I traded up my lovely 2006 Manual V8 for a 19,000 mile 2010 manual V12 Vantage. Blimey it's fabulous! A real hot rod, with great lights, carbon ceramic brakes and the brilliant Harmon Cardon stereo upgrade that's the best system I have ever heard. Swapped out the standard 19s for DB9 GT 20s... So pretty, so pleased!
Pleased until you have to replace those brake discs $$$......But hey, at least someone else would have taken most of the crushing depreciation so well done I guess.
@dimsoneill Everyone said that about vanos on my M5s, but they ran perfectly for 250,000 miles. If the possible cost of replacement parts is a threat, you should buy a Fiesta...
The S has 55 more HP, but it feels like 100 when hustling. 3 stage dampers. The flappy paddle gearbox becomes intuitive and reliable, does things you can't. Flat shifts, perfect downshift blips. Agreed don't use auto mode ever. The convertibles of this era are noticeable less rigid than the drum tight coupe. Coupe V12VS is the choice!
You are mostly correct with what you say. But after trying(nearly) all of the cars and the v8s, my choice would be v12 roadster. Better manual and the less power doesnt really matter in these cars and will even less in the future. Less rigid frame, yes, but on which driving on public roads does that matter? I struggle myself finding those and no matter if a 10 or 14y old Aston, I struggle as well to track it... Will depend a lot on the planed use of the car which choice is the "best". In ratio to the price, probably the V8s roadster is the sweetest spot.. Very close in what it delivers. Sounds bit different, but great as well drives bit lighter on the front axle and the ratio for money its just better. Still working on the money part.. Bit frustrating that prices are pretty stable(v12 more than v8), from buyers perspective. But once the perspective changes, that s a great thing!
I will never forget when I drove one of the V12 Vantage manual when I visited the factory many years ago, can remember it like yesterday so good, really enjoyed this thank you Sam
Great bit of road that, Sam, from Manuden through to Clavering ;) Own a V12 Vantage S and it's a fantastic piece of kit. Holding down the Traction button puts the Traction control into 'track mode' - the standard TC setting is very very intrusive. Track mode lets the car move about a bit whilst still giving you a safety net. You realise how balanced it is. Normal suspension mode works great on your average bumpy B-roads. Sports or Track suspension if you get the odd bit of UK road that's more like on the continent. Pull a fuse so the valves are open all the time, switch the Pirellis for Mich Pilot 4S and you have one hell of a car for one hell of a price 🎉
I’ve had mine now for about 3 years. I’ve been to Le Mans in it and I’ve done a couple of laps round the ring too. Always an event to get it out and have a go. Actually I’ve just realised it’s not moved in 2024 so this video is the inspiration I needed to dig it out for spring 2025! Fantastic car that trades punches on every measure of desirability with cars three times it’s price.
Thought about a £50k car but really had a lightbulb moment and so bought a Hyundai i10 N line and this little nippy runabout has been fun,cheap,full of tech kit and depreciation sensible.
I love those Vantages.May buy one in the future.The very best of British. At the moment I have an F Type coupe in grey with chrome highlights.Brilliant car.Looks great!
I think now is the market low. They wont keep tanking like this anymore. Not just these 10 year old v12 vantage but everything from £0 cars to bugatti's.
One of my all time favorite, the one that always takes part in my "dream car garage"... but I'll say it differently: If you cant buy V2 MANUAL, just go for the V8 as it is the manual to have!
I rather watch this video than all the W1 content. Thank you Sam and congratulations for really turning the channel around for better in the last year or two!! ❤
I once had this car for one year… was fantastic! But: the Carbon Fibre Seats didn’t fit for my wife and the gearbox was let’s say not that good as I wanted it to be.. changed it for a Scuderia… and it was the best decision ever made ❤
I had two V12 Vantage S's and absolutely loved them. They scared the hell out of me sometimes though! Moved into a 992 GTS, mostly so I can have the kiddo in the back 🥰
My floor is wet from drooling this entire video. This is my favourite AM model. 😍 That grey with the white rear lights and the black multi spoke wheels.. 💦
Great video - glad to see people still appreciating this era V12 Vantage! Despite all the new super cars coming out, I always come back to these at the top of my list for looks, engine sound, value and soul that a lot of new cars don't have!
