Utterly stunning and aggressively fast, I really consider my Aston Martin Vantage to be the pinnacle of sports car perfection! I can't get over the fact that I actually own this car. Who says that gambling doesn't pay? I drive this thing around for no reason whatsoever other than to get pedestrians to gawp at me and I enjoy every minute of it.
With a 460bhp v12 engine this motor has pretty-much F1 specs. I have taken it round a track and it really can perform. But practically speaking it really doesn't cut the mustard. I'm just over 6ft tall and I can barely squeeze into the thing!
I paid a lot for this car and I pay a hell of a lot to run it. The petrol costs are quite frankly outrageous. I'm perhaps not as wealthy as I should be with a car like this but have you seen what they're reselling at? I don't think I have to worry.
Aston Martin released the V8 Vantage at the right time. We all wanted something new and something alternative compared to the 911, and with the 380bhp V8, it was certainly alternative.
The main selling point with the Aston is the way this thing sounds. It's just so cushy. If you want power, then there's probably better cars, but if you want something you can be proud of and that is comfortable too, then the Aston is a class above the field.
Inside, it's beautiful. Lots of dead cows and lots of lovely detailing. There's a push button start and the pedals feel quite nice. It's a great driving position and you really do feel like you're driving the car.
The suspension is quite soft considering it's a sports car, but I'm happy with that because I am getting old. It's a GT car for the gentleman racer.
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.
I may be 50+ but that doesn't mean I don't like cars. I've always wanted an Aston, and when I turned 50, I decided "why not?". I've worked hard all my life, it's time to treat myself to something that's going to keep me exciting in my later life - and that's exactly what the V8 Vantage does.
From the moment I press the start button, my senses tingle like I'm a teenager again. I may look a bit of a tool driving it, but I just don't care. I love driving and I love Astons, and I wouldn't hesistate to recommend the V8 for anyone who's contemplating one.
It drinks petrol like nothing I've ever owned, so just make sure you can afford to run the thing, as it does not take prisoners. Aside from that, though, just enjoy all the compliments and looks you'll get. I sure do.