Thank you for this review -- I quite liked it. I own a 2008 V8 Vantage Roadster with the sportshift 1 transmission. I much agree with what you say about the gearbox; around town it can be cumbersome to use and you have to think quite a bit about what you're going to do next. Mine, due to being the #1 version, also has the super-high geared reverse which means that you need to really know where you are going to park the car: if you're going to park on a gradient and what way are you going when leaving, all that has to be considered BEFORE you get there. You absolutely do not want to use the reverse gear going UP anything at all, ever. Another good thing to know for clutch longevity which I think is important to know because it impacts driveability is that when pulling away from a stop the clutch will slip quite a bit if you drive like you would any other car, but if you press the accelerator a bit more it will close the clutch much faster leading to less slip and better longevity of the clutch. However this also means that you're launching from the stop faster than you might expect. There's a big difference between the slow start and the quick start and if you're in a situation when you're new to the car and haven't really pushed the car when starting. Now you're perhaps about to turn out of a T-junction and want to go a bit faster and you might be taken by surprise with just how fast the car will launch and end up in the ditch across the road instead. So be sure to test different launches someplace safe first. I find the gearbox to be perfect for me since I don't like auto's because of the disconnected feeling I get but I also don't want to have to row a clutch and gearbox all the time. I think the sportshift for me is the perfect compromise. I get to feel like my input matter but I also can concentrate more on actually driving the car, placing it well and so on, which leads to me being able to drive faster at tracks and safer on the road. This is a gearbox that you need to learn to use, but once you do I find it very rewarding. Much like the reviewer I never use the screen so it's always down. The Alpine sound system is amazing and if you get a car new enough to have the Apple Ipod connector (I believe it was on option 2007 onwards) you can connect a really good BT device that will stream your music in great quality and you can use your stereo/wheel buttons to control it. There are three other main points with the car that does it for me: 1) the sound, especially with the roadster is just so damn good. According to me it's the best sounding V8 one can get, and that's on stock exhaust. I also love that if I don't push it it keeps the valve closed and it's a quiet smooth ride. 2) The looks - both external and internal are just gorgeous in my eye. I picked the older non-S because I think it looks a bit sleeker without the sideskirts and I actually prefer the older center console. The haptic one look OK but I hate haptic stuff. I've come out to my car parked in various places and seen people taking pictures of it so apparently I'm not alone in enjoying the looks! 3) Mechanically it's actually not that complicated and you can work on it yourself if you want to. As there are a lot of interchangeable parts with other manufacturers like Volvo and Ford some parts can be quite cheap as long as you don't buy it directly from Aston Martin and actually look around some first. I've got more to say but this is already approaching book-sized comment so I am just going to stop myself, but damn, I love this car and even though I agree with all the faults mentioned in the video, I still prefer driving it over anything else.
Agreed and thanks for the advice on preserving the clutch, I thought my slower pull aways were preserving it but that makes sense. It actually can bunny hop if you get the timing of your launch wrong. How easy the car is to work on is an advantage too yep, I have no worries about sending it to a local independent garage for changing sensors, thermostats etc and only need to go to a specialist for a few things (and servicing just for the sake of the stamp in the book).
I have a V12 VS with SS3 and carbon bucket seats. I drove quite a few cars (V8s and V12s) which helped a lot to make my choice. I didn’t like the normal sport seats. It felt like I was sitting on the seat rather than sitting in the seats. Don’t think there was near enough support. Also the V12 has the adaptive damping which again suits me better. Of course you can select a harder setting if the road surface allows this. I’ve had the car for nearly 5 years now and I can’t think of another car which I would prefer. I like that it’s a small car to place on the road and the sound and grunt of the V12 is biblical. I like the theatre of the ECU key and don’t find it a hassle. I don’t use my car daily so the ECU is either in the car or in my pocket. Not bothered with the ECU leather cover, I don’t see the point of it. Never use the transmission in D. It doesn’t drive well in D and you’re more in control in manual anyway. I rarely play music in the car too as I want to hear that V12. It’s not a car to use from A to B, it for getting from A back to A the long way round😉
Nice in-depth review, thank you. I have a 2010 4.7 manual, with sportspack. I live in Southeast London, an hour's drive (on average) from the M25 and the open road. I drove a car with sportshift before I found this one, but whilst it worked fine, I just felt it was missing the point. I have no problem with the manual gearbox and clutch in traffic, though I am told a twin-plate will make the clutch lighter. So it is ok in town, but it that is not what it is for: it comes alive out of town, on A roads and not-too-narrow B roads. ( I am old, btw, just about to collect my pension - maybe that's why I like a manual box). But from my perspective, on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, it is a great sportscar AND a GT - you get two cars for the price of one. My wife, who hates cars, actually likes coming in the this one. I can live with the poor visibility, and the not-very-good reversing (that is a pain), and the irritating key, but I love the analogue nature of the car. Whether you have a sportshift or a manual, do wring its neck from time to time: it goes like stink and sounds fabulous, and it probably won't kill you unless you are very silly. And one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Great value for money right now.
