[AYounglove10]

Contemplating a change…

I’ve had my G82 about 18 months now, although in total I’ve had just over 2 years worth of experience on the G8X platform.

All around, it’s incredible. Fast, comfortable, great tech, love the looks, blah blah blah.

I like new/different experiences. I’ve had 1 P-Car previously (991.2 base), 2 G82s, and a slew of Audis over the years.

I’ve contemplated another P-Car, although prices really just are out of control. So much so, that other exotics are in range. 2017/2018 R8s and 2019-2020 V8 Vantages are now in my crosshairs.

LOVE the R8, but one of the pros/cons of the car are it’s Audi-ness. Nothing wrong with that at all, but I’ve owned 4 Audis over the years. I’ve never owned an Aston…

Not here to debate M4 vs P-Car vs R8 vs Vantage performance numbers-wise, but has anyone had much experience with the Vantage to comment on semi-daily drivability, maintenance, quality, and fun factor?

I work a hybrid role (go into office 1x/week, which won’t be changing), put maybe 7-8k miles/year on cars. I’m looking for fun/sexy/build quality/sizzle factor.

‘19-20 vantages are in the $85-100k range, which seems like a great price for entry-level exotic experience.

Welcome any thoughts/comments.

[Rambler]

Have you considered an AMG GT (not the new 4 door variants)? These have been on my radar lately for their rarity, beautiful aesthetics, great V8, almost exotic presence, not a 911/718, etc. Probably easier to live with than a Vantage too given the scarcity of AM dealers. I had almost forgotten about them since the more "affordable" variants (non Rs and up) seemed to disappear once covid hit. But there are some nice 2018-2020s on the market.

[HeelToeShift]

If you dont want to go with a Porsche, the Vantage is a good car and the AMG GT shares the same engine. I nearly went with an AMG GT S years ago but always chose the 911 because it was just better to drive. Same goes for the Aston - it has more bark than bite (but outright isnt the performance or handling of a 911) but is certainly more 'exotic'. The Aston is much more GT than sports car, and the AMG is a good mix of both. That being said, the 992 911 isnt quite what I'd call an experience worth the price any longer. The 991 NA cars, and any 991 GT car IMO were the peak and do love the 992 GT cars (have had two 718 GT4s as well which I love and own a PTS 991.1S). I have a buddy who is largely no longer a Porsche guy, then went to a Vantage (owned an AMG GT years ago) and just a few days ago moved from the Vantage to an Artura.

[Bimmerfun82]

Had a friend who owned one in manual form but it was an older model, 2007 and this was in 2011. Fast, fun to drive. High maintenance cost relatively to BMW. But I agree with the price point - more appealing than a 992 for the money. Here’s an interesting write up from Doug DeMuro but this is also an older car and a while ago. Still a fun read

https://www.autotrader.com/car-video...in-year-258376

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by AYounglove10

Contemplating a change…

I’ve had my G82 about 18 months now, although in total I’ve had just over 2 years worth of experience on the G8X platform.

All around, it’s incredible. Fast, comfortable, great tech, love the looks, blah blah blah.

I like new/different experiences. I’ve had 1 P-Car previously (991.2 base), 2 G82s, and a slew of Audis over the years.

I’ve contemplated another P-Car, although prices really just are out of control. So much so, that other exotics are in range. 2017/2018 R8s and 2019-2020 V8 Vantages are now in my crosshairs.

LOVE the R8, but one of the pros/cons of the car are it’s Audi-ness. Nothing wrong with that at all, but I’ve owned 4 Audis over the years. I’ve never owned an Aston…

Not here to debate M4 vs P-Car vs R8 vs Vantage performance numbers-wise, but has anyone had much experience with the Vantage to comment on semi-daily drivability, maintenance, quality, and fun factor?

I work a hybrid role (go into office 1x/week, which won’t be changing), put maybe 7-8k miles/year on cars. I’m looking for fun/sexy/build quality/sizzle factor.

‘19-20 vantages are in the $85-100k range, which seems like a great price for entry-level exotic experience.

Welcome any thoughts/comments.

Just any fyi so you can understand… the Volkswagen/Audi R8 is not an exotic car at all. The Vantage isn’t one either. My auto insurance clumps them in the same category as luxury SUVs. Meaning $150 a month for insurance with the USAA app installed.

I looked at both and to me the Audi R8 looks aged and the vantage looks cool but it’s reliability is in last place. So I would hard pass on both. I did.

And I am coming from NSXs, S2000, 5 BMW M cars etc..

And how about keeping your M4 and getting another car? Thats a thought. A lot of us have multiple BMWs and Land Rovers paid off.

[EatThatLunchBaby]

Did you get the idea for a Vantage from that recent article comparing 5 used sports cars to the price of a new M4? Lol the Vantage stood out to me on that list because it’s so damn beautiful in my eyes

[SIGM3]

I was actually debating between the two prior to purchasing the G80!

I too, only put about 3-4k miles a year on vehicles as I have a daily driver.

The 2020 V8 Vantage is a hell of car, test drove it multiple times however I am a bigger guy 6ft 260lbs with really broad shoulders and I felt so squished in the Vantage. The tech and interior (full suede option was nice) felt very lackluster compared to the G80. There is also not a huge market for aftermarket parts if you like to modify your cars (lips, sideskirts, diffusers, carbon etc.) and not to mention the odd bolt pattern of 5x128 which you'll end up having to spend $$$$ on custom wheels as not many companies make 5x128.

Ultimately the 2023 G80 with 6spd, carbonbuckets and the tech and interior (yas marina blue) sold me, the carbon buckets are not that comfy but definitely more comfortable fit than feeling squished in the vantage haha.

Overall, I definitely recommend test driving one atleast a few times! It is quick, sounds great and definitely a looker!

[AYounglove10]

Originally Posted by EatThatLunchBaby

Did you get the idea for a Vantage from that recent article comparing 5 used sports cars to the price of a new M4? Lol the Vantage stood out to me on that list because it’s so damn beautiful in my eyes

No. Where is this at?

The vantage has been on my short list for awhile. I mean…it’s an Aston…despite some of its obvious shortcomings compared to the G8X.

[AYounglove10]

Originally Posted by Endless619

Just any fyi so you can understand… the Volkswagen/Audi R8 is not an exotic car at all. The Vantage isn’t one either. My auto insurance clumps them in the same category as luxury SUVs. Meaning $150 a month for insurance with the USAA app installed.

I looked at both and to me the Audi R8 looks aged and the vantage looks cool but it’s reliability is in last place. So I would hard pass on both. I did.

And I am coming from NSXs, S2000, 5 BMW M cars etc..

And how about keeping your M4 and getting another car? Thats a thought. A lot of us have multiple BMWs and Land Rovers paid off.

Not sure how coming from Acura/Honda/BMW has any relation to my questions, but I’ll bite.

To most, the R8 and Vantