R8 V10 Plus, Aston Martin Vantage/DB11/Porsche 911
Discussion
Hi, I am after some opinions, whilst I appreciate they are sports cars and not super cars could I get any owner's opinions? I am in the £90k ball pack and will be using finance, probably over 36 months, has anyone any real World experiences or tips before I choose one?
Porsche 911
R8 V10
Aston Vantage/DB11
thanks
Andrew
Porsche 911
R8 V10
Aston Vantage/DB11
thanks
Andrew
I’ve had a few 911’s , a few Vantages ( both V8 and V12 ) and currently have a V10 R8 and a GT8 Vantage.
I’ll never sell the GT8 but as a daily the R8 is pretty good fun.
It’s certainly more reliable and less niggles than on my V12 Aston.
It’s quieter ( this is a negative ).
I enjoyed my 911 ownership but you’ll feel far more special in the Aston - handling is subjective but I never tracked any of them other than the GT3 version so for the road neither will disappoint.
If going the main dealer route I would suggest the Aston experience will be better.
But there’s a lot of models out there so enjoy the test drives and make your own mind up.
I’ll never sell the GT8 but as a daily the R8 is pretty good fun.
It’s certainly more reliable and less niggles than on my V12 Aston.
It’s quieter ( this is a negative ).
I enjoyed my 911 ownership but you’ll feel far more special in the Aston - handling is subjective but I never tracked any of them other than the GT3 version so for the road neither will disappoint.
If going the main dealer route I would suggest the Aston experience will be better.
But there’s a lot of models out there so enjoy the test drives and make your own mind up.
I've had a couple, although older / cheaper than the ones you're considering.
Had a mapped 996 turbo for 5 or 6 years and added 40k miles to it. Very fast but I also found it pretty dull. No character, no soul.
Replaced by a V8 vantage which I kept for 4 years. Much slower (mine was 4.3) but I loved it and never considered going back to a 911. It was gorgeous and just felt special. Was a very happy owner.
However, since you mentioned R8 I'll throw another car into the mix.....
I replaced the Vantage with a McLaren 650 Spider. Much as I loved the Aston, the McLaren was better at virtually everything. Much more comfortable - the most comfortable car I've owned in fact. Much easier to drive around town. No worse fuel consumption. No more expensive to run. And obviously a supercar when you want it to be.
I was genuinely surprised at how much better as an all round car it was (luggage space being the exception).
£90k puts you not too far short of 650 Spiders, and must put you in 650 coupe territory - plus 12Cs are a bit less. McLarens are insane value for money in my opinion. If you fancy an R8 I'd definitely add McLaren to the list unless they're really not your thing for some reason.
Had a mapped 996 turbo for 5 or 6 years and added 40k miles to it. Very fast but I also found it pretty dull. No character, no soul.
Replaced by a V8 vantage which I kept for 4 years. Much slower (mine was 4.3) but I loved it and never considered going back to a 911. It was gorgeous and just felt special. Was a very happy owner.
However, since you mentioned R8 I'll throw another car into the mix.....
I replaced the Vantage with a McLaren 650 Spider. Much as I loved the Aston, the McLaren was better at virtually everything. Much more comfortable - the most comfortable car I've owned in fact. Much easier to drive around town. No worse fuel consumption. No more expensive to run. And obviously a supercar when you want it to be.
I was genuinely surprised at how much better as an all round car it was (luggage space being the exception).
£90k puts you not too far short of 650 Spiders, and must put you in 650 coupe territory - plus 12Cs are a bit less. McLarens are insane value for money in my opinion. If you fancy an R8 I'd definitely add McLaren to the list unless they're really not your thing for some reason.
andymc said:
the odd commute to work, mainly a Sunday car
DB11 is aimed at the grand touring market. Not to say it can’t be used for other duties but it’s in its element doing longer journeys. Very different choice to your others. 911. Hmm. I admire Porsches but have never managed to love them. I’ve had a 996TT, a Panamera and a GT4. I find them highly functional - like an extremely well crafted tool. But they’ve never managed to get under my skin emotionally. The GT4 came closest, but still went the way of the others.
V10 R8. I’ve had the V10 in an S8. Great, great engine. One of life’s joys. I think the sweet spot is a Plus around 2014 with the s-tronic box and bucket seats. You get the less fussy design of the gen 1 car with a light makeover.
