Car Tech: James Bond would never drive this Aston Martin Vantage

[@Jia1337]

Reviewer is trying to say that for a 140,000 dollar car, it should perform better than a 50,000 dollar car.

[@rustler08]

Luckily, you can get a certified pre-owned model with an unlimited mileage, bumper-to-bumper warranty.

[@djjesus.hediedforyourspins3154]

REALLY? THIS FAR

[@WhippyPoopy]

+rustler08 LOL DOUG QUOTE

[@dilfateh]

Do I sense some Doug DeMuro-ness?

[@rustler08]

Yes, yes you do.

[@desertgaming3711]

Dougs words of wisdom everybody

[@Wazgrel]

At 6:12 for a couple of seconds I thought I saw Manbearpig popping out of the bushes.

[@hakemon]

***** He's super cereal guys!

[@mjuellarsen]

This guy is the closest thing we have to an American Jeremy Clarkson. And it's brilliant.

[@kurtisbrabeck5270]

All except for one thing. Jeremy Clarkson loves the V8 Vantage. And this guy is reviewing the car like it is a freaking Mercedes S class. It is a purebred, untamed, angry beast of a sports car. And as Robert Dennis said, this review was about the technology, and this car lacks that. The SatNav, for instance, is from Volvo and is a piece of crap. And the transmission is fantastic if you can drive it right, but as he said, go for the 6 speed manual. Faster, and more fun.

[@theyamanote]

Kurtis Brabeck No- Astons are supposed to be the tame, comfortable, luxurious choice in its segment, contrasting to more sport-oriented vehicles from competitors like Maserati and Porsche. And coming from an E60 M5 with SMG, I know how to drive a single-clutch correctly but Aston's Sportshift was simply a disaster. I honestly expected more from Aston given their 'refined' marketing image.

[@kurtisbrabeck5270]

True, the Sportshift was awful, but the Vantage was far from the Grand Tourer that the DB9 is.

[@jamesnichols2348]

Then that would make him the best car reviewer...in the world.

[@kurtisbrabeck5270]

yamanote Also, just a curious question, what exactly is the whole SMG transmission in BMWs? I never quite understood that from researching it.

[@SebbySenpai]

4:08 "It's a real engine made from real engine parts." Now *THAT'S* some quality journalism!

[@elin8254]

[@Zaviex]

he's just talking about how cheaper BMWs and Audi's for example that cover the engine with plastic to make it look larger

[@hyperlogos]

Zaviex nah it's to make it look prettier. the coil packs are ugly.

[@Raprada]

***** "I'm not seeing tons of plastic shrouds everywhere"

[@hyperlogos]

***** My 1997 A8 had three plastic shrouds, one per head plus one to cover up the top accessories like injectors, rail, coil packs. I had to break the top shroud while I was out one day so I could address a radiator hose issue.

[@rpgreseller]

This is the best automotive review I've ever seen. Period. This man is a god. May CNET always pay him well to keep him around. He's really, really good.

[@TheSwissRussian]

All of these people are hating because he's American, well news flash... Top gear said the same exact thing about the Aston's as well.

[@ITGuy1970]

But that's ok because they're British /s

[@OnyOner]

Aston's what?

[@NicholasWarnertheFirst]

A most refreshing review. It is sad that so many reviewers get carried away by the Bond association and in many countries blind people to shortcomings so obvious - anyway Well Done! Official English Comment...Tottenham, London, England.

[@jigo53]

That bluetooth upgrade costs more than my whole car ;_;

[@Danny13243]

+dies irae You must have quite a shit car man.

[@pohuing3037]

+dies irae Not to mention, you can build that yourself for roughly 50€... No idea how they decided on that Price

[@deep6thisdeep6this92]

there's an after market bluetooth kit for about 120 bucks call Mr12volt that just about anybody can install...

[@ravenstylea2]

one of the best reviews I've seen. honest and frank.

[@javimiami92]

And so, so savage.

