bought a new shape Vantage which I have also now sold.
Driving the V12 daily was far more pleasant than the V8S manual.
The new shape Vantage was great to drive and in isolation feels more 911 like than perhaps the others.
GT8 is obviously a different proposition altogether - I will never sell that.
vs say that V8S manual and that V12 automatic, in which way is it special to you, exclusive, looks, or the way it feels and drives and connects you.
I would recommend the V12 S
I've had mine for a few years now. It's an SS3 gearbox, and I have to say that the box is fantastic. It really responds well to skilled use - it makes driving the car much more involving and satisfying.
And the engine, ooooohhhh boy that engine. A snarling, guttural, snuffling, singing, howling beast of an engine that can cruise with the best Limos and yet scream like Lemmy on Overkill.
Handling, whilst not GT3 sharp is nevertheless more than competent for any driver with a modicum of skill. The car shrinks around you.
The brakes? -frankly the best brakes on any car I have ever driven.
Cabin is perfectly comfortable for long range trips. Decent sized boot too.
Perfomance - the shove from the V12, coupled with the lightning fast box in Sport mode makes mincemeat of most other stuff in the real world. There's no hesitation, no flat spots, no wobbling about. It's relentless, smooth and compelling.
Economy? Mid to high 20s on a fast motorway cruise.
Ownership? There is nothing like opening your garage door and realising (again) that you own an Aston Martin and that you can drive it whenever you like. Or you can just sit in it and smile to yourself (- most of us do that at least once or twice a year! )
Reliability? I've had the low loader experience just once - a coolant top hose popped off after the winter lay up. Other than that it's not missed a beat mechanically in a way that would leave me stranded. Yes, some bits do niggle (headlamps mist up a bit, TPMS can be a bit sensitive etc) but it all pales into insignificance when you push the key into that slot.
My dealer is AM Nottingham, and I really cannot recommend them highly enough. When warranty work has been needed it's been done without quibble, to a very high standard. Get the Timeless Warranty and you'll not be needing to worry imho.
Service costs are very reasonable. They'll even collect and deliver it back for you.
Buy one whilst you still can. I suspect that values will be rising in the coming years - it's just such a great car
I've had mine for a few years now. It's an SS3 gearbox, and I have to say that the box is fantastic. It really responds well to skilled use - it makes driving the car much more involving and satisfying.
And the engine, ooooohhhh boy that engine. A snarling, guttural, snuffling, singing, howling beast of an engine that can cruise with the best Limos and yet scream like Lemmy on Overkill.
Handling, whilst not GT3 sharp is nevertheless more than competent for any driver with a modicum of skill. The car shrinks around you.
The brakes? -frankly the best brakes on any car I have ever driven.
Cabin is perfectly comfortable for long range trips. Decent sized boot too.
Perfomance - the shove from the V12, coupled with the lightning fast box in Sport mode makes mincemeat of most other stuff in the real world. There's no hesitation, no flat spots, no wobbling about. It's relentless, smooth and compelling.
Economy? Mid to high 20s on a fast motorway cruise.
Ownership? There is nothing like opening your garage door and realising (again) that you own an Aston Martin and that you can drive it whenever you like. Or you can just sit in it and smile to yourself (- most of us do that at least once or twice a year! )
Reliability? I've had the low loader experience just once - a coolant top hose popped off after the winter lay up. Other than that it's not missed a beat mechanically in a way that would leave me stranded. Yes, some bits do niggle (headlamps mist up a bit, TPMS can be a bit sensitive etc) but it all pales into insignificance when you push the key into that slot.
My dealer is AM Nottingham, and I really cannot recommend them highly enough. When warranty work has been needed it's been done without quibble, to a very high standard. Get the Timeless Warranty and you'll not be needing to worry imho.
Service costs are very reasonable. They'll even collect and deliver it back for you.
Buy one whilst you still can. I suspect that values will be rising in the coming years - it's just such a great car
Calinours said:
You’ll be OK with any Vantage, just don’t expect them to feel as quick as the equivalent design-era (997) Porker, which for base V8 could be said to be the base C2n
Not sure I agree. Very comparable 1/4 mile time c13 secs. You have to realise the 4.3s are tuned so that they really wake up above 5.5k - that's where all the performance is. You just need learn to drive 'em that way and they're plenty quick enough.I give mine full beans in 2nd and 3rd, when warm of course, on our local mad mile and she don't half have some legs.
