The ULTIMATE BUYERS GUIDE for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage

[@Redpantslol]

By far my most ambitious video... I've got sooo much more respect for Evan's editing skills for my Unzipped videos now that I've had to do a complex video like this on my own. A couple notes: - Instead of doing a ton of links in the description, I'll be putting them in my Buyers Guide article. A link to that article is in the description and is being updated with those links, and fleshed out in general. - I didn't discuss things covered by a PPI, which are generally all the mechanical things like the engine, brakes, clutch, tires, and so on. - Every car is different and it's impossible to cover everything in one video, so I'm sure some things are missing - this one was well over 20 minutes as it is!

[@robbwilliamson7621]

Nice video as usual. I tried emailing you to get a copy of a past receipt and had a question about glass switch install. Still haven’t heard back from you. Thanks.

[@Redpantslol]

@@robbwilliamson7621 Hey Robb, I'll try to find the email.

[@supertest673]

Should I opt for the 4.7 over the 4.3? I really prefer the sapphire key of the 4.7, but I'd like to know your thoughts.

[@brandonwillis4811]

Thank you for this video. It contain invaluable information for a future owner as myself.

[@kevinlofting1104]

Richard knows his V8 Vantages like nobody else! I live in the UK and if I need to do anything to my 2006 V8 Vantage with 20k miles I look to Richard before anyone else.His videos are clear and precise to follow and when I had a query not covered a videos he replied same day to my email.He makes owning an Aston a pleasure rather than a worry! Thank you Richard! Kevin Lofting.Hangs UK

[@jinkiewinkies5915]

This is perfect for the Aston I don’t have. Yet I had to watch the whole thing lol.

[@92_SA]

Me too lol

[@JazzyMcSnazzy]

@@92_SA prepared mind for a prepared buy! hahaha

[@yvngking29]

You get it yet?

[@justdrive5384]

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for making this video and the subsequent video. it has not received enough appreciation. thank you.

[@Redpantslol]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@AlexanderPews]

Im 31 and I just drive a 2005 WRX STI, but now I want more and more to own one of these, they are beautiful cars.. And actually not as bad priced as I thought. Yeah one of these.. its the dream. Thanks for this video, it was great.

[@Redpantslol]

I had an '05 STi for a long time, actually owned the same one twice (missed it when I sold it so I want and bought *my* car back lol). Still miss that car!

[@cduone]

A great video. I've been considering a V8 Vantage and my competency has increased a few levels after watching this.

[@PIFDUDE]

(Can't afford an Aston) watches the whole video.

[@limpshady1113]

You might be able to find an 06-08 for 35k to 45k so around 600-900 a month from what I've been seeing, if I can here in about a year I might see about getting one 😂

[@Cryptoalexxxxx]

Looking to get a vantage later this year, I will defo be getting paint protection

[@TheDayisMineTrebeck]

Bought a 2012 coupe with a 6spd 3 years ago. It's our weekend driver. Fantastic reliability too. Added a few performance mods (fabspeed x-pipe, bc coilovers, AMR tune) and it's an absolute blast. Yes, my old 997 felt more technically advanced and quicker, but it lacked the soul and the visceral driving experience this car provides. Isn't that what we want out of a sports car? It brings a smile to my face every time I take her out, and a bigger smile when my wife drives it.

[@jimdolceamore3005]

I pay $800 USD per year to insure my 2008 V8 Vantage Roadster. It is not my daily driver so low annual mileage (approximately 3,500 miles per year).

[@stantonlee2266]

Great video, Richard. Thanks for your continued support of our Aston community! 👍🏼

[@geopatterson]

Very well done Richard. I didn't think I was going to sit through the whole video but you had me the whole time. Thanks

[@Redpantslol]

Thank you for that! I was really worried about the length and hoped it'd be worthwhile enough go sit through the whole thing lol

[@peoplehavetherights]

This is a fantastically thorough overview of maintenance issues of this car. YOU should have written the book!

[@Rossflurry]

Great info! My first Aston arrives tomorrow at 5pm. 2015 Vantage GT Roadster SptShift 🔥🔥

[@Redpantslol]

Congrats!!