[@Havesomepizza]

"This car is for little men" - Cooley 2012

[@nyak63RUS]

Nobody rips things apart like Cooley. He's an inspiration.

[@Test108ryf]

Brian Cooley makes absolutely the best CNET car reviews on KZbin. Humorous, yet informational and accurate while also giving his take on the car. I watched nearly hours of reviews on cars I don't care about, only because he was the one reviewing them.

[@thearousedeunuch]

Same here. If you want to keep on watching his content, he's on a new KZbin channel: Roadshow.

[@cosmosestas371]

I come back to this video once in a while to laugh at how honest and funny this review is.

[@TheLejait]

These are now 50-60k and the coupe is a steal....

[@66lilkim]

I love Aston Martin, but this was such a legendary and memorable take down. Just stumbled upon it again. Wish Brian Cooley still did in-depth car reviews like this!

[@WordToTheWise]

best review ever

[@kellikay8015]

I am leasing this car and he's right on a a few issues. I always drive with the top down because the blind spot is horrendous when you have the top up. Can't see anything. The radio area is glare-filled as he says; you cannot read what it says when the sun is shining. And when he says "What is this?" That little box, I asked the sales guy before I got the car and he said it's to rest your elbow on. Okay. Overall, the car is super fun and I'm glad I have it.

[@gary_beniford]

I've never seen cooley so upset but he makes all valid points if aston martin wants to stay in production they better listen to cooley

[@realchimera]

***** Aston Martin doesn't need to listen to anyone's suggestion. It is a small car company. If it went out of business, very few people would even notice that.

[@Lucky8s]

realchimera Every automaker needs to listen to consumer complaints, whether they're big or small businesses. Do you really think Aston Martin wants to go bankrupt?

[@iwearleatherjackets1]

WuWei Xu Bankrupt *again*.

[@ycnexu]

+jump oricakle This might be the most fun CoC episode. Cooley is furious!

[@VestedUTuber]

+jump oricakle I agree he has valid points from his perspective, but he has the wrong perspective on the car. The Vantage is performance first, luxury second, and everything he says is from a luxury first, performance second perspective like you would have with a Mercedes SL550 (not the AMG version) or a Lexus RC350 (not the RC-F). EDIT: Actually, after seeing how he then continues to rant about the car's fuel economy, this guy should probably stick to driving a Mercedes B-Class Electric Vehicle.

[@PHaTBcKsamoa]

"save yourself $5,000 by getting rid of that Soviet-Era gearbox..." Never, EVER get rid of this guy. I scarcely watch car reviews but this was more entertaining than it had more rights to be because of him.

[@Calvin1K]

I don't know why so many people are complaining about this review. He reviews the car in the same way that he would review a $15,000 hatchback. The point that he is trying to get across in the shoot is that just because it is an Aston Martin, doesn't mean that it has the right to cost as much as it is and then be so dismally equipped and poorly built. No matter what the badge is on the hood is, he will tell it like it is, which you can't say about essentially many other car reviewers.

[@perolito83]

This is the best review ever

[@CandyHam]

thanks for making such an honest review. I hope AM has improved more recent models.

[@5637718]

THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF MY FAVORITE REVIEW, I Keep going back to it

[@templetonbob]

I thought I was the only one!

[@Here.WeGoNow]

If I was in the market for a car like this and I saw this review for sure I wouldn't buy it. This guy did a remarkable job describing how shitty the car is for 130k.

[@deep6thisdeep6this92]

he's right about the speedo and the gauges. even the digital speedo is unreadable with its low intensity and the glare. looks pretty though...

[@thearousedeunuch]

2:05 It fits on that cupholder, actually. It's meant to cover one of the cupholders. I assume that it's for you to rest your arm over it, so that you don't feel the empty space. I love this review, though. I keep coming back to it every now and then. I miss Cooley's reviews and watching CNET On Cars, as I did back when I was a teenager. Good times.

