A history lesson…
Creating a sports car to rival a Porsche 911 is a bit like trying to spit in the Pope’s face; you’re bound for failure. Sure, you might get close, but there will either be serious consequences or you will not be able to do it. It’s tough. But Aston had a shot at it anyway with the V8 Vantage and, some say, they did it. It’s hard to say if they did or not, because the 911 is just so good, but it will at least make you think twice about the 911.
The V8 Vantage came in 2005 and it stunned the world with its beauty, V8 soundtrack and good-lookingness (that is a word). Unfortunately, the 380bhp left some feeling a little underwhelmed, and that’s why the original does have some criticism over the 911. But whether you’re a 911 fan boy or not, you can’t ignore the Vantage.
Bang for your buck
For around £70,000 you could have owned a brand new Vantage. Thankfully, used car prices have come down a bit, so a used Vantage will cost you considerably less than that – and you do get quite a lot for your money. Firstly, you get those looks – which are Halle-Berry-esque – and then you get to the interior. Aston knows how to build a jaw-dropping interior, and the Vantage is no differen’t. It’s seriously incredible.
You also get a 380bhp V8 – or a more powerful version in the newer model – which sounds like every Greek God gargling mouthwash at the same time. It is biblical!
What you’ll pay
Prices for a used Vantage range, but you will need at least £40,000 for a good one. The Vantage is still a very desirable car, so expect to pay a premium for the seriously well looked after models.
What to check
The engine is pretty bulletproof – thanks to it being a Jaguar unit – as are most of the materials used in the construction, so there isn’t too much to worry about with things going wrong. Aston has, somehow, figured out how to make a very reliable car, so you can be assured of a fantastic and reliable drive every day of the week.
Parts
Aston Martin – that’s all you need to know about how expensive the parts will be. They are ridiculously expensive, so make sure you take this into consideration when buying a Vantage. Services will be around £700, while brake pads are around £250 a pair (no typo).
How it drives
This is where the Vantage really gets into its stride. Is it a little stiff? Yes. Is it a little bit slower than a 911 round a track? Yes. Should you care? No. Definitely not. Because, after all, this is an Aston Martin. It’s an Aston Martin with a V8 engine. So no, these things do not matter, because it’s all about that Sunday drive when you finally have the moment to give it some stick round some bends and enjoy that end-of-the-world soundtrack.
The Vantage is one of the most ‘sporty’ sports cars available, and with looks which could charm the birds from the trees, it’s also one of the most desirable, too.
Sure, technically a 911 is better, but sometimes some things just don’t matter too much.
