Owning an Aston Martin V8 Vantage

[@webster-tsenase]

Love your video, I love that you said that getting into an Aston Martin was more important than killing your budget and trying to get the 4.7l updated Vantage. I've been trying to get into the 4.7l and I think you've helped me change my perspective. Thank you!

[@MotoringMistakes]

Thank you for watching and I'm glad it's helped! The 4.3L is a great car and there are options to improve that engine if you want to go that route, you can also start with the 4.3L, enjoy that for a few years and then swap it for the 4.7L when the budget allows. It really is a fantastic car for the money.

[@NeonTig3rzA7X]

I think of these things like a 5* star hotel. You buy a stay in a 5* hotel to enjoy it, knowing its going to cost you money. Sometimes things don't need to be justified, just enjoy it.

[@astront917]

I treated myself to a C63 6.2 for 12months after the loss of my parents in the last 5 years, Currently running a t6 transporter and looking at these come springtime, I'm not scared of poor mpg after the C63 and love the look of these. Great review 👍

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

Nice video. Not sure I'd count fuel costs into ownership costs as it's too much of a variable. You could in theory just keep it in the garage or you could use it as a daily hack and it depends on how you drive it. Fixed costs, ie servicing, general maintenance, insurance and tax, absolutely. V8 Vantage has a pretty good track record for reliability. I wouldn't write-off Sportshift, if you learn the system and drive them as a manual, they're pretty good and all their short comings can be fixed with a twin plate clutch. I've always been a diehard manual fan, but I quite like the Sportshift, especially with the twin plate clutch and lightweight flywheel.

[@MotoringMistakes]

Yeah definitely agreed on fuel, it will differ for everyone. But I thought it was worth mentioning to give a real world figure over a few years of driving and it started to make sense when you bring other costs into account that actually.. even though you are paying for fuel it makes the other costs associated with it more worthwhile.. such as the maintenance/tax etc. That is great to hear about the sportshift! I imagine it's also improved in the later cars, I've only driven the sportshift on these earlier ones. I love the manual, but driving some of the more modern cars with the auto and "flappy paddles" I can definitely see the upsides, especially if you are using the car more often.

[@PaulMorhen]

I think these still look absolutely amazing and it sounds great too

[@MotoringMistakes]

Yeah absolutely, the looks are timeless and that v8 noise is incredible

[@mykiman5955]

Im currently looking at a V8 Vantage and have been looking for a video like this. Its a 2008 plate with 40k on the clock. It wld be a daily driver and I do hear the engine is very reliable. I think i'll go for it!!!!!

[@MotoringMistakes]

Yes! Absolutely, as long as you know it's been well looked after, I would have a lot of confidence in these cars to be a daily driver... and what an amazing daily this would be

[@moriwaki1105]

We all know that running a car is one of the biggest wastes of money ever......with depreciation etc....but we all do it....and all us Vee Eight Lovers know it the most....Enjoy the Aston pal....nothing but admiration for your bottle.

[@MotoringMistakes]

Thank you! Hahah absolutely, it really is.. but when that engine fires up for the cold start roar.. it all seems to make sense!

[@francobanzini665]

And £1000 pa depreciation is tiny compared to a mass market car - done it’s depreciating in the early years 0:09

[@urugvajchernamazyj6240]

After food.😂

[@alanwayte432]

I have my 2016 car on a Service plan with an independent much cheaper and better than main dealer, with Auto I am getting 22mpg on run 28mpg, Bamford set up, sounds and rides very well...I am keeping mine ..

[@MotoringMistakes]

That sounds excellent! Definitely sounds good to have an independent service plan, I need to check that out. I am still in two minds about mine, I'd love to keep it, but I always wanted to do more mechanical work, which I don't want to be doing on the Aston.. so it'll fund a few cheaper projects for learning!

[@Leeholtom2911]

Currently looking at getting into an Aston vantage 4.3 early in the new year. I’ve got an e46 M3 and had it for 10 yrs and want a change the vantages I’ve driven have all been epic and feel very connected like the M3 does! Can’t wait to find ‘the one’ and get into ownership….will be used like my M3 so only covering about 2k a year

[@MotoringMistakes]

I think that's absolutely the way to go, the vantages can be daily driven for sure.. but for me I really like having a fun car for fun occasions.. that way it always feels special when you get into it. I am a huge fan of the e46, I had a 330ci many years ago and thought it was a great car.. I couldn't stretch to the M3 at the time but always wished I had waited a bit longer and got the M3 instead.. mine has the "SSG" gearbox that really let it down, as it's very different to the SMG in the E46 M3. I don't think you'll be disappointed swapping out for the Vantage, a different beast for sure, but still a great drivers car!

[@michaelkingston9203]

I'm the same. But DB9 I was considering. Hired one and DBS and rapide 😍😍. Vantage smaller but legroom tight at 6'2"

[@Bod1st]

I’m interested in one for next year hopefully, great video thanks

[@stephentodd2454]

Nice car, & I know the feeling with fuel costs, as my old 2005 Volvo xc90 7 seater automatic was only doing 15mpg, even on a run; I sold it & bought a 2005 Range Rover td6 HSE 3.0 litre diesel (BMW M57 straight 6 cylinder,) which gets me 25mpg mixed urban & around town, & on the island here, & I have had 32 mpg on some relatively short runs & a vehicle excise duty of £34.56 per month (Around a little over £400 per year 🤔), as a second car & winter 4x4, to accompany my 2013 Skoda Octavia estate 1.6 TDi SE CR-SA 7 speed DSG Automatic (Eco, normal & sport modes, £20 per year vehicle excise duty & 50- 60 mpg around town & mixed urban, & 60 - 70 mpg on a long run) 🤔 & of course, within 3 weeks of buying the range rover (I bought it on Good Friday, 7th of April 2023), the Air suspension blew both front airbags, & so far I have had all 4 airbags, all drop links, front shock absorbers & all brake pads with pad wear sensors replaced, & have driveshaft gaiters, front brake disc mud shields & parking brake shoes waiting to be fitted; I have fitted it with an after market 10.26" android auto & apple car play smart screen, with dual dashcams, reversing camera with reversing guide lines that can be calibrated & adjusted on the screen, Google maps, apps (Such as Ringo parking app, which can find the nearest public (Council owned) car park & at a touch of a link, on screen, can get Google maps to navigate me to it & I just pay the parking charge with the Ringo app, which takes the money straight from my bank account). I have also fitted it with a mobile speed camera detector (Not because I want to speed, but because I know that these speed cameras are usually located at accident hot spots, so I will know to be careful), & I have also fitted it with remotely controlled footwell LED mood lighting & when I get around to wiring it up, a single white line daytime running light which is fitted along the front edge of the clamshell style bonnet & is not immediately noticeable unless on (I had intended to facelift the front end, but I found out how much work is involved & if it's not done properly it would look terrible & cause problems & I wasn't willing to spend that amount of money just to get daytime running lights, just for safety reasons (Visibilty to other road users); to be fair, if you cant see a 2 & a half ton slab sided brick coming towards you, you then 🤷‍♂️, lol). It's an 18year old full sized range rover L322, that will be fully rebuilt, retrofitted with a lot of modern up to date tech, & I also intend to have any surface rust ground out, treated & resprayed (I have a friend who owns a custom bodyshop, so I'm hoping to save up & get him to do that, & then I'm intending to have the underside jet washed, steam cleaned, lannoguarded (Including cleaning & lannoguarding the inside & outside of the chassis rails & other areas as required), then wax oiled & stone guarded underneath, & finally, new bumper, wing, parking sensor & indicator/sidelight units all round (A lorry reversed into it before I bought it) & replace various interior trim & possibly retrofit an after market 360° top down all around parking camera system (Like new cars have) 🤔 (If I live long enough 😂).

[@MotoringMistakes]

I love the L322 Range Rover, I really wanted to get the L322 rather than my L320 sport, however they were just a bit too much money for me, whereas the L320 allowed me a bit of room for the inevitable issues! It sounds like yours has already had a good overhaul, the suspension is expensive but at least now you know they’re all sorted. Those m57 BMW engines are great too, and a respectable MPG figure for something weighing about 2 tonnes! I think they are a lot of car for the money, and those upgrades sound fantastic. If it has CarPlay in it now that’s most of the tech upgraded.
I think I remember looking at something similar for the front end facelifts and it requires a bit of cutting.. which is a bit scary and as you say if it’s not done right it can be quite noticeable. It sounds like you’ve done some nice modifications to bring it up to date, which if you have the comfort and capabilities of that classic l322 and then the tech of a more modern one, I think you get a huge amount of car for the money.. especially when you consider a new one is £150K! A friend of mine has just purchased a relatively new (about 2019 I think) Range Rover Sport Autobiography, and the main differences I can tell are the touch screens, and it now has heated and cooled cup-holders.. which is great, but not worth an extra £140K! 😂

[@dancundiff3316]

Really valuable info. I consider myself a future owner, either a db7 manual, or a v8 vantage manual, thank you ever so much! V8 Vantage is probably a much smarter, more reliable buy.

[@MotoringMistakes]

Excellent! I’m glad it was helpful. I am hoping to be able to get an in-depth review of a db7 on the channel at some point soon.. although it’s an auto. It’s the V12 Vantage Volante, absolutely beautiful car.. although it’s having quite a bit of work done at the moment so may not be able to drive it until spring.. the maintenance on the db7 has been quite a bit more costly than my experience with the V8 Vantage, as it’s an older car on an older platform. The db7 has been very reliable but it’s never been used as a daily and required some costly repairs!

[@richardcarter1000]

Great car. I had a 2008. Did 38k miles in it. Other than the Sat Nav, it was great. Cost me £7k over a few years excluding fuel.

[@MotoringMistakes]

That is impressive! They seem to do so much better when they’re driven regularly. Absolutely, that old Volvo satnav is awful, but thankfully you can fold it down and hide it away 😂

[@carlharvey7098]

What a great review and something ive been looking for as im looking at getting one (silly me) in the price bracket of yours and its a minefield trying to find a well maintained example.

[@MotoringMistakes]

Thank you! Yeah absolutely, these vehicles are getting a bit older and I've seen some very expensive much newer ones with barely any service history. I think regular maintenance is vital with these, and the rest you can make changes if needed, like the spec or the colour etc

[@carlharvey7098]

@@MotoringMistakes Exactly! The colour has to be NOT black or blue, so basically it's 50 shades of grey hehe. I never get how some sell these cars with "part service history" - How the hell do you lose it?

[@MotoringMistakes]

@@carlharvey7098 Hahah! Yes I do think grey really suits these, I am not a fan of the red but haven't seen one in person tbh! Agreed, the service history is key, and with a cherished car like these I'd expect all of the receipts to be kept safe, so it seems a bit odd when it goes missing

[@davidstuart4915]

brave chap supporting those two :) - I got very tempted when I saw v low mile Vantages in mid £20k - what incredible value...or is it? - MPG is a major problem when running eccentric choice cars on a budget unless u do as u do, keep it for special occasions. 'darling, should we take the Aston?' ;) Even though I am a pensioner with minimal income, somehow I would still consider the car at that price (the Maserati 3200 came down to around £7k!!!) - if only these cars could be run with a 100% trustworthy 'maintenance contract' - eg £3k pa incl servicing and any and all repairs - so u can actually enjoy the car, stop concentrating on any odd new noises and sleep nights :) I think both the 4.3 Vantage and Maserati 3200 are stunning inside and out I have an early Griff, and when funds allow, drive this in a similar fashion - usually 2k miles or less pa (25k since 92 due to long lay up when funds ran out) Would even consider a £12k previously broken 3200 with an alloy Chevy conversion .....just for the sleep at night peace of mind it should provide If I were a rich man.dalallal...

[@DonnaJohnston-l1c]

Hi love your video , this is now my car 😊😊

[@DriveWithAndy]

Great video, one of my all time favourite cars. A far cry from my pride and joy on my own channel but being an older car compared to most eco modern cars it's not that cheap to run. But I love it

[@MotoringMistakes]

Thank you! It is a very special car the Vantage, I think it's aged really well and still looks timeless. I am a huge fan of older cars, I think some of the 90s and 2000s cars are still the best on the road today. I am a massive fan of the fords of this time too! They made some very special cars

[@iancullington6765]

Looks like you’re a fledgling KZbinr, fantastic start! Punchy, we’ll edited, no awkward pauses, great information…. Good luck!

[@MotoringMistakes]

Thank you! I hope to keep improving, especially on the editing and speaking to camera, it's amazing how much you learn even in the first few videos!

[@iancullington6765]

@@MotoringMistakes look forward to more videos and watching you progress 👍

[@PhilbyFavourites]

You’re wearing a hoodie and driving an Aston… where’s your blazer??

[@MotoringMistakes]

Hahah yeah you’re absolutely right 😂 I should have definitely dressed up for the occasion.. although I’m not sure if I own a blazer

[@edgardsanders6516]

😂

[@DavidB-kx8ik]

This very Vantage is currently up for sale in a Glasgow dealership for £29k!

[@MotoringMistakes]

I wondered where it might end up, amazed it made it's way up to Glasgow.. definitely not worth £29K though.. unless it's had a new clutch fitted pre-emptively! .. even then I would say this was worth £25K tops. A beautiful car though.

[@DavidB-kx8ik]

It’s up for sale with Scottish Motor Services - it’s currently on Auto Trader. Lovely car but as you say perhaps priced a bit rich 👍🏼

[@Carrera-gp9od]

@@MotoringMistakes I made an enquiry about it today , first thing I asked has the clutch been done 😂 Looks like it’s a no on the clutch 👍🏻

[@MotoringMistakes]

@@Carrera-gp9od Yeah absolutely, it was something I was going to get done but didn't feel it necessary to do it pre-emptively, and as I was going to sell, I would have just spent £3-4K to gain about £3-4K on the sale price. It is a brilliant car, bodywork absolutely immaculate and it's been so well looked after, everything it wanted it got... hence the yearly costs here 😂 .. I think the dealer is being very cheeky here asking for £29K.. it's not worth that, unless they give you a fantastic warranty service with it spanning multiple years, but I find warranties on these older expensive cars are next to useless, as they just don't pay out.. I think it's worth £24-25K all day long.. but I imagine a dealer will sit on this until the price comes in.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

I might go and get a look at it At the weekend 👍🏻

[@hughmcneillie1032]

Nice looking Vantage. I love the Aston Martin marque but at 6ft 3in I'm thinking the DB9 would be a better fit. I currently have the poor man's DB9, a Jag XKR and have enjoyed 4 yrs with it. There's not many cars that I would change it for so thanks for the breakdown in what your costs. In summary select a car that has had an excellent service history and you probably can't go wrong with the AM.

[@360FAMOUZ360]

Great video, ive been tempted eary next year to get one just for a year. Noticed aston sells them every so often with 1-2 years warranty

[@MotoringMistakes]

Thank you! Yes that sounds like a great idea, if you can get one for a year, with everything covered under warranty you can really enjoy it and take it far knowing that you won't take too much of a hit financially.

[@usmanfarook5826]

was looking at some vantages on auto trader then went onto KZbin to see some ownership advice. Immediately came across this vid and noticed it was your car that I have up on the autotrader tab hahahahah

[@usmanfarook5826]

listed up for 29000 which I'm not sure reflects the current market what's your thoughts ?

[@Carrera-gp9od]

I’m actually looking at buying this very car , it’s in a garage local to me !! I recognised the reg plate 👍🏻

[@MotoringMistakes]

It is a beautiful car, make sure it's had the clutch done if they are asking a high price.. or at least a warranty to cover it. It is an amazing car, and very sad to see it go, but it needs to be enjoyed 😄

[@drummerboy1066]

Thanks for this video. Don’t forget your finance costs of 3% over 5 years on top of depreciation

[@MotoringMistakes]

Yes absolutely!

[@Chipchap-xu6pk]

It's mad, but with inflation where it is, that loan was very cheap money.

[@MotoringMistakes]

@@Chipchap-xu6pk Oh absolutely, even at the time it was an incredible rate for a used car finance

[@drummerboy1066]

Excellent point! Those were the days

[@johnnyfly2701]

Great video thanks for sharing. Those costs are a total bargain I ran an E92 M3 similar costs to be fair….its a top level car. Just got hold of a late model Vantage GT - I liked the manual but prefer Sportshift II, massively better than the earlier version which I hated. Never sell that gorgeous car….

[@MotoringMistakes]

Thank you! Ah excellent.. the Vantage GT looks like an amazing car. I have heard that the later sportshift is significantly improved over the earlier one. I hope you're enjoying your time in the Vantage, absolutely epic cars!

[@Adetunji168]

Very informative review. Thanks

[@paradisekohchangstyle2150]

Style always costs but you have your dream car. They seem to depreciate like Jaguars, unlike the 911 fold? Either way, looks like I'll be sticking with the VW UP TSI. 😅😅

[@MelioraESGJamesAlexanderOMA]

Superb review by the way.

[@Lerpzoid]

Would love a followup for how this is going running

[@luckzzyyFR]

amazing, what do you do for a living? my dream cars an aston martin

[@MelioraESGJamesAlexanderOMA]

Surprised at the MPG - seems low. Lovely car.

[@justsomeguy1141]

Amazing colour!

[@yanston]

Thanks for the video mate. I'm considering a similar age Vantage Roadster and it's great to hear of your real world experiences. The fuel costs are in line with my expectations, and clearly the cost of road tax, while astronomical, is hardly a secret. The fact you've enjoyed good reliability is very encouraging! Why did you choose to use an Aston Martin dealer rather than a specialist? Did you look at Porsche 997s before going for the Vantage?

[@MotoringMistakes]

Excellent! The roadster is beautiful, and definitely would have loved a roadster too! Yep, it’s been a really reliable car, and never once did I feel nervous taking it anywhere. I had to start going to the dealer because the specialist I used said they would lose their heritage status if they were to service newer astons.. it was a bit strange and left me without a local independent really. I believe it was Aston trying to keep certain cars being serviced in their dealer network, and I wanted to keep the full Aston specialist history on the car. I didn’t actually look at Porsches but definitely something I’m going to look at in future, I had always wanted an Aston, and I drove a couple of these and knew they’d be great for the type of driving I was going to be doing. Good luck with the search, and if it’s been well maintained I’m sure it’ll give you years of awesome memories 😁

[@yutehube4468]

Put your seatbelt on.

[@wizzwilson66]

Super informative video. I see the car is up for sale by some trader up in Glasgow so you've obviously let it go. And interesting that they are asking £28,890 so kind of nulifys your depreciation argument. Perhaps it goes to show that Vantage prices remain pretty dynamic with plenty of ups and downs. This time last year you could have purchased the cheapest on the market for £20K and that is now back up to £23K.

[@MotoringMistakes]

Thank you! Yeah absolutely, I had a great amount of fun with it, but found myself taking it out of the garage less and less, and these cars need to be driven and need to be enjoyed.. and I didn't want it to just sit there when someone could have some fantastic road trips in it. The price is an interesting one, I'll be interested to see if it sells at that, because I really struggled to sell it on, and didn't get anywhere near that for it. But as it's trade, and they may have warranties etc, the extra security might really help hold that price. It's a beautiful car though, and I hope it's not the last Aston I find myself in, but I am having a break from it for now.

[@nickscott8488]

Hello Nice Video! I was able to improve the audio of you speaking with some software so happy to send across the mp3 of it if you want it. I think you can replace the audio in youtube.

[@MotoringMistakes]

Hey! Thank you! I don't believe I can just change the audio unfortunately, it looks like I'd have to remove the video and re-upload it.. thank you though!

[@ruymxsx7]

Te aconsejaría que lo uses más, ir con el a todas partes, disfrútalo más, yo tengo un Ford Mustang Mach 1 2022 y lo uso para todo. También llevo el perro :)

[@557alh]

How wide is your garage? Would love one but not sure if it would fit.

[@ozt1194]

Jaguar f type or this which is better

[@vanislandsurf]

what is the colour may I ask? Is it Mako Blue?

[@MoJoAssets]

I watch so many auto videos, and the most common question I ask myself? Why the hell does anyone choose anything other than a Porsche? Mid 20+ mpg across the range, but the biggest advantage … having had six Porsches (991 & Cayman included), you can actually put miles on them! I’ve averaged 60k on each one. Not sure why you’d bother to have a car and do under 2k per year? Each to there own, but that’s not for me. To illustrate … The Rangie? 143,000 on our 2015 4.2 V8 Cayenne Diesel S. 35/40mpg. We bought it 4yrs 3mths ago at 62k. Total servicing & dealership costs …

[@MotoringMistakes]

You're absolutely right, I have only ventured once into the world of Porsche once and it was a number of years ago with a 986 Boxster S.. a fantastic car even with it being the entry level.. but I definitely want to go back into the Porsche world again. Especially as you say, they are made to be driven, even the newer ones can be daily driven, or thrashed around a track, and still get you home without issue. I also agree with the mileage, but my circumstances changed recently and I just don't drive very often anymore.. I tried to take the Aston out every opportunity I had.. even when I definitely should have taken the Range Rover instead 😂 The Aston for me was always a bucket list car, the looks are fantastic and I remember seeing them out on the road for the first time when I was much younger and always really wanted one.. so I think the choice was much more made with the heart than the head! However, now that box has been ticked.. I may venture towards Porsche again

[@MoJoAssets]

@@MotoringMistakes Good for you! My post seems a little aggressive. Not meant to be, sorry. Anyone with the wherewithal to get an Aston is above the ordinary in my book.

[@MotoringMistakes]

@@MoJoAssets No worries at all, I definitely didn't take it as aggressive. Your points were very valid and I really am enjoying hearing the opinions of all the petrolheads out there, it's very cool seeing the different sides to how people enjoy their cars!

[@MoJoAssets]

@@MotoringMistakes Hats off to you. Takes a lot of work, being a good KZbinr!

[@paulshepherd8295]

Before buying my Vantage, I also considered the R8 V8, 911 and Evora. The first to be eliminated was the 911. Why? Because I wanted a car that looks and feels special, and in which every drive is an event, and that after parking it I'd turn round and have another look at while I was walking away. The 911 offers none of these things, and is just far too common. So, whilst it's undoubtedly very capable, I find them completely emotionless. The Audi was eliminated because the interior is just too much like every other Audi (and invariably all black). The Lotus was eliminated because there just wasn't a big enough selection on the market to choose from, and their rarity gave me concerns about spares support, etc. I ended up with a 2012 V8 Vantage S Roadster (4.7 litre, 430bhp). It does everything I wanted, makes me feel great, and gets attention and positive comments everywhere. Your comment only looked at the 'head' aspects of choosing a car (financial, etc.), which completely misses the point. The decision to buy an Aston comes from the heart. No one NEEDS one; people buy them because they WANT one.

[@henkmueller2550]

Great review. And yes, please make a video on the Range Rover. You were lucky not to have issues with the Aston. What would it cost with issues?😅

[@MotoringMistakes]

Thank you! I will get a video of the Range Rover on the channel soon, as that is a lovely car.. although it's had it's issues! Haha! I can't imagine what some of the costs could be if it had issues, but I think with these cars you have to make sure it's been well maintained and has a good service history and they'll make for a great experience.

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

So much misinformation on reliability of these cars. Like this owner I've had mine for a similar time, got a very late model 4.3 and 23 k ... they are pretty robust cars. Yes if things go wrong they can be expensive but then any car in this bracket will be. I've spent a lot on mine not because of things going wrong but on upgrades and it makes it a much better car than you would believe. Like any car, so your research, get the best you can for your money, if in doubt walk away but also, get it inspected by a specialist... I did and I paid off. Remember, these cars were made under the ownership of Premier Automotive Group, owned by Ford so use lots of off shelf Volve, Ford, Jaguar parts, so you don't have to be stung by the over priced (referred to as) Aston tax.

[@lebojay]

I’m curious if you considered a Maserati Gransport when you were shopping. In price, style, and ability, it seems a close match for a V8 Vantage. I have driven one, and it was magnificent. I have only driven the V12 version of your car, and I was way too excited for any of the experience to stick. The memory is just a blur. 🤨

[@MotoringMistakes]

I did actually consider one of these, before the Aston I had a Fiat Coupe 20vt, and I loved that car.. although it was just too much money to keep it on the road each year.. surprisingly the Aston was cheaper in servicing than the Fiat! But I thought the Maserati would be a great successor.. However I always wanted an Aston, and this was just modern enough to make it easier to live with, and the styling is timeless. I may look towards a Maserati in the future though for sure. I imagine that was an amazing experience! I'd love to try the V12 version, was that on track or on the road? I understand the excitement, I once drove the Aston Martin GT4 on a track experience, and felt exactly the same, I know it was amazing at the time, but the experience of that is also a bit of a blur!

[@lebojay]

@@MotoringMistakes Thank you for your reply! Makes sense. Before I die I would like to experience Aston, Maserati, and Lotus ownership. Right now I am the very lucky owner of a Testarossa, and I am not ready to give that up! In the past I owned a Porsche 968 and 996; both wonderful. The V12 Vantage story … I was gassing up my daily driver (also a V12 - a Jaguar XJ-S) when the Vantage pulled up alongside. I complimented him on his car and we got to chatting, and only after a few minutes did I notice the vents on his hood and the V12 badge. I think I did a little dance; I had never seen a V12 Vantage before. He told me I could drive it if I liked. I drove it about 2 miles on city streets, and spent most of the time playing with the paddles. Not much of a story, I’m afraid.

[@MotoringMistakes]

@@lebojay Awesome! I absolutely can see why you wouldn't want to give up a Testarossa, what an iconic car. I am with you on your car choices, I've never tried a lotus and would love to see what the experience is all about! Excellent daily car too, you have a great garage currently! 😄I understand the dance too.. I don't think I've seen a v12 vantage in person.. possibly at the dealership, but I don't think I've seen or heard one on the roads.. so to be able to drive it even for a few miles would be quite and experience I am sure!

[@lyndonwilliamson3779]

Great video and live the Vantage. Has it got the original single plate clutch in your car. I thought there was a issue with the Vantages of that year

[@MotoringMistakes]

Thanks! Yes I believe it is the original clutch, I'd heard that there could be issues but in order to help avoid problems with these make sure not to rest your foot on the clutch, especially in traffic etc and also to avoid reversing uphill whenever possible as the gearing is like trying to pull away in a much higher gear when in reverse

[@lyndonwilliamson3779]

@MotoringMistakes Thanks for the reply. Since your video I have bought myself a Vantage similar to yours on a 56 plate. It's gots a light beige interior but same colour as yours. I paid a bit more than you did but its only done 26K mileage and full service history done at a AM dealership so it's a investment

[@MotoringMistakes]

@@lyndonwilliamson3779 Excellent! That sounds like brilliant purchase, incredibly low mileage for that age too. Also, in my opinion I think it's the best colour on this age, I bet it looks beautiful with the beige interior. I hope you have many miles of enjoyment in it! 😃

[@oliver13809]

Firstly I love my V8V. Beautiful cars. And yours is very nice. Cut your costs by not bothering with dealerships. They’re not interested in repairing only throwing parts at thieving hourly rates. I’ve heard some eye watering horror stories. So I would not trust them. I use Aston service Dorset. 3rd generation Aston Martin restoration and now modern car trustworthy repairs and servicing etc. don’t waste your cash on super unleaded fuel. You achieve absolutely nothing. Use regular fuel and the occasional Redex. Keep enjoying

[@MotoringMistakes]

Absolutely, they are such brilliant cars! My experience with the dealership was good.. but crazy expensive. I had used a brilliant independent that specialised in Aston's but unfortunately weren't allowed to work on the Aston's from about 2003 onwards due to something with the dealer network and heritage status.. it was a bit frustrating as they were amazing and very well priced. But yes.. I've heard a few horror stories, but since putting this video up, I've heard far more positive stories about owner's experiences with the Vantages which is brilliant!

[@richardfisher6704]

@oliver13809 I’m in a similar predicament. Which Redex do you recommend and how much/how often?

[@boopadin]

if only we could get 3% on a finance deal these days, best you'll get currently is 6.9%.

[@benfountain4856]

Could be worse. Try my V12 DBS supperleggera and just watch the gauge go down twice as quick 😉

[@MotoringMistakes]

Hahah that definitely sounds like a problem that I’d love to have!! 😂 I love the DBS, absolute bucket list car

[@benfountain4856]

@@MotoringMistakes mate I am very lucky 🍀👍

[@HK-tk4ix]

How much was your insurance and where do you live?

[@mikebader3863]

The way I look at it is you could buy a brand new basic Ford Focus and lose more than £3k a year in depreciation… and you’d be driving a Ford Focus not an Aston Martin! Life’s too short for boring cars, I’ve got an E46 M3 Coupe which has cost an arm and a leg to get it spot on but I don’t regret it at all

[@MotoringMistakes]

Yes 100% agree with this.. some modern cars cost soooo much money, they depreciate so quickly and I just don’t get anywhere near the same enjoyment out of it. My partners mini for example, it’s a lovely car.. but £25,000… it’s the same price as the Aston near enough. Your M3 is now setup for you, and it’ll only appreciate as they get rarer for a nice one!

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I think it takes around 22 horsepower to drive 100 km/h? So what the rest is used for, I don't know?

[@MotoringMistakes]

Hahah I think it’s to get to 100kmh more quickly and louder 😛

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Your on the wrong channel mate I think your after a 2cv

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

@@Carrera-gp9od The absurdity should be realized? But my present 1500cc Diesel is faster than my 1970s BMWs which became considered fast in those days!

[@michaelkingston9203]

I've always wanted an Aston. DB9 was my first choice but I know they are bigger than the V8 Vantage as my wife is better driving smaller cars. What do you think 🤔 😅 good video

[@MotoringMistakes]

Haha the DB9 is indeed quite a bit bigger than the vantage.. you do also get the V12 which sounds incredible. I too looked into the DB9, and I felt that for my needs, this drove well and I didn't need the extra space of the DB9. I think that the DB9 was quite difficult to find in manual form too, which helped me get into a Vantage instead. Both great looking cars, and would make excellent choices though!

[@floridahummer]

cant put a price on making a dream come true.

[@everythingtechnew7400]

Looks like you went for the seatbelt delete.

[@MotoringMistakes]

Sorry, I'm not sure if I am misunderstanding this comment. But I am wearing my seatbelt throughout the video, and I always wear it.. for the 2 seconds it takes to put it on, and the benefits, I never drive... or even sit in a taxi for that matter without putting my seatbelt on 😃

[@everythingtechnew7400]

@@MotoringMistakes Sorry it was meant as a joke. I meant It looks like not that you are. 😜😅 Love the car it’s one of my favourites after seeing one used in the James Bond movie.

[@MotoringMistakes]

@@everythingtechnew7400 Oh hahah! No worries, I wasn't sure, it's so difficult to tell sometimes with text 😂 Yes absolutely, I think these era Astons are some of the best looking cars around!

[@yutehube4468]

@@MotoringMistakes No, you haven't got a seatbelt on. If you can show any timestamp from this video showing it then I stand corrected. Why don't you just admit you're not wearing a seatbelt? I know you've not got it on.

[@markcarter9476]

What colour is your Vantage? Grigo Titanio?

[@MotoringMistakes]

Hey! It's Celeste Blue, a beautiful colour, it looks quite blue in the sunlight and almost silver/grey on a cloudy day

[@wpjohn91]

Is it just me, but did any one else think Stop looking at the camera while driving?

[@davewhitt100]

Are you still looking to sell the vantage? looking at the video I,m very local

[@MotoringMistakes]

Hey Dave, unfortunately I have sold the Aston now. I am looking at getting something else soon.

[@herehere3935]

Luckily im not so into a V8 lover. I want a quiet and serene driving pleasure.

[@MotoringMistakes]

Oh there are some nice options for quiet and serene but also with some good speed, so many modern cars are much quieter and far quicker!

[@nigeltrigger4499]

You have stated differing amounts per mile, which is exhausting. Do the maths and state the per mile at the end!

[@MotoringMistakes]

Sorry Nigel, this was my first upload so I didn't orchestrate it particularly well.. I was just trying to get used to filming/speaking etc (as I still am!). Hopefully you still found it informative, and thanks for your feedback. I am making sure to plan the videos better going forward so I hope you continue watching and see the improvements!

[@S2000Y]

Took mind on a euro trip. It's a bit of a pain putting in €100 Euro of fuel.........every day.

[@MotoringMistakes]

Hahah I can imagine! That and the toll roads, I worked out roughly how much it would cost me in fuel on a recent euro trip, and I just couldn’t justify it, but I bet when you were on some of those roads it made perfect sense! 😁

[@S2000Y]

@MotoringMistakes yes the trip was epic, as was the cost. Many memories. Unfortunately mine was stolen and was of course replaced with the inevitable 911. I have never looked back. (after 10 years + of ownership)

[@MotoringMistakes]

Oh no! Sorry to hear that.. it sounds like a nightmare.. but glad you managed to enjoy it and found your way into a Porsche!

[@francobanzini665]

Buy a new car and suffer far greater depreciation Year 1: 15-35% depreciation. 65-85% of the original value. Year 3: 40-60% depreciation. 40-65% of the original value. Year 5: 60-70% depreciation. 30-40% of the original value. Year 8-10: 80% depreciation. 20% of the original value The Aston is worth almost 30% of the 2006 list price after 17 years and losses are very modest compared to a new car. I know what I’d rather drive. And it won’t spontaneously combust in a car park.

[@MotoringMistakes]

Absolutely! The depreciation is so minimal now and considering what you’re able to drive for the money I think it’s absolutely the way to go. There is a market coming through for updates on these cars now too, so you can really put your own stamp on them now too and make it the car you want to drive and I don’t think there are any modern cars that look as good as these era Aston’s

[@jeprotable]

for aston owners gas prices should be of no concern...really

[@MotoringMistakes]

Hahah true! But as prices have started to come down here, more people can start looking at buying these.. but it’s definitely something to be aware of if you’re comparing it to a more modern sports car with a smaller engine!

[@sethw.4966]

Good on you for getting a manual, and not the semi automatic bs transmission

[@jasonkav]

James Bond

[@Handlethetruth666]

I’m gonna sell my golf r and get a vantage s

[@MotoringMistakes]

A Vantage S would be an excellent choice, I haven't driven a Golf R.. but I imagine they are very different driving experiences.

[@Handlethetruth666]

@@MotoringMistakesyeah definitely. Completely different. I’m torn between a 911 targa or a vantage s.

[@MotoringMistakes]

@@Handlethetruth666 Ah amazing choices.. I love the look of the 911 targa, I haven't driven one but I can imagine as with all Porsches they drive incredibly well. The Vantage S would be an excellent tourer and very capable on the twisty roads if you're going to be doing a lot of miles in it

[@markgreenwood6630]

Hey pal I love your car. Stop bitching. You new what you had got into

[@apa8426]

I am subscriber 87

[@MotoringMistakes]

Welcome!

[@neillairdofglencairn7216]

Don’t buy it if you cannot afford it do your research then just think about the sound the dam thing makes then buy it 😂

[@MotoringMistakes]

Hahaha yeah you're absolutely right! Definitely don't go and see one.. or you'll hear it fire up and buy it regardless! 🤣

[@ozt1194]

Chews petrol ⛽️

[@matsohlsson7899]

If you get a real Sports Car, with a V8 4,3L 385hp, please don't mewl about gas cost

[@daszieher]

One of the most wonderful wastes of money.😅

[@big500]

Had one of these, couldn’t believe how thirsty it was for a car that’s not that powerful.👎

[@MotoringMistakes]

Absolutely, even on a long run without pushing this drinks fuel.. when I did the NC500 in this I remember constantly topping it up whenever I found a petrol station just so I didn't get caught out!

[@big500]

I got fed up with the high costs so bought a mustang gt. it’s faster more economical and more practical. Not as good looking and the Aston handled better. But I’m happy enough 👍

[@MotoringMistakes]

@@big500 Yeah the costs for the Aston are high, especially taking into account the maintenance.. the noise and the looks definitely do go a long way to make up for it though! I've not driven one of the modern mustangs but I definitely see the appeal, I think they look great, not as beautiful as the aston but a very cool looking car.

[@mortenberg2897]

You know it drinks fuel - stop whining 😉

[@vwmusicplaylist1935]

Cars like this are completely pointless. Silly money to buy, silly money to maintain, silly depreciation, huge in the road yet no interior space and not even that good to drive.

[@MotoringMistakes]

I think cars like this are very much driven by the heart rather than the head. I appreciate your opinion and where you're coming from though. For me it was a bucket list car fuelled by the looks and the noise. It's absolutely not for everyone, and luckily there's huge amounts of choice for each person.. I am not sure what I am going to be going for next.. but I imagine it's also not going to be a car that makes any sense to own 😂

[@simonmartin4599]

Ugh too many cuts. Its infuriating that you can't just rehearse what you want to say then just say it. I wanted to watch but found that too irritating.

[@MotoringMistakes]

Sorry about that! But I do appreciate the feedback. It was my first video and absolutely something I’ve been trying to improve on. Specifically I’m trying to improve on my delivery so I can avoid so many pauses and avoid all of the cuts, and also I’ve been going through some tutorials to try and improve my editing to make any cuts feel far more natural. Hopefully my future videos will show an improvement and you’ll give them another go!

[@simonmartin4599]

@@MotoringMistakesOK sorry I didn't know it was your first video. Best of luck with future ones.

[@MotoringMistakes]

No worries at all, thank you! Your points are valid and definitely want to hear anywhere I can improve on 👍

[@SJ-gv1yj]

I think I may of driven this model at Drift Limits. Enjoyed it. You don’t get the sense of speed on a track though 🤔. Whilst watching the video, I popped out my phone📱and quickly did calculations on how much my 2020 420i cost me per year. It’s around ~£10,625 ish, excluding condition based servicing which hasn’t come up yet. This is with Costco Petrol ⛽️ Also need to get rid of run flats for PS5’s this year. 😬 I think the highest cost is the interest rate these days and insurance. 🫤 Anyways here’s a subscribe!

[@grahamdaws4775]

Be careful with your ‘recommendations’. Strongly recommend against the ‘sportshift’ version of the manual? - based on what? what you have read? half an hour in an early SS1 car…? Fact is it ain’t that bad, and can be seriously improved. It isn’t an auto, it’s a rapid shift lightweight motorsport-derived automated manual system. You just have to learn how to use it smoothly, which can be done. It smashes a foot to floor redline manual change about 10x faster than a driver ever could but still requires satisfying driver engagement to get it right at other times. Other positives? it’s reliable and you know nobody has previously been able to make a ‘money shift’ in your second hand car. The downsides are it takes time to learn how to use it, it can leave you stranded when the clutch is worn out until you disable that irritating ASM control feature, and if you don’t know what you are doing you will quickly fry the clutch, especially reversing uphill with an early 6 speed box and it’s stupid tall reverse.

[@MotoringMistakes]

Absolutely, your points are all valid. My experience was with the earlier cars, and in the lower powered 4.3 my preference was the manual for the driving experience. It wasn't a crazy amount of power for a manual car and I was never going to be using it in anger on a track for example, so the manual really suited my needs. I also wasn't going to daily the car, so again the auto didn't seem to have benefit over the manual.. especially now that manuals are becoming rarer in more modern cars. I had heard that the earlier auto boxes around the age of my car chewed through clutches a lot faster, but the wear on the manual clutches can also be substantial.. especially if reversing up hill or riding the clutch for example. If I'm lucky enough to be able to go for a newer Vantage I will definitely look into an auto though, especially if they can be improved on!

[@francobanzini665]

I have the AMR lightweight clutch and flywheel in mine Makes a world of difference. The transaxle gearbox is the same manual and sportshift - Bamford Rose can convert manual to sportshift I suspect the BR clutch/flywheel is a bit better than the AMR though

[@grahamdaws4775]

@@francobanzini665 These are some of the improvements I mention. Mine has the BR twin plate clutch, light flywheel, switchable Bilstien coilovers, BR handmade stainless equal length manifolds, BR 200 cell cats and BR remapped engine and ASM. Being an S it already had the 7 speed Graziano, faster rack, 380 front discs, 6 pot callipers and all the carbon bits. I finished it with glass switches, V12 AMR back box, PS4S, EPCS carbon slam panel and lithium battery. 455hp on dyno, 1550 on the bridge and 4.4 0-60 on Vbox

[@francobanzini665]

Tasty! I’ve been thinking about the BR switchable suspension- is it worth the money? Dampers not that old so don’t have to be replaced. Mine is a 2006 but with a 4.7. Same cats, map, etc but 6 speed manual. Not had it dyno’d but feels pretty quick

[@grahamdaws4775]

@@francobanzini665No. But new coilovers such as Bilstein sports would make a huge difference to your car if it is still running the original dampers. Performance wise, just replacing cats won’t give much, maybe 7-8hp. you need the free flowing equal length exhaust manifold, this does give a noticeable improvement at the top end, about 25hp. Together you’d get about 30-35hp and push your car to 410-415. The manifolds are expensive though.