V12 Vantage - Thoughts & Market
Discussion
Hi fellow car nerds,
sorry for the lengthy post but couldn't hold back.
Owner of a V12 Vantage for half a year now. I can not get over how undervalued this car is/was
.
(background info: have owned all iterations of GT3s, 599 GTB manual, 488GTB, C6 Z06, '64 911, '74 911, 964C2 and others)
Basis for this is the whole manual/NA/analog/no startstop/no screen/many cylinder/feel-character-at low speeds view of things.
Add the brand look&feel&image and this thing is quite special...
The only thing comparable is the 550, which in return seems also a good buy to me.
But its far away in quality feel, materials, sound and built in far higher numbers,
DBS manual obviously is also a thing looking from the Aston (and Bond) perspective, but the small Vantage body in combination with the big heart is
objectively a more special thing from a drivers perspective.
Will never say anything against 911s, but if you are through with that, where do you go?
Gt3s excell on track, but on public roads it is hard to keep them in their sweet spot for long without feeling adolescent.
(did not have a problem with that 17 years ago )
After stopping doing trackdays, I am more dependent on cars revealing a good part of their character at real world speeds when doing office runs during the week or bakery runs on weekends.
I also rather get seen in a V12V parking up at a restaurant than in a GT3RS. Somehow do not do those dedicated b-road runs that often anymore.
V12V with a pulled fuse sounds great around 3K and fabulous with an occasional 5K burst.
And that shifter is always great from 1st to 2nd no matter how cold. All that together with a leather clad glove box and that sophisticated brand is such a great experience
As I am sure that I am not the only one seeing things this way, I am astounded that values of the V12V are quite moderate and did not have a real positive dynamic during the last 6 years.
I actually like electric cars and own a BMW i3s and a Tesla Model3 Performance. But this V12V was bought to serve those old V12/6L/manual desires.
And boy it does it pretty good. Really can see this as a keeper alongside my incoming Tesla Roadster2.
Really interesting to see how the DBS manuals seem to have been snapped up quite a bit in the last 9 months,
whereas the V12V momentum is running behind that a bit, even though it is the more special car to drive (especially with the bucket seats).
As the "automated box/performance car/" inflation/war goes on and is getting ever so more pointless, I only can see a good future for cars like the V12V (and DBSm & 550).
But then, I actually do not want to see values go up significantly and be tempted to sell one day.
(which is the reason why one or the other car left the stable)
I would rather like to see values be stable and therefore feel ok financially and at the same time feel great about owning one (for a long time).
Only exclusive Aston lovers here or maybe also some multi brand drivers?
P.S. My car that I owned the longest is my 964 C2 with 15 years of ownership. Not the most special car, but it somehow survived a lot of cooler metal.
Funny how these things go...
sorry for the lengthy post but couldn't hold back.
Owner of a V12 Vantage for half a year now. I can not get over how undervalued this car is/was
.(background info: have owned all iterations of GT3s, 599 GTB manual, 488GTB, C6 Z06, '64 911, '74 911, 964C2 and others)
Basis for this is the whole manual/NA/analog/no startstop/no screen/many cylinder/feel-character-at low speeds view of things.
Add the brand look&feel&image and this thing is quite special...
The only thing comparable is the 550, which in return seems also a good buy to me.
But its far away in quality feel, materials, sound and built in far higher numbers,
DBS manual obviously is also a thing looking from the Aston (and Bond) perspective, but the small Vantage body in combination with the big heart is
objectively a more special thing from a drivers perspective.
Will never say anything against 911s, but if you are through with that, where do you go?
Gt3s excell on track, but on public roads it is hard to keep them in their sweet spot for long without feeling adolescent.
(did not have a problem with that 17 years ago
)After stopping doing trackdays, I am more dependent on cars revealing a good part of their character at real world speeds when doing office runs during the week or bakery runs on weekends.
I also rather get seen in a V12V parking up at a restaurant than in a GT3RS. Somehow do not do those dedicated b-road runs that often anymore.
V12V with a pulled fuse sounds great around 3K and fabulous with an occasional 5K burst.
And that shifter is always great from 1st to 2nd no matter how cold. All that together with a leather clad glove box and that sophisticated brand is such a great experience
As I am sure that I am not the only one seeing things this way, I am astounded that values of the V12V are quite moderate and did not have a real positive dynamic during the last 6 years.
I actually like electric cars and own a BMW i3s and a Tesla Model3 Performance. But this V12V was bought to serve those old V12/6L/manual desires.
And boy it does it pretty good. Really can see this as a keeper alongside my incoming Tesla Roadster2.