[@robinwsc]

I have been curious about this literally for years. THANK you. Next up, "emotion controller," lol

[@thearousedeunuch]

@@robinwsc You're welcome. That's just the name they give to the key, if memory serves me right. It's an "Emotion Control Unit", or something along the lines of that, because that sounds fancy. The non-fancy key is the valet key, if memory serves me right. I'll look it up. Edit: Yes, it's the key itself. "The car is started by means of the "Emotion Control Unit", which was initially developed especially for the DBS but became available for the DB9 and the V8 Vantage as well. The key is made from stainless steel and glass and is inserted into a special slot in the dashboard." Source: Wikipedia's entry on the Aston Martin DBS V12.

[@robinwsc]

@@thearousedeunuch can't thank you enough sir! what a day! hahaha

[@thearousedeunuch]

@@robinwsc You're welcome. I'm glad to be of help. If there's anything else you want to find out about, feel free to ask. :)

[@lnhart7157]

Can it be that difficult to build a good car for $130,000?

[@natetarbox6660]

Obviously they can’t lol

[@MarcEberhart21]

My favorite car review of all time. I watch it at least once per year. Hilarious!

[@edwardcooley4465]

Just want to tell Brian that I watch this review about 2-3 times a year because it's so entertaining. As far as I know, we're not related :O

[@Vouk73]

Let's be honest here, this is not a car that should be driven with an automatic transmission.

[@clank400]

That's what I was thinking.

[@stevenjr6582]

It'a sports car to enjoy everyday like porsches of the decade with tiptronic . Is this so hard to understand !!

[@Adam-oo7tn]

best car reviewer yet?

[@chillout1109]

Kkkkkkkkkkkkk I have never heard Brian Cooley complain so much. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard over a car review before - ever. Cooly is mighty hilarious. And yes, what IS that thing 2:05? It really might be a sex toy that the last reviewer left behind.

[@TravellerBrianN]

lol, it's something that fits in the place Brian Cooley that he tried last to fit in at 2:12. It's some little leather cushion that you can rest your elbow on while driving. He has to lift up the cup holder chrome thing to really try and jam it in there. My brother has one and I've never quite understand why he bought two.

[@jordanbanko5347]

Brian Ngan what models does he have? I’m thinking about picking up a Vantage in the coming months (4.7 that is).

[@alvarosantillan2409]

Best reviewer, CNET better not let him go. Good job Cooley.

[@paulleysway]

Love his blunt sense of humor

[@dan428]

Hilarious and valid criticism, terrible car

[@mandingoR31]

"I'd still have the top down, even in the rain. Because that's the only way I fit in this car. This car is for little men" LOL

[@alcaponed16]

Best looking Vantage I've ever seen!!! And best review you've ever done!

[@louisromero2320]

This is a car a millionaire buys for his side chick. Small (for women) and relatively cheap for the brand.

[@johnmalcavitch1466]

this guy gets it.

[@CapFlipGaming]

It looks like a 2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible.....

[@ruiparente4726]

+ssbrosking36 I'd imagine Michael Scott from The Office on this douche car too

[@SteelKatanas]

+ssbrosking36 That Sebring is definitely the better value too

[@Baseballswag911]

Holy Shit LOL this guy went off this is the most real car review I've ever watche *Grabs Popcorn*

[@BeyondRacing]

Funniest shit I've ever seen. This guy is my new favorite haha

[@jgpwlcs36]

Cooley is a bro

[@8jallin97]

Soviet era gearbox

[@bymohenski]

...one of the truly best short review ever! Thumb up!

[@alexutzu24ianuarie]

Pure Cooley, love this review

[@hotgirlsarehot]

This guy should stick to reviewing iPod speaker docks and hard drives. This car is God-tier, how dare he talk crap about the Vantage. James Bond drives one of these, and I'm sure he prefers this smaller car than the DB9. Had Bond driven a Vantage in Quantum of Solace, he'd likely still have his driver's side door in tact.

[@stratrovarius]

Well.it was about time...I `ve been listening to Clarkson from Top Gear for more than a decade orgasming over Astons and Jags and throwing shit at everything that came out of the US...Good move..keep up the good job.

[@tenti1524]

Im english and i totally agree with this guy .... If you watch all of his other reviews he is spot on with his criticism of the tech in this car , its simply not up to scratch anymore .... Good work

[@trrrewr]

Is it really that difficult to keep it between the painted lines?

[@matthewtong123]

This guy here is definitely my favourite car reviewer. Keep the reviews coming!

[@nikoletina1994]

4:20 JUSBLAZE

[@TooFastTooDoge]

JZBLZ

[@landon390]

This is by far the best CNET video on the web !!!!!

[@Samfamson]

It is not a double clutch.... It's just a automated manual ....

[@AstonChris]

I own one of these (the manual coupe anyway). And he is right with criticism of the tech interface. And it does have quirky little things that don't seem to make sense. But...... I love it. I do really like the 6 speed manual though and it is a drivers car, very organic, handles great, brakes great and is just a pleasure to drive.

[@bobgilles1]

The Jag F Roadster R kills it at half the price, no cheezy pen holder

[@elliotnegrin5288]

Jag is a piece of crap!!!!! Your talking bad

[@colinharrison5521]

As the owner of a 2012 v8 vantage it's not that fast but it feels fun and it's actually been really reliable, also btw it's a 7 speed not a 6 speed

[@CarambleTV]

I drove one of these when they had just been upgraded to the 4.7. It's very true about the functionality of the interior being pretty poor and also the handbrake broke on the one I tested. Also a weird complaint I have is that to open the boot (trunk) you have to press a small metal ball just under the AM badge. It was like a small ball bearing and actually was uncomfortable to use. BUT top down when the butterfly valves in the exhaust open and I had the V8 soundtrack and awesome chassis for entertainment I suddenly released I don't give a shit about the nit-picking interior shortcomings and started to think about putting a kidney on eBay. Can't comment on gearbox, I had a manual it was fine.

[@niniyaya7392]

i found the stalker!! 6:12

[@SteelKatanas]

+cecelia c Get out of here stalker

[@G4meplayVids]

+Patrick12 LMAO

[@gorillapimpin2978]

+Patrick12 he was a good stalker

[@radar3699]

lol Brian, my friend's dad has one of these and that weird leather plug thing fits literally perfectly into one of the cupholders to help you hold your drink in place

[@Kakatetepupu]

"I don't fit in this car with the hood down!" -Next scene he is driving with the hood down.

[@stop08it]

"I'd still have the top down, even in the rain. Because that's the only way I fit in this car"

[@gerardosalas9477]

The way he pronounces "Martin" told me immediately that this is not a car for someone like him.

[@PhreshBboy]

crusin for cougars haha

[@juanignacioscopp6372]

Never look car reviews, but loved this one, suscribed!

[@lopendepaddo]

why the hell would you buy a car like this and have automatic transmission? It's like having a steak well done!

[@DomSchu]

+lopendepaddo Exactly. It doesn't matter what type of engine you have or anything like that with an automatic transmission. You'll never be able to use it to it's potential because there will always be a major delay.

[@lopendepaddo]

***** you have your steaks well done then?

[@DomSchu]

***** You kind of missed the point. Cooking a steak well done makes any discernible quality between steaks non-existent. It would be pointless to buy a $30 steak and cook it well done when it would taste the same as a $5 steak cooked well done. Same goes for spending 100 thousand dollars on a manual transmission car.

[@TheMrTangamandapio]

Holy shit, an honest reviewer on this day an age! 10/10, liked, favorited, subscribed, hung picture of Brian Cooley in my bedroom.

[@johannesfrings9373]

the INSULT lol that sat nav cant stop laughing!

[@SaraiGarage]

Lmfao "as far as I know, it's the unicorn" hahahahaha

[@DRIVECLUBistimelessPS4]

lol at the camera man on the left, trying to get that shot eh! @ 6:11

[@imdracir2k168]

+DRIVECLUB-is-timeless love u man! are u from portugal!?

[@zeroXXman]

He did praise the engine. If it's a miss, I'd rather hear about it being a miss instead of lies about it being good. That slush box transmission it's running on definitely doesn't need to be ignored. Same to you.

[@QuentinBargate]

I have a DB9 Volante, with the arguably superior V12 5.9 Litre engine. There is nothing logical about these cars. You either love them, as I do, or you don't, but even if you don't, comments like "piece of crap" are not acceptable. You'll get more and better tech in most midrange cars, but I'll keep the Aston - and the smile that goes with driving it!

[@thesagarmahapatra]

And the Bond car image.

[@ThomasFerrugia]

Gotta disagree with you on that Mr. Bargate. I have a DB9 Volante myself and it's the single worst car I've ever owned. The car is so poorly engineered and constructed that it's an embarrassment. Mine's constantly in the shop for a seemingly unlimited number of failures (both electrical and mechanical). While the tech is absurdly outdated and works horribly, I've forgive it if the car were reliable. It is, unquestionably, a compete and total piece of crap.

[@QuentinBargate]

+Thomas Ferrugia ever driven a Ferrari? Redefines unreliable. If you value modernity and reliability you'd be better off with a Ford Mondeo

[@ThomasFerrugia]

Quentin Bargate : That response is interesting. You're not claiming the cars are generally well-built and reliable (because that's an indefensible position), but instead positing that we should simply accept poor design and build quality from Aston Martin because (A) Ferrari's are just as bad and (B) one should be purchase an economy-car if he wants reliability. That sounds quite a lot like fabricating an apology in order to justify an irrational commitment to a brand. It's like a battered wife making excuses for her husband's behavior. The fact is, any modern car (regardless of its selling price) should engender a level of trust in its owner (Ferrari, Aston, Honda, Ford, GM, whatever). You should reasonably expect the car to operate well MOST of the time, and it's also reasonable to assume that a car at Aston Martin's price-point will be screwed together at least as well as a $15,000 Kia. The problem with my Aston (and many others, judging from conversations I've had with members of the Aston Martin Owners Club) is that the car spends so much time in the shop undergoing repairs that I rarely have an opportunity to enjoy it. And while I am driving, I'm simply waiting for the the next part to break or another warning light to appear (which never takes very long), which saps any enjoyment I might otherwise have gotten. I've driven several Ferraris and wasn't overwhelmed. I did own a Porsche 911 C4S for quite a while that was impressive and exceptionally reliable. No excuses necessary.

[@QuentinBargate]

My DB9 is reliable. I run it to and from Cornwall with no issues. If you don't like yours, sell it and buy a different car.

[@iSOBigD]

I'm pretty sure with the same HP a Nissan GTR is about 2 seconds faster to 60, a better ride, quieter inside, better built, has proper technology at no extra charge and costs about 2/3rds of this. I don't think the country matters, but clearly this is a good looking car without much else going for it. For that price there are many faster cars from all over the world if you want sporty. If you want just the brand, then yes I guess it fits the bill perfectly.

[@MrGrizmint]

guys literally just pissed because he couldnt fit his phone in the sot

[@CatLady999]

This guy made my day! He's hilarious! I love the honesty!

[@MichaelHalcrow]

Stop cutting into the bike lane around the corners.

[@PatrickRW99]

corrections, the 2012 Vantage gets a new 7 Speed 'Sportshift II' transmission developed by Graziano. It works the same though and is much smoother compared to the old 6 speed 'Sportshift' transmission.

[@ibrahimabdalla1175]

This was incredibly entertaining.

[@EGC316]

I miss Brian Cooley 😢

[@lyndahall2260]

this guy completely misses the point. he should drive a toyota

[@alexwest2003]

Yep

[@Lucky8s]

lynda hall What's the point? It has a great engine but the ergonomics are ridiculously behind their competition. For 136 grand, why wouldn't you buy a Porsche or otherwise with award winning engines and good ergonomics.

[@SheltonSuperstar]

HAHAHAHAHAHA OMG that "sex toy" is actually a lint remover ;) I am a huge HUGE Aston fan but everything this man says is absolutely true. I really admire the objectiveness, bluntness and truthfulness of his reviews.

[@xwingdeliciousness3695]

Acura NSX is my new fav car

[@Naamiko]

He said he didnt fit in it and then drives with the roof down.

[@1nvd]

I'd pick the Honda S2000 over this POS any day.

[@jezuzfreek777]

Really? the cat has its flaws but it is leaps and bounds better than a S2000

[@thebomber45]

You're correct, that's not always the point. In the context of this discussion though, performance was the point, and the gtr will outperform the LFA. Besides, if you are really going for the feel of the car, there are also cars out there that will best the LFA's feel for less money as well, such as the mp4-12c, or the ferrari 458.

[@anjr9915]

That's the worse interface I've seen in a car bruh

[@JJROGERS41]

The point about not being able to see where 55 is is a good one. How did they miss that in testing for a car in the US market?

[@thedeanofgreens]

wow, crazy how much of a fail this car is

[@deanmartin9262]

Have you ever driven one?

[@thedeanofgreens]

based on the video you fucktard

[@deanmartin9262]

I'll take that as a no. I've driven one and I quite liked it. Btw you should try and refrain from using slurs against the developmentally disabled.

[@alieidizadehrealtor]

Mr Kooly i tip my hat to you sir. you have the best reviews! Kooly for topgear america!

[@ukfrosty]

Funny :) Being from England it's the first time I've heard one of these overpriced cars slammed.

[@Castellan_Chris]

The looks of a Aston, power of a LS7 V8, the double clutch of a PDK. =( one can only dream.

[@ndgv2]

the dash and accessories did look pretty cheap and that navigation interface and gauges were horribly designed. Pretty good summary. overrated, overpriced car.

[@badenbaden1147]

Class is what this car all about. For a man who had 911T, & Merc GTR, Armani suits and Ricci belt. Driving on a canyon listening to the "AUSPUFF"

[@d.7571]

This feels like a car review from a guy that normally reviews his cars through Forza on Xbox.

[@ApexIXMR]

Several years ago I worked for a Porsche, Jaguar, & Aston Martin dealership and drove these things on a daily basis. I agree with all his points 100%. The V8 Vantage & the DB9 were my least favorite cars to drive...apart from hearing the exaust note on throttle blips. A standard 997 C2 would walked all over this thing on a track...hell, a Cayman/Boxster(non-S) wouldn't have a problem with it. And they are POS when it comes to reliability. They would have issues right off the trucks.

[@Opsecable]

lol.... when Americans have a go at foreign cars

[@gzme]

...So you liked it then?! I have a coupe, and I'm 6 foot tall. I have tonnes of space above my head

[@bklb5921]

420 horsepower.

[@1337flight]

Worth the cop right there bruhh

[@dkennell998]

This really makes me feel better about my $4,000 Toyota Corolla.

[@masonbonds1433]

This review is absolutely hilarious!!! 😊😁😅

[@kuldeepgainda]

Happy 10 year anniversary

[@tejj5957]

Best vid ever

[@ianyboo]

Save 40k and get a Tesla Model S :)

[@Stonkgenius]

+Martin Ellevold He could have bought a Tesla Model S 4 years ago.

[@hutxhy4071]

+Martin Ellevold Not a great comparison. Older cars stay on the market a lot longer than older phones.

[@modjo99]

+Martin Ellevold Tesla model upgrades constantly.. for example last year they included autopilot and last week they did facelift. So you are wrong.

[@SeanHodgins]

+Martin Ellevold Model S came out in 2012 though...

[@k4mru7]

+Martin Ellevold lmfao, you got wrecked by everyone replying to you

[@AJF4Me]

I'll give you a thumbs up on that post John :) I think you also have avoided the less than stellar performance of the F1 transmission since the 2008 Vantage was only offered as a stick. When I was looking to buy, it was down to the AM and GT, and after lurking on the forums for a while it seemed that the Vantage owners were having many more problems, so I went with the GT. Now, which do you drive more often?