2008 or 2009 Vantage? | FerrariChat
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2008 or 2009 Vantage?

Discussion in 'British' started by TroyI, Jun 11, 2012.

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  1. TroyI

    TroyI Karting

    Mar 18, 2010
    80
    Las Vegas
    Full Name:
    Troy Isaacson
    #1 TroyI, Jun 11, 2012
    Though I know the basic differences between the 2008 and 2009 AM Vantage - the 2009 has a 4.7L (420hp) V8 verses the 4.3L (380hp) in the 2008; and, supposedly the Sportshift transmission is slightly reworked and smoother in the 2009, is the approximately $15K price difference worth going with the 2009?

    This will be my first foray in to purchasing a somewhat exotic car and want to ensure my hard-earned money is well spent.

    I have driven a 2008 Vantage and found the car very enjoyable. It was stable, handled well and had suitable acceleration for city driving (which will be my primary use). However, the Sportshift had an awful lag which I found annoying in such a refined car. I hope to test an '09 this weekend, but would value input from those more experienced with Astons. Is the upgrade worth the dollars? Appreciate your insight.
     
  2. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
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    Nathan
    #2 nathandarby67, Jun 12, 2012
    I have not driven one, but have been agonizing over the exact same decision as you. I am thinking hard about buying a used Vantage and have found the price difference hard to swallow. I have read that the sportshift is much better in the later models. There have been stories of clutches only lasting 10-15K miles in the early models, in addition to the transmission just being generally very jerky and unpleasant. As a result, I am only considering 6 speed models. I generally enjoy driving a 3 pedal car more anyway, so I have not agonized too much over the differences in the transmissions, as I would only consider a 6 speed even if a GOOD automated transmission was available. I just think a manual suits the character of the car better.

    I certainly think the 40 horsepower increase would be nice, but as the Vantage is not a razor-edge track focused car anyway, for me I don't think a few more horsepower and a redesigned, slightly nicer center stack is worth an additional $15-20K. I also like the styling of the early cars better. I am not too fond of the side sill extensions on the later cars, and like the smoother, curved-under look of the early ones. I think this accentuates the fender and wheel well bulges better, which are some of the best lines on this car anyway.

    If the price was similar, or only a $3-5K difference, I would probably go for a later car just for the power bump. However for a $15K difference, no way. Hope this helps, and keep us posted on your search! What colors and other options are you looking for?
     
  3. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    Dec 7, 2003
    16,393
    Winston Salem, NC
    #3 Ricambi America, Jun 12, 2012
    Go drive a 2011 or 2012 Sportshift, and I think you'll realize it is nowhere close to the level of a California, 458, etc. At low speed, I found it very herky-jerky.

    I have a 6-speed, 2007 AMV8 and couldn't be happier with it. Butter smooth shifting :)
     
  4. TroyI

    TroyI Karting

    Mar 18, 2010
    80
    Las Vegas
    Full Name:
    Troy Isaacson
    #4 TroyI, Jun 12, 2012
    Nathan:

    Thank you for your input. It seems you and I share the very same anxiety over this purchase. The only solution is to test drive, which I am hoping to do later this week. I will post my thoughts afterword.

    With regard to colors, while I prefer Blue, I have tried to avoid getting fixated on any one option. Rather I am seeking out the best deal that can be had. Presently, I am considering a Titanium Silver car with black interior (not the best for Vegas summers), but don't know that the dealer will get where I want him to be.

    Thanks again for your input and I too look forward to hearing how your search goes.
     
  5. raptorduck

    raptorduck Formula 3

    May 18, 2009
    1,166
    San Diego
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    Mr. Raptorduck
    #5 raptorduck, Jun 12, 2012
    I went with the N400 spec version w/sports pack of the prior model in 3 pedal form. The newer one is obviously a better perfomer and has some interior improvements. The looks are the same and sound of the earlier one better IMO. Just drive both and decide if you want to spend the extra $15k for the extra power. You can always use more power of course.
     
  6. TroyI

    TroyI Karting

    Mar 18, 2010
    80
    Las Vegas
    Full Name:
    Troy Isaacson
    #6 TroyI, Jun 12, 2012
    Test drove the 2009 Vantage. Though they are essentially the same transmission, the Sportshif seemed much smoother than the 2008. The added power was also very noticable as was the firm yet smooth ride. In all I am very impressed with the car.

    As far as Daniel's comparision to Ferrari, I would abolutly love to own a Ferrari, but they are still a bit out of my reach. Particialry now as I was so impressd with the Aston, I bought it. She is a 2009 Titaniu Silver Vantage with 984 miles on it. The initial delivery date was not until June of 2011, so she has two years left on the manufacturer’s warranty. During the test drive we

    I will post some pictures once I have time to take some. In the meantime, I am out to enjoy her.
     
  7. raptorduck

    raptorduck Formula 3

    May 18, 2009
    1,166
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    Mr. Raptorduck
    #7 raptorduck, Jun 13, 2012
    Congrats! Aston is a great brand. Love them. I highly recommend their fantastic driving school. :)
     
  8. TroyI

    TroyI Karting

    Mar 18, 2010
    80
    Las Vegas
    Full Name:
    Troy Isaacson
    #8 TroyI, Jun 13, 2012
    I have read about the driving school previously. It sounds great. The dealer I worked with yesterday had also been to the factory and was able to drive a DB9 on the test track. He could not rave enough about the experience.
     
  9. Zack

    Zack Formula 3

    Dec 18, 2003
    2,001
    Nicosia, Cyprus/Cali
    Full Name:
    Zacharias
    #9 Zack, Jun 13, 2012
    Troy, congrats. Can you please post some pics? Surely you stop for gas sometime? Can't you take some pics then?? :)

    Enjoy!!! And if you have friends who are handy with a camera, get some studio-quality shots done. It's a beautiful car, and I am sure you will enjoy sharing and looking at the pictures on the rare occasions you are separated from your toy. Certainly, I would like to see them. I love the AMV8 and I suspect there's one in my (near) future.
     
  10. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
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    Nathan
    #10 nathandarby67, Jun 15, 2012
    Congrats on the car! Can't wait to see pics. I definitely have one of these on my short list, although its looking like the upcoming Alfa 4C is going to be around used Vantage money so that may complicate things a bit! Either way I have to add some garage space before I find any other cars (man cave construction thread coming soon!).

    However, after a couple of years of indecisively bouncing around trying to decide between several different Ferrari models, E-Types, and some other vintage stuff, once I started considering the Vantage I seem to have lost a lot of interest in all the others. These cars just tick all the right boxes for me. Gorgeous looks, good performance, high level of interior luxury, real-world useability, good long distance car, great sound, not commonly seen, etc.

    I'm very interested to hear your thoughts on the driving feel and day-to-day impressions of living with one of these. Again, congrats!
     

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