ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE 2dr [420] (2008)

The Vantage is a true British beauty... pricey to run mind!

Personally I love the Aston Martin Vantage. For me it is just THE British car, oozing class and charm. However... I am willing to admit that this is kind of an emotional connection, and that it's not actually the best built motor in its class... or the cheapest.... or most reliable... or efficient. But stuff all that, it just makes me smile to drive! And you can't make a rational argument about that.

I got the PDK transmission version of this car, which I think was the right decision in the end. I did try the 'Sportshift' one when I took it for a test drive, but it really didn't feel worth the few grand extra they wanted for it. Just a bit clunky, especially in traffic. Not sure how to describe that but make sure you try them both.

A nice surprise with this car is the boot space. It's actually designed around a set of golf clubs, so they fit into the lower part and you can fit two people's luggage up in the top bit pretty easily really. Bargain!

Downsides start really with the fuel consumption. The AM Vantage is a very hungry beast, but it depends what you're buying a car for really! For me this is a weekend plaything, it's not really for everyday use. I should also say it can feel *ever so slightly* flaky in places, little hints of loose trim inside, which is a bit of a disappointment for the price tag. It's not super comfortable for long journeys either, but really not that bad, just not an easy chair.

Get it for a really enjoyable fun time, useful for occasional short trips away; but not for a super reliable workhorse.