Understanding Aston Martins: The Modern Range Explained (DB9, DBS, Vantage, Vanquish, Rapide)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

LILLIAN STANLEY FINANCE lillianstanley.co.uk/jayemmoncars/ Call the special JayEmm Hotline on 08007720588

[@johnrooney355]

I owned Astons for ten years and enjoyed the ownership but accepted that repairs and spares would be expensive. Servicing was reasonable even at main dealers but journeys of over 100 miles to get any jobs done was a pain. The enjoyment came to an abrupt end when a deep puddle caused hydro lock on two cylinders. A replacement,if available,would have cost £35000. I found subsequently that V12 engines can easily ingest water. Luckily after a battle insurance paid out a write off value. Now have an LC500 which I find to be a better car especially the warranty.

[@harveytr7106]

I think the same risk exists with the Vantage: the air intake is very low down in front of the front wheels. I won’t take mine anywhere near standing water as a result.

[@johnnyboy1586]

You would think being made in the uk it would be fully waterproof

[@GM-kj6sb]

Does the LC500 have the same thrill of the Aston V12 or do you miss it? I have an itch for an Aston V12 but know it might be a terrible decision.

[@johnrooney355]

@@GM-kj6sb I enjoyed most of the ownship of my Virage. It was on the whole dependable. The only big outlay was replacement of the coil packs but no spares or replacements are cheap and as I said my nearest AM expert was 120 miles away. The attention the car received was a daily occurrence. My big problem of ownership now would be that I’d be scared to to use it in wet weather. The lc500 is not a come down from the Aston in terms of performance or exclusivity. I’d never seen one on the road before I bought mine. In many respects I think it’s the better car and the warranty makes ownership less stressful.

[@johnrooney355]

@@GM-kj6sb All the petrol heads I’ve driven in the lc500 are very impressed with most leaving me saying they want one. I had never seen one on the road before I bought mine so incredibly rare.

[@Mylough1]

There is no telling how many times I'll watch this one over again. Thank you!

[@HVLOVRSE]

I'd take a Vanquish II because of how different it is to every other VH era car, especially with its looks... in the back specifically

[@himthatis6698]

Really good episode. Would be nice to see other episodes like it, a walk through of a series of cars that some people struggle to get their heads around or even a generational walk through of a popular make and model. Porsche comes to mind or an Audi RS and S comparison. TBH, as much as I enjoy the normal fare I actually prefer these different videos, they are a nice treat.

[@Simont6.0]

I have a DB9 and love it. But I do love the look of the Vanquish 2......

[@Mike-sg9tl]

Drove a 2013 V12 Vantage manual today, absolutely sensational car.

[@dadcars]

I could have watched this for 60 minutes, wonderful video 👏 I’ll be back in an Aston eventually, mark my words! 😎

[@mikeyap4159]

Please do mate!!

[@alandale6326]

@dadcars did you ever get those compact kid seats into a vanquish 2? Trying to justify one, I’m only 5”6 and my wife is 5”4 so we usually have the front seats not too far back!

[@hexgraphica]

The best way to tell an early DB9 apart is to check for the "just woke up bogey" in the corner of the headlights

[@JoshuaClaypool]

I've always had a love for Astons, but have never owned or driven one. My current fun car is a Jaguar F-type coupe, and I feel like the only thing I would really want to replace it with is a 2015+ Vanquish. The lines of that car are just an absolute work of art.

[@ItachiUchiha-lr3yr]

9 minutes in, he explains the cars.

[@AntoniusTyas]

I've heard lots of good things about the new DB12 and new V8 Vantage, mainly on the dynamics and the interior layouts. But for me, the dream Astons will always be a Xenon Grey Vanquish S Ultimate Series II, a Flame Orange DBS Carbon Edition, V12 Vantage S in Sunburst Yellow (look it up, it's a fantastic colour), and V8 Vantage N430 in Alloro Green. Maybe with a bonus of Lava Red Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake, an example of which I recently saw in person and oh my goodness it just glows under the sun. VH-era Astons were just the best of Astons. Gorgeous cars, desirable image, fantastic engines, beautiful place to sit in, and they _ACTUALLY_ sells and kept Aston Martin alive.