Unlikely with the 4.3 or 4.7s, as they simply made too many of them. 272 on Autotrader right now. For an asset to appreciate, it usually needs to be rare.
@@BenB91not sure where you’re getting that figure from. There’s only 115 Vantages including the new ones for sale rn. Having spent a lot of time recently looking at swapping my S2000 for a V8V or Phase 2 DB9, I have been told by a few people including McGurks, this gen of Vantage in the next 5 years or so should go up in value with a decent return. Now 4.3’s probably won’t go up that much but 4.7s should.
@@LexiMae17 wow a sales person, told you the car they want to sell you is likely to appreciate. I wonder why they told you that? Would it be to get a sale? The large majority of cars do not appreciate in value. The Aston Martin vantage is no exception. Apologies, I checked the Autotrader data again. There are 172 gen 1 vantages on Autotrader right now. 324 in total, including the gen 2.
I am lucky to have driven all of the V12 Vantage's including the Spitfire edition and they are absolute gem of a car to drive and Spitfire edition looks absolutely stunning especially in the summer sun set when the sun hits the car 🤩
I love the facts that over the years many useful Mods have come to surface for these cars to eliminate the "flaws" for example there is a new Clutch that cancels out the relatively high wear as well as changing the output to 557 hp as it has been electronically limited by factory.
I’ve had 2 early manual V12V’s over a 10 year period. Both fantastically reliable, and truly incredible drivers cars. I am biased, but the value for money is off the scale at the moment. People don’t realise how special and exciting they are. My first one I bought when it was a year old. Nothing Aston makes now has anything like the same appeal or ‘want’ factor for me. Also worth mentioning the V12’s were 140K cars new in the late noughties.
Aston Martins remain my dream exotic cars. Just so, SO beautiful and soulful. Me, at the £80k mark I'd be getting a Vanquish II. Stunning looks but with the 6 or later 8-speed ZF auto. More Aston videos please, Sam!
The upgrade from V8 to V12 is definitely worth it. I owned both models and you can really feel the difference. There won’t manual V12 cars anymore so it should become a classic but they aren’t cheap to run
I have to say if find the sportshift 1 gearbox on my v12. fantastic.Drive the car properly relax the throttle on upchanges all good.Just be careful manouvering around at slow speed in first gear.Hypershift speeds above 5500 rpm are pdk quick.Enjoy.
The way I see it, these cars are set to appreciate when the market catches up to how truly special and rare they are! Astons biggest and most tuned up engine in their smallest chassis, a delightful combo! The new cars are cool but ultimately turbos and hybrids are not the formula for a thoroughbread sports car. The power delivery is not linear like an NA engine and dont get me started on the noise difference. My personal pick would be the V12V S!
2nd Gen 8Spd Vanquish or Vanquish S for me. The looks, the carbon fibre body, the gearbox is as you said so much more usable and reliable and the noise from that V12 of course: Relatively low numbers produced as well, But I’m biased and that’s why I bought one over the other VH platform cars.
Definetely one of the best Aston's out there with a V12, this and 2006 DBS the exact spec like in Casino Royale Daniel Craig drove is my favorite, will always be legendary.
Well done Sam. Have a roadster and do enjoy the raw feeling this vehicle has. I do disagree about the comment on the 7 speed. Once you get used to this gearbox( a few minutes) it is slicker. Really fun on good spirited drives. Just a note. The Spitfire Series was not from Aston itself but a colab from a UK dealer and the Q department. My preference in the coupe is the later S variant as this has better suspension, engine upgrades etc and with the manual gearbox only 118 RHD out of 260 coupes manufactured. This is why prices are higher compared to the 1099 V12 coupes of the earlier model. Get out and drive one in you price bracket and enjoy as you won’t find a better car of its era.
The V12. Lovely. That spitfire version though, you dont think a little cheesy ? 'remove before flight' door pulls, roof lining and silhouettes of Spitfires dotted around?
Have a similar aged DB9, servicing is not that expensive. It depends where you are and where you take it. Loads of brilliant independents out there. Had mine 3 years and it’s had only brake pads and normal service costs (around £850). It gets used into Europe each year and has been completely reliable. Big ticket items include headlights/rear lights due to water, any of the modules and plugs/coils. A miss fire on these v12 engines can be fatal if ignored.