You need a 4.7 if you want peformance is an urban myth for me.
GTRene said:
Hi, I wonder, I know the GT8 is special, but how special, not talking about it being rare and more expensive, but how can you explain the GT8
vs say that V8S manual and that V12 automatic, in which way is it special to you, exclusive, looks, or the way it feels and drives and connects you.
If I had to sum it up in two words - pure theatre. vs say that V8S manual and that V12 automatic, in which way is it special to you, exclusive, looks, or the way it feels and drives and connects you.
The noise either on start up or driving is like nothing else. It verges on anti social I’m sure.
It’s not the fastest car in the range but it doesn’t need to be.
I specced it with seats that move backwards and forwards - none of this infinite adjustment - they are so comfortable and hold you perfectly.
I would say it’s probably not quite as good driving B roads as my old GT3 but if that was a 9 then the GT8 is say an 8 maybe 8.5.
I wouldn’t want to use it as a daily but equally if it’s in my garage a lot of the time that doesn’t bother me either.
I didn’t buy it because it was very limited ( there are only around 55 in the UK ) out of the 150 made , I bought it because it just appealed to me in an almost slightly un- Aston like way if that makes sense.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the speccing of it including visits to the factory and a meeting with Andy Palmer when Q were being painful on colours.
The owners club is also superb.
andymadmak said:
I would recommend the V12 S
Economy? Mid to high 20s on a fast motorway cruise.
Reliability? I've had the low loader experience just once - a coolant top hose popped off after the winter lay up. Other than that it's not missed a beat mechanically in a way that would leave me stranded. Yes, some bits do niggle (headlamps mist up a bit, TPMS can be a bit sensitive etc) but it all pales into insignificance when you push the key into that slot.
Service costs are very reasonable. They'll even collect and deliver it back for you.
Economy is surprising. I had a 3.4 Cayman that couldn't manage that on a cruise. Economy? Mid to high 20s on a fast motorway cruise.
Reliability? I've had the low loader experience just once - a coolant top hose popped off after the winter lay up. Other than that it's not missed a beat mechanically in a way that would leave me stranded. Yes, some bits do niggle (headlamps mist up a bit, TPMS can be a bit sensitive etc) but it all pales into insignificance when you push the key into that slot.
Service costs are very reasonable. They'll even collect and deliver it back for you.
Overall the V12 doesn't seem that much more expensive or a reliability worry over the V8? Or am I missing something?
andymadmak said:
I would recommend the V12 S
I've had mine for a few years now. It's an SS3 gearbox, and I have to say that the box is fantastic. It really responds well to skilled use - it makes driving the car much more involving and satisfying.
And the engine, ooooohhhh boy that engine. A snarling, guttural, snuffling, singing, howling beast of an engine that can cruise with the best Limos and yet scream like Lemmy on Overkill.
Handling, whilst not GT3 sharp is nevertheless more than competent for any driver with a modicum of skill. The car shrinks around you.
The brakes? -frankly the best brakes on any car I have ever driven.
Cabin is perfectly comfortable for long range trips. Decent sized boot too.
Perfomance - the shove from the V12, coupled with the lightning fast box in Sport mode makes mincemeat of most other stuff in the real world. There's no hesitation, no flat spots, no wobbling about. It's relentless, smooth and compelling.
Economy? Mid to high 20s on a fast motorway cruise.
Ownership? There is nothing like opening your garage door and realising (again) that you own an Aston Martin and that you can drive it whenever you like. Or you can just sit in it and smile to yourself (- most of us do that at least once or twice a year! )
Reliability? I've had the low loader experience just once - a coolant top hose popped off after the winter lay up. Other than that it's not missed a beat mechanically in a way that would leave me stranded. Yes, some bits do niggle (headlamps mist up a bit, TPMS can be a bit sensitive etc) but it all pales into insignificance when you push the key into that slot.
My dealer is AM Nottingham, and I really cannot recommend them highly enough. When warranty work has been needed it's been done without quibble, to a very high standard. Get the Timeless Warranty and you'll not be needing to worry imho.
Service costs are very reasonable. They'll even collect and deliver it back for you.
Buy one whilst you still can. I suspect that values will be rising in the coming years - it's just such a great car
Andy makes some very pertinent points although some are also applicable to the V8’s obviously particularly in terms of space and the car shrinking around you. I've had mine for a few years now. It's an SS3 gearbox, and I have to say that the box is fantastic. It really responds well to skilled use - it makes driving the car much more involving and satisfying.
