Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005 – 2018) Review

Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005 – 2018) At A Glance

3/5

+Looks good and its V8 sounds even better. Comfortable and civilised.

-Creates lots of brake dust. Volvo derived navigation complicated to use. Not as fast as it sounds. Early cars prone to paint bubbling around door handles and parking sensors. A new engine is £17,000 and even at 19,000 miles it may need one.

On average it achieves 103% of the official MPG figure

Aston Martin improved the Vantage range for 2012 with enhancements designed to add to the 'dynamic feel and style' of the model. Prices have been actually been reduced with the V8 Coupe now costing £84,995 -  a cut of almost £6000.

The updates are the most significant since the range was revised in 2008 and while the 'entry' level V8 Vantage has the same 426PS 4.7-litre engine as before, it's now available with a new six-speed Sportshift automated manual gearbox as an option.

The chassis has also been worked on with quicker steering, larger brakes and wider tyres. The new braking system includes Hill Start Assist (HSA) for more control on steep inclines. The V8 Vantage also gets styling tweaks inspired by the Vantage S and N400 limited edition. There's a lower bumper with an aerodynamic splitter that has a larger air intake that feeds the engine and front brakes.

Meanwhile the Vantage S is now priced at £99,995 - a cut of £2,500 over the previous list price. It retains the same 436PS V8 engine and gets the Sportshift II seven-speed automated manual transmission as standard along with a sports exhaust system. Inside the Vantage S there is carbon fibre detailing and a fully integrated sat nav system developed with Garmin along with Bluetooth and cruise control.

Production of the V12 Vantage continues unchanged with the same 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 517PS and and 570Nm which gives it a 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds.

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Child seats that fit a Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005 – 2018)

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Real MPG average for a Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005 – 2018)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

103%

Real MPG

16–25 mpg

MPGs submitted

53

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Is GAP insurance worth it?

"Can you advise if I should have GAP insurance on an Aston Martin Vantage 2011 plate. I purchased the car for £44,660."
Depends on whether you have an agreed value comprehensive insurance policy on the car or not. If not, then GAP may be worthwhile, especially if the car is on finance. Talk to http://www.ala.co.uk /
Answered by Honest John

My Aston Martin Vantage V8 was ruined by a garage I was using to sell it - where do I stand?

"I was trying to sell my Aston Martin Vantage V8 4.7 through a garage who offered a sale or return deal, taking a commission if the vehicle was sold. Five weeks and 300 miles later, only two prospective buyers had test driven the vehicle. On the same day that the car was due to be sold, I was phoned to say that the engine of my car had 'blown up'. They said it was most likely bottom end or top end or valve problem causing a severe knocking noise. Listening to the video most experts believe the engine is toast. Do I have any possibility of recouping the estimated £13,000 for a reconditioned engine? The only contract we had was a message stating that they would try to sell the vehicle and take a commission if they did."
That makes it more difficult to argue. Nevertheless, if you suspect negligence on their part or on the part of someone they allowed to "test drive" the car, you may still have a case against them. If they don't cough up out of court, then remember that taking this case to the County Court could cost you as much as the reconditioned engine, with no guarantee either of a judgement in your favour or of the garage complying with the judgement. Get a specialist solicitor onto it, with experience of such cases. Try emailing: aquirk@clarkslegal.com or try www.bridgemcfarland.co.uk
Answered by Honest John

Aston Martin vs Jaguar F-Type?

"I am very fortunate that I am in the position of being able to buy either an Aston Martin Vantage 4.7 V8 from around 2009 or a Jaguar F-Type 5.0 V8 2013 model. I have a budget of up to £50k. My question is this: I think the Aston will always retain more value than the Jaguar, is that correct? I know that with the exception of a few elite cars, most will always lose money and I accept whatever I buy will. Just trying to work out what the Jaguar might be worth in five years time versus the Aston. Any guidance you could give would be greatly appreciated."
I'd buy the Jag because it's better built and will almost inevitably be more reliable and cheaper to run. You must be talking roadster rather than coupe, so I urge you to check the trunks. The Jag's is tiny and if it contains a space saver spare wheel you can't get much more in there.
Answered by Honest John

Keeping oil levels right in my Aston Martin?

"I am about to drive about 3500 miles in my new Aston Martin Vantage 4.7-litre manual. The oil level is half way, should I keep it at maximum or just below at all times? "
Don't overfill. I would not fill to maximum either. Try to keep the level where it is. Take a litre of the correct oil with you and top up if necessary.
Answered by Honest John
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