2014 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430 Review - The Best Aston I've Driven

[@markchip1]

One of my favourite things about James' videos is the mere fact that the commentary and rolling shots are largely synchronised, ie. as he's driving - and talking - everything is harmonious and there are very few erratic jump-cuts and you can watch his progress down the road and see an honest sequence of other cars, buildings, etc go past!

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

It’s brilliant isn’t it. He used to be in film of some sort I forget the exact term lol 😂 but he is very talented at film and editing

[@stuartmorris1689]

100% agree. I feel ITV4 should give james a call

[@JDSFLA]

That engine note is perfect - not too loud nor subdued - just right!

[@ao8271]

Can you guys make a video on the carbon neutral synthetic fuels. They need publicity asap. It would help the mental health of the car community greatly

[@bladerunner6282]

i think the clutch criticism may be valid. i've been driving a manual cars for the last 30 years and can count the number of times i've stalled them (ford ranger, dodge ram, nissan 300zx TT) on one hand. it seems i stall my manual vantage a couple of times every time i drive it, especially in reverse. the gear is just WAY too high. and i can't be sure, but i suspect they've for some odd reason DECREASED the throttle response when in reverse such that i never know if i have enough revs to slip the clutch properly when backing up an incline. i've found that i have to shut off the air/heat fan and turn off the radio so that i can hear the engine revs. i'm not kidding....if i had the inclination and the nerve, i think i could go about 60mph backwards if i wanted to. smh.

[@tnewland2383]

I concur completely. It’s as if I had written your critique. I believe most would agree that, when reversing, we want to creep around the immediate area so as to protect the lovely fit and finish of our machines as well as others. Only Bond, James Bond, requires expressway speeds while backing up. Personal experience with my 2015 GT roadster 6 speed manual (American version of the N430): During my stay at a San Francisco Bay Area AirBnB the hosts generously offered a spot on their driveway so as to avoid parking on the steep and narrow road. Problem was that the driveway was also steep and downhill from the road. Unfortunately, this combination, when combined with extremely limited rearward vision led to a smelly clutch burning departure the following morning, one I’ll not soon forget. I probably lost about 20,000 miles of normal clutch wear in a mere 20 feet! I understand the newly available AMR twin disc clutch kit is the way to go when it comes to modulating clutch engagement plus offering longer life. However, unfortunately, the kit does nothing to alter the horrendously high reverse gear. But, when all is said and done, I love my car. So glad to have bought the best of the last generation. Not a fan of the new Vantages.

[@jaydub5515]

I don't know, a Lotus Exige is one of my dream garage cars, but the manual makes that Aston a different animal... I'm so torn...

[@markwalton8644]

You'd want both in your garage!!

[@ollie42]

I love both as well but if I had to decide I'd break it down to wether you want More comfort: Aston More reliability: Exige

[@TheOrangeEliseCup250]

@@ollie42 Exige is a race car , it looks amazing.

[@ollie42]

@@TheOrangeEliseCup250 😂 cliché phrase but it is very much a "race car for the roads" and I agree it looks stunning 👀

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

@@ollie42 also depends on whether one can get into and exige, I know I can't so went the route of Vantage.... Reliability is also way better than people give the credit for. Find a good independent garage and it can be a fairly cost effective car to run.

[@adriankingdon3055]

This’ll be worth a fortune in twenty years time.

[@robertlloyd7493]

Mouth watering

[@EBaker-js6kk]

I’m surprised he hasn’t got like a million subs yet he’s one of my favourite KZbinrs

[@janezmukenauer859]

I was watching him for a while ... and the while time I thought he was over million for sure.

[@asifnoaman8978]

This channel deserves more subscribers. Too many car enthusiasts are missing out!!

[@MrMacroJesseSky]

I have always felt on average, Aston Martin has the best exhaust note in the car industry

[@VarioFelce]

Lambo?

[@lastwhtknight3002]

My Maserati sys hold my beer.

[@oscoe]

@@lastwhtknight3002 and my 355 says hold both your beers.