And the engine, ooooohhhh boy that engine. A snarling, guttural, snuffling, singing, howling beast of an engine that can cruise with the best Limos and yet scream like Lemmy on Overkill.
Handling, whilst not GT3 sharp is nevertheless more than competent for any driver with a modicum of skill. The car shrinks around you.
The brakes? -frankly the best brakes on any car I have ever driven.
Cabin is perfectly comfortable for long range trips. Decent sized boot too.
Perfomance - the shove from the V12, coupled with the lightning fast box in Sport mode makes mincemeat of most other stuff in the real world. There's no hesitation, no flat spots, no wobbling about. It's relentless, smooth and compelling.
Economy? Mid to high 20s on a fast motorway cruise.
Ownership? There is nothing like opening your garage door and realising (again) that you own an Aston Martin and that you can drive it whenever you like. Or you can just sit in it and smile to yourself (- most of us do that at least once or twice a year! )
Reliability? I've had the low loader experience just once - a coolant top hose popped off after the winter lay up. Other than that it's not missed a beat mechanically in a way that would leave me stranded. Yes, some bits do niggle (headlamps mist up a bit, TPMS can be a bit sensitive etc) but it all pales into insignificance when you push the key into that slot.
My dealer is AM Nottingham, and I really cannot recommend them highly enough. When warranty work has been needed it's been done without quibble, to a very high standard. Get the Timeless Warranty and you'll not be needing to worry imho.
Service costs are very reasonable. They'll even collect and deliver it back for you.
Buy one whilst you still can. I suspect that values will be rising in the coming years - it's just such a great car
The ceramic brakes are indeed very good but like all ceramics when setting off in rain not so much and you do need be aware of this.
Fuel consumption - not sure I ever looked or cared but judging from my weekly commute I reckoned on about 19 average so yes in the twenties on a motorway cruise.
Just looking at a fixed price menu on servicing as we speak and comparing the 12 to the 8 on say a 10th year service - £ 950 v £ 860.
Not sure where you are but Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell are also very good to deal with.
I tell you what is really nice ... by now any Porsche thread would have turned into talking about values and usually someone would have taken offence and be flaming someone else. So thank you all for indulging me and responding positively to the original post. If ownership and owners meetings are like this thread then I can completely understand why you all seen to love them.
@Andy_M_
There has been some good advice so far, but I’ll chip in with a few personal points and observations.
I have a 2015 non-‘S’ V8 with SSII. I went for the non-‘S’ because I was looking for more of a GT than a sports car and I found it more comfortable than the ‘S’ cars I tried (and I didn’t want a DB9). Had I known just how much the low-speed ride can be improved by swapping from the original Bridgestones (in my case to Conti SportContact 6’s) I would have included S variants in my final list. In real-world driving the 10 bhp and little bit of extra torque make little difference, so the only difference between my car and an ‘S’ is the suspension calibration and the exhaust back box.
The 7-speed SSIII gearbox in the V12VS is the same ‘box fitted to the post-12.25MY V8 (SSII), the only differences being the use of a twin-plate clutch in the V12 to handle the extra torque, plus a recalibration to match. SSII gearboxes can have twin-plate clutches fitted by competent independents, such as Bamford Rose, David Appleby Engineering and Martin’s Aston Services but not by main dealers. A twin-plate SSII apparently transforms the car, so that’s on my “to do” list (but see below).
I test drove a V12VS with SSIII and I will admit it’s a mighty piece of kit, I loved the additional mid- and low-range torque, but in the damp it would spin up the rear tyres at the slightest provocation so it’s not a car my wife would be happy driving. I also couldn’t make the man-maths work for me at +£30k for a car the same age as mine and with slightly more miles. But I keep occasionally staring at the spreadsheet and doing the lottery, just in case.
I’ve still got an extended Timeless warranty and I’ve had a couple of major items done (front engine cover oil leak and handbrake rebuild due to MoT failure) and a nice-to-have but not essential replacement Nav joystick assy, but in 4 years the car has never needed recovery or missed a beat. I also had the intermittent fuel filler flap issue, but I did a little realignment of the flap myself and this is now 100% reliable.
Unless there’s a V12VS or DB9 in my future I’ll probably never sell it whilst I can still get in it.
There has been some good advice so far, but I’ll chip in with a few personal points and observations.
