Bhofolo

Hello to you all.
Firstly, a big thanks to all the loyal members and posters for all the valuable and helpful info that has been unknowingly shared with me by you all !
I am a Porsche guy and have been "studying" and enjoying Rennlist posts almost daily since 2013.

My question above may be simply answered: Test drive and buy what you like. However, I am 1000 Km's away from the Aston dealership. Vantages, especially manual boxes, are not available. My only contact with an Aston is YouTube ! The V12 Vantage with 7 speed manual on Youtube reviews drives me crazy !

Currently I do not drive anything other than Porsche ( All manuals )
I have a 997.2 Gt3, Cayman Gt4 an R and a few Aircooled.
Now, as you may tell, Porsche ( manual old school ) is in my blood. The Porsche feeling of nimble lite, surgical etc.

I'm not sure if I will like the feeling of 1665 Kgs in a sports car ?
I have to make a decision fast and I am struggling to do this just by logging on to Youtube !

The V12 Vantage would be an addition to my P cars. I love the motor, manual box and looks.
Do any of you have experience with both Brands ?
I would love to hear.

Please share your experience if you will.

Mike Murphy

What year? And what would the losses be if you bought it, didn't like it, then sold it? And why not make arrangements to find one, fly out, drive it, and see if you like it? I'm not a fan of wasting people's time, but I'm a big fan of seeing and driving a car, in person, before buying it. That way you will know.

Bhofolo

Thanks for your concern !

It's a 2017 and the last one coming to my country.
It has just left U.K. on Friday and is on the boat.

There are no other V12's available.
Trading off later, I fear a BIG bath ....... I may be wrong ?

-eztrader-

I don't think you will feel any nimble, lightness in the vantage. My brother owned one - it was less than exciting.

VECCA

I drove a Vantage V12S. It was fun, but it wasn't a manual. They are heavier feeling than a GT3, but the motor sounds great and it looks great. A friend of mine just got the 2017 with the manual and loves it! (He couldn't get an R, so he got the Aston)

ipse dixit

Based on this alone, I would not buy an Aston.

Nacelle

As history has proven, you will likely get a big bath and a haircut....

Beautiful car though with a great sounding engine.

CAlexio

I drove an Aston vantage v12 around road atlanta, but it was an automatic. Compared to the GT3 we had on track that day, it was utterly horrid. Very nose heavy, very heavy in general, brakes were not up to the job, and the automatic transmission was really slow shifting. Dynamically, it just wasn't up for the job, wallowed in turns, suspension just too soft with excess secondary bounce over bumps, wouldn't settle. While the transmission you're looking for is different, don't get this car for any track work at all. I imagine on the road it would be fun with the engine sound but otherwise I really came away disappointed.

sechsgang

Honestly I would pass. If you want an aston I'd go the full gt route and get a preowned vanquish or something of that nature. They drive great for a GT car and look stellar. Still would take a bath though haha.

rk-d

+1

TRAKCAR

It will be good with AMG running gear some day.

Jimmy-D

I think it all depends on your expectation. If you have that Aston itch and love a Manual I think this is the one. But do not expect it to drive like a Porsche. But saying that- the engine will sound sublime and fit and finish will be great. But more of a Grand Tourer than a weekend warrior

Bhofolo

Thank you all for the valuable, helpfull responses and comments while I was away sleeping in the Southern hemisphere.

Each one is highly appreciated !
1 ) The Porsche Centre is also 1000Km's away ..... so not an issue for me!
2 ) I definitely don't want to take a bath, never mind a hair cut too !

Reason I am lusting and anxious for this car is :
Last manual V12 naturally aspirated ......... beautiful motor !
To me, beautiful looks.
I may never have the opportunity to buy one again as there were only 3 units designated for my country which all arrived last year, and my sales guy just called me to say we were lucky to be getting a 4th miracle allocation.
All 3 others have gone to hard core car nuts who never sell, just like me.

However, the main reason for me to choose a car is the feeling in the seat behind the pedals on my favourite roads !
And the message I have picked up from you all is that, coming from the cars I currently enjoy, I would be underwhelmed in the Vantage.

I too tend to agree with Trakcar, concerning Aston's future models.

I'm going to skip on the Vantage V12, give first dibs to other guys, and wait for the rumored 911 GT Speedster!

A big thanks to you all once again !

Jimmy-D

The Speedster will be special for sure

drdonger

Since your really enjoy manuals. Take a look at used F430's or r8 v10's with manuals. The gated shifters on those cars are lots of fun and very different to the cars you have.