[@petebungay953]

Put a set of Michelins on it instead of the OEM Brickstones and that will sort out the low speed ride and improve grip in all conditions too. In fact James, what you really need to do is drive and review my Vantage. Manual 2014 Vantage S with the carbon buckets and lots of hidden but genius Bamford Rose mods that mean it's even better. That's a serious offer BTW. Not sure how to direct message you.

[@petebungay953]

Ah ha! Found the email address above and have emailed you :)

[@dkkatwa]

Can I drive it too please? :-P

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

Instagram mate best way

[@markcoleman9542]

Pete do you have PS4 on front and PS4S on rear ? (I have) ..

[@petebungay953]

@@markcoleman9542 I have V12V wheels on it so I have V12V size tyres (255/35 & 295/30) which are both available in PS4S so I have 4S all round. Apparently you can also fit V12 sizes on V8S rims but I won't try this out until the spring when I plan to put some Cup 2s on for summer/track use.

[@theodor12]

The sound alone makes it worth it. It could have 2hp and it would still be amazing.

[@InSaN3ViSioN]

Nah. It's outdated. Electric cars ftw

[@slideways8022]

@@InSaN3ViSioN you have a turbocharged V8 powered car in your pf pick.

[@aboyandhisdog]

Excellent review, James. Reviews like this are about the closest I will ever get to an Aston and I like that I can experience one vicariously through your reviews. I also like that you put the year of the car in the subject line. Gives me a better idea of exactly what we're looking at. Keep up the good work! -Tom

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Tom, glad you enjoyed it

[@Matt-go7ss]

A great car. But for some reason I think the accents on the exterior just look incongruous.

[@happychappers8311]

I think we need another video. This time no commentary, just find an open road and kick its teeth in. 5mins will do.

[@Schestc2]

ever thought that the seat adjustments are so close because of your size 😉?

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

I'm 6'3" ex Rugby player so large build and have no problem with getting comfortable for long drives and never had an issue with the seat controls in mine.

[@lastwhtknight3002]

@@user-qq2mo1ek2r R u fat?

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

@@lastwhtknight3002 strange question on a car channel, any reason you ask David?

[@jameslynch6657]

Very nice but you are paying v12 money for one.

[@S2000Y]

This shape of this period Vantage was simply the best . After this they got longer , wider, fatter,with stupid carbon add on's and crazy price hikes. No wonder AM went down hill.

[@jeebus2121]

2:40 - At least Aston Martin recognizes armrests have a place in their special vehicles. BMW thinks removing a 1lb (.45kg) armrest or 0.75lb (.34kg) pad contributes to a 'CS' being exclusive when it just makes the car tedious to drive over significant distances.

[@ynm7677]

Thanks Jay, nice video! Interesting to hear that your friend moved from an Exige to the Vantage 430. I'm located in Canada and owned a 2007 pristine Elise for a year. Couldn't really enjoy the car driving in the streets of Toronto where so many pick-up trucks and SUVs on the road where no one can actually see you sitting so low. Way too stressful. So I upgraded to a 2015 green/yellow Vantage GT (=430). It's a blast, except the clutch... especially engaging in reverse. And if I stall, there is no key you can quickly turn and get the engine running. Otherwise it's a dream! Cheers

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

If like me, you will go the twin plate clutch route when your current clutch gives up. Twin plate also has a lighter flywheel, the engine spins up better, the clutch is way lighter and more progressive on bite point and feel. I've still got the single plate in mine but I will be going twin plate once mine starts to slip.

[@Zettinger]

Well, the most beautiful car ever built is still the most beautiful car ever built even with lipstick and A pillars off colored. I couldn't agree more, the new Vantage doesn't give me any excitement compared to this generation.

[@1970boggy]

Love the Exige but it’s completely unusable as an everyday car. Had so many Lotuses but my new M2 Competition just makes them look both expensive, badly made and slow. Shame but Lotus need to really up their game.

[@markwalton8644]

Grrrrr Aston Martin!! Beautiful car, great sounding engine, enough power not to loose your license in a matter of seconds and handling to enjoy. And a manual!! You're not wrong Jay!! Yellow accents, not sure??