[@olewurtz7625]

Great video with owner’s insights. I especially learned about the sport shift not being an automatic. I live in a very hilly and narrow street part of England and considered the “automatic” for the torque converter, but now I’m not so sure. As you stated, I probably need to drive them both to make up my mind.

[@robbwilliamson7621]

Sportshift with sports pack suspension all the way. It is a fantastic setup for those who know how to drive a manual but want something faster.

[@HarryESwan]

I just started driving w the padle shifter and oh boy feels good and that exhaust note..brrrrr.

[@riddlescom]

funny your content is relevant to me. I have a 2008 roadster i have torn apart completely. not so bad. looks like a mess but it will all go back together. I'm tearing out all the volvo fiber optics. putting an android . I changed all the brakes clutch transmission . changed lots of sensors . everything is sorted out now. everything on car works now. I changed gear oil motor oil brake fluid hydraulic fluid. filters etc. they are well built cars.

[@elcasho]

Is your comma key broken?

[@robertthrailkill1368]

Very good advise regarding buying all Aston Martin

[@atlanticza]

Seat belt guide loops are quite simple to 'repair'... demagnetise them by stroking a strong magnet across the metal buttons

[@24bellers20]

My roadster is 5 years old and only has 8000 miles with a full history. I love it.😍 in addition it does average 20.1 per uk gallon.

[@angelomanos1502]

I tried to buy a 2006 DB9 Volante w/169k mi.The top,radio,a/c,did not work,w/o records.The guy wanted $22k.I offered $10k.Was I out of line w/my offer.He got upset w/me.This was 2 days ago.

[@PS-lm3tp]

@@angelomanos1502 yes lol even though its HIGH mileage your offer was ridiculously low, I could see how he would take that as a slap.

[@dugsdale]

Fantastically useful guide, not just for Astons but buying ANYTHING vaguely exotic, so thanks for that. Also enjoyed watching your drinks glass change level and color.

[@asimpleton2.0]

“Or small children” I spilled my beer 😂😂😂🙌🔥🙌

[@francobanzini665]

Great video Richard My 06 has 116k miles on it but it did have a 4.7 installed at 111k You sat in the back of it when you were at Aston installations in the UK.

[@josersandoval]

I can’t thank you enough for taking the time on making this video. Weather someone is looking for an Aston or other same level cars.

[@tonyjoe2188]

Nicely done, Richard. Looking forward to seeing you back here in Victoria, British Columbia for our next AMOC event!

[@Redpantslol]

I'm soooo upset that this year's event got cancelled. I already had flights booked for myself and a friend that was coming in from Japan to join me, too. Next year, though!

[@OverlandTT]

A truly great video, I'm a little torn between a DB9 and a Vantage as my first Aston. Watching this has really sold the Vantage to me further! Thank you

[@Redpantslol]

Definitely drive both if you're unsure. They may look similar, but they are VERY different cars from behind the wheel.

[@mustangsupersnake7848]

Brilliant. Rarely seen a buyer's guide of this quality.

[@DJ-qi4ry]

I’ve just bought one. Very informative video. Garage rot! Love it.:)

[@ghibli608]

Very good video ! Very informative ! And yes, you are so right concerning the sportshift: lift your toes when shifting, it’ll be so much smoother ! And don’t ride the clutch on a hill. Press the brake when standing still.

[@paulcruse]

I had a clutch less manual 3 speed Citroen CX Pallas in my youth. Once I got the lifting off timing right, that thing was great! Maybe I might just be able to get on with the sports shift 😅

[@BajoonRS]

15:55 "...it's very common for people to hit curbs or parking posts or ... *small children...*" :O

[@jgriffione]

The only thing I'd add is that Aston seat cushions have a tendency to flatten, causing loose leather on the seats. The majority of cars I look at have this issue.

[@gradeadirector7138]

My biggest pet peeve when looking into cars.. just check out a 2011 db9 with the same issue and it only had 17k miles on it.

[@2smart3guys]

amazing stuff and very useful can't wait for the followup keep it up

[@rafsdavid]

Great video Richard! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@medic17508]

Having a very difficult time finding the right 2021 Aston Martin Vantage in a manual(this is a must) fun shopping around but hard to find the right one in California

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

Just bought a 2009 Vantage ... this is good info.

[@Redpantslol]

Congrats! I hope you enjoy it!