Not expensive now and/or because it was previously maintained and being maintained. I feel like (we) fortunate owners don't do enough to balance the minuses with the plusses.
great video, really enjoyed the insights! but honestly, while the V12 Vantage seems tempting, i feel like the focus on power can sometimes overshadow the driving experience. isn't a well-balanced car more satisfying than just raw horsepower?
All these cars in storage tell you about the supply to come out of the woods when/if prices go up… Too many cars, not enough money (or credit available).
You and me both. We should be happy with our Aussie luxury performance cars and not hanker after our familiar European ones. Oh wait, they don’t make Aussie cars any more. And actually the SS are a bit bogan anyway 😮😅
A manual V12s is a dream, but although I will probably never be able to buy one, the current price of these makes it sort of a ‘bargain’ compared to something similar.
In real terms, the value of those Astons has gone down by at least 25% since 2020. Apart from market demand, the only real factor for them staying around the £80k mark is because the value of the "money" (actually, it's currency) in your pocket has plummeted, meaning you need to use more of it today to buy the same thing as yesterday.
Oh please keep the prices low, I want to buy one later😭
Me too! On my list, now possibly off!
Yeah same, I've got a V8 and am looking to trade up.
My goal also
I love that Sam is almost always making the “wrong” decision with his cars😂 But that’s why we’re subbed. He’s a goofy, but he’s OUR goofy.
Lol
What a simp comment
Get a room. 🤣
He makes the decisions I can't for my family and future life, but I can live vicariously through him if I had zero financial responsibility😂
This gen vantage, DBS or DB9 might be the most elegant and beautiful run of modern cars ever.
100% agree
Owned a second hand DB9 for almost a decade, and loved it
💯 The DBS is the perfect car
They knew how to be subtle with their performance upgrade while remaining classy
This car is aging like wine, it looks incredible.
Apart from the Aston Martin logo on the passenger's seat in the red car! Look how wonky it is.
It always looked incredible.
I traded up my lovely 2006 Manual V8 for a 19,000 mile 2010 manual V12 Vantage. Blimey it's fabulous! A real hot rod, with great lights, carbon ceramic brakes and the brilliant Harmon Cardon stereo upgrade that's the best system I have ever heard. Swapped out the standard 19s for DB9 GT 20s... So pretty, so pleased!
Pleased until you have to replace those brake discs $$$......But hey, at least someone else would have taken most of the crushing depreciation so well done I guess.
@dimsoneill Everyone said that about vanos on my M5s, but they ran perfectly for 250,000 miles. If the possible cost of replacement parts is a threat, you should buy a Fiesta...
@@Thisonegoestoeleven666negative Nancy. Judging by your comments on this channel.
The Vantage really has aged very well. What a thing.
Sunday morning coffee, new Sam and Luke videos...great start to the day!
I still sometimes go back to watching the Top Gear film featuring that Vantage v12. it still hits my heart, such a wholesome car!!
Me too, that clip on TG is full of emotion.
The S has 55 more HP, but it feels like 100 when hustling. 3 stage dampers. The flappy paddle gearbox becomes intuitive and reliable, does things you can't. Flat shifts, perfect downshift blips. Agreed don't use auto mode ever. The convertibles of this era are noticeable less rigid than the drum tight coupe. Coupe V12VS is the choice!
You are mostly correct with what you say. But after trying(nearly) all of the cars and the v8s, my choice would be v12 roadster.
Better manual and the less power doesnt really matter in these cars and will even less in the future. Less rigid frame, yes, but on which driving on public roads does that matter? I struggle myself finding those and no matter if a 10 or 14y old Aston, I struggle as well to track it... Will depend a lot on the planed use of the car which choice is the "best". In ratio to the price, probably the V8s roadster is the sweetest spot.. Very close in what it delivers. Sounds bit different, but great as well drives bit lighter on the front axle and the ratio for money its just better.
Still working on the money part.. Bit frustrating that prices are pretty stable(v12 more than v8), from buyers perspective.
But once the perspective changes, that s a great thing!
