V12 Vanquish to V12 Vantage ?
Discussion
After 3 years I've decided to sell my 2002 V12 Vanquish.Have loved owning car despite normal Aston irritations and am contemplating buying a V12 Vantage (manual not S).
Could I get some informed opinion from current and ex owners about pros and cons of that car.If I bond with it then it will probably be a keeper.
In addition I quite like look of Carbon Black Edition.Do people have any particular experiences of that car good or bad.
Could I get some informed opinion from current and ex owners about pros and cons of that car.If I bond with it then it will probably be a keeper.
In addition I quite like look of Carbon Black Edition.Do people have any particular experiences of that car good or bad.
I have a 2012 Carbon Black Edition V12 Vantage - it is, to sum it up - awesome.
I have driven just over 5000 miles in it so far and it's been a LOT of fun - I know it's not the fastest machine out there, but to be honest, in some gears I'm pretty sure it would take off if it had wings (3rd and 4th I'm looking at you!).
I would say it's the best purchase I have ever made!
I have not had any major problems, I had a few little things done - squeak around dash, a 'ticking' radiator fan replaced, new rear view mirror (it was squeaking badly), but that's it really, and all under warranty. My first service recently (the cars 2nd) and all going good.
I have a few very minor stone chips on the front, I should've got the paintshield earlier, but I'll get these chips done (or respray eventually) then apply it.
People's reaction to it are very positive and I often have people coming up to chat at petrol stations or thumbs up from other drivers, which is great.
I always liked the Carbon Black Edition for a number of reasons - lots of carbon fibre extras, piano black dash, tons of alcantara inside, carbon black paint, black diamond turned alloys (silver with black inside parts), premium audio system - overall it just looks like an absolute beast!! Black is always a pain to keep clean, but when it is clean it looks stunning - make sure you learn how to clean it, two bucket wash style, otherwise you will get swirls all over it. I've had mine detailed and now take a lot of care when cleaning it to avoid the swirls (that's a whole other topic and lots of info on PH about it).
If you can, try and find a 2012 onwards model as a few little things have changed including upgraded Garmin Satnav (opposed to crappy Volvo one in earlier models).
Go get one - you will not be disappointed!
I have driven just over 5000 miles in it so far and it's been a LOT of fun - I know it's not the fastest machine out there, but to be honest, in some gears I'm pretty sure it would take off if it had wings (3rd and 4th I'm looking at you!).
I would say it's the best purchase I have ever made!
I have not had any major problems, I had a few little things done - squeak around dash, a 'ticking' radiator fan replaced, new rear view mirror (it was squeaking badly), but that's it really, and all under warranty. My first service recently (the cars 2nd) and all going good.
I have a few very minor stone chips on the front, I should've got the paintshield earlier, but I'll get these chips done (or respray eventually) then apply it.
People's reaction to it are very positive and I often have people coming up to chat at petrol stations or thumbs up from other drivers, which is great.
I always liked the Carbon Black Edition for a number of reasons - lots of carbon fibre extras, piano black dash, tons of alcantara inside, carbon black paint, black diamond turned alloys (silver with black inside parts), premium audio system - overall it just looks like an absolute beast!! Black is always a pain to keep clean, but when it is clean it looks stunning - make sure you learn how to clean it, two bucket wash style, otherwise you will get swirls all over it. I've had mine detailed and now take a lot of care when cleaning it to avoid the swirls (that's a whole other topic and lots of info on PH about it).
If you can, try and find a 2012 onwards model as a few little things have changed including upgraded Garmin Satnav (opposed to crappy Volvo one in earlier models).
Go get one - you will not be disappointed!
Edited by stimshady on Friday 6th June 08:00
I have an 07 Vanquish S and my father has a V12V so I can offer a genuine side-by-side comparison.
Despite the similarities in engine, body style and drivetrain configuration they are two very different cars. The Vanq oozes refinement, comfort and combines that with the ability to make effortless progress over any tarmac terrain. The V12V on the other hand is a beast that is more frantic across the bumps, is certainly more aggressive in throttle response and lacks the out and out refinement of the GT cruiser Vanquish.