[@johnnysmith863]

When I bought a 2007 4.3 Vantage in 2014 this is the car I really wanted but couldn't afford!

[@stigg333]

Great video James you really do put most of the TV car reviewers to shame!!!

[@jon4539]

Love the doggies creeping about in background

[@MVD792]

cool car but ugly paint scheme

[@tedarcher9120]

"Well-read thug" is the best description of Aston I've heard. Basically Bin Laden of cars lol

[@cysawyer4829]

Did you seriously just complain youncant sit "IN" the seats but more "ON"? Do I really need to state the obvious?

[@martinboulden3540]

Nice to see an Aston with Yellow Accents done tastefully. Gorgeous spec and value.

[@rogerwennstrom6677]

Partially agree: I'd skip the yellow pillars. Too much yellow, and not quite perfectly integrated, for my taste. Still a lovely car, and sounds just right :)

[@anthonymurphy7875]

I agree, unlike Shmee150’s Aston colour scheme 🤢

[@martinboulden3540]

I was thinking More than Cars ! I like Tim’s.

[@robertpeschilli6215]

Now THAT’S what a car should sound like!!! 😁

[@amoghavarshamurthy]

Very satisfying exhaust sound! Recorded very well.

[@leebuckles2364]

Always love the sound of a Aston Martin

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

As an owner of a Vantage, this for me is where the Vantage (dare I say) got questionable looks. The mad lipstick front looks bloody awful, the painted A pillars look mis matched and I have never got along with the revision to the side sills between front and rear arches. The original design where the sill wraps under is for me a way more rounded design and suits the car better and why I chose as newer car as possible that still had this feature. The interior revisions are much better than on previous models though. And the sound on any of these cars is pure and dirty once moving past 4k revs.

[@jondobbs]

great car, very jealous but you have to agree the yellow details are a bit naff or maybe that's just me

[@Pauld62]

The styling was SO much better in this generation of Aston, right through it life. Sound was better too but thats not exactly Astons fault.

[@kristianspencer1978]

When you gonna drive a proper Aston Martin.? Still waiting for the twin supercharged Aston Martin vantage review. Hope it happens...

[@JayEmmOnCars]

One day I hope

[@mudplugging]

Little brings more pleasure, than to hear an engine build through a long rev range punctuated by slow manual gearchanges. Perfection!

[@oscoe]

Dead right. I’ve driven lots of fast cars and you are right. The modern stuff with super fast dct gear changes every split second are literally boring.

[@ezpz4659]

@@oscoe boring isnt the right word. id say less passionate

[@JP-cu2gm]

yellow = yellno

[@stephenlane9168]

Been waiting for this video James. I love the Aston Martin Vantage. 👌

[@taotoo2]

Could you put a kink in the gear stick?

[@iandavidson99]

This, or a 2014 Audi R8 V8 ?

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

Vantage..... More exclusive and when all said and done the R8 Is an Audi, boy racer image compared to classy cruiser/bruiser of the Aston. The Aston is a cut above.

[@blarkdexture8899]

Aston with lipstick

[@MikeSmith-rd9fi]

better with a V12

[@martinmoore7551]

Best videos on youtube without doubt. Question for you James, as I don't have your direct email address. £30K budget. XKR or Vantage 4.3, which one would you advise ? Thanks and regards.

[@Cryptoalexxxxx]

Do they do these in auto?

[@Highside43]

Essex girl lipstick..... White and red color combo best looking one in my opinion of the five, or the black / grey one. Fantastic cars, lots of faster cars and cheaper ones that can keep up but not many have the presence or can snap knicker elastic at one hundred yards with their looks. But that exhaust note - it can summon the hounds of hell once past 4K....beautiful.

[@caymanblack9567]

What a great souding car this is.

[@Amazingpally]

We are talking of a revolution not physical but psychological revolution where there is no, at the depth, conformity. Conformity exists when there is comparison but a mind to be totally free of comparison that is to observe the whole history which is embedded in you.