That Red V12 Roadster is absolutely stunning
I will never forget when I drove one of the V12 Vantage manual when I visited the factory many years ago, can remember it like yesterday so good, really enjoyed this thank you Sam
Great bit of road that, Sam, from Manuden through to Clavering ;)
Own a V12 Vantage S and it's a fantastic piece of kit. Holding down the Traction button puts the Traction control into 'track mode' - the standard TC setting is very very intrusive. Track mode lets the car move about a bit whilst still giving you a safety net. You realise how balanced it is. Normal suspension mode works great on your average bumpy B-roads. Sports or Track suspension if you get the odd bit of UK road that's more like on the continent. Pull a fuse so the valves are open all the time, switch the Pirellis for Mich Pilot 4S and you have one hell of a car for one hell of a price 🎉
I’ve had mine now for about 3 years. I’ve been to Le Mans in it and I’ve done a couple of laps round the ring too. Always an event to get it out and have a go. Actually I’ve just realised it’s not moved in 2024 so this video is the inspiration I needed to dig it out for spring 2025! Fantastic car that trades punches on every measure of desirability with cars three times it’s price.
Drive it more, it's not meant to be a garage queen.
Just make sure you get one with the lightweight carbon bucket seats Sam!! Surprisingly far more comfortable than the standard sports seats.
Thought about a £50k car but really had a lightbulb moment and so bought a Hyundai i10 N line and this little nippy runabout has been fun,cheap,full of tech kit and depreciation sensible.
Those shape vantages were so much more beautiful 👌
I love those Vantages.May buy one in the future.The very best of British.
At the moment I have an F Type coupe in grey with chrome highlights.Brilliant car.Looks great!
I think now is the market low. They wont keep tanking like this anymore. Not just these 10 year old v12 vantage but everything from £0 cars to bugatti's.
One of my all time favorite, the one that always takes part in my "dream car garage"... but I'll say it differently: If you cant buy V2 MANUAL, just go for the V8 as it is the manual to have!
I rather watch this video than all the W1 content. Thank you Sam and congratulations for really turning the channel around for better in the last year or two!! ❤
The seats in these make a huge difference. The buckets allow you to sit much lower and changes the feel of the whole car. Surefire future classic… 👍🏻
I once had this car for one year… was fantastic! But: the Carbon Fibre Seats didn’t fit for my wife and the gearbox was let’s say not that good as I wanted it to be.. changed it for a Scuderia… and it was the best decision ever made ❤
I had two V12 Vantage S's and absolutely loved them. They scared the hell out of me sometimes though! Moved into a 992 GTS, mostly so I can have the kiddo in the back 🥰
After watching this video the only V12 Vantage I'm dreaming about is that Spitfire Edition, looks unbelievable.
My floor is wet from drooling this entire video. This is my favourite AM model. 😍 That grey with the white rear lights and the black multi spoke wheels.. 💦
Great video - glad to see people still appreciating this era V12 Vantage! Despite all the new super cars coming out, I always come back to these at the top of my list for looks, engine sound, value and soul that a lot of new cars don't have!
Bravo! Seen Through Glass's pure content! What a fantastic astons!
Awesome! Love the Spitfire edition. So cool!
I know I'm being pandered to, yet at the same time, my heart is beating faster and I'm checking used prices 😅
OMG…I had never heard of the Spitfires! What a knockout! Gorgeous
I had one of the first V12 Vantage in 2009. The car was great and was a true Aston. Hammerhead Silver, manual and with buckets. Sublime !
I totally agree with you, the best version is the v12 manual, the 6 speed manual gearbox is the one to but
Absolutely great cars but the gen 2 (2017/18) Vanquish S is the pinnacle for me 👌🏻
I think this gen of the Vantage will massively appreciate in the next few years. Also the 4.3/4.7 V8 Vantage
Unlikely with the 4.3 or 4.7s, as they simply made too many of them. 272 on Autotrader right now. For an asset to appreciate, it usually needs to be rare.
@@BenB91not sure where you’re getting that figure from. There’s only 115 Vantages including the new ones for sale rn. Having spent a lot of time recently looking at swapping my S2000 for a V8V or Phase 2 DB9, I have been told by a few people including McGurks, this gen of Vantage in the next 5 years or so should go up in value with a decent return. Now 4.3’s probably won’t go up that much but 4.7s should.
@@LexiMae17 wow a sales person, told you the car they want to sell you is likely to appreciate. I wonder why they told you that? Would it be to get a sale?
The large majority of cars do not appreciate in value. The Aston Martin vantage is no exception.