I guess it depends what you're after from the car. The Vanquish would likely leave you marginally more relaxed on a longer journey simply down to the cabin silence and increased comfort. That said, the V12V is no bad place to sit. In fact, I much prefer its driving position to the Vanq and feel more "at one" with the V12V where I still feel like i'm sitting in/on the Vanq. Until I fitted my new Michelin Pilot Sport rubber to the Vanq it did feel a little unsteady mid corner but I can now put that down to old rubber. Having covered 1k miles on the journey to and from Works for the Vanq meet I am now feeling right with the car and it's back to its confidence inspiring ways. I would say that the V12V is still more confidence inspiring as it feels truly planted anbd go-kart like. The weight differential is noticeable between the cars. The Vanq is around 200kg heavier and with a longer wheelbase is feels more lumbering. The V12V is pointy and goes where you want. It's really a joy to drive. Whilst I do like the Vanq's paddles there is something so wonderful about a good manual. It's probably not the best lever throw i've ever felt but it's weighted nicely and slots into gear well for blippy downshifts....which, if coming from a Vanq, you'll be doing a lot!
The engines do have roughly the same output but the Vanq is so much more linear with no surprise power band; it's just constant right to the limiter in each gear. The V12V is a different animal with a very noticeable power surge up the rev range. After driving the Vanq I actually struggle to gain comfort taking the V12V any further than 5/7ths up the rev range, its so quick and torquey that it just doesn't need revved that hard. It really is a wild one. I love the fact AM took their biggest engine and dropped it in their smallest car (Cygnet aside!).
Then there's the exhaust note. I would happily take either of them over any revvy Italian V8 or V10. The Vanq's exhaust note is unique but then you know that. The V12V has a more aggressive hotrod-esque note to it and sounds wonderfully poppy on the overrun.
So, to sum up. Both will cover the miles just the same and will turn just as many heads while doing so. If I had to choose then it would be the Vanquish for me as there is still something special about the handbuilt nature of the car that is almost certainly lost with the V12V. Add to that the fact that the Vanq is on the rise value-wise whilst the V12V is likely still depreciating!
If that's not an issue for you and you're sold on the idea of a newer AM then I fully support the move to the V12V. They are truly wonderful cars. Enjoy.
Despite the similarities in engine, body style and drivetrain configuration they are two very different cars. The Vanq oozes refinement, comfort and combines that with the ability to make effortless progress over any tarmac terrain. The V12V on the other hand is a beast that is more frantic across the bumps, is certainly more aggressive in throttle response and lacks the out and out refinement of the GT cruiser Vanquish.
I guess it depends what you're after from the car. The Vanquish would likely leave you marginally more relaxed on a longer journey simply down to the cabin silence and increased comfort. That said, the V12V is no bad place to sit. In fact, I much prefer its driving position to the Vanq and feel more "at one" with the V12V where I still feel like i'm sitting in/on the Vanq. Until I fitted my new Michelin Pilot Sport rubber to the Vanq it did feel a little unsteady mid corner but I can now put that down to old rubber. Having covered 1k miles on the journey to and from Works for the Vanq meet I am now feeling right with the car and it's back to its confidence inspiring ways. I would say that the V12V is still more confidence inspiring as it feels truly planted anbd go-kart like. The weight differential is noticeable between the cars. The Vanq is around 200kg heavier and with a longer wheelbase is feels more lumbering. The V12V is pointy and goes where you want. It's really a joy to drive. Whilst I do like the Vanq's paddles there is something so wonderful about a good manual. It's probably not the best lever throw i've ever felt but it's weighted nicely and slots into gear well for blippy downshifts....which, if coming from a Vanq, you'll be doing a lot!
The engines do have roughly the same output but the Vanq is so much more linear with no surprise power band; it's just constant right to the limiter in each gear. The V12V is a different animal with a very noticeable power surge up the rev range. After driving the Vanq I actually struggle to gain comfort taking the V12V any further than 5/7ths up the rev range, its so quick and torquey that it just doesn't need revved that hard. It really is a wild one. I love the fact AM took their biggest engine and dropped it in their smallest car (Cygnet aside!).
Then there's the exhaust note. I would happily take either of them over any revvy Italian V8 or V10. The Vanq's exhaust note is unique but then you know that. The V12V has a more aggressive hotrod-esque note to it and sounds wonderfully poppy on the overrun.