[@jamesmassey6147]

Curious why James swapped his 430 in for this N430? Looking at these and a 350 so quite interested? Had a Lotus before so I guess it’s probably because it looks like the cars giving birth to you when you’re trying to get out. Aston dismount is always more elegant! Thanks in advance

[@r3dpill]

Not sure if I keep watching this over and over for the car (gorgeous) or the presenter (excellent). "veeeerry naughty speeds" :-)

[@emiliolargo4363]

JayEmm, which is your source for the carbonfibre seats to be "standard equipment" on the N430? I know the specification list in the brochure listed them as standard/optional for the standard seats. But I have my doubts on that.

[@andrewbeards4916]

No neck

[@marcnobel3938]

This Aston seems to be a nice car, maybe also the better investment over the time in this setup, but I would have kept the Lotus. - Which doesn`t mean the Aston is a cool car.

[@stevelaming9223]

One of my pals has one of these, a sport shift one, same colour combo. Fantastic car. Great track car as well. Plus, Thruxton use them for one of their Supercar experience cars. Great tourer as well. Been to Spa a couple of times for trackdays. Epic. Well done on buying a great car (from a Porsche owner !)

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Correct number of seats and doors. Engine in the right place with correct number of cylinders. Doesn't make one look like a selfie loving narcissist getting out of it. 👍

[@paulallwood6033]

I always used to think that car was just a bit of a marketing ploy from Aston, pop some colours on it and hype it up type situation. This video proves me wrong I guess, sounds incredible as well

[@benkieft]

Thanks Jay! Lucky enough to have one in Skyfall silver with white accents and great to see one on a video. She’s a beauty - though not convinced the ride is quite as good as the lovely N420 we had before.

[@drsplodge]

Why is he driving through a dirt track with it at 4.30? Lol

[@sassall4284]

So when r u getting your self an Aston James?

[@cyrxl]

Saw a white one with green accents and didn’t even know what it was. All the editions are a bit confusing

[@dougnolan5567]

Awesome motor.. brilliant video.. cheers James..!!👍👍

[@lewisprice-nutman6974]

Please make a sound compilation of this Jay, im begging you 🙏

[@just.for.the.downshifts]

"A thug, but a very well read one."

[@7736164]

very good car indeed, however it's let down by the sat-nav and perceived interior quality. The Jaguar F-type R coupe that replaced my N430 was faster and better in every way except handling and steering feel. I also saved about £12k in return. The only Aston I would replace my F-type R coupe with would be a 2015-2017 V12 Vantage S or Vanquish S.

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

But it's a Jag and not an Aston... Different league in people's perception, Jags are all over the place, granted not like a BMW etc. but still less exclusive than the Aston. Speed isn't everything and having owned enough Jags over the years they ain't reliable or more reliable than an Aston. If speed was the determining factor why stop a F Type R, why not go for something even faster? Still the F Type is a nice looking car.

[@djones1304]

Looking at getting one of these. But he should have got the later edition. It has the new dash layout

[@richboy900]

Agree, the old vantage like this one is far more desirable. Both in sound and styling

[@sammygirlie345]

That dog who are you does my master know your stroking his car and not stroking me

[@chris6794]

So that is who brought the car I was lined up for!

[@patsonlim528]

most beautiful English girl

[@JoJoJoker]

No Speed Shift 2. Woohoo.

[@AlexSami-qw4qu]

Great video and best outro on KZbin.

[@Thomas..Anderson]

I haven't notice when a switch to colour occurred.

[@schunkelperser1794]

Great car and videobombing dogs 🏆

[@TheOrangeEliseCup250]

Hi Jay! I would like to know more reasons why your friend has sold his Exige Cup 430 for a Vantage. The Exige 430 in my opinion is tbe Best british sportcar ever. Something went wrong?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Exige was very fun but totally impractical for the miles James was doing. There is a video on my member page explaining it

[@TheOrangeEliseCup250]

@@JayEmmOnCars Thank you very much for tour answer! I am going to look for it. (I am waiting for the new Elan? Esprit? To be presented so much , If I don' t like it I will look for a second hand Exige 410 in France 😉👍🇬🇧🇨🇵

[@TheOrangeEliseCup250]

@Sandra Dell 😂😂🤣😂😉👍🇬🇧🇨🇵

[@pilota3405]

the car that I didn't buy wich still makes me sad

[@Bobajobbob007]

What's the cat/exhaust combo in that car? It sounds great. Much better than my 4.7.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Stock

[@happychappers8311]

Push the pedal harder ; )

[@emiliolargo4363]

Almost certainly not stock. At least fuse 15 taken out but probably even more modified.