Really interesting to see how the DBS manuals seem to have been snapped up quite a bit in the last 9 months,
whereas the V12V momentum is running behind that a bit, even though it is the more special car to drive (especially with the bucket seats).
As the "automated box/performance car/" inflation/war goes on and is getting ever so more pointless, I only can see a good future for cars like the V12V (and DBSm & 550).
But then, I actually do not want to see values go up significantly and be tempted to sell one day.
(which is the reason why one or the other car left the stable)
I would rather like to see values be stable and therefore feel ok financially and at the same time feel great about owning one (for a long time).
Only exclusive Aston lovers here or maybe also some multi brand drivers?
P.S. My car that I owned the longest is my 964 C2 with 15 years of ownership. Not the most special car, but it somehow survived a lot of cooler metal.
Funny how these things go...
great feel good to buy a V12V story 
I also had a 964 C2 with a plus engine, a 3.8 from a cup car, but did not kept it as long as you, I changed a lot of cars in certain periods, all second hand cars.
Im also into a V12V I think, looking at a lot of those coming on sale, sadly still have my other car and only 1 garage, no driveway.
but...in that time I saw some lovely V12V also in NL one for the best price with the wanted carbon bucket seats and low km...aaargh in the end it was of course sold.
also a very nice low km S version, although not a manual and not the carbon seats, from 2014 but looked new and nice interior with lots alcantara etc a special model, also low price and lom km...
me still with my car to sell...grrrr, itw as still on sale, then it went to auction grrr... ok, normaly I don't do car auctions because of high extra pay, but I thought, its NL and not much bidders... so I bit to max 95k incl the auction cost etc... I thought if I can get that car for that money in NL, so no extra BPM tax it already had NL plates, I thought then its such a bargain, I could do it... but it went higher, sold for 105 still cheap for the car in NL, same car in Germany they ask more, plus you have to pay the rest BPM/Tax which of that year was so 15.000 euro on top, so that Dutch car was cheap...
anyhow, there is another one for sale, a V12V manual with a bit higher km, but a very good price... but not with the carbon bucket seats... talked already to the garage/seller they sell it for a client... so trade in is difficult, especcialy for a difficult car I have... and its not going for a super bargain.
so I wait... or for the next that pops up, or for a reasonable deal.
I also had a 964 C2 with a plus engine, a 3.8 from a cup car, but did not kept it as long as you, I changed a lot of cars in certain periods, all second hand cars.
Im also into a V12V I think, looking at a lot of those coming on sale, sadly still have my other car and only 1 garage, no driveway.
but...in that time I saw some lovely V12V also in NL one for the best price with the wanted carbon bucket seats and low km...aaargh in the end it was of course sold.
also a very nice low km S version, although not a manual and not the carbon seats, from 2014 but looked new and nice interior with lots alcantara etc a special model, also low price and lom km...
me still with my car to sell...grrrr, itw as still on sale, then it went to auction grrr... ok, normaly I don't do car auctions because of high extra pay, but I thought, its NL and not much bidders... so I bit to max 95k incl the auction cost etc... I thought if I can get that car for that money in NL, so no extra BPM tax it already had NL plates, I thought then its such a bargain, I could do it... but it went higher, sold for 105 still cheap for the car in NL, same car in Germany they ask more, plus you have to pay the rest BPM/Tax which of that year was so 15.000 euro on top, so that Dutch car was cheap...
anyhow, there is another one for sale, a V12V manual with a bit higher km, but a very good price... but not with the carbon bucket seats... talked already to the garage/seller they sell it for a client... so trade in is difficult, especcialy for a difficult car I have... and its not going for a super bargain.
so I wait... or for the next that pops up, or for a reasonable deal.
GTRene said:
also a very nice low km S version, although not a manual and not the carbon seats, from 2014 but looked new and nice interior with lots alcantara etc a special model, also low price and lom km...
The manual S, i.e. the V12VSM was only introduced from MY17, so late 2016 are the very first cars you will be able to find.I’m with you on values… given the production numbers of these (and some other very low run Astons) it always surprises me they’re not more expensive, but then again the way to look at it is that they seem to be holding their value nicely. Personally I agree that the absence of tech makes them appealing. If it isn’t there it doesn’t date. Likewise, the clean lines are always going to be classy.
