2012 V8 Vantage S
Discussion
Currently trying to convince myself that I should look at one of these over a 997.2.
What should I be looking for?
I like the look of the first one. They are the only 2 within 1600 miles.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2012-asto...
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2016-asto...
Will add to an old Boxster, and a new Macan.
What should I be looking for?
I like the look of the first one. They are the only 2 within 1600 miles.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2012-asto...
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2016-asto...
Will add to an old Boxster, and a new Macan.
Apparently blocked from accessing either link.....but none the less i can offer a personal opinion as to why i recently chose a V8V roadster over other similar cars.
I had on the short list:
R8 V10 spyder
Ferrari California 30 and T
Lexus LC500 convertible
Merc AMG GT roadster
The porker never made the short list as frankly i can not stand the 911. I am sure they are great to drive, but i don't drive at the limits all the time and thus i want something that is also rewarding off the track and on the road all of the time.....the porkers today are just not that in my book. + i think they look bloated in convertible guise. I also think the Boxster is a better car
Audi was only a theatre to drive when really on it, and failed as a GT......but what an engine
Ferrari was surprisingly good in both types, but i did not need the extra seats and it looked a bit odd....it was a close 2nd mind. T was far better, but my heart said 30 as i love an NA engine. value wise they seemed off the mark a little as well.
Lexus was good, but not special.
Merc was extremely fast and capable but was to all intents just a merc.....lacked drama at normal speeds. Also i would/did tire of the endless fake popping and banging for no good reason. Also turbo motor whilst ruthlessly efficient was also not exactly sonorous. That said you could live with it easily and do big miles.
V8V become more obvious. Factor in the revy nature of the car and the ability to be a good GT, sports car and rewarding at any speed....I just fell in love.
I had on the short list:
R8 V10 spyder
Ferrari California 30 and T
Lexus LC500 convertible
Merc AMG GT roadster
The porker never made the short list as frankly i can not stand the 911. I am sure they are great to drive, but i don't drive at the limits all the time and thus i want something that is also rewarding off the track and on the road all of the time.....the porkers today are just not that in my book. + i think they look bloated in convertible guise. I also think the Boxster is a better car
Audi was only a theatre to drive when really on it, and failed as a GT......but what an engine
Ferrari was surprisingly good in both types, but i did not need the extra seats and it looked a bit odd....it was a close 2nd mind. T was far better, but my heart said 30 as i love an NA engine. value wise they seemed off the mark a little as well.
Lexus was good, but not special.
Merc was extremely fast and capable but was to all intents just a merc.....lacked drama at normal speeds. Also i would/did tire of the endless fake popping and banging for no good reason. Also turbo motor whilst ruthlessly efficient was also not exactly sonorous. That said you could live with it easily and do big miles.
V8V become more obvious. Factor in the revy nature of the car and the ability to be a good GT, sports car and rewarding at any speed....I just fell in love.
Edited by markcoopers on Tuesday 3rd February 17:42
Neither link work for me either.
What model years are they?
If VH platform cars, make sure the rear subframe is in good order, makes sure the timing chest seal has been done, if not there are no leaks from it. This is not exactly and engine out job but it is virtually 2 days of labour for a relatively cheap seal. Have the car inspected (if you can) and use this in negotiation with the seller if they find issues.
Might be worth asking about clutch life, single plate units don't like reversing up hill. If you go for a replacement, get the twin plate clutch, it's the same price as the factory single plate but so much better in pedal feel and life.
There are loads of threads on here about what to look for so try a search and see what else comes up.
What model years are they?
If VH platform cars, make sure the rear subframe is in good order, makes sure the timing chest seal has been done, if not there are no leaks from it. This is not exactly and engine out job but it is virtually 2 days of labour for a relatively cheap seal. Have the car inspected (if you can) and use this in negotiation with the seller if they find issues.
Might be worth asking about clutch life, single plate units don't like reversing up hill. If you go for a replacement, get the twin plate clutch, it's the same price as the factory single plate but so much better in pedal feel and life.
There are loads of threads on here about what to look for so try a search and see what else comes up.
Hi,
I literally have a 2012 V8V S and I love it! It’s just ticked over to 60k. I do roughly 8000 miles per year and have had it just over 2 years.