So, to sum up. Both will cover the miles just the same and will turn just as many heads while doing so. If I had to choose then it would be the Vanquish for me as there is still something special about the handbuilt nature of the car that is almost certainly lost with the V12V. Add to that the fact that the Vanq is on the rise value-wise whilst the V12V is likely still depreciating!
If that's not an issue for you and you're sold on the idea of a newer AM then I fully support the move to the V12V. They are truly wonderful cars. Enjoy.
James B said:
I have an 07 Vanquish S and my father has a V12V so I can offer a genuine side-by-side comparison........ They are truly wonderful cars. Enjoy.
Nice write-up and comparison.Was always thinking about a good Vanq I to add to the collection. However, I have heard they do cost real money to keep and that values in the Dealerships are directly proportional to the money spent on them. Those that have been fed oil and water (service only) are significantly cheaper than those that have had lots of remedial work of a non-service i.e. QA/QC fixes.
Bar a couple of light units with the moisture issue, my Astons have been incredibly cheap to maintain.
Perspective of non-fuel running costs on your fathers Vanq?
Guycord said:
James B said:
I have an 07 Vanquish S and my father has a V12V so I can offer a genuine side-by-side comparison........ They are truly wonderful cars. Enjoy.
Nice write-up and comparison.Was always thinking about a good Vanq I to add to the collection. However, I have heard they do cost real money to keep and that values in the Dealerships are directly proportional to the money spent on them. Those that have been fed oil and water (service only) are significantly cheaper than those that have had lots of remedial work of a non-service i.e. QA/QC fixes.
Bar a couple of light units with the moisture issue, my Astons have been incredibly cheap to maintain.
Perspective of non-fuel running costs on your fathers Vanq?
I've owned the Vanq S (2007 car with 6k miles when I acquired) for coming on 3 years and have covered nigh on 6k miles in it myself.
It was serviced the day before I bought it by the AM dealer on Jersey and I then gave it a service at Works on its first birthday of my ownership. The service inc the transportation to and from WS (i'm a 900 mile round trip from them) came to around £2k which was actually not unreasonable for a decent sized service and the replacement of a hose + covered transport to and fro.
Since then i've needed to swap out the battery which was original. It set me back £100ish which is more than I could have paid from a motor factor but I did want the right parts in the car. Fitted that myself which was an enjoyable job actually.
Then this year i put on some new tyres all round. The tyres that were on were slightly wooden so I got a set of Michelin Pilot Sports and am delighted. £920 for the four fitted so no complaints there.
That's it really.
I have made a few upgrades too;
Ipod connection - £200
Front and rear cameras - £1500
Better headlight bulbs - £40
Aero Wipers - £20
Latest Sat nav disc - £150
So, to be completely honest, i've owned more costly other cars.
Thanks guys.Vanquish goes to Works Heritage today to sell.Thought about it really hard as I will really miss it but will try to console myself with looking for Carbon Black V12V.
I notice there is a black Vanquish S at Heritage which looks nice.Must resist the temptation to change my mind and end up PXing against that when I drop mine off.I think James B and his dad have the perfect 2 Aston combination.
I notice there is a black Vanquish S at Heritage which looks nice.Must resist the temptation to change my mind and end up PXing against that when I drop mine off.I think James B and his dad have the perfect 2 Aston combination.
ajr550 said:
Thanks guys.Vanquish goes to Works Heritage today to sell.Thought about it really hard as I will really miss it but will try to console myself with looking for Carbon Black V12V.
I notice there is a black Vanquish S at Heritage which looks nice.Must resist the temptation to change my mind and end up PXing against that when I drop mine off.I think James B and his dad have the perfect 2 Aston combination.
Just forget the V12V and go for the Vanq S. You'll not regret that either! I notice there is a black Vanquish S at Heritage which looks nice.Must resist the temptation to change my mind and end up PXing against that when I drop mine off.I think James B and his dad have the perfect 2 Aston combination.
Another shout for the CB edition. After 7 previous AMs, this is by far my favourite (MY2010 manual). I've done 9,000 miles in the past year as DD and holiday car and it has been faultless. I can't imagine anything better, (but am going to the DB11 launch in Feb, so you never know). The review comparing it to a Vanq1 is spot on, about both strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes fidgety, but not hard, ride, and a slowish, but not unsatisfying, gear change are probably the only downsides for me.