Vantage. Don’t get the current shape V8 with the basking shark front end - please. For £90k you’re looking at a V12 Vantage S with the 7s sports shift. This is a car that will stir your heart. It’s the only car I’ve had that I have been completely happy to enjoy whilst stuck in slow moving London traffic. Because it’s a V12 Aston.
Another candidate at that money if you have a DB11 in mind: the 8 speed AM Vanquish from late 2014-2017. A more GT proposition. But achingly pretty. And not slow.
Merc AMG. Lovely burble but not good looking to me. “Generic” is the word that comes to mind, which may be grossly unfair but there it is.
As has also been mentioned, a Mclaren is an option too at that price point. I think the 12C is aging looks-wise much better than the later cars - again, personal thing. I considered one but in the end bottled due to the reliability rumours (I’m really not looking to open up that debate!).
Vantage. Don’t get the current shape V8 with the basking shark front end - please. For £90k you’re looking at a V12 Vantage S with the 7s sports shift. This is a car that will stir your heart. It’s the only car I’ve had that I have been completely happy to enjoy whilst stuck in slow moving London traffic. Because it’s a V12 Aston.
This x 100.
Bought mine earlier this year and it's absolutely as described above.
This x 100.
Bought mine earlier this year and it's absolutely as described above.
When it comes to the Aston's the V12 S is the pick at your price point:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207228...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206096...
If you like a GT then take a look at the LC500:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207308...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207228...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206096...
If you like a GT then take a look at the LC500:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207308...
BlackWidow13 said:
andymc said:
the odd commute to work, mainly a Sunday car
DB11 is aimed at the grand touring market. Not to say it can’t be used for other duties but it’s in its element doing longer journeys. Very different choice to your others. 911. Hmm. I admire Porsches but have never managed to love them. I’ve had a 996TT, a Panamera and a GT4. I find them highly functional - like an extremely well crafted tool. But they’ve never managed to get under my skin emotionally. The GT4 came closest, but still went the way of the others.
V10 R8. I’ve had the V10 in an S8. Great, great engine. One of life’s joys. I think the sweet spot is a Plus around 2014 with the s-tronic box and bucket seats. You get the less fussy design of the gen 1 car with a light makeover.
Vantage. Don’t get the current shape V8 with the basking shark front end - please. For £90k you’re looking at a V12 Vantage S with the 7s sports shift. This is a car that will stir your heart. It’s the only car I’ve had that I have been completely happy to enjoy whilst stuck in slow moving London traffic. Because it’s a V12 Aston.
Another candidate at that money if you have a DB11 in mind: the 8 speed AM Vanquish from late 2014-2017. A more GT proposition. But achingly pretty. And not slow.
Merc AMG. Lovely burble but not good looking to me. “Generic” is the word that comes to mind, which may be grossly unfair but there it is.
As has also been mentioned, a Mclaren is an option too at that price point. I think the 12C is aging looks-wise much better than the later cars - again, personal thing. I considered one but in the end bottled due to the reliability rumours (I’m really not looking to open up that debate!).
The V12 Vantage that Zx posted above would be my go-to choice here, absolute beauty of a car and the sound of that engine is like aural gold.
Having said that, the huge failure of the DB11 makes the current prices feels like an absolute bargain in comparison to the others. JayEmm did a video a few weeks ago where he's tried to give it a bit of a bashing and ended up quite liking it for the pricepoint.
Link for anyone curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR91tOhZRTo
Having said that, the huge failure of the DB11 makes the current prices feels like an absolute bargain in comparison to the others. JayEmm did a video a few weeks ago where he's tried to give it a bit of a bashing and ended up quite liking it for the pricepoint.
Link for anyone curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR91tOhZRTo
andymc said:
great post. mclaren scares me but i do like the current shape vantage
Fair enough.Only thing I'd say is that I had similar concerns before buying mine 3 years ago. After 3 years of ownership (one without warranty since it was perfectly reliable) I'm now in the market for another car and my view has changed enough that McLaren are the only brand I'm considering at that price point.
J1990 said:
The V12 Vantage that Zx posted above would be my go-to choice here, absolute beauty of a car and the sound of that engine is like aural gold.