[@Bobajobbob007]

@@JayEmmOnCars Thanks, I wonder what stock is on that car. It is definitely louder than my 2013 car was stock, even with fuse pulled, and a better tone than mine with the secondary cats removed. Maybe it has the sports back box.

[@petebungay953]

@@Bobajobbob007 Yes. N430 has the Vantage S back box so sounds better than the standard V8V.

[@parsaerjaie6379]

a thug, but a well read one

[@Fee.1]

The ultimate luxury mustang

[@asd2480]

Big pork, peaggy !?

[@ted6462]

Love you brother!

[@stuartmorris1689]

Corking piece as per ☺️

[@cestrian5294]

Ooooooh a manual. Very trendy but a pain in the real world which is why most sensible people that don’t care about what motoring journalists think, buy a modern auto. Videos are too long, ten minutes is long enough. A lot of bobbing about on our crap roads. Twin plate clutch on a sport shift gearbox is excellent,, check out Bamford Rose for an opinion. At least there is choice.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Bamford Rose did a video just talking about gearboxes. And that was 23 minutes long.

[@Davidzc0]

‘Most sensible people drive an auto’. That’s the problem I suppose, people who buy a manual forgo some sensibility to actually enjoy life.

[@wpjohn91]

Love the two fury cohosts

[@swanauto47]

4.7 V8😍

[@pauljordan7465]

Thank you

[@umamidaddy7243]

The sound.

[@grahamnutt8958]

👍

[@craig1553]

The company finance and produce the car, the company is not British, the car is not British. It was British but a long time ago, let’s not live in fantasy land, the main driver for growth and ownership of this company is Daimler AMG, German.

[@graygamingps4503]

Daimler have absolutely nothing at all to do with the funding or development of this car

[@craig1553]

@@graygamingps4503 Daimler own shares in the parent company that owns Aston Martin. Daimler also own Mercedes and Jaguar and Aston Martin both use Mercedes electronics and electrical systems in the cars, so lime it or not, part of each car is German and part of the profits go to a German company. Very little of this car is owned by a British company, fact.

[@graygamingps4503]

@@craig1553 They don't manufacturer this model anymore so no, Daimler don't get a cut of the profits because there aren't any profits to take a cut of. Jaguar also don't use Mercedes electronics

[@craig1553]

@@graygamingps4503 Mercedes own 20% of Aston Martin 😁.

[@graygamingps4503]

@@craig1553 They do, but as I've already said they don't make this car anymore. Your point would be correct if referring to the current line up, but not to the VH era cars

[@Alejandro_BoniIIa]

What does the N stand for?

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

Celebration unit N400, N420 and N430..... N = Nurburgring. The N400 had a map of the ring stitched into the armrest which to me looked a little cheesy.

[@johnsampey344]

Is there not a lock on that seat control ???

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

It doesn't get in your way.... I have one and it's fine, I think Jay is either oddly shaped or was looking for something to mark it down for lol

[@johnsampey344]

I would like to see a Project 7 run as a back to back comparison.

[@hexgraphica]

I'd really love to see you on a show a bit like top gear, I really do

[@RoverWaters]

how stupid can you be to spec a sports car with black interior?!

[@craig1553]

It amazes me that many people and journalists still call the Aston Martin a British car, the car may well be designed and built in Britain and the company may well float on the London Stock Exchange, however, the company hasn’t had a British owner for donkeys years. Ford (American) owned the company for years and it is currently owned by a consortium of Canadian, Swiss and German (Daimler) investors, so hardly British.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The car is British. It's not the same as the company.

[@dangrbitch]

this is the only car channel i even watch anymore. sooo good.