[@danmiddle2]

I loved the DBS when it came out... but it's not ageing as well as the Vantage/DB9 to my eye. Personally, I think the pick of them all is DB9.2, even over the Vanquish2. It's just the most cohesive design and classically elegant. That said, they're all beautiful!

[@GeorgeTeuber-ce4xg]

Thanks James,as someone who is considering buying an Aston your video was very informative, enjoyable and timely. Keep up the great work.

[@rhone81]

Stop considering and buy one as they're amazing.

[@markbellinger]

I have a 2014 DB9 Carbon White Edition! I have loved every single second of ownership, from the 40,000+ glorious miles I have put on it across Europe to the amazing customer experience I always get at Aston Martin Bristol 😎

[@Fingers_UK]

Great video James. Without trying to sound too nerdy, you didn't mention that anther difference between the DBS and its 'little brother' is that to reduce weight, Aston Martin made extensive use of carbon fibre throughout the DBS. The bonnet, the boot, the front wings, the door opening surrounds and the boot compartment are all made of carbon fibre. The carpets are also made of special thin layers made from carbon fibre.

[@jwright9639]

Wow, incredible history of the Aston Martin legacy for the new millennia! Thank you for this JayEmm. I cannot tell you how excited I am to be a future owner of, given by budget, most likely a DB9. So very excited to feel and experience the roar of a naturally aspirated A/M V12!

[@Kalepsis]

Here in the US, the best bargain on a VH Aston right now is a 2014 Vanquish. It's a fantastic car for 85-95k.

[@laurencefahey2085]

Had my db9 for 20 years now from new , and still absolutely love it and use it all the time

[@daniels.2720]

My daily Aston Martin tutorial = thank you JayEmm.

[@harveytr7106]

Enjoyed this. Helpful to have all of the VH era info consolidated into one video. However, you seem to have omitted the fact that blue ones are fastest.

[@garyminion9610]

Good timing,im actually talking myself in and out and back in to changing my f type for a 4.7 vantage,the trouble im having is i like a automatic and i know the Astons auto isn't as good as my zf8 in my f type,now the vantage i find is a very pretty car so i can probably over look this but should i.

[@MM-lc2vn]

Having owned a 1st generation V8 Vantage, which I found uninspiring, I bought a V12 Vantage in 2013 and I still have it. What a great car, and the sound of the n/a engine never gets boring. Over ten years of happy ownership and never more than a couple of minor quibbles in all that time.

[@eugenekovalov9370]

Very interesting. Thanks Jay!

[@ifirebolti2789]

“second hand bargain” **cries in V12 Vantage S Coupe - Manual in grey**

[@AdamSG1-f6e]

Love this as an AM Owner and enthusiast. Can't help but think a mini series here...would consider a 911 model review?

[@christopherhume8896]

"Or if you own a Great Dane" 😂 James's new channel : DogCars! Can you do a road trip to Scotland with an Old English Sheepdog and a Fiat 126?

[@darrylwebb3625]

2 things impress me about this video : 1) James' ability to relay lots of geeky detail without referring to notes and 2) James' access to contacts who can provide the various models for the video.

[@simonshaffer]

Another fine film, the work you've put into this is apparent, as is your work ethic. I assume you have a large staff of experts who make this happen, please give them my regards; unless its just you and a mate… Respect.

[@alexrobinson806]

Evening James, I have been seriously considering a 4.3 Vantage for some time now as my first proper exotic. The choice is either one of these or a Quattroporte Sport GTS. As the Vantage is really quite affordable now (and relatively reliable) at circa 25/30k, I do think that it will be the one for me. I appreciate you giving us your thoughts on the cars as you have owned and driven many over the years. And after all, one of the coolest sentences you can say is I own an Aston Martin.

[@richardelson3261]

I’d really love one. But instead I have a CLK Sport cabriolet which is as old and offers just about enough similarity of experience but is reliable and lovely without breaking the bank. The Aston Martin dream can wait.

[@JasonOnCars]

Hey jayemm I just wanna tell you how much yo made me love older cars and to appreciate them keep it up

[@chriscomparescars4416]

Great video! Hopefully I'll have a 2000'sV8 Vantage one day, being at the 2nd hand prices they are makes them accessible 😁

[@huzcer]

do take a look into maintenance and parts costs!