Having said that, the huge failure of the DB11 makes the current prices feels like an absolute bargain in comparison to the others. JayEmm did a video a few weeks ago where he's tried to give it a bit of a bashing and ended up quite liking it for the pricepoint.
Link for anyone curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR91tOhZRTo
indeed, I watched itHaving said that, the huge failure of the DB11 makes the current prices feels like an absolute bargain in comparison to the others. JayEmm did a video a few weeks ago where he's tried to give it a bit of a bashing and ended up quite liking it for the pricepoint.
Link for anyone curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR91tOhZRTo
This is a really interesting Price point as it leaves you with quite a few options - the downside is that it also makes it harder.
So I have a few questions which may make things worse but anyway - What is truly important to you in this car?
Number one is gearbox? - If you want a manual then its available on 2-5. But realistically most people pick auto, and Id argue all the cars are now set up that way - you wont find a manual 4) in your budget.
Is it noise?
Is it throttle response? ( EG NA or Turbo - with that do you want immediate/imperceptible like a 488 or delay like a 12c/f40)
Is it handling?
Is it being the fastest point A to B? (If its this buy a 991.1 or 991.2 turbo s I genuinely dont think theres anything quicker without spending a lot more or compromising in an area - but its just an effective machine rather than stirring the soul)
Do you want the best steering feel?
Do you want the best looking? (this is somewhat subjective)
Before my list I have excluded anything thats more than say 7 years old due to the inevitable finance issues involved with pcps etc.
This isn't professional advice - take it with a bucket of salt (you'll need it) and this is just one mans opinions.
This would be my list:
1) Mclaren 570S (650s an alternative older and has the trick hydraulic suspension if you fancy it - id want a spider as no loss on torsional rigidity due to carbon tub which is where mclaren have the convertible competition absolutely licked for rigidity imo)
2) Audi R8 V10 +
3) Porsche 911 - 991.2 GTS (when out of warranty can be mapped as can mclaren for some pretty rediculous gains too if that is your thing).
4) Porsche 911 - 992 Carrera S
5) Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Sportshift 3
6) New Shape Aston Martin v8 Vantage (Twin exhausts at rear sound much better)
1) Easily the most dynamic out of the lot, with the best steering too - arguably the most supercar looks. Needs a sports or MSO exhaust to sound right, look out for extended carbon paddles, and the single piece drivers screen which I think is 16/16 on (early cars were like a 3 piece screen) small detail but would drive me crackers.
I'd want an inspection or a warranty for piece of mind. turn in and steering feel one of the best in a modern car as it was still hydraulic - think of it as lotus feel with a rocket engine shoved up its arse and a better interior.
2) Most stable being AWD, great noise and gearbox. Good interior, built well. Plus is worth the extra in coupe form , different wheels, 600+ bhp, ceramics as standard etc. Also note that the interior can come with buckets or the adaptive sports seats - If the latter look for seat quilting. B and O a nice touch if you like music too.
3) Best of both worlds IMO, needs both interior packs (so a contrast stitching in white/silver or red on the seats and on the dash), PDK suits the car and one of the best dcts on the planet imo.
4) If you want the slightly newer interior - needs PSE and maybe sports design so 2 exhausts rather than the odd sounding 4. I actually prefer the external shape of the 991.2 but thats personal prefence.
5) Arguably the prettiest of all the options - the English brutes in a suit, fab sound. Older interior, most character of the lot. Big engine in a relatively small car. Proper experience and one of the best car soundtracks there are. (2nd to mclaren in 'specialness' id say). Character in buckets. A proper drivers car. Will bite, but that noise is something expensive and special.
6) Slightly newer, flexible amg engine. Looks subjective, interiors generally are dull, tech like the v12 is old. Looks are subjective - I like them though!
Quite a few points but just generic observations. Ultimately opinions are like you know what - everyone has one!
but ultimately sod all of us its you that matter. Id say try and get lower ownership too but just be aware that most at this level change more often not less often as people with money seem to get bored or circumstances change etc. Quite common to see 5 owners in 5 years for example - in most other markets this would be a big red flag!
Will be interesting to see other peoples thoughts and happy to be corrected or contrasting opinions to the above.