[@petegalindez9961]

Love it! Great video as I start down the money pit of Aston Martin! I do love your line that they are reliable because they use parts from cars like Jaguar and Land Rover!! I guess when those two makers put their parts together they don’t break? LOL. Thanks again!

[@brennenlancashire2465]

I fully agree, they are very unreliable and expensive to repair and maintain, I’ve had a test drive in one and was Not impressed with its performance 👎🏻the gear change was slow, and I wasn’t impressed with its performance (it makes a beautiful noise but that’s it) I’ve also test driven in a Rapide v12 and was shocked to its handling and really hard suspension, and not to mention the joke of the 1970s looking sat-nav 😳 how can they put Such a cheap looking nav in a very expensive car, my Bmw beats them all for real world reliability and performance 👍🏻

[@jmsjms296]

3 M P G flat-out on track !!!!! And I still want one.....

[@BobMahal]

A superb and thorough video. Very informative, thanks!

[@brettmilbradt9275]

This is gold!!! Thank you for your help. I will make sure to purchase from your website.

[@BARRIEM5]

An excellent guide ! Well done !

[@GOLDCOASTWRAPKINGS]

Best AM buyers guide!! Thank you

[@cantho11]

Best aston review by far

[@bsurnsur]

Well done. Hope you will do one for the DB9!

[@jgriffione]

Same here. That's likely my next Aston.

[@psych0hans]

@@jgriffione Ditto!

[@robbey300]

Very informative video and some good pragmatic tips re the ubiquitous sports shift transmissions - so many clutch burnouts by poor driving techniques. I would have liked a bit more info on the Roadster version- including the folding roof and any potential issues around servo motors.

[@Redpantslol]

You're very right... In hindsight I completely neglected the roadster :(

[@twsmith6598]

Ok Richard now do the DB9 same generation, also include the 90% off discount for "the Book" cause the price tag I saw scared the crap of out me... :)

[@Redpantslol]

So after uploading this video, a few people emailed me asking about the book so I reached out to the author. It's no longer being printed - only the Kindle version is available - thus the insane price for the print version.

[@925vincent]

Very informative video. I'm looking for a replacement for my manual e92 m3 and thought the V8 vantage might be a good choice. I'm not looking for something faster/more powerful than the m3 but more involving driving experience. The Vantage might fit the bill. The only problem is that I can't afford newer ones right now (e.g., 2017) but a bit scared of buying used cars that are 9-10 years old, even if they only have 30,000 to 60,000 miles on it. A lot of things age despite the car not being driven. Another concern is the maintenance cost. I was told maintaining an Aston is about three times as expensive as a Porsche. Right now I have a Porsche 991 C2S and the maintenance bill is already on the slightly uncomfortable side. If what I've been told was true then I might simply not be able to afford an Aston right now. But I really lust its sound and look. I'm being torn inside....

[@jmsjms296]

Go for it.

[@925vincent]

@@jmsjms296 Just the encouragement I need! :)

[@k.matthews1158]

@@925vincent 3x as much as a porsche is nonsense.

[@alanwayte432]

I have 16 plate V12 and on Motorway long distance trips easily get 28MPG

[@simoncowley4966]

Great content as usual Richard

[@alexb9244]

Super helpful video even now!

[@37078Chris]

As always, an informative and fun video. Probably not politically correct, but I thought the ‘bumping into small children” was funny. Even though I’ve had my manual 2015 Vantage V8 for almost three years now the video is still helpful for things to check on periodically. Thank you for the great material!

[@BikerBloke600]

Can you please do these type of videos for Porsche please. Really enjoy your videos on the Aston, keep up the good work. Mick 👍🍻

[@512TXSDIY]

Good video. I’m starting my search and research on AM’s. Subscribed.

[@FooFahFoeFum]

Are you planning on making videos on the 2019/2020 new generation Vantage manual and automatic?

[@Redpantslol]

Eventually, yes, but I have no idea when I'll be able to get to them. I still have a few more videos in this series about the previous-gen V8 Vantage, plus a few DIY videos, product overviews, and various other things to cover before I can get to doing videos about the New Vantage.