I agree with everything above, but I would also suggest checking the front and rear lights are in perfect working order and free from condensation (unlikely) but it may help with negotiation. Also, check the disc and pad wear. You’ll have the larger brake kit which is very expensive to replace. Although there are other options out there, such as those from Rich at Redpantslol. Check the door, bonnet and boot struts are firmly assisting with the weight. They are fairly cheap and easy to replace though. Make sure you’re happy with the firm ride. Bridge stone tyres are shocking. I found Michelin pilot sport 4s were more comfy, quiet and offered fantastic grip.
Good luck and if you go for it, I hope you’re as happy as I am with mine. It’s a car you can’t help but look back at as you walk away.
Kind regards,
John
I literally have a 2012 V8V S and I love it! It’s just ticked over to 60k. I do roughly 8000 miles per year and have had it just over 2 years.
I agree with everything above, but I would also suggest checking the front and rear lights are in perfect working order and free from condensation (unlikely) but it may help with negotiation. Also, check the disc and pad wear. You’ll have the larger brake kit which is very expensive to replace. Although there are other options out there, such as those from Rich at Redpantslol. Check the door, bonnet and boot struts are firmly assisting with the weight. They are fairly cheap and easy to replace though. Make sure you’re happy with the firm ride. Bridge stone tyres are shocking. I found Michelin pilot sport 4s were more comfy, quiet and offered fantastic grip.
Good luck and if you go for it, I hope you’re as happy as I am with mine. It’s a car you can’t help but look back at as you walk away.
Kind regards,
John
Strange that the links don't work for some, but thanks for the details.
The first is
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Auto MY12
Marron Black, 52k km, $120k
To me, it looks nicer, but the seats are odd, like they came out of another car after (but heated, so should be OEM)
Second
2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT Manual MY16
Grey, 39k km, $155k
Newer haptic dash, but boring grey and manual.
The auto would make it easier for others to drive.
The first is
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Auto MY12
Marron Black, 52k km, $120k
To me, it looks nicer, but the seats are odd, like they came out of another car after (but heated, so should be OEM)
Second
2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT Manual MY16
Grey, 39k km, $155k
Newer haptic dash, but boring grey and manual.
The auto would make it easier for others to drive.
Comfort... I've recently been car shopping too but my partner has back problems, so comfort has to be my starting point (this would be a road-trip car for us).
I've been seriously looking at the Vanquish and the V12 Vantage but no matter how much we adjust the seat, she just can't get comfortable. We have the same problem with my DB9, so given the choice of a road-trip in the DB9 or TVR Cerbera, it's the Cerbera every time.
Annoyingly, we called into the Porsche garage, sat in a GT4 and the '18 way adjustable comfort seats' fitted her like a glove.
<sigh>
M
I've been seriously looking at the Vanquish and the V12 Vantage but no matter how much we adjust the seat, she just can't get comfortable. We have the same problem with my DB9, so given the choice of a road-trip in the DB9 or TVR Cerbera, it's the Cerbera every time.
Annoyingly, we called into the Porsche garage, sat in a GT4 and the '18 way adjustable comfort seats' fitted her like a glove.
<sigh>
M
if your question was 997 or V8V, very different and you seem like a Porsche guy...
the 911 is the benchmark for every manufacturer...its hard to beat its driving experience. the VH V8V is certainly capable and i prefer it as a GT car with exotic looks and some scoot when wanted, but it is not a quick car and you feel its heft when pushed. the 911 is surefooted and nimble and precise. and common. however no purchase is forever and if you aren't happy you can always change cars whatever your choice...
if your question is which version...
i currently have the 4.7 sportshift (pre-facelift as i prefer the elegant purity)
some hate the SS1 but i dig it. it becomes a subconcious game to sync the gas with the shift
i like its nonadjustable Bilsteins, non-turbo, non-DI-related problems.
the 4TT has more power and is very pretty too (haven't driven it though)
some like the GT
if your question is how to inspect an AM pre-purchase, there is tons of info and videos on Google
the 911 is the benchmark for every manufacturer...its hard to beat its driving experience. the VH V8V is certainly capable and i prefer it as a GT car with exotic looks and some scoot when wanted, but it is not a quick car and you feel its heft when pushed. the 911 is surefooted and nimble and precise. and common. however no purchase is forever and if you aren't happy you can always change cars whatever your choice...