Or anything else to consider - for example I have left off the Maserati Granturismo which is one of the prettiest and best sounding v8s ever, but showing its age and slow. DB11 is flawed, not that pretty or dynamic its a heavy lump for when youre 60+ taking it easy (although they are bloody quick) same for Bentley Gtv8S which is another good 4 seat car (if you need genuine 4 adult seats the bentley is only option btw).
Sorry if this is long or boring everyone!
So I have a few questions which may make things worse but anyway - What is truly important to you in this car?
Number one is gearbox? - If you want a manual then its available on 2-5. But realistically most people pick auto, and Id argue all the cars are now set up that way - you wont find a manual 4) in your budget.
Is it noise?
Is it throttle response? ( EG NA or Turbo - with that do you want immediate/imperceptible like a 488 or delay like a 12c/f40)
Is it handling?
Is it being the fastest point A to B? (If its this buy a 991.1 or 991.2 turbo s I genuinely dont think theres anything quicker without spending a lot more or compromising in an area - but its just an effective machine rather than stirring the soul)
Do you want the best steering feel?
Do you want the best looking? (this is somewhat subjective)
Before my list I have excluded anything thats more than say 7 years old due to the inevitable finance issues involved with pcps etc.
This isn't professional advice - take it with a bucket of salt (you'll need it) and this is just one mans opinions.
This would be my list:
1) Mclaren 570S (650s an alternative older and has the trick hydraulic suspension if you fancy it - id want a spider as no loss on torsional rigidity due to carbon tub which is where mclaren have the convertible competition absolutely licked for rigidity imo)
2) Audi R8 V10 +
3) Porsche 911 - 991.2 GTS (when out of warranty can be mapped as can mclaren for some pretty rediculous gains too if that is your thing).
4) Porsche 911 - 992 Carrera S
5) Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Sportshift 3
6) New Shape Aston Martin v8 Vantage (Twin exhausts at rear sound much better)
1) Easily the most dynamic out of the lot, with the best steering too - arguably the most supercar looks. Needs a sports or MSO exhaust to sound right, look out for extended carbon paddles, and the single piece drivers screen which I think is 16/16 on (early cars were like a 3 piece screen) small detail but would drive me crackers.
I'd want an inspection or a warranty for piece of mind. turn in and steering feel one of the best in a modern car as it was still hydraulic - think of it as lotus feel with a rocket engine shoved up its arse and a better interior.
2) Most stable being AWD, great noise and gearbox. Good interior, built well. Plus is worth the extra in coupe form , different wheels, 600+ bhp, ceramics as standard etc. Also note that the interior can come with buckets or the adaptive sports seats - If the latter look for seat quilting. B and O a nice touch if you like music too.
3) Best of both worlds IMO, needs both interior packs (so a contrast stitching in white/silver or red on the seats and on the dash), PDK suits the car and one of the best dcts on the planet imo.
4) If you want the slightly newer interior - needs PSE and maybe sports design so 2 exhausts rather than the odd sounding 4. I actually prefer the external shape of the 991.2 but thats personal prefence.
5) Arguably the prettiest of all the options - the English brutes in a suit, fab sound. Older interior, most character of the lot. Big engine in a relatively small car. Proper experience and one of the best car soundtracks there are. (2nd to mclaren in 'specialness' id say). Character in buckets. A proper drivers car. Will bite, but that noise is something expensive and special.
6) Slightly newer, flexible amg engine. Looks subjective, interiors generally are dull, tech like the v12 is old. Looks are subjective - I like them though!
Quite a few points but just generic observations. Ultimately opinions are like you know what - everyone has one!
but ultimately sod all of us its you that matter. Id say try and get lower ownership too but just be aware that most at this level change more often not less often as people with money seem to get bored or circumstances change etc. Quite common to see 5 owners in 5 years for example - in most other markets this would be a big red flag! Will be interesting to see other peoples thoughts and happy to be corrected or contrasting opinions to the above.
Or anything else to consider - for example I have left off the Maserati Granturismo which is one of the prettiest and best sounding v8s ever, but showing its age and slow. DB11 is flawed, not that pretty or dynamic its a heavy lump for when youre 60+ taking it easy (although they are bloody quick) same for Bentley Gtv8S which is another good 4 seat car (if you need genuine 4 adult seats the bentley is only option btw).
Sorry if this is long or boring everyone!
Edited by mattf93 on Tuesday 27th September 23:19
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