I have a 2015 non-‘S’ V8 with SSII. I went for the non-‘S’ because I was looking for more of a GT than a sports car and I found it more comfortable than the ‘S’ cars I tried (and I didn’t want a DB9). Had I known just how much the low-speed ride can be improved by swapping from the original Bridgestones (in my case to Conti SportContact 6’s) I would have included S variants in my final list. In real-world driving the 10 bhp and little bit of extra torque make little difference, so the only difference between my car and an ‘S’ is the suspension calibration and the exhaust back box.
The 7-speed SSIII gearbox in the V12VS is the same ‘box fitted to the post-12.25MY V8 (SSII), the only differences being the use of a twin-plate clutch in the V12 to handle the extra torque, plus a recalibration to match. SSII gearboxes can have twin-plate clutches fitted by competent independents, such as Bamford Rose, David Appleby Engineering and Martin’s Aston Services but not by main dealers. A twin-plate SSII apparently transforms the car, so that’s on my “to do” list (but see below).
I test drove a V12VS with SSIII and I will admit it’s a mighty piece of kit, I loved the additional mid- and low-range torque, but in the damp it would spin up the rear tyres at the slightest provocation so it’s not a car my wife would be happy driving. I also couldn’t make the man-maths work for me at +£30k for a car the same age as mine and with slightly more miles. But I keep occasionally staring at the spreadsheet and doing the lottery, just in case.
I’ve still got an extended Timeless warranty and I’ve had a couple of major items done (front engine cover oil leak and handbrake rebuild due to MoT failure) and a nice-to-have but not essential replacement Nav joystick assy, but in 4 years the car has never needed recovery or missed a beat. I also had the intermittent fuel filler flap issue, but I did a little realignment of the flap myself and this is now 100% reliable.
Unless there’s a V12VS or DB9 in my future I’ll probably never sell it whilst I can still get in it.
LTP said:
@Andy_M_
There has been some good advice so far, but I’ll chip in with a few personal points and observations.
I have a 2015 non-‘S’ V8 with SSII. I went for the non-‘S’ because I was looking for more of a GT than a sports car and I found it more comfortable than the ‘S’ cars I tried (and I didn’t want a DB9). Had I known just how much the low-speed ride can be improved by swapping from the original Bridgestones (in my case to Conti SportContact 6’s) I would have included S variants in my final list. In real-world driving the 10 bhp and little bit of extra torque make little difference, so the only difference between my car and an ‘S’ is the suspension calibration and the exhaust back box.
The 7-speed SSIII gearbox in the V12VS is the same ‘box fitted to the post-12.25MY V8 (SSII), the only differences being the use of a twin-plate clutch in the V12 to handle the extra torque, plus a recalibration to match. SSII gearboxes can have twin-plate clutches fitted by competent independents, such as Bamford Rose, David Appleby Engineering and Martin’s Aston Services but not by main dealers. A twin-plate SSII apparently transforms the car, so that’s on my “to do” list (but see below).
I test drove a V12VS with SSIII and I will admit it’s a mighty piece of kit, I loved the additional mid- and low-range torque, but in the damp it would spin up the rear tyres at the slightest provocation so it’s not a car my wife would be happy driving. I also couldn’t make the man-maths work for me at +£30k for a car the same age as mine and with slightly more miles. But I keep occasionally staring at the spreadsheet and doing the lottery, just in case.
I’ve still got an extended Timeless warranty and I’ve had a couple of major items done (front engine cover oil leak and handbrake rebuild due to MoT failure) and a nice-to-have but not essential replacement Nav joystick assy, but in 4 years the car has never needed recovery or missed a beat. I also had the intermittent fuel filler flap issue, but I did a little realignment of the flap myself and this is now 100% reliable.
Unless there’s a V12VS or DB9 in my future I’ll probably never sell it whilst I can still get in it.
Thanks for your input LTP. There has been some good advice so far, but I’ll chip in with a few personal points and observations.
I have a 2015 non-‘S’ V8 with SSII. I went for the non-‘S’ because I was looking for more of a GT than a sports car and I found it more comfortable than the ‘S’ cars I tried (and I didn’t want a DB9). Had I known just how much the low-speed ride can be improved by swapping from the original Bridgestones (in my case to Conti SportContact 6’s) I would have included S variants in my final list. In real-world driving the 10 bhp and little bit of extra torque make little difference, so the only difference between my car and an ‘S’ is the suspension calibration and the exhaust back box.