Apologies, I checked the Autotrader data again. There are 172 gen 1 vantages on Autotrader right now.
324 in total, including the gen 2.
Just bought v12 vantage two days ago! Hopefully this video brings the value up!
Yes, I agree - and that Spitfire edition is stunning.
Yesterday I saw a V12 Vantage 6MT Roadster for sale here in Vancouver for $499,999 CAD!!!
Love the red roadster and the spitfire edition
By far best automotive content on youtube IMHO
I am lucky to have driven all of the V12 Vantage's including the Spitfire edition and they are absolute gem of a car to drive and Spitfire edition looks absolutely stunning especially in the summer sun set when the sun hits the car 🤩
Look out for the limit limited edition ones like the spitfire 80 obviously.
I love the facts that over the years many useful Mods have come to surface for these cars to eliminate the "flaws" for example there is a new Clutch that cancels out the relatively high wear as well as changing the output to 557 hp as it has been electronically limited by factory.
V12 Vantages just give you that warm fuzzy feeling, even when it's cold and you're riding with the roof down!
I’ve had 2 early manual V12V’s over a 10 year period. Both fantastically reliable, and truly incredible drivers cars.
I am biased, but the value for money is off the scale at the moment. People don’t realise how special and exciting they are.
My first one I bought when it was a year old. Nothing Aston makes now has anything like the same appeal or ‘want’ factor for me.
Also worth mentioning the V12’s were 140K cars new in the late noughties.
Always been my dream car Sam. Never seen the Spitfire before! WHAT a beauty! Cheers, John.
Your best videos are on Aston Martins for sure.
This or a Vanquish are on the bucket list. That soundtrack is incredible! 😍
That sound! :O Really good video, thanks Sam!
i think i saw you on Brighton seafront yesterday in a yellow Maserati??
Aston Martins remain my dream exotic cars. Just so, SO beautiful and soulful. Me, at the £80k mark I'd be getting a Vanquish II. Stunning looks but with the 6 or later 8-speed ZF auto. More Aston videos please, Sam!
The upgrade from V8 to V12 is definitely worth it. I owned both models and you can really feel the difference. There won’t manual V12 cars anymore so it should become a classic but they aren’t cheap to run
I have to say if find the sportshift 1 gearbox on my v12. fantastic.Drive the car properly relax the throttle on upchanges all good.Just be careful manouvering around at slow speed in first gear.Hypershift speeds above 5500 rpm are pdk quick.Enjoy.
I owned a 2011 vantage V12 manual and loved it despite small electronic neebles and the fact it felt a bit cramped inside.
The way I see it, these cars are set to appreciate when the market catches up to how truly special and rare they are!
Astons biggest and most tuned up engine in their smallest chassis, a delightful combo!
The new cars are cool but ultimately turbos and hybrids are not the formula for a thoroughbread sports car. The power delivery is not linear like an NA engine and dont get me started on the noise difference.
My personal pick would be the V12V S!
3:05 uh, is that a Spitfire Edition? I wish we got more than the mainline models here in the US
Bought a manual vantage v12s last year , so much fun compared to today’s cars .
Always good to have you at the showroom Sam, see you soon!
i really like the back of the car, got a cool look. And guess what, when i spot one its the back of the car i see the most.
2nd Gen 8Spd Vanquish or Vanquish S for me. The looks, the carbon fibre body, the gearbox is as you said so much more usable and reliable and the noise from that V12 of course: Relatively low numbers produced as well,
But I’m biased and that’s why I bought one over the other VH platform cars.
Looking to buy a V12S Manual now Sam, have driven two and they are great. Think I'll try a Sportshift as well. Excellent Videos as aways. Thank you.
Definetely one of the best Aston's out there with a V12, this and 2006 DBS the exact spec like in Casino Royale Daniel Craig drove is my favorite, will always be legendary.
That Volcano Red is stunning!
Do it! Shortshift convertible for full Dad spec.
Well done Sam. Have a roadster and do enjoy the raw feeling this vehicle has. I do disagree about the comment on the 7 speed. Once you get used to this gearbox( a few minutes) it is slicker. Really fun on good spirited drives. Just a note. The Spitfire Series was not from Aston itself but a colab from a UK dealer and the Q department. My preference in the coupe is the later S variant as this has better suspension, engine upgrades etc and with the manual gearbox only 118 RHD out of 260 coupes manufactured. This is why prices are higher compared to the 1099 V12 coupes of the earlier model. Get out and drive one in you price bracket and enjoy as you won’t find a better car of its era.