[@FooFahFoeFum]

@@Redpantslol On average Americans are much taller than Europeans, Arabs and Asians. Jaguar, Aston and Lotus USUALLY forget this fact. My research indicates that In America and Canada there are over 5.6 million men over 6 foot 2. The F-type is a sardine can ... The old 2017 Vantage is the same. The Latest Evora has more leg room ... Please consider mentioning legroom in your videos. Good Luck.

[@Redpantslol]

@@FooFahFoeFum I'm about to do a seat comparison that includes comments about legroom, but for a car in general - and with any car - it's reasonable to expect an interested buyer to actually sit in a model of car before buying one of that model.

[@lexus0829]

thank you for this video very helpful.... thinking of buying one ive owned multiple porsches and currently still drives a very reliable 115k mile tuned 996 turbo. I recently sold my 981S and looking to get a Vantage..... i love the Alloro green on the 15 GT but not sure about the yellow highlights but that can be wrapped easily... lol i think i would be sticking with 2011 and above cause i might buy a sportshift since wifey would want to drive it... even though i owned an e60 m5 before with smg i would follow your advice and drive both the manual and sportshift... i see a lot of Vantage S and regret not buying a GTS that i saw last year never knew there were only 100? so will definitely look for S, N420 and a GT...

[@Redpantslol]

The GTS was a runout model with a few tweaks from the GT to mark it as different. The accents ong the GT cars is pretty divisive, so that can be hit or miss but yeah, a wrap quickly sorts it. With your wife being a co-driver, definitely drive both but keep in mind how the Sportshift behaves. It can be great when driven properly!

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

Brilliant stuff Richard, especially your comments on SS; said perfectly!

[@fonzarellyplay370]

I’m looking to buy a 07 with a 30K miles on it. Thank you for the info

[@Dylan_Miller]

Super helpful, thank you. You're a great speaker

[@jasonmorecroft7764]

Great video, looking for the link for the book?

[@Redpantslol]

I've got a link for it in this article: www.redpants.lol/buyers-guide/ Bit of a warning, it's gone out of print so physical copies are extremely expensive, so the Kindle version would be the way to go.

[@CarshowRellStudios]

New subscriber here. Probably seen you around when you where in Northern VA. Great content btw.

[@Random4Real]

15:50… check the front for damages because its common to hit small children… 😂 Anyway, great video!

[@pen-gos7321]

Great video. I took the manual 4.7 out when I was looking and didn't like it. The dealer never mentioned the sportshift so I dismissed the model and bought a DB9 instead. Talking of which, are you going to do a similar episode for the DB9 ? One thing that I totally agree with is the book, I tell so many prospective owners to get it and never buy a Gaydon model without first buying a copy. Rob

[@Redpantslol]

I'm planning to do DB9 videos after I finish the series on the V8 Vantage, but I have no idea what the timeframe for that will be.

[@theapeman1989]

Awesome content brotha 👍🏽

[@Wayne3nterprises]

LOVED this video 🔥🔥 thx for the channel!

[@toko-thornikesiradze857]

Beautiful car and video,thanks a lot. Can you tell me the name of both wheels? As i saw,you've changed them,but both are beautiful..

[@jasonswitzer5914]

Great video as always Rich! Wealth of information. Looks like COVID as claimed yet another normally "tight haircut guy" victim. I apologize if you're intentionally going for that 70's drifter look, if that's the case, please disregard my comment. Me? I've just completed my third "COVID Do It Yourself" haircut and if Lu's reaction is any indication, third time is NOT a charm.

[@Redpantslol]

Hahaha I actually put my haircut off a couple days so I could reshoot a couple segments of this video that needed to be fixed and didn't want my hair to drastically change back and forth during the video... although it's still pretty noticeable as I forgot to turn on one of my lights and didn't have my watch on in the reshoot :/

[@saveriodemorelli3169]

Good Work Rich! only one question about clutch "problem": is possible to put in 4.3 ASM the clutch of the 4.7 ASM ? thank you very much

[@Redpantslol]

Yep, and I'll be mentioning this in my maintenance video that's coming up next.

[@saveriodemorelli3169]

Redpants ok thank you very much, I will wait impatiently for this new video

[@Thomas..Anderson]

So it's very common for people to hit curbs or parking posts or small children with the front lip of the car.