You're right, it really is a car that enjoying having you wring it's neck, that's when it comes alive. I have Michelin Pilot Sport 4Ss on now and I can't wait for summer to really push the car on some big smooth roads.
Excellent review, with no bull and no bond!! nice one. . I've no issues with Sportshift, even in town. Equally, I never use it in D mode, always shifting manually, and I leave the car constantly in 'Sport' mode. I used to constantly put it in N (via the paddles) when stopped, but now don't bother. Clutch is still fine. It's *not* an automatic, and anyone who expects it to work like one will be sorely dissapointed. - Std seats are awful for sure - get a car with lightweight sports seats if poss. Finally.....tyres...they are so sensitive to tyre choice.......every Vantage (S and non-S) owner I know ends up with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 or 4S.......they transform the car, both in terms of ride and wet handling. In short, the OEM bridgstones are over-rigid (for road use) and best binned ASAP. With an older car, you might balk at the cost of Bilstein adaptive dampers, but don't discount the non-adpative Bilsteins - the modern dampers will be 100% better than the old OEM ones, and not stupidly expensive - I know a few folk who have put them on both pre- and post bilstein cars, and enjoyed the difference!.
I brought my V8 manual as a retirement present to myself eight years ago and haven't regretted it one bit. I use her as a daily drive and still get a buzz everytime I look at or drive her. Found her to be reliable and great fun to drive. Shes comfortable and good for long road trips too - 2,500 miles in a week around Europe.
I've always wanted an Aston, was thinking about a DB9 for a while, but was put off after driving one on a track experience day. I'm fairly short, and found the high scuttle and window waistline made it very difficult to judge placement of the car on the road. Also,it felt very heavy, and not particularly quick. Then it was suggested that I look at a V8 Vantage. My budget was up to £40k. I had driven a recent AMG engined one on track and quite liked it, but my budget would only get a much older car. This was to be my main car, not just a weekend toy. What I ended up with is a car you didn't mention as an alternative, a Jaguar F-Type. I bought a 2018 V6S, and find it the perfect balance of usability and fun. The 8 speed ZF auto box works really well around town in auto mode, but responds well to manual shifts with the paddles. The upgrade performance seats are really comfortable and supportive. Visibility feels a lot better forward and to the sides, and its less intimidating. Boot space is reasonable for this type of car, and economy is pretty good too, averaging high 20s and easily into low 30s on long motorway trips.
Yes F-type is an excellent shout. I'd also have the V6 if it were me. I've never driven one but the fact that Jeremy Clarkson only owns 3 cars, a Range Rover, Alfa Romeo GTV6 and an F-Type V6 convertible says a lot.
Yes, you really have to because in auto mode you don’t know when the car is going to shift up and therefore you can’t lift off the throttle so it lurches. You could take it out of sport mode but all that really achieves is slower shifts.
I've had a 16' V8 S for about a year. Mine with a sportshift too, I love the transmission and car. But I could not drive this as a daily, it's my weekender. I drove it down from New York to Florida and getting stuck in NYC traffic while learning how to use the single clutch auto was the most horrific experience I have had in a car lol This car and transmission (like any single clutch auto) is NOT enjoyable in traffic, it is perfect for sweeping roads, highways etc. I also have an F430 with the F1 trans, and I could not see myself getting rid of either.