Already going up fast
Definitely a future classic
10:10 why the Aston Martin badge on the headrest looks atilt
Love the video, love the car even more! Also really like you give some ‘consumer advice’ when reviewing these kind of cars. Keep it up!
8:25 now, thats a nice sound 👍
OMG. I had no idea these were so cheap! Looking for one in Japan now
If you drive fast the ss3 gearbox is superb.
Absolutely love these!
A DB4 or 5, from 1965, my birth year!
Sold mine a year ago after 6 years - such a good car but could do with some better dampers.
So would you take a V8 vantage (no S) over an 997.1 C2S? Or a V8 Vantage S over an 991.1 C2S?
Dis + secret weapon exhaust = game over
Enjoyed this a lot. Thanks Sam.
First Toni´s short shorts and now that jacket Sam. Keep it up lads .Hilarious.
That spitfire ❤car is amazing 👏 in that color.
It’s been in my dream garage since it came out. In baby blue
The V12. Lovely.
That spitfire version though, you dont think a little cheesy ?
'remove before flight' door pulls, roof lining and silhouettes of Spitfires dotted around?
Have a similar aged DB9, servicing is not that expensive. It depends where you are and where you take it. Loads of brilliant independents out there. Had mine 3 years and it’s had only brake pads and normal service costs (around £850). It gets used into Europe each year and has been completely reliable. Big ticket items include headlights/rear lights due to water, any of the modules and plugs/coils. A miss fire on these v12 engines can be fatal if ignored.
Not expensive now and/or because it was previously maintained and being maintained. I feel like (we) fortunate owners don't do enough to balance the minuses with the plusses.
great video, really enjoyed the insights! but honestly, while the V12 Vantage seems tempting, i feel like the focus on power can sometimes overshadow the driving experience. isn't a well-balanced car more satisfying than just raw horsepower?
Great video, fabulous car, dodgy fashion sense.
Aaah the gold old Asto... oh sorry I mean Volvo Martin from that period of time. So many components from Volvos P1 platform in these :D
All these cars in storage tell you about the supply to come out of the woods when/if prices go up…
Too many cars, not enough money (or credit available).
As an Australian I hate seeing the prices of cars in the UK. $250k for a v12 Vantage.
Our market is cooked. It’s depressing looking at UK and US car prices.
As an English man I hate seeing the amount of sunshine you get in Australia lol. I'll enjoy my Ferrari, you enjoy the weather.
Not quite when you’re in Melbourne where the weather is bipolar. Still better than the UK, agreed. The luxury car tax is what ruins it
You and me both. We should be happy with our Aussie luxury performance cars and not hanker after our familiar European ones. Oh wait, they don’t make Aussie cars any more. And actually the SS are a bit bogan anyway 😮😅
As a British expat I can tell you it hurts even more 😢
you neeeed a spitfire edition!!!
100% agree. Simply the best
That spitfire edition. Oh. My. 😍 trying to decide whether to chop my 987 in for a v8 at the moment 🤔
Vantages are all jewels🥰🇬🇧💥
That hood is king!
i love the db5
I take it your there because of the paint work going on with the Ferrari?
He says it in about a minute... Thats not really a guess. Thats just being stupid
Was literally planning to buy this or either the SLS
SLS it is
A manual V12s is a dream, but although I will probably never be able to buy one, the current price of these makes it sort of a ‘bargain’ compared to something similar.
at 12:38 why is the logo on the headrest tilted😭
In real terms, the value of those Astons has gone down by at least 25% since 2020. Apart from market demand, the only real factor for them staying around the £80k mark is because the value of the "money" (actually, it's currency) in your pocket has plummeted, meaning you need to use more of it today to buy the same thing as yesterday.
5 years since that video?! I remember watching it. It feels like a few months, just have 2 kids now......
Any Aston from this era can be considered one of the best looking cars of all time
One question: how does the gearbox compare to your CS gearbox? Or the Scuderia gearbox? Thx!😊
holy that aston logo on the headrest in the roadster is crooked
its still such a good looking car