What’s going to be interesting is whether feelings change over the coming years. When I bought my first Aston there was little on the roads that would match it 0-60. These days the wife’s daily (an EV) seems pretty close but lacks the drama, has tech that will date, etc…
What’s going to be interesting is whether feelings change over the coming years. When I bought my first Aston there was little on the roads that would match it 0-60. These days the wife’s daily (an EV) seems pretty close but lacks the drama, has tech that will date, etc…
AdamV12V said:
GTRene said:
also a very nice low km S version, although not a manual and not the carbon seats, from 2014 but looked new and nice interior with lots alcantara etc a special model, also low price and low km...
The manual S, i.e. the V12VSM was only introduced from MY17, so late 2016 are the very first cars you will be able to find.So then best to find a good one 'normal' priced in NL, then no more tax on top of the price bought for :-)
there are quite a few in NL happily, but it looks like most owners keep a lock on them...
on the moment only 2 Vantage on sale, a V12V and a expensive V12V GT12 with just 350km from 2016
As AML is struggling these days I can't see older cars appreciating in values
Once Aston Martin overcome their financial woes and its F1 team do well that people will actually start considering Gaydon era vehicles as investment
Couldn't care less though, my V8V roadster sounds and looks amazing
Once Aston Martin overcome their financial woes and its F1 team do well that people will actually start considering Gaydon era vehicles as investment
Couldn't care less though, my V8V roadster sounds and looks amazing
My tale is similar, 911s, 488, etc but now have a V12VSM.
Also have a Tesla model S performance so we are very alike.
Love the Aston for exactly it’s shortcomings compared to the others and what is now available. That twin turbo 4.0 V8 configuration that’s in everything now makes it’s too easy to go too fast.
With the Aston you have to earn it and as you say it’s also fun below 120mph!
I do expect values to start creeping up and I also think that AM themselves will now be ok since DBX sales are flying and they build to order.
Also have a Tesla model S performance so we are very alike.
Love the Aston for exactly it’s shortcomings compared to the others and what is now available. That twin turbo 4.0 V8 configuration that’s in everything now makes it’s too easy to go too fast.
With the Aston you have to earn it and as you say it’s also fun below 120mph!
I do expect values to start creeping up and I also think that AM themselves will now be ok since DBX sales are flying and they build to order.
It’s almost like I wrote that opening piece except put more eloquently and maybe not the bit about electric stuff 
I think there’s a realisation on the value these represent hence the shortage and subsequent rise in values lately.
Not really sure why the DBS manuals have risen so but probably on the misconception that they’re rare when in fact they’re not.
Having just sold a DBS after 10 years of ownership and running alongside the V12 v I wholeheartedly agree that the Vantage is the is the sweet spot, it’s size and agility being key.
I sold the DBS and kept the Vantage so that says it all really.
I’m gonna keep this car together with other cars that I have that represent quite a unique quality to me
I think there’s a realisation on the value these represent hence the shortage and subsequent rise in values lately.
Not really sure why the DBS manuals have risen so but probably on the misconception that they’re rare when in fact they’re not.
Having just sold a DBS after 10 years of ownership and running alongside the V12 v I wholeheartedly agree that the Vantage is the is the sweet spot, it’s size and agility being key.
I sold the DBS and kept the Vantage so that says it all really.
I’m gonna keep this car together with other cars that I have that represent quite a unique quality to me
Always nice to hear when others disclose the garage siblings of the car they talk about or a bit of their car history to put their thoughts and opinions into context.
On the DBS. There is clearly one thing that it has going for itself. Sitting on top of the hierarchy in terms of model line and price (new).
And to some people that is a motivation to own the top of line and/or they feel it is the better bet value wise and therefore their man maths steer them in that direction and finally allow them them to go for it.
Apart from the engine/gearbox combo, the size of the V12V makes it so very special to me. V12 Coupes usually come in a bigger GT body, but this thing wears a sports suit. I mean it is shorter than a 996!
There is no such thing. Only some 60's Ferraris come close size wise and those are different beasts on many levels.
I am so happy that I figured this all out, as these man facts are equally important in this business as man maths as they put the money amount in the needed positive perspectives...
On the DBS. There is clearly one thing that it has going for itself. Sitting on top of the hierarchy in terms of model line and price (new).
And to some people that is a motivation to own the top of line and/or they feel it is the better bet value wise and therefore their man maths steer them in that direction and finally allow them them to go for it.
Apart from the engine/gearbox combo, the size of the V12V makes it so very special to me. V12 Coupes usually come in a bigger GT body, but this thing wears a sports suit. I mean it is shorter than a 996!
There is no such thing. Only some 60's Ferraris come close size wise and those are different beasts on many levels.
I am so happy that I figured this all out, as these man facts are equally important in this business as man maths as they put the money amount in the needed positive perspectives...
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