I love the Sportshift gearbox. Ok, mine is a V12S and I avoid town driving, but the car is a great drive. Seats are fine for me, and the overall theatre is wonderful. Sounds like you might be better off with a small automatic.
sportshit is a nightmare in town, it is always trying to guess what gear you want, you are in danger of riding the clutch. The dealer told me the record for a clutch burnout was 2 weeks.
Have the V8 Roadster SS version which is perfect for our roads in Cape Town and surrounds, especially with the top down. We have glorious mountain passes and beautiful coastal routes injected with the sound of that V8 reverberating, and of course, great weather most of the year. (In rush hour traffic, have to agree with you but what car is a joy to drive in stop-start traffic?) In all, the Roadster puts a smile on my face. And I wouldn't want to change it for a 911... that's boy racer territory (and there are so many around.)
I’ve got an N430 w/ sportshift, generally agree with your comments but the carbon lightweight seats do transform the car at high speed - really grip you into the car and actually v comfortable over long distances. The sports seats as you say have no support and I found myself getting weird back pains!
Yeah the seats really aren't for everyone. The bucket seats are so so rare and even when they do come up for sale they are £4k for the set. But I'd definitely snap up a car with them if I was in the market for a Vantage
Unfortunately I haven't driven either of those. I still think the RC F won't hold it's value unlike the others if that bothers you. I've been told the GS F is actually the better car and worth waiting for one of those to come in to your price bracket. The R8 is an icon, if you get a gated manual it will hold money and be very engaging to drive. I'd love to own one one day. They're also very reliable with only the magnaride to worry about, I also think the engine mounts are an expensive part to replace. It doesn't have as much storage space compared to the others, but between the 3 I'd go for the R8.
I’ve had a Vantage and Virage.Bought an LC 500 and found it to be a more pleasant ownership experience. Loved the Astons which were relatively dependable but when there were problems it was expensive and troublesome. The Lc is an equal or better car and the warranty is a deal breaker.
@@johnrooney355 Ooooooh LC500 is definitely a good comparison. Especially now they're around £45k - £50k for the cheaper ones. I loved everything about that car, except for the small storage space but I suppose you can use the back seats. I think I will own one of those at some point.
@@fullyplantd Hmm, thank you for your response and for giving me a few things to consider. I am primarily looking for something that looks striking, has a naturally aspirated V8, and that is engaging to drive and it seems like I definitely need to go and have a good look at an R8.
The thing about pretty much any Aston is that developing a well rounded sports car is an expensive business and the one thing that Aston have never had is much money. So the results are always cars that are compromised in ways that a Porsche or a Ferrari are not. Some people like that, especially if it is a second or third car. For others, it's a automatic fail.
Yeah, I said in another vid that focussing on buying the car that is the best car can put you on the hedonic treadmill and you’re never satisfied. So to love a car for its flaws is a good way to be. The latest Vanquish is getting rave reviews so it would be awesome to see Aston start competing with Ferrari and have a good run before we all go electric.
Great review! Love Aston Martins, but they're tied to an old rich man/007 image, expensive, and costly to repair. Not as fun to drive as a 911 or McLaren but stylish. My BMW 840D Coupe is a great GT for daily use, fuel-efficient, and powerful enough. Astons are about the image of a refined yet rebellious gentleman. If I win the lottery, I'd get a 4-5 year old DB11 V12.
I have been around quite a few Astons from DB9 DB11 and DB12 and i think very over rated and its the Bond Connection which makes them special in the eyes of owners But we all dont live 007 lives what ever that is I have owned a number of Jag Xks and i find pound for pound they are built better and drive better and cost a lot less to own and are far more comfotable
I've owned a few Jags. The only let down is that a lot of them had the ZF6 and ZF8 gearbox and it's so slow and slushy that it took away a lot of the enjoyment from the car.
@@fullyplantd I have never found the XK slow But I know what you mean the Aston is much more aggressive I do really long road trips and Aston and XK are GT cars There not sports cars I drove a DB11 a few weeks ago and it just wants to kill you and you cant dial it down
@@Jeffybonbon I've heard that about the DB11. My friend had one and hated it, they got the handling completely wrong but I've heard the V8 was better. Then supposedly a handling expert from Lotus joined Aston Martin mid-way through the DB11's lifecycle and his first port of call was to fix the handling which is why they brought out the AMR variant. The V8s were never so bad as they didn't have as much weight over the front. One of the cars that is way our my price range but fascinates me is the DBS Ultimate Edition. It's £300,000 instead of £120,000 for a regular Superleggera, yet everyone raves about it as if Aston completely nailed the handling on it and it's the one to buy. I would love to have a go in one.