[@chriscomparescars4416]

@@huzcer yes thanks! I know the clutches are something to look out for

[@DrBoobY2K]

This is a brilliant video and hopefully a timeless one. A really good format that will hopefully become part of a larger series.

[@trazyntheinfinite]

Rapide s is my personal hero because its so weird and silly but sooo good looking

[@RobertRedford77]

Lights, dash..interiors..carpets all interchangeable too.

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

I agree Jay the DBS is just beautiful, iv had 2 and can't imagine not having one!!!

[@john1703]

You do, of course, know that the real DBS was featured in OHMSS and had the proper number of cylinders by Tadek Marek, which engine did win at Le Mans in 1959. 🤣

[@nickcunningham6588]

Great video, informative and flawless presentation. Jay, you've upped your game to a whole new level!

[@djt1034]

this video is perfect! this is exactly what we've been looking for

[@AndrewLister-yj5hi]

Great content James.😊 Dying to know what Bamford Rose found & fixed on ur DBS. Particularly why they think it was eating diffs & hopefully will not do so now. Video soon? Plz, plz, plz. Andrew 😉

[@TheOrangeEliseCup250]

Thank you James for this🤩 Aston Martins VH cars all made me dream. Great interview at Behind the Class👍

[@mrshortshift7920]

one day i'll own one of these. either a v12 vantage s for the driving aspect or the dbs. the dbs is just the most beautiful car ever made

[@adrianrobertson1478]

Hi James, Thank you for (nearly) demystifying the AM range. I think I will stick to my favourite DBSV8 from the late 60s and early 70s. Great content!

[@mattfoster3316]

For some reason, a lot of this video looked green screened😂. Must be something to do with the lighting on that day. Great video as always. Glad to see some astons are coming within the affordable range for me.

[@imusuallycorrect]

Absolutely perfect timing! On the hunt for my first AM. Thank you!

[@imusuallycorrect]

And thanks, my budget just went up 15/20k because you've convinced me to follow your example and get a DBS 😂

[@huzcer]

Some of the quickest depreciating cars being sold. Along with some of the most expensive parts and servicing. What a combo.

[@Greyboxer]

How expensive was yours when you owned it? My DB9 costs $300 a year in maintenance. It’s a 2011.

[@huzcer]

@@Greyboxer my friend owned a Vantage about 10 years ago. It was a nightmare for him (engine rebuild including).

[@Greyboxer]

@@huzcer i don’t really think one instance of something happening 10 years ago to someone else is enough basis for such a broad statement

[@huzcer]

@@Greyboxer the 2nd gen vantage (2018 -23 model) had 35% depreciation as soon as you drive it off the forecourt and 47% after 3 years. It was even worse on depreciation than any McLaren. And the "new" over with the same Mercedes engine is likely to suffer similar. So yeah... Parts prices are legendarily expensive still also of course.

[@daggidding4478]

I just saw you appearance on behind the glass. Great one 😃👍

[@unnotrabies]

Hey JayEmm, do you think you could attempt to track down a DB9.2 for review? It seems like there's very little content or fanfare around these cars, but they seem like the one to own for me, with the combo of 510HP, adaptive dampers, and some of the exterior features of both the DBS and Virage. I'm currently planning on buying a DB9 in the next couple of months, and am trying to figure out if the later generation is worth the 25-75% extra over an earlier car.

[@TT-rw3wz]

I forgot about them!

[@drhml2010]

Own one , best daily

[@davidbewick9208]

Almost bought an early vantage a couple of years ago but was put off by the Ford and Volvo parts bin all over the car. They then had the cheek to brand these parts as Aston parts and sell them at Aston prices. For example it has a Mondeo fuel pump. A few quid if you buy the Ford version but a dealer will charge way north of 3 figures for the Aston branded equivalent.

[@grahamdaws4775]

Not your biggest fan (as you know) - but fair play this is a well researched, well crafted, concise and fair piece.

[@laskos02]

When are we gonna see that XJ on the channel?

[@govertvanamerongen5902]

Cool!! A V8 Vantage will be a good start... Just awesome still...❤

[@mikeypv6]

The Rapide AMR should always be remembered as the last naturally aspirated Aston

[@kornonacob]

The dbs 770 ultimate is the best handling Aston so far that ive owned ......... waiting for the new vanquish v12 manual..... already ordered the new vantage.....

