Vantage Test Drive Diary
Discussion
Just got back - the rain didn't stop!
Really enjoyed it. I've got a 355 GTB at the moment and I've been a bit worried that the new car wouldn't live up to it, but I feel happier after today's run out. It all felt much more useable, whilst still being quick enough.
The demo car was red with black interior - I've ordered titanium with phatom grey. The red looked well, but I wouldn't choose it myself.
Inside the car was excellent. Seemed well put together, and on the motorway, no squeeks or rattles. The car was surprisingly quiet in sixth at about 80mph.
The gearbox will take a bit of getting used to... in first and second, it's quite a tug to select, and the "mechanical" feel reminded me of a couple of single seaters I'd driven on track days.
But once you get moving, it feels much more at home. There's a very distinct engine noise change at 4000rpm exactly, and it gets more exciting then. The gear change too seemed to be much more suited to high rev changes than low ones. It pulls really well (even in sixth) and I really don't think there'll be much in it between the Ferrari and the Aston in the dry. It was also very confidence-instilling, even though it was tipping down.
Didn't get on any really twisty roads, and quite honestly, I'm not sure I would have pushed it anyway, what with the weather and the fact that I was the first customer in it.
I'm very pleased I ordered one - the only problem now is that the next 12 weeks may feel even longer!
Really enjoyed it. I've got a 355 GTB at the moment and I've been a bit worried that the new car wouldn't live up to it, but I feel happier after today's run out. It all felt much more useable, whilst still being quick enough.
The demo car was red with black interior - I've ordered titanium with phatom grey. The red looked well, but I wouldn't choose it myself.
Inside the car was excellent. Seemed well put together, and on the motorway, no squeeks or rattles. The car was surprisingly quiet in sixth at about 80mph.
The gearbox will take a bit of getting used to... in first and second, it's quite a tug to select, and the "mechanical" feel reminded me of a couple of single seaters I'd driven on track days.
But once you get moving, it feels much more at home. There's a very distinct engine noise change at 4000rpm exactly, and it gets more exciting then. The gear change too seemed to be much more suited to high rev changes than low ones. It pulls really well (even in sixth) and I really don't think there'll be much in it between the Ferrari and the Aston in the dry. It was also very confidence-instilling, even though it was tipping down.
Didn't get on any really twisty roads, and quite honestly, I'm not sure I would have pushed it anyway, what with the weather and the fact that I was the first customer in it.
I'm very pleased I ordered one - the only problem now is that the next 12 weeks may feel even longer!
I was a day away from a test drive and then decided to cancel it!! Strange I know, but I have decided that as it won't make any difference to my buying decision and as my car is due very soon, I will wait and let my first drive of the V8 be in my car. 
Sound like you guys are enjoying it though?
AoN
Sound like you guys are enjoying it though?
AoN
How did it go Cirks? I had mine this morning in bright sunshine.
The car was quiet, smooth and very well put together. It is a joy to sit in and amazingly easy to drive.
Its a quick car but not ferociously quick. I spent some time trying to release the snarling beast within, but only found a pussycat. This car will be very easy to live with and could easily be used as a daily driver.
The salesperson was trying to persuade me that the car had a split personality, coming alive over 4000rpm, which is true to a certain extent. I just wish the split was a bit wider.
Loved it though!
The car was quiet, smooth and very well put together. It is a joy to sit in and amazingly easy to drive.
Its a quick car but not ferociously quick. I spent some time trying to release the snarling beast within, but only found a pussycat. This car will be very easy to live with and could easily be used as a daily driver.
The salesperson was trying to persuade me that the car had a split personality, coming alive over 4000rpm, which is true to a certain extent. I just wish the split was a bit wider.
Loved it though!
safetystop said:
How did it go Cirks?
I'd agree with everything you said regarding ease of driving, usability of power etc. Feels very well put together and is comfortable (my wife drove it too and said much the same thing and with a slipped disc she's usually quick to moan about seats). The drive itself was a bit of a pain as we really didn't have any free space on the roads (the M25 and A127 etc were busy). The few bends I managed to go round gave a good sense that the car has little roll and provides nicely weighted steering.
What grumbles? Well, apart from the Road Angel being just about the most annoying thing I've come across....
1) I've come away perhaps a bit disappointed that the car doesn't (on the drive I did) have the sense of being a sports car (ie having some rawness). It is effortlessly smooth and there is plenty of power delivered when you want it...however, my 200SX did that too :-(
2) 90K's worth? Well, we all know that the 'Aston' name and the exclusivity is worth a chunk but did I feel really special sitting in the car, well, NO. Sitting in a Cerbera etc will feel like you're sitting in something more special. Just IMHO of course.
At the moment I'm in two minds about the car.
a) I have always lusted after Aston's and promised myself that I would get one. The Vantage is beautiful to look at, amazingly easy to drive and I could certainly live with it every day.
b) It is a 90K car that, I am stretching myself to be able to afford. I don't have the luxury to be able to 'relax' knowing that it's ONLY a car and that it doesn't really matter about where and when I'm going to drive and park it. Therefore, would I be better off settling for a DB7 as a usable car or old big V8 as a weekend fun thing
I enjoy the 'rawness' of the TVR which is delivered at anything from idle to topspeed (although couldn't live with it every day by any stretch of my imagination). The public roads in the UK would give me the opportunity to reach the 'fun' bit of the Vantage about 5-10% of my annual driving. £90k is one hell of a price to pay for that percentage. The other 90-95% could be satisfied just as well by 10s of other desireable but cheaper cars.
I may have to arrange another drive somewhere around my local area where I know the roads and they are far more open than the motorway and A roads around Brentwood that we experienced yesterday before I finally decide what to do.
You have probably sensed that I haven't come away from driving one of my 'dream' cars with such a good feeling as I had hoped. I'm sure those that can afford the car easily or that don't have other more important priorities (like kids etc) will love every minute of it but I have to be realistic.
Sorry for the long answer to the "How did it go Cirks" question
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