if your question is which version...
i currently have the 4.7 sportshift (pre-facelift as i prefer the elegant purity)
some hate the SS1 but i dig it. it becomes a subconcious game to sync the gas with the shift
i like its nonadjustable Bilsteins, non-turbo, non-DI-related problems.
the 4TT has more power and is very pretty too (haven't driven it though)
some like the GT
if your question is how to inspect an AM pre-purchase, there is tons of info and videos on Google
Edited by ragingfool on Wednesday 4th February 01:35
Being that I am Australia, here you go:
I would go for the manual and remove the decals (they are just stickers on the GT). Manuals are rare in later models but the price usually reflects that. Anyone that thinks it isn t quick is either an idiot or doesn t understand how naturally aspirated engines work. They are an absolute event to drive. 997 is a much better driver s car than newer 911s but still nowhere near as much of an occasion as these.
I would go for the manual and remove the decals (they are just stickers on the GT). Manuals are rare in later models but the price usually reflects that. Anyone that thinks it isn t quick is either an idiot or doesn t understand how naturally aspirated engines work. They are an absolute event to drive. 997 is a much better driver s car than newer 911s but still nowhere near as much of an occasion as these.
Edited by Davil on Wednesday 4th February 01:31
camel_landy said:
Comfort... I've recently been car shopping too but my partner has back problems, so comfort has to be my starting point (this would be a road-trip car for us).
I've been seriously looking at the Vanquish and the V12 Vantage but no matter how much we adjust the seat, she just can't get comfortable. We have the same problem with my DB9, so given the choice of a road-trip in the DB9 or TVR Cerbera, it's the Cerbera every time.
Annoyingly, we called into the Porsche garage, sat in a GT4 and the '18 way adjustable comfort seats' fitted her like a glove.
<sigh>
M
They are some of the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in as far as back pain. The trick is to adjust the seat so that she gets full thigh support. The back pain comes from lack of thigh support. Once you do that she’ll be just fine. I've been seriously looking at the Vanquish and the V12 Vantage but no matter how much we adjust the seat, she just can't get comfortable. We have the same problem with my DB9, so given the choice of a road-trip in the DB9 or TVR Cerbera, it's the Cerbera every time.
Annoyingly, we called into the Porsche garage, sat in a GT4 and the '18 way adjustable comfort seats' fitted her like a glove.
<sigh>
M
Bibbs, the 997.2 is a great car. The V8V is a great car and event. I wrote this a few years ago if you're interested:
https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/the-cas...
If the link doesn't work, Google "the case for the V8 Vantage" and you should find it.
https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/the-cas...
If the link doesn't work, Google "the case for the V8 Vantage" and you should find it.
Oddly enough I watched this last night comparing a 997, slightly older Vantage (pre some of the nice things that the S got) & an Audi R8 V8. Some of the minor issues they mention on the Aston are solved on the GT on your list, better brakes, better interior, better handling etc. Oh yes, the 997 broke down. All nice cars. The one I expected to win did.
https://youtu.be/A3WiHOsrkk8?si=BP44GPO_E5Ecu9R-
https://youtu.be/A3WiHOsrkk8?si=BP44GPO_E5Ecu9R-
I've driven both the AM V8V from that generation and the 997 gen2. In my view, the 997 is a proper 'Sports car' but the Aston is a 'GT car'.
Interior-wise the Aston is a nicer place to sit, but for me it's all about the driving experience and unlike new 911's, with the 997, you do NOT need to be driving at crazy speeds to enjoy the handling and precise steering.
To be honest, driving the Aston felt like a boat in comparison.
Interior-wise the Aston is a nicer place to sit, but for me it's all about the driving experience and unlike new 911's, with the 997, you do NOT need to be driving at crazy speeds to enjoy the handling and precise steering.
To be honest, driving the Aston felt like a boat in comparison.
My first Aston was an SP10 special edition which was basically a V8S with quite a few additions.
Not sure whether they were sold in Aus ?
Manual , comfort suspension.
It replaced a 997.2 C4 GTS which in turn had replaced a 997.2 C2S.