[@fabriziocristiani9630]

Well done! I have a question for you. Do you think the Aston Martin v8 vantage 4.3, would become a car of hystorical interest? Thanks, bye

[@MrMel0486]

AWESOME VIDEO THANKS SO MUCH 😎🙌🏼💯 ASTON MARTIN ALLDAY

[@patrickjohnnybobbin7323]

Thanks it certainly is overwhelming

[@lowbvll8969]

I like the ACR vantage wallpapers

[@Redpantslol]

Thanks! That's a picture of Luanna (ACR), me, John (Modesta), and Dustin (MischiefTV) when we went to a race at Fuji Speedway with ACR :D

[@lowbvll8969]

@@Redpantslol how cool is that!!! Sorry I mistakenly took it as a regular wallpaper!

[@Redpantslol]

There's actually quite a bit to it. I first met ACR when I messaged them out of the blue and they accommodated me dropping in on them: www.unzipped.lol/japan-trip-2018-1 I've kept close with them ever since and have been back and visited them a couple times since then.

[@tomthompson7400]

outstanding video.

[@denverexoticrentalcars4665]

Very informative Richard. Willl go relook at somethings on ours.

[@flyingfishscubainternation3565]

Hi, have you had a ‘ Driver Door Open’ warning with the drivers window opening slightly a few times before settling down and the warning going out? Thanks

[@Redpantslol]

The door shouldn't open at all so if that's happening then the open door warning is valid. I'd start by checking to see if the door latch is misaligned or the mechanism is loose and go from there.

[@zach_drives_01]

Do you have any resources covering the GTS? I have found a 2016 for sale, listed as an S, and the little information that is out there is rather confusing. Trying to do homework as it looks to be a great opportunity.

[@Redpantslol]

The GTS is basically a run-out special of the S. They're mostly the same, so most of what you'll see for an S also applies to the GTS. I think the biggest difference might be the infotainment system on the GTS being the last iteration of the AM system (AMiii) before moving to the Mercedes stuff for the current-gen cars.

[@logan.stark777]

Have heard on KZbin you are one of the best of the best in the Aston Martin Community for advice and coaching. Looking to purchase an Aston Martin Vantage, minimum year 2012. However, desire the interior quality to be as close to the V12 as possible. Do you know the last year the Vantage 2012-2016 interior was updated, and do you have to purchase the Vantage S in those years to get those quality seats? Thank you in advance. Best, Logan Stark.

[@Redpantslol]

The first update was in 2007, which was a completely new seat. There was a new styling again when the V8 Vantage S came out, but it was mostly cosmetic (I couldn't tell a functional difference going from one to the other). There were a few other styles that got mixed in as well after that, but again it was just different cosmetics - leather and stitching patterns. Other than the V8 Vantage S and the V8 Vantage GT, you'd have to see the seat in the car to know if it has a different pattern/style to it. Also, whoever told you that about me was way too kind, but I appreciate it nonetheless!

[@logan.stark777]

@@Redpantslol You are a certified Aston Martin Ninja in my book. The seats and interior in the link below would be ok. Just didn’t know if you knew of another updates after this, for the V8 besides radio, and electronic. Seats, doors, dash, center console, and the raise up tweeters is what I want the best of. BTW. Thank you for the fast reply. 2012 Vantage S kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqjEdaRmgcuXraM

[@nelprana5861]

What about air bags, don't they need change or maintenance as well?

[@WillH0409]

4:48 - "80085" Nice! 😂

[@edindaclub]

did you or anyone try to install a carplay into the car? or how do you play your musics?

[@Redpantslol]

Yep, I show it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJPOhqufZr2Sd8U

[@abhisunkara]

I am trying to understand if the v8 vantage N430 and the GT models are the same or are they different? Hopefully, I can make a decision and get one this year.

[@Redpantslol]

The N430 was more similar to the S. The GT was a stripped down version with little offered as standard.

[@igetpaidtowait]

Great video👏🏽

[@TheHussamksa]

Is a Aston Martin Vantage 2007 manual a reliable Era compared to the 2017

[@thearrow8305]

The auto mode of the last v8 vantage (SportShift II - 2017) it is really bad ?

[@jagtap1234]

Lol.. I loved the ending of the front bumper description.

[@pariesjean-philippe2928]

Hi, is taht possible to make a quick tutorial how to remove isolation on trunk, caus I have no ideo how to do it. I´m scarde to damage it, need to have acces to the third stop light.