The 7-speed SSIII gearbox in the V12VS is the same ‘box fitted to the post-12.25MY V8 (SSII), the only differences being the use of a twin-plate clutch in the V12 to handle the extra torque, plus a recalibration to match. SSII gearboxes can have twin-plate clutches fitted by competent independents, such as Bamford Rose, David Appleby Engineering and Martin’s Aston Services but not by main dealers. A twin-plate SSII apparently transforms the car, so that’s on my “to do” list (but see below).
I test drove a V12VS with SSIII and I will admit it’s a mighty piece of kit, I loved the additional mid- and low-range torque, but in the damp it would spin up the rear tyres at the slightest provocation so it’s not a car my wife would be happy driving. I also couldn’t make the man-maths work for me at +£30k for a car the same age as mine and with slightly more miles. But I keep occasionally staring at the spreadsheet and doing the lottery, just in case.
I’ve still got an extended Timeless warranty and I’ve had a couple of major items done (front engine cover oil leak and handbrake rebuild due to MoT failure) and a nice-to-have but not essential replacement Nav joystick assy, but in 4 years the car has never needed recovery or missed a beat. I also had the intermittent fuel filler flap issue, but I did a little realignment of the flap myself and this is now 100% reliable.
Unless there’s a V12VS or DB9 in my future I’ll probably never sell it whilst I can still get in it.
I must admit that good damping and ride quality is becoming more and more important. Is there a big difference between the V8 S and non-S? Is the N430 the same as the S?
alscar said:
GTRene said:
Hi, I wonder, I know the GT8 is special, but how special, not talking about it being rare and more expensive, but how can you explain the GT8
vs say that V8S manual and that V12 automatic, in which way is it special to you, exclusive, looks, or the way it feels and drives and connects you.
If I had to sum it up in two words - pure theatre. vs say that V8S manual and that V12 automatic, in which way is it special to you, exclusive, looks, or the way it feels and drives and connects you.
The noise either on start up or driving is like nothing else. It verges on anti social I’m sure.
It’s not the fastest car in the range but it doesn’t need to be.
I specced it with seats that move backwards and forwards - none of this infinite adjustment - they are so comfortable and hold you perfectly.
I would say it’s probably not quite as good driving B roads as my old GT3 but if that was a 9 then the GT8 is say an 8 maybe 8.5.
I wouldn’t want to use it as a daily but equally if it’s in my garage a lot of the time that doesn’t bother me either.
I didn’t buy it because it was very limited ( there are only around 55 in the UK ) out of the 150 made , I bought it because it just appealed to me in an almost slightly un- Aston like way if that makes sense.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the speccing of it including visits to the factory and a meeting with Andy Palmer when Q were being painful on colours.
The owners club is also superb.
They are also very good on say a track, even faster then a V12S in some cases.
https://fastestlaps.com/models/aston-martin-vantag...
Andy_M_ said:
Thanks for your input LTP.
I must admit that good damping and ride quality is becoming more and more important. Is there a big difference between the V8 S and non-S? Is the N430 the same as the S?
I’m not an expert on ‘S’ vs N430 but, as far as I know, they both have the same “sports” suspension. I’m sure others more knowledgeable will correct me if I’m wrong.I must admit that good damping and ride quality is becoming more and more important. Is there a big difference between the V8 S and non-S? Is the N430 the same as the S?
As far as ‘S’ vs non-‘S’ goes, (or, more accurately, Sports suspension vs Comfort suspension in AML-speak) I’ll start by saying one man’s teeth-rattling ride is another man’s sporting body control. In my opinion the Comfort suspension is definitely not soft or plush and I’ve had passengers comment on the firm ride, but I thought it suited the appalling UK roads better than the ‘S’ as it rode the bumps better, with a less jiggly ride. I drove both types at dealers to make my mind up before I bought, and I recommend you do the same.
But the bigger difference was definitely gained from junking the 3-year-old original Bridgestones my car came with and fitting the Contis. It was as if I’d had new bushes fitted in the suspension, as suddenly the car rode over small imperfections like manhole covers or ridges without jarring and with a dull “thud” rather than a bang. Even my wife noticed the improvement in the ride, and the whole car became just a more pleasant thing to drive. I just love that my Vantage can cruise at about 80 on a good road surface with just the slightest flutter of wind noise and talk radio clearly audible.
