Used Aston Martin Vantage review 2016 / 2017

A new Ford Mondeo can set you back more than £ 30,000, but what if you want something a little more exotic cash it? Aston Martin V8 Vantage was introduced as a model company that 'entry-level' in 2005, and with hundreds of cars sold today, ranging from a little over £ 30,000, Vantage makes a great buy for anyone looking for a slice of exotica in the budget.

With a 4.3-liter V8 and a manual or semi-automatic Sportshift box (each with six gears), Vantage has a soundtrack and a performance to match the looks. 380bhp engine has a free-revving nature that goes all the way up to 7,000 rpm, and fun to use; takes the car from 0-62mph in just five seconds and to 175 mph. Throw in a spine-tingling exhaust note, the extraordinary dynamics and the jaw-dropping appearance, and there is much to love about this baby Aston.

closed models

Aston Martin Vantage was launched in 2005 and is the most affordable in the brand's line-up, sit under the new DB11, Rapide and Vanquish S in the range.

Aston Martin Vantage (2005-date) - Exotic two-seater can now be yours for the price of a top-spec new family car.

Aston Martin Vantage

Price from £ 32,000

Upgrades are available to enhance the standard 4.3 V8 from 380 bhp to 420 bhp 4.7, but they are not cheap. Just buy the Vantage which has full service history with evidence that much cash has been poured, and only consider the example which has been managed by Aston leading specialists.

Extra-cost features stiffer suspension Sport Pack and fresh design five-spoke alloy; be careful of the car, because you may find the journey too hard.

Alternatives to Aston Martin Vantage

Aston toughest enemies are the Porsche 911, which combines exceptional build quality and surprising practicality with outstanding dynamics and performance - and all from just £ 18,000 for the 997 edition of the generation. More charismatic, but rare is the Maserati GranTurismo, which starts at £ 28,000. GranCabrio convertible at a price of £ 54,000.

While it is desirable mid-engined Audi R8 V8 is available in coupe guise of £ 42,000; drop-top Spyders start from £ 60,000. Also worth a look is the W12-engined Bentley Continental GT, which you can buy from just £ 25,000, although the convertible version at least £ 45,000. Finally, there is the post-2006 Jaguar XKR with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, from £ 16,000 to £ 20,000 for the coupe or drop-top.

What to look for:

Exhaust

Some cars have exhaust valve-cut them adapted for richer sound at low engine speeds, but you may find it uncomfortable noisy.

Figure 9 of 16Aston Martin Vantage (used) - Exhaust

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gearbox

Transmission is strong, despite the initial guidance car, the first and second ratios can be awkward to choose. Clutches last up to 40,000 miles.

Machine

V8 durable and high-mileage cars are rare. Alternator drive belt could squeak when it is cold, but the design revision idler pulley provided.

Paint

Paint cans bubble at the base of the A-pillar and brightwork that can change color - particularly the grille, which could leave the milk.

Picture 10 of 16Aston Martin Vantage (used) - dashboard

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inland

For such a premium car cabin Aston was a disappointment. It is also made in the main, but it looks very dated now and some of the switchgear seems anything but premium. There is seating for only two, although the layout hatchback improve practicality, the boot has a capacity of 300 liters.

operating costs

All Vantages need to be serviced every 10,000 miles or 12 months. Aston dealers offer fixed price maintenance, with most services V8 pegged at £ 650 £ 680, but the fifth is £ 772 for the cooling cover changes. Check-ups in V12s usually £ 761, or £ 886 for the five services.

A fresh pollen filter is needed every 20,000 miles (£ 80 for a V8, £ 120 for V12), while the air filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles on the V8 (£ 357) and 20,000 in the V12 (£ 284). independent garage can charge less, but when we checked in, the overall cost of care is generally not cut to go outside the dealer network.

Image 8 of 16Aston Martin Vantage (used) - details behind

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withdrawal

Vantage has drawn four times. In February 2006, the model was made for October 2005 could suffer an electrical fault that prevents the engine from scratch.

A second recall, in August 2009, is associated with a front subframe in April, working off-July 2009 example, and another came in November 2012. The model built from April 2009-September 2012 could have a tire pressure monitor software problems. Finally, in December 2014, the chair could be too hot in the car made from June 2006 to November 2014.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

Not surprisingly, the Vantage is too rare to be included in our survey Power driver, but it would not be difficult to predict the outcome: a large sign for the performance and handling; less to the running costs and practicality. the initial model is likely to get the thumbs down to build quality as well, but then the car feels better.

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