Other than the obvious weight and size differentials completely different experience both in terms of driving and ownership.
During this time I also had a 997.2 GT3 which remained my “ toy “ which in itself was a far different car to either of the other 911’s and hence always felt much more special.
Not sure whether they were sold in Aus ?
Manual , comfort suspension.
It replaced a 997.2 C4 GTS which in turn had replaced a 997.2 C2S.
Other than the obvious weight and size differentials completely different experience both in terms of driving and ownership.
During this time I also had a 997.2 GT3 which remained my “ toy “ which in itself was a far different car to either of the other 911’s and hence always felt much more special.
Well. Here’s the Vantage in its slowest worst handling spec being rated better than the 997. So there you go.
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-te...
“ Aston plans to assemble 3000 Vantages per year, compared with about 30,000 Carreras. Which one do you think the valet will park by the door? The Aston exclusivity, the beguiling shape, and the fact that the Vantage works a road with the best exotics we have driven is why it takes the pole in this test. We don't dare you to disagree. You can't lose, no matter how you take your trip to the 100-grand mark.”
Both great sports cars. One is just more special.
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-te...
“ Aston plans to assemble 3000 Vantages per year, compared with about 30,000 Carreras. Which one do you think the valet will park by the door? The Aston exclusivity, the beguiling shape, and the fact that the Vantage works a road with the best exotics we have driven is why it takes the pole in this test. We don't dare you to disagree. You can't lose, no matter how you take your trip to the 100-grand mark.”
Both great sports cars. One is just more special.
16610LV said:
I've driven both the AM V8V from that generation and the 997 gen2. In my view, the 997 is a proper 'Sports car' but the Aston is a 'GT car'.
Interior-wise the Aston is a nicer place to sit, but for me it's all about the driving experience and unlike new 911's, with the 997, you do NOT need to be driving at crazy speeds to enjoy the handling and precise steering.
To be honest, driving the Aston felt like a boat in comparison.
Which version of the V8V did you drive? I ask because, just as 997s (and other 911s) can feel very different depending on spec, so can V8 Vantages. A 4.7 V8V or V8VS with the Sports Pack is quite a different drive from an early 4.3, and shifts the sports car/GT balance toward sports car, if not quite as far as a sport-suspended 997. That said, I've had 911s and driven very many of them, and I think they're generally great to drive. So is my V8V, a 4.7 Sports Pack Coupe. I've driven it back-to-back with a 997. While the Vantage is heavier, and does feel it, the notion of it feeling like a boat in comparison is IMO a bit ridiculous. But they are different, and that's a good thing. The V8V isn't trying to be a better 911 -- there are 911s for that. A V8V is a superb Aston Martin. People's preferences differ, and I certainly see why some will prefer the 911 and others will prefer the V8V.Interior-wise the Aston is a nicer place to sit, but for me it's all about the driving experience and unlike new 911's, with the 997, you do NOT need to be driving at crazy speeds to enjoy the handling and precise steering.
To be honest, driving the Aston felt like a boat in comparison.
Speedraser said:
Which version of the V8V did you drive? I ask because, just as 997s (and other 911s) can feel very different depending on spec, so can V8 Vantages. A 4.7 V8V or V8VS with the Sports Pack is quite a different drive from an early 4.3, and shifts the sports car/GT balance toward sports car, if not quite as far as a sport-suspended 997. That said, I've had 911s and driven very many of them, and I think they're generally great to drive. So is my V8V, a 4.7 Sports Pack Coupe. I've driven it back-to-back with a 997. While the Vantage is heavier, and does feel it, the notion of it feeling like a boat in comparison is IMO a bit ridiculous. But they are different, and that's a good thing. The V8V isn't trying to be a better 911 -- there are 911s for that. A V8V is a superb Aston Martin. People's preferences differ, and I certainly see why some will prefer the 911 and others will prefer the V8V.
I quote you on every single word.Bibbs said:
If I can fit 2 adults and 2 small dogs (which I've seen a thread about) it'll be perfect.
Depends how small but in the boot without the parcel shelf I would guess very doable although not sure about then securing the space into the cabin ?Rear shelf behind the seats again not sure how you would secure the dogs ?
At least with the 997 you have 2 rear seats almost designed for small dogs rather than humans !
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