[@peterbrooke8103]

Nice video and a good coverage of the VH cars. A little harsh on the DB7 which really are a very good car regardless of the Jaguar underpinnings

[@Indecisive7337]

The one for me was shown in your opening piece, the the Aston Martin Superleggera V8, Sorry, my spellings bad but you’ll know the one James.

[@Cyberdyne-kg8ku]

I wonder if you could fit a Focus 1.6 Diesel in one. All the looks with all the economy.

[@daniels.2720]

Curiously "ughhh" > haha

[@garyhawkins9246]

Apparently Ian Callum said that the V8 Vantage was originally supposed to be Mid Engined, do you think it would have been a better car if it had been produced in that configuration?

[@rockoneal7621]

@JayEmmOnCars Love your channel and your reviews. I am long time follower. The prices you mention in UK are much lower than prices here in the USA. I get there is a currency conversion issue to consider. Could you comment on that and whether it would be feasible to import to the USA at a favorable total cost?

[@indopleaser]

Best shirt have seen so far. Audiophiles unite!

[@3ducs]

Or, Vantage buyers could cross shop the various iterations of the Jaguar F-Type.

[@aaronmuir8082]

It’s interesting James that you have more of a distaste towards the Rapide, which is rare by people who know the brand. I think you need to compare it to the other VH cars with more usable space and storage than the other cars such as the flying spur etc.. As in the Aston world you’ll find that most will pick the Rapide over the others more often than not and will tell you that the DBS is the biggest disappointment of the lots. Rear seats may not be the biggest but the occupants can always walk if they don’t fancy it. And who doesn’t want to be driven around in an Aston!Great content as always. 👍

[@StephenBaysted]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@mdrz]

Shame the new astons doesn't look even 1/4 as good as these on the exterior

[@anthonygray333]

Going to get my DB9.2 one of these days. Maybe a carbon edition.

[@paulplus3830]

"Giving you a rough guide....." Me looking at 30 more minutes.... ^0^

[@dubbsUK]

The Shadow Edition Rapide S was the final version with the updated engine…. Same as the Vanquish S engine when fitted with the “performance pack” only difference is the gearbox mapping which apparently Bamford Rose can sort. NA V12s are by far the best sounding VH cars….

[@MichelHenriTonneau]

You did good. But not sure I would go for such car; somehow I remain focused on the jag XK….

[@riggs1590]

I'd love to own an Aston or a Mclaren, but the build quality and repair costs are not an option for me. Do not want to pay that money on a toy only to not be able to use it as it's broken or too expensive to repair. That's why I stick to Porsche. They just work and not stupid money for repairs.

[@_audacerider3838]

For me it would be the Virage if I would be able to get the key to a VH Aston Martin model followed by a 8speed vanquish s and a Rapide S as my third choice

[@CTFlyer7]

I still want a DB9 from around 2005/6. Just for sentimental reasons.

[@eric-wb7gj]

TY J! 🙏

[@christophecamus3295]

Very interesting video thanks

[@ryan_henderson]

Listen, I’m a big Aston fan, but it is ludicrous how much effort one has to go into to tell their model line apart.

[@AndrewButler-ut7rh]

@JayEmmOnCars Video nerd observation. Your shirt was really screwing with the encoder when I viewed the video on a less than stellar connection. In order to maintain the texture on the fabric it decided to use about 5 MPEG blocks to represent your face 🧱

[@sputumtube]

Aaaand we're back to Aston Martin. Again.

[@julianthompson9824]

V12V for the win!

[@MrAlpinab7]

ok, let me ask a question which we usually wouldn't be talking about. What's the average consumption of a DBS, or any Aston V12 ?(please hold the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" bla bla bla)

[@markhallows2945]

My Gen II Vanquish with the 8 speed gearbox averages 24mpg

[@andyslater3452]

My DB11 V12 just recorded 30mpg on a trip up to Scotland (on the motorways😃). Around the twistys it’s closer to 20mph. Cylinder deactivation seems to work!