Andy_M_ said:
what the consensus is on the sweet spot for a first time owner.
What is the real story on reliability?
I like the idea of a V12 but are the bills eye watering?
What do people think of the newest model,
But actually, I've seen some say that the motorised manual in the V12S is also good.
I’ve picked out some particular lines from your post for the purposes of a quick ‘n’ dirty reply. What is the real story on reliability?
I like the idea of a V12 but are the bills eye watering?
What do people think of the newest model,
But actually, I've seen some say that the motorised manual in the V12S is also good.
- any spot is pretty sweet with a pre 2019 (ie VH shape) Vantage, but *the* sweetest spot is the V12. That’s where I decided to jump in on the basis that if I had gone for a V8 I’d be forever looking wistfully for a V12.
- reliability I think is good. No flatbed trailers for me yet. A couple of things have been doing over regular servicing but nothing crippling.
- regular main dealer servicing is around £1k +/-£200. Mines now coming up on 8 years and I’ll probably switch out of the main dealer network this year. I ran a Timeless warranty for a couple of years when I first had it, but if the car is a good ‘un, then unless you’re very unlucky you’ll save money skipping warranty renewals and self-insuring.
- personally I have never liked the newer model’s front end, even with the makeover. The £330k new V12 looks great at the front but that’s a whole different ball game. Don’t much care for the newer car’s interior, in particular not being able to hide the satnav screen. Plus: Merc engine.
- I adore the SSIII box because I find it the perfect balance between engagement and automation. It shifts faster and more accurately than I can, but feels more like you’re doing something useful than a PDK box does.
The V12S is a mighty car, make no mistake. Brutal, savage, analogue, but also supple and refined if you want it to be. All wrapped up ina visually stunning package.
BlackWidow13 said:
I’ve picked out some particular lines from your post for the purposes of a quick ‘n’ dirty reply.
- any spot is pretty sweet with a pre 2019 (ie VH shape) Vantage, but *the* sweetest spot is the V12. That’s where I decided to jump in on the basis that if I had gone for a V8 I’d be forever looking wistfully for a V12.
- reliability I think is good. No flatbed trailers for me yet. A couple of things have been doing over regular servicing but nothing crippling.
- regular main dealer servicing is around £1k +/-£200. Mines now coming up on 8 years and I’ll probably switch out of the main dealer network this year. I ran a Timeless warranty for a couple of years when I first had it, but if the car is a good ‘un, then unless you’re very unlucky you’ll save money skipping warranty renewals and self-insuring.
- personally I have never liked the newer model’s front end, even with the makeover. The £330k new V12 looks great at the front but that’s a whole different ball game. Don’t much care for the newer car’s interior, in particular not being able to hide the satnav screen. Plus: Merc engine.
- I adore the SSIII box because I find it the perfect balance between engagement and automation. It shifts faster and more accurately than I can, but feels more like you’re doing something useful than a PDK box does.
The V12S is a mighty car, make no mistake. Brutal, savage, analogue, but also supple and refined if you want it to be. All wrapped up ina visually stunning package.
V12 is the only way - you’ll end up in one anyway. I regret selling my V12S, genuinely one of the best and most amusing cars I’ve owned. Oodles of character and - well - the engine! - any spot is pretty sweet with a pre 2019 (ie VH shape) Vantage, but *the* sweetest spot is the V12. That’s where I decided to jump in on the basis that if I had gone for a V8 I’d be forever looking wistfully for a V12.
- reliability I think is good. No flatbed trailers for me yet. A couple of things have been doing over regular servicing but nothing crippling.
- regular main dealer servicing is around £1k +/-£200. Mines now coming up on 8 years and I’ll probably switch out of the main dealer network this year. I ran a Timeless warranty for a couple of years when I first had it, but if the car is a good ‘un, then unless you’re very unlucky you’ll save money skipping warranty renewals and self-insuring.
- personally I have never liked the newer model’s front end, even with the makeover. The £330k new V12 looks great at the front but that’s a whole different ball game. Don’t much care for the newer car’s interior, in particular not being able to hide the satnav screen. Plus: Merc engine.
- I adore the SSIII box because I find it the perfect balance between engagement and automation. It shifts faster and more accurately than I can, but feels more like you’re doing something useful than a PDK box does.
The V12S is a mighty car, make no mistake. Brutal, savage, analogue, but also supple and refined if you want it to be. All wrapped up ina visually stunning package.
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