What's the best Aston Martin?
What's the best Aston Martin?
Author
Discussion

dinonz

Original Poster:

11 posts

48 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
For me? Not trying to start WW4, but wanted to get some input from those who know more than I do.

A little background - currently have a 2016 BMW M3 but am moving to NZ. I could get another M3 in NZ, but the new model doesn't excite me overly, and I can't get a manual. I've always liked Aston Martin, but know very little about the model range, so was hoping some more knowledgeable people on here might be able to help guide me to the cars that might suit me the best. looking at something in the last 15 years, ideally closer to current as I prefer more modern tech.

Firstly, handling. No doubt all Aston Martins handle well, but are there some that are more firm and precise, vs some that are more luxurious and comfortable? Are there also variations or specific options I'd want to look for to get the better handling models? I want an Aston version of the M3, not a 7 series.

And similarly the interior - I like the firm but comfortable seats of the M3, as opposed to the soft and supple seats of the 7 series. Do the different models in the range have different grades of interior luxury and softness?

V8 or V12? I know for some cars the smaller engine makes for a better balanced car due to weight distribution, but I am a sucker for a V12 - I have 3 currently :/

Lastly - if it could have the name Vanquish because I think that's the coolest name ever put on a car that would be good, but I guess that's what I am trying to work out - is the Vanquish too much of a luxury cruiser for what I'm looking for?

TIA.

paulguitar

33,894 posts

136 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
Do it properly and get one of these. smile


dinonz

Original Poster:

11 posts

48 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
I would but I'm looking for a daily driver rather than to add to my collection of classics smile

Genuine Barn Find

5,864 posts

238 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
it’s this......



Just because

Genuine Barn Find

5,864 posts

238 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
Surely the Aston version of the M3 is the Vantage..... although having owned both I wouldn’t say they were that similar

AstonZagato

13,776 posts

233 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
I am biased but the Vanquish S Coupe (2016ish 310 type) is the best resolved Aston of the modern era. It's a GT but it can lift its skirts and get a proper shift on too. I've done: DB7 Vantage, DB9, DBS, Vantage V8, Vantage V8S, Vanquish (non S 310).

I think the only other one I'd highlight is the Vantage V12. However, after an extended test drive, I elected not to buy that - but only because it is a proper hooligan of a car. I didn't think my licence would survive owning one - it just wanted to be thrashed mercilessly. The Vanquish S is a bit more Jekyll and Hyde (the V12 is all Hyde).

It also helps that the Vanquish is a fabulous looking beast too.

AdamV12V

5,310 posts

200 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
What's your budget? I could give several answers to the question, but the costs would be millions £££ apart from each other!

dinonz

Original Poster:

11 posts

48 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
Genuine Barn Find said:
Surely the Aston version of the M3 is the Vantage..... although having owned both I wouldn’t say they were that similar
I'm not meaning from a "low in the model range" - more from the aspect of better handling and less of the soft and comfortable.

dinonz

Original Poster:

11 posts

48 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
AdamV12V said:
What's your budget? I could give several answers to the question, but the costs would be millions £££ apart from each other!
I should have said that! I'm thinking £100K.

GT3ZZZ

1,007 posts

193 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
V12 Vantage S

HTH

Finding Neutral

439 posts

55 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
Subjective

peteA

2,758 posts

257 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
Nice ‘problem’ to have!

There are no Astons that are comparable to an M3 but I kind of know where you coming from?

Surely the most similar has to be Vantage (VH platform) - s spec chassis - your choice of V8 or V12 and box?

dinonz

Original Poster:

11 posts

48 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
AstonZagato said:
I am biased but the Vanquish S Coupe (2016ish 310 type) is the best resolved Aston of the modern era. It's a GT but it can lift its skirts and get a proper shift on too. I've done: DB7 Vantage, DB9, DBS, Vantage V8, Vantage V8S, Vanquish (non S 310).

I think the only other one I'd highlight is the Vantage V12. However, after an extended test drive, I elected not to buy that - but only because it is a proper hooligan of a car. I didn't think my licence would survive owning one - it just wanted to be thrashed mercilessly. The Vanquish S is a bit more Jekyll and Hyde (the V12 is all Hyde).

It also helps that the Vanquish is a fabulous looking beast too.
Thank you - exactly the sort of insight I was looking for.

AdamV12V

5,310 posts

200 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
dinonz said:
I should have said that! I'm thinking £100K.
Absolutely definitely a V12VS then. Simples smile

peteA

2,758 posts

257 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
AdamV12V said:
Absolutely definitely a V12VS then. Simples smile
Agree, this - I can vouch for the V12VS smile

p102768

93 posts

50 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
Be prepared to look for a while though in NZ as there hasn't been much on the market for 6 months or so. A couple of Vanquishes have been listed recently, one just in your budget range:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/aston-mart...

And one not:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/aston-mart...

The last V12 Vantage I saw listed was in June last year. You may be lucky like me though and buy privately through word of mouth.

anonymous-user

77 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
AdamV12V said:
dinonz said:
I should have said that! I'm thinking £100K.
Absolutely definitely a V12VS then. Simples smile
Yep. Before setting the budget I’d have said a coin toss between the V12VS or a Vanquish.

Given what’s the OP said about seats, V12VS with the carbon backed lightweight seats. And MY16 waterfall dash for good measure.

phumy

5,817 posts

260 months

Saturday 5th March 2022
quotequote all
The best Aston is a fully running and working Aston.....

CSK1

1,803 posts

147 months

Sunday 6th March 2022
quotequote all
The one you can afford to buy and run. smile

Graze01

1,143 posts

115 months

Sunday 6th March 2022
quotequote all
CSK1 said:
The one you can afford to buy and run. smile
what he said!