@@PutSomeDsonThatBlink I do like DB12 Aston have really made a nice car but they ar Pricy 170k at present for a GT car which is as good as Aston and made better is the Lexus LC the japs have copied the XK and Aston and made it better and far more reliable Going to a lexus service department is a Joy they really know how to treat customers and with every service they give a years free warranty a year ago they were co located with Aston in Newcastle and i spoke to both sets of technicians in general the Lexus was there only for a service when you look at the Aston side of the workshop it was full of repairs it was amazing to see the cars side by side in the workshops Aston should be better than Lexus for service for such a high end car but they are not I was in Monaco and there royal family use Lexus go and look at Lexus they really are a cut above in every aspect other than name badge
@@PutSomeDsonThatBlinknot true. Matt Becker (ex Lotus) was responsible for the plush ride of the original DB11 V12. It was well received at launch, journos subsequently amended their view with the launch of the lighter V8 variant with slightly stiffened chassis a year later. The AMR was exactly the same car as the original V12 but with the V8s stiffer subframe bushes, an updated suite of software, nicer wheels and some cosmetic tweaks.
Thank you for this review -- I quite liked it. I own a 2008 V8 Vantage Roadster with the sportshift 1 transmission. I much agree with what you say about the gearbox; around town it can be cumbersome to use and you have to think quite a bit about what you're going to do next. Mine, due to being the #1 version, also has the super-high geared reverse which means that you need to really know where you are going to park the car: if you're going to park on a gradient and what way are you going when leaving, all that has to be considered BEFORE you get there. You absolutely do not want to use the reverse gear going UP anything at all, ever.
Another good thing to know for clutch longevity which I think is important to know because it impacts driveability is that when pulling away from a stop the clutch will slip quite a bit if you drive like you would any other car, but if you press the accelerator a bit more it will close the clutch much faster leading to less slip and better longevity of the clutch. However this also means that you're launching from the stop faster than you might expect. There's a big difference between the slow start and the quick start and if you're in a situation when you're new to the car and haven't really pushed the car when starting. Now you're perhaps about to turn out of a T-junction and want to go a bit faster and you might be taken by surprise with just how fast the car will launch and end up in the ditch across the road instead. So be sure to test different launches someplace safe first.
I find the gearbox to be perfect for me since I don't like auto's because of the disconnected feeling I get but I also don't want to have to row a clutch and gearbox all the time. I think the sportshift for me is the perfect compromise. I get to feel like my input matter but I also can concentrate more on actually driving the car, placing it well and so on, which leads to me being able to drive faster at tracks and safer on the road.
This is a gearbox that you need to learn to use, but once you do I find it very rewarding.
Much like the reviewer I never use the screen so it's always down. The Alpine sound system is amazing and if you get a car new enough to have the Apple Ipod connector (I believe it was on option 2007 onwards) you can connect a really good BT device that will stream your music in great quality and you can use your stereo/wheel buttons to control it.
There are three other main points with the car that does it for me: 1) the sound, especially with the roadster is just so damn good. According to me it's the best sounding V8 one can get, and that's on stock exhaust. I also love that if I don't push it it keeps the valve closed and it's a quiet smooth ride. 2) The looks - both external and internal are just gorgeous in my eye. I picked the older non-S because I think it looks a bit sleeker without the sideskirts and I actually prefer the older center console. The haptic one look OK but I hate haptic stuff. I've come out to my car parked in various places and seen people taking pictures of it so apparently I'm not alone in enjoying the looks! 3) Mechanically it's actually not that complicated and you can work on it yourself if you want to. As there are a lot of interchangeable parts with other manufacturers like Volvo and Ford some parts can be quite cheap as long as you don't buy it directly from Aston Martin and actually look around some first.
I've got more to say but this is already approaching book-sized comment so I am just going to stop myself, but damn, I love this car and even though I agree with all the faults mentioned in the video, I still prefer driving it over anything else.