I've taken moderate fright at the mileage reaching 30,000 so although it's going in for its winter wheels next week, I've augmented it with a petrol Jag XE for DD duties. The XE is pretty good, though all the money has gone on utterly sublime ride and handling and pretty much none left for finish quality, sound system, plastics, etc. Will still keep using the V12V on dry days, but as I'm in Manchester we don't expect to see many of these for a while.
I've taken moderate fright at the mileage reaching 30,000 so although it's going in for its winter wheels next week, I've augmented it with a petrol Jag XE for DD duties. The XE is pretty good, though all the money has gone on utterly sublime ride and handling and pretty much none left for finish quality, sound system, plastics, etc. Will still keep using the V12V on dry days, but as I'm in Manchester we don't expect to see many of these for a while.
ajr550 said:
After 3 years I've decided to sell my 2002 V12 Vanquish.Have loved owning car despite normal Aston irritations and am contemplating buying a V12 Vantage (manual not S).
Could I get some informed opinion from current and ex owners about pros and cons of that car.If I bond with it then it will probably be a keeper.
In addition I quite like look of Carbon Black Edition.Do people have any particular experiences of that car good or bad.
Unfortunately, never driven a Vanquish S. As a 2 week-old V12V Carbon black owner, I can attest that it is indeed a beast of a car, feeling significantly more powerful on the road than its performance numbers indicate. Its like having a tiger in the garage.Could I get some informed opinion from current and ex owners about pros and cons of that car.If I bond with it then it will probably be a keeper.
In addition I quite like look of Carbon Black Edition.Do people have any particular experiences of that car good or bad.
Did have a long-ish motorway drive back after picking it up - and I don't recall it to be much different than a 997 or V8V I'd had while cruising.
The all black look (the grille,even the widow surrounds, alcantara roof liner etc) does add to that overall feeling of great power and presence IMO. Sorry - guilty of using every opportunity to post new photos...
Edited by t0s on Thursday 7th January 11:36
damianke said:
Another shout for the CB edition. After 7 previous AMs, this is by far my favourite (MY2010 manual). I've done 9,000 miles in the past year as DD and holiday car and it has been faultless. I can't imagine anything better, (but am going to the DB11 launch in Feb, so you never know). The review comparing it to a Vanq1 is spot on, about both strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes fidgety, but not hard, ride, and a slowish, but not unsatisfying, gear change are probably the only downsides for me.
I've taken moderate fright at the mileage reaching 30,000 so although it's going in for its winter wheels next week, I've augmented it with a petrol Jag XE for DD duties. The XE is pretty good, though all the money has gone on utterly sublime ride and handling and pretty much none left for finish quality, sound system, plastics, etc. Will still keep using the V12V on dry days, but as I'm in Manchester we don't expect to see many of these for a while.
Damian, looks like you were posting just about when I was. I am in S. Manchester too - and I thought I would never see another V12V CB on the road I've taken moderate fright at the mileage reaching 30,000 so although it's going in for its winter wheels next week, I've augmented it with a petrol Jag XE for DD duties. The XE is pretty good, though all the money has gone on utterly sublime ride and handling and pretty much none left for finish quality, sound system, plastics, etc. Will still keep using the V12V on dry days, but as I'm in Manchester we don't expect to see many of these for a while.
I've not driven the original Vanquish but I do own a V12V (Manual) and I've driven a Vanq2 for a few days. Like others have said, it's a fantastic machine - but will feel very different and raw compared to your Vanq. It's very firm to ride, as you'll hear when it rattles and pieces of trim vibrate, but the feeling through the steering and progressive powertrain is a joy. I'd suggest driving one, because if you're expecting a smaller "GT" (and when I say this - I mean supple and effortless), you might be disappointed. Please don't misunderstand, it's a very comfortable car on long hauls if the road conditions are right, but it's not a soft GT like the Vanq or the DB9 (or even the Vanq2).
You're welcome to come down to Sussex and try mine if you're so inclined - more than happy for you to have a drive.
Cheers
Chris.
You're welcome to come down to Sussex and try mine if you're so inclined - more than happy for you to have a drive.
Cheers
Chris.
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