Brutally Honest ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE Buyers Guide & Review

ALL the common issues you need to know if you're looking to buy an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. (4.3, 4.7, 2005 - 2017)

In addition I'll give you what one I'd choose and provide a mini review of what I think of the car.

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[McGrowlers]

Brought one as a retirement present to myself eight years ago and use as a daily and still get that buzz everytime I look at or drive her. Have put 40, 000 miles on her taking her to 58, 000 miles and for an exotic she's been pretty reliable but when things do go wrong then there's the 'Aston Tax' to contend with. However not all is lost as these cars were built under Fords stewardship and their parts bin for Jaguar, Volvo and Ford were raided so you can often find the self same item at a quarter of the price - case in point being Ford Focus O2 sensors compared to the exact same item from Aston. Buy wisely and you won't be disappointed as every outing gives you a sense of occasion.

[philhall]

I have a 2007 4.3, remapped to 410 bhp... absolutely love it and dead reliable too

[bazzabeeable]

Bought mine a few years old in 2011 when not many people were buying these cars, had 8 years of unrivalled pleasure driving this car, the thrill of firing up that v8 on the way to work in the morning is incomparable. Sold the car after 8 years of ownership for £5k less than I bought it for. Zero reliability issues during my ownership.

[paulreip]

Had a ‘13 V8 Sportshift for 8 years, 25k miles. Bloody loved it.

[JamesPink-jk]

As a long term 4.3 owner/upgrader, I would add shocking original shock absorbers Nitron "road series" replacements are awesome, knackered wishbone bushes that last only 10/15k, Powerflex are now available, rusting rear subframe (remove/sand blast/powder coat) single plate clutch (replace with twin plate) Yellow Stuff pads really improve brakes, ball joints, wheel bearings, brakes. Great cars but be prepared if you want it "right".

[zrzzezolo]

The VH Platform on which all Astons from this era are built, was originally developed by Lotus. They’re known for building some of the best handling chassis ever made. Weight distribution is even and you find double wishbone suspension in all four corners. (The new double wish bone front axle is something the new 992 GT3 gets praised for currently as no 911 ever had it before). This superior chassis is the reason why Aston Martin won everything in the early 2000‘s in long distance racing including Le Mans also besing Porsches. On Top Gear the DBS went around the track quicker then the Zonda. They’re beautiful, luxurious AND capable.

[schwab]

I have a love affair with classic and fast, beautiful sports cars and have bought 177 of them. I buy them, fix them, paint them, drive them for a while and then sell them at a loss. I recently bought a dark grey 2008 Aston Martin Vantage V-8. Jesus that car is beautiful. I drove it home about 3 hours and liked the looks, the sound and the performance. I learned that several of the turn and brake lights were out so I tried to take the bulbs out to replace them. NOPE. You have to buy a whole new LED light assembly at $1200 for either front or back light. Changing the oil is $1200. Spark plugs look very labor intensive and expensive also. The dash has plastic over the lighted numbers and on mine was unreadable during the day but bright and clear at night. I wasn't happy with these things but figured I'd get together with Aston owners and find out how they solve them. The next day I drove it about 8 blocks and was just approaching 40 mph when the hood came open. I had the top down and it opened slowly so I was able to grab it as it flew back into the windshield. I pulled over and put the hood back on but the hinges were torn off so I drove back at 15 mph. Insurance said the hood was $8, 000, the windshield $4, 300 and the latch and other damage came to $32, 400. They totaled it. It looked like an easy fix. I was amazed. Personally I think I'm not wealthy enough to afford this car or the '67 Rolls or '88 Corniche I have and will be selling them and probably not buying another Aston. I can't work on these cars any more at 79 and over $300/hour NOW for a mechanic plus towing detracts from my enjoyment of the automobile. These cars are really beautiful cars but maintenance is getting out of hand for me and there's no trained mechanic near here.I owned this car for less than 24 hrs.

[joeking]

Excellent. Thank you. Very useful info. I test drove a 2006 manual hardtop v8 4.3 today. 29, 000 miles £30, 000. Several extras, Apple Airplay, Android Auto . It’s mint and 19 years old. I am very tempted 😎

[gillianstuart]

Had mine 10ths now and only ever spent money on servicing and upgrades that I wanted to do. Utterly reliable and a great way to enjoy future classic motoring

[aestheticrelaxation]

Probably one of the best car reviewers and guiders on youtube, please do one about the old and mighty maserati granturismo

[simonbarjona]

Beautiful video. Thanks for the energy, we are grateful

[Jim-vo]

I've only had mine for about a year, 2012 V8VS Roadster.
Under 10k on the clock. Absolutely love mine! People stare, give thumbs up, take pics etc...but that's why we buy them, the driving experience is unparalleled.
The topdown music from that S exhaust is exhilarating

[petertrace]

There's a fix for the headlights. You can buy a venting kit that solves the problem.

[jonathansquires]

You do such great reviews with really useful input!!

[GMANINFANTRY]

Very informative and helpful. Many thanks!

[OverManVoice]

The first 3 minutes in SAVED me a headache. Thanks Scotty

[Maxseven]

I don't see this video as being "Brutally Honest", it's just a great guide for potential AM V8 buyers - there is absolutely nothing "brutal" about it.

[krisdelta-uk]

Nice summary, I’ve had 2 of these, cheap as chips to run and service for the type of car. Utterly reliable too, one was a daily for 3 years.

[alexritchie-ce]

Always enjoy watching your honest review
of great cars.

[ChrisGibbons-ui]

Good to know information on all your content videos