Agreed and thanks for the advice on preserving the clutch, I thought my slower pull aways were preserving it but that makes sense. It actually can bunny hop if you get the timing of your launch wrong.
How easy the car is to work on is an advantage too yep, I have no worries about sending it to a local independent garage for changing sensors, thermostats etc and only need to go to a specialist for a few things (and servicing just for the sake of the stamp in the book).
I have a V12 VS with SS3 and carbon bucket seats. I drove quite a few cars (V8s and V12s) which helped a lot to make my choice. I didn’t like the normal sport seats. It felt like I was sitting on the seat rather than sitting in the seats. Don’t think there was near enough support. Also the V12 has the adaptive damping which again suits me better. Of course you can select a harder setting if the road surface allows this. I’ve had the car for nearly 5 years now and I can’t think of another car which I would prefer. I like that it’s a small car to place on the road and the sound and grunt of the V12 is biblical. I like the theatre of the ECU key and don’t find it a hassle. I don’t use my car daily so the ECU is either in the car or in my pocket. Not bothered with the ECU leather cover, I don’t see the point of it. Never use the transmission in D. It doesn’t drive well in D and you’re more in control in manual anyway. I rarely play music in the car too as I want to hear that V12. It’s not a car to use from A to B, it for getting from A back to A the long way round😉
Nice in-depth review, thank you. I have a 2010 4.7 manual, with sportspack. I live in Southeast London, an hour's drive (on average) from the M25 and the open road. I drove a car with sportshift before I found this one, but whilst it worked fine, I just felt it was missing the point. I have no problem with the manual gearbox and clutch in traffic, though I am told a twin-plate will make the clutch lighter. So it is ok in town, but it that is not what it is for: it comes alive out of town, on A roads and not-too-narrow B roads. ( I am old, btw, just about to collect my pension - maybe that's why I like a manual box). But from my perspective, on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, it is a great sportscar AND a GT - you get two cars for the price of one. My wife, who hates cars, actually likes coming in the this one. I can live with the poor visibility, and the not-very-good reversing (that is a pain), and the irritating key, but I love the analogue nature of the car. Whether you have a sportshift or a manual, do wring its neck from time to time: it goes like stink and sounds fabulous, and it probably won't kill you unless you are very silly. And one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Great value for money right now.
You're right, it really is a car that enjoying having you wring it's neck, that's when it comes alive.
I have Michelin Pilot Sport 4Ss on now and I can't wait for summer to really push the car on some big smooth roads.
Excellent review, with no bull and no bond!! nice one. . I've no issues with Sportshift, even in town. Equally, I never use it in D mode, always shifting manually, and I leave the car constantly in 'Sport' mode. I used to constantly put it in N (via the paddles) when stopped, but now don't bother. Clutch is still fine. It's *not* an automatic, and anyone who expects it to work like one will be sorely dissapointed. - Std seats are awful for sure - get a car with lightweight sports seats if poss. Finally.....tyres...they are so sensitive to tyre choice.......every Vantage (S and non-S) owner I know ends up with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 or 4S.......they transform the car, both in terms of ride and wet handling. In short, the OEM bridgstones are over-rigid (for road use) and best binned ASAP. With an older car, you might balk at the cost of Bilstein adaptive dampers, but don't discount the non-adpative Bilsteins - the modern dampers will be 100% better than the old OEM ones, and not stupidly expensive - I know a few folk who have put them on both pre- and post bilstein cars, and enjoyed the difference!.
Yep I have PS4S on mine and they are excellent. Thanks for the tip on the dampers, I'll look in to it.
I brought my V8 manual as a retirement present to myself eight years ago and haven't regretted it one bit. I use her as a daily drive and still get a buzz everytime I look at or drive her. Found her to be reliable and great fun to drive. Shes comfortable and good for long road trips too - 2,500 miles in a week around Europe.