[@MrAlpinab7]

@@markhallows2945 thank you, i have to say it's more than decent

[@MrAlpinab7]

@@andyslater3452 thank you

[@JayEmmOnCars]

They're pretty good for a V12. 23-24mpg (UK) on a run. Lower around town of course.

[@alandale6326]

I love Astons, decided I need to experience one. In a current gen bmw m2 and it has no soul and very little enjoyment. I need the 2+2 seating as compromised as they are, v12 db11 or v12 vanquish 8 speed… similar price, what do I go for?

[@grandtrousers]

I don't know what it is but I really struggle to like the VH cars, of course they look OK and there are subtle differences but none of them seem to have the soul of a multi coloured red Astra van......

[@djones1304]

A used review of db11 would be good

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

We have just placed an order on our 3rd dbs, I'm going for a superlegerra (excuse the auto spelling) v12 this time. I hope it won't be something I come to regret?

[@tomfurie2996]

I’m more confused than before. Which is the one to have? At the moment?

[@andystainforth6874]

It's a shame the only thing you mention about the Vanquish S is the front splitter. What about the full carbon body, the amazing sound, the last naturally aspirated V12? The Vanquish S knocks spots off the DBS. The only other carbon body Aston is the Valkyrie, coming in at £3 million. If you want a return on your investment the Vanquish S is the one undoubtedly, V12, Full carbon body, no brainer.

[@greathey1234]

Great cars and believe it or not the vantage was even more reliable than the 911 of the time with its IMS bearing

[@Suprahampton]

DB9 GT with manual from V12 Vantage S please

[@nicola6323]

Now I want one! 😂

[@Greyboxer]

Jay, have you read Grant Neal’s book on the Gaydon Era of Aston Martin? Helped me decide on my 2011 DB9. Perfect blend.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I have. Very helpful, though not actually definitive - not his fault, Aston are awful for sharing information

[@tonyquickpasta]

Virage too!

[@jeffhampton130]

Vanquish Volanté 👐

[@ChrisDorgan]

All this AM content just as I’m thinking of trading mine in all racked with guilt 😩🤣

[@4rephill]

The biggest problem with Aston Martin's of this era, is that unless you are an Aston Martin enthusiast/nerd, they all look the same ☹

[@BrownHotPot0096]

hey just wondering, since you have a love hate relationship with Aston Martins and i know these models are not within the budget range; maybe you can also let us know what you think of valkyrie, DBX, and Valiant just to round up everything.

[@davidstocks3108]

I love the DBS but you seemed to gloss over it in favour of vantage & vanquish ???

[@dtrain1634]

I’ll stick to my st150 and celica lol 😜 can’t afford these and I just don’t like them (yes I know…) I just don’t lol 😝 my wife does haha

[@aaronmuir8082]

There you go, I would love a fiesta ST as a daily but my wife hates the harsh ride and plus they get robbed in the Midlands, so instead sacked the idea of a sporty daily and we bought an Aston as a weekend car and they don’t get nabbed like Fords. Astons are great because it’s one of the few cars you can get buy in from the wife. And that my friend can never ever be underestimated! 👍

[@bill4632]

The free one.

[@jackonorey4846]

I'm looking at a DB11 and its all your fault.

[@Mike-sg9tl]

Great bargain car! Once new over £200k, you can now pick them up for £70k. Very luxurious and the 5.2 twin turbo is an Aston Martin engine

[@kevinlong6482]

Be aware I have owned one and they maybe cheapish to buy but the running costs are eye watering There is no such thing as a cheap Aston

[@Michael-ti2qj]

How come his videos look like they were filmed in 1995?

[@mr.y.mysterious.video1]

They all look too similar .

[@rarcal9775]

@@mr.y.mysterious.video1 It’s not a problem when they all look glorious in their own ways

[@lbnewell23]

Lucky they stuck with a beautiful design rather than a vile one like most manufacturers are doing now

[@josephkelly4893]

They all look like Aston Martins, perfect

[@JinSkywalker-ny8sw]

​@@mr.y.mysterious.video1 precisely why I like Astons, their design language is already beautiful enough, why even bother changing it radically

[@mr.y.mysterious.video1]

@@JinSkywalker-ny8sw maybe, but often the buyer of an expensive model wants people to recognise it as such.