[@Redpantslol]

I have a video for replacing the tail lights, center light included, on my KZbin channel.

[@pariesjean-philippe2928]

@@Redpantslol Many thanks, yes I saw, awsome and great job

[@pariesjean-philippe2928]

@@Redpantslol Even dont know, but do you have anything about front Headlight, How to remove?

[@NinjAsaya]

Trying to find the book in physical version (I hate e-books) and the only one I’m seeing is 500$...

[@carbonmiata2012]

Thanks a lot! Very helpful!!!

[@juniorbortiz5233]

Great Video... my question is subjective but your input would be great. What year do you think the best Overall V8 Vantage model was released?

[@Redpantslol]

I think the 4.7L engine makes a big difference and the bigger brakes on the MY12.25+ V8V are a huge upgrade over the earlier brakes, so I'd say any of them with the 6-piston front calipers is going to be great. I do love the final console used in the last year or two as well.

[@markwilliamson8662]

@@Redpantslol yes I certainly agree. The 4.7 is a big improvement as are the six pots.

[@xtype2006]

Thank you for this advice! I'm in the market but can either go with a manual 2012+ V8 or an automated manual V12. Any thoughts on which would be more reliable? Thanks in advance!

[@Redpantslol]

I personally think the manual is going to be more reliable than the Sportshift as there are fewer things that can go wrong. Both are the same basic gearbox, but the ASM components have a couple points of failure that aren't on the manual.

[@xtype2006]

@@Redpantslol Thank you!

[@tommyfreckmann6857]

I liked it before I watch it to save for later! I have the same shirt!

[@streetwalkinsweden]

My canal got banned Now I have a new one help me to expand them to you and I hope you have a great day My dream car ❤❤❤aston martin 4.3 v8.. It's same engine in jaguar??

[@ronaldmoise1678]

Great video bud thank you

[@HarryESwan]

Great video...Is sad to say that I havent been able to drive my car much due to traveling, but just recently I started to use the pale shifters and I do like it. Rich please get back at me when you can about the TPMS email I sent you. Thanks for the great videos.

[@peterbernholz7482]

Very good the book link

[@karlstamper9243]

Hi Richard - you've made a great KZbin & web site for Vantage info - love it, but wondered if you have come across DSC issues when changing my rear tyres from Pirelli P zero's to bridgestones, on the slights corner the DSC light goes on & the car feels like it wants to leave the road .... Any ideas anybody ?

[@Redpantslol]

Could be a few things but the immediate one I think of is that if the new tires have less grip than the originals, they'll be able to spin more easily under load and that extra spin can trigger the DSC light. Which Bridgestones are you using? The P Zero is a fairly sticky street tire.

[@karlstamper9243]

Hi Richard thank you for your reply I replaced the rears with Bridge stone S001 & still have the P zero’s on the front ... is it time to replace the rears with Pirelli’s again? ...... all comments are very welcome!

[@francobanzini665]

I put Michelin Pilot sport 4 all round on mine - way better than Bridgestone

[@karlstamper9243]

Hi Franco, thank you for your advice - I just can't believe changing the rear tyres from pirelli's to bridgestones can have such a dangerous feel to the car

[@LiqdPT]

Its too bad "the book" is only available as an ebook now

[@Redpantslol]

I ended up reaching out to the author about that and as of right now, there isn't a plan to put the book back into print form as the Kindle version is far more manageable in every way. I'd like to see that change, since I prefer paper over a screen, but that's out of my hands... lame pun intended.

[@GadgetyMV]

Excellent!

[@abitofmymind]

Hi mate, have you sold many supercharger kits? If so any dyno results

[@Redpantslol]

The initial production run sold out almost immediately but we haven't been able to get more made due to the pandemic closing everything down. I'm not accepting orders for them until production restarts. It's a lot of money to sit on without any clue as to when we can deliver the kits and I feel bad enough not being able to deliver orders that were already placed - thankfully those customers are being extreeeeemly patient! Here's some dyno results: www.redpants.lol/blog/2020/3/18/lets-address-the-contagious-elephant-in-the-room

[@luftlinie811]

I learned a lot about a car I’ll never be able to afford

[@stevetag6572]

Wow…what a great vid