I absolutely love mine, I have Öhlins adjustable dampers as well, good carbon seats
Sounds like you have the dream spec car
I've always wanted an Aston, was thinking about a DB9 for a while, but was put off after driving one on a track experience day. I'm fairly short, and found the high scuttle and window waistline made it very difficult to judge placement of the car on the road. Also,it felt very heavy, and not particularly quick. Then it was suggested that I look at a V8 Vantage. My budget was up to £40k. I had driven a recent AMG engined one on track and quite liked it, but my budget would only get a much older car. This was to be my main car, not just a weekend toy. What I ended up with is a car you didn't mention as an alternative, a Jaguar F-Type. I bought a 2018 V6S, and find it the perfect balance of usability and fun. The 8 speed ZF auto box works really well around town in auto mode, but responds well to manual shifts with the paddles. The upgrade performance seats are really comfortable and supportive. Visibility feels a lot better forward and to the sides, and its less intimidating. Boot space is reasonable for this type of car, and economy is pretty good too, averaging high 20s and easily into low 30s on long motorway trips.
Yes F-type is an excellent shout. I'd also have the V6 if it were me. I've never driven one but the fact that Jeremy Clarkson only owns 3 cars, a Range Rover, Alfa Romeo GTV6 and an F-Type V6 convertible says a lot.
Thanks for this complete & honest review. In town do you always drive it with the paddles in sport mode?
Yes, you really have to because in auto mode you don’t know when the car is going to shift up and therefore you can’t lift off the throttle so it lurches. You could take it out of sport mode but all that really achieves is slower shifts.
F Type Jaguar would be a good alternative.I've had a 2017 car for a few months with 18000 miles .Nice car.
I've had a 16' V8 S for about a year. Mine with a sportshift too, I love the transmission and car. But I could not drive this as a daily, it's my weekender. I drove it down from New York to Florida and getting stuck in NYC traffic while learning how to use the single clutch auto was the most horrific experience I have had in a car lol
This car and transmission (like any single clutch auto) is NOT enjoyable in traffic, it is perfect for sweeping roads, highways etc. I also have an F430 with the F1 trans, and I could not see myself getting rid of either.
Yep, it's very frustrating, yet as you say, so rewarding when driving fast.
If it were avalable could someone retrofit the autos with newer gear boxes?
@@huyra8019 I don't think so. But there are lightweight flywheel options which hugely improves the gearbox.
I love the Sportshift gearbox. Ok, mine is a V12S and I avoid town driving, but the car is a great drive. Seats are fine for me, and the overall theatre is wonderful. Sounds like you might be better off with a small automatic.
Try a manual box car. With Bamford Rose clutch and power upgrade. Different animal ❤
sportshit is a nightmare in town, it is always trying to guess what gear you want, you are in danger of riding the clutch. The dealer told me the record for a clutch burnout was 2 weeks.
Have the V8 Roadster SS version which is perfect for our roads in Cape Town and surrounds, especially with the top down. We have glorious mountain passes and beautiful coastal routes injected with the sound of that V8 reverberating, and of course, great weather most of the year. (In rush hour traffic, have to agree with you but what car is a joy to drive in stop-start traffic?) In all, the Roadster puts a smile on my face. And I wouldn't want to change it for a 911... that's boy racer territory (and there are so many around.)
I got over these problems with double plate clutch, lightweight flywheel and software update
Nice, I think I will be doing that upgrade
I’ve got an N430 w/ sportshift, generally agree with your comments but the carbon lightweight seats do transform the car at high speed - really grip you into the car and actually v comfortable over long distances. The sports seats as you say have no support and I found myself getting weird back pains!
Yeah the seats really aren't for everyone. The bucket seats are so so rare and even when they do come up for sale they are £4k for the set.
But I'd definitely snap up a car with them if I was in the market for a Vantage
Not necessarily a bad purchase if you keep the original seats… wouldn’t lose money on them when the time came to sell I don’t think.
You need to try an Aston with ADS. The ride is way better and the handling and control is very good.
I’m looking at the 4.7 V8 Vantage, the Lexus RC F and the V8 R8. Any opinions?
Unfortunately I haven't driven either of those.
I still think the RC F won't hold it's value unlike the others if that bothers you. I've been told the GS F is actually the better car and worth waiting for one of those to come in to your price bracket.
The R8 is an icon, if you get a gated manual it will hold money and be very engaging to drive. I'd love to own one one day. They're also very reliable with only the magnaride to worry about, I also think the engine mounts are an expensive part to replace. It doesn't have as much storage space compared to the others, but between the 3 I'd go for the R8.
I’ve had a Vantage and Virage.Bought an LC 500 and found it to be a more pleasant ownership experience. Loved the Astons which were relatively dependable but when there were problems it was expensive and troublesome. The Lc is an equal or better car and the warranty is a deal breaker.
@@johnrooney355 Ooooooh LC500 is definitely a good comparison. Especially now they're around £45k - £50k for the cheaper ones. I loved everything about that car, except for the small storage space but I suppose you can use the back seats.
I think I will own one of those at some point.
@@fullyplantd Hmm, thank you for your response and for giving me a few things to consider. I am primarily looking for something that looks striking, has a naturally aspirated V8, and that is engaging to drive and it seems like I definitely need to go and have a good look at an R8.
@@johnrooney355 In what aspects would you say the LC is better than the Vantage? Maintenance costs aren’t a factor if that is one of them.
Sport mode and manual mode was fine for me around town (V12S) 👍
Hmm, I think the V12 has a lighter flywheel which might help.
The thing about pretty much any Aston is that developing a well rounded sports car is an expensive business and the one thing that Aston have never had is much money. So the results are always cars that are compromised in ways that a Porsche or a Ferrari are not. Some people like that, especially if it is a second or third car. For others, it's a automatic fail.
Yeah, I said in another vid that focussing on buying the car that is the best car can put you on the hedonic treadmill and you’re never satisfied. So to love a car for its flaws is a good way to be.
The latest Vanquish is getting rave reviews so it would be awesome to see Aston start competing with Ferrari and have a good run before we all go electric.
Great review! Love Aston Martins, but they're tied to an old rich man/007 image, expensive, and costly to repair. Not as fun to drive as a 911 or McLaren but stylish. My BMW 840D Coupe is a great GT for daily use, fuel-efficient, and powerful enough. Astons are about the image of a refined yet rebellious gentleman. If I win the lottery, I'd get a 4-5 year old DB11 V12.
I have been around quite a few Astons from DB9 DB11 and DB12 and i think very over rated and its the Bond Connection which makes them special in the eyes of owners But we all dont live 007 lives what ever that is I have owned a number of Jag Xks and i find pound for pound they are built better and drive better and cost a lot less to own and are far more comfotable
I've owned a few Jags. The only let down is that a lot of them had the ZF6 and ZF8 gearbox and it's so slow and slushy that it took away a lot of the enjoyment from the car.
@@fullyplantd I have never found the XK slow But I know what you mean the Aston is much more aggressive I do really long road trips and Aston and XK are GT cars There not sports cars I drove a DB11 a few weeks ago and it just wants to kill you and you cant dial it down
@@Jeffybonbon I've heard that about the DB11. My friend had one and hated it, they got the handling completely wrong but I've heard the V8 was better. Then supposedly a handling expert from Lotus joined Aston Martin mid-way through the DB11's lifecycle and his first port of call was to fix the handling which is why they brought out the AMR variant. The V8s were never so bad as they didn't have as much weight over the front.
One of the cars that is way our my price range but fascinates me is the DBS Ultimate Edition. It's £300,000 instead of £120,000 for a regular Superleggera, yet everyone raves about it as if Aston completely nailed the handling on it and it's the one to buy.
I would love to have a go in one.
@@PutSomeDsonThatBlink I do like DB12 Aston have really made a nice car but they ar Pricy 170k at present for a GT car which is as good as Aston and made better is the Lexus LC the japs have copied the XK and Aston and made it better and far more reliable Going to a lexus service department is a Joy they really know how to treat customers and with every service they give a years free warranty a year ago they were co located with Aston in Newcastle and i spoke to both sets of technicians in general the Lexus was there only for a service when you look at the Aston side of the workshop it was full of repairs it was amazing to see the cars side by side in the workshops Aston should be better than Lexus for service for such a high end car but they are not I was in Monaco and there royal family use Lexus go and look at Lexus they really are a cut above in every aspect other than name badge
@@PutSomeDsonThatBlinknot true. Matt Becker (ex Lotus) was responsible for the plush ride of the original DB11 V12. It was well received at launch, journos subsequently amended their view with the launch of the lighter V8 variant with slightly stiffened chassis a year later. The AMR was exactly the same car as the original V12 but with the V8s stiffer subframe bushes, an updated suite of software, nicer wheels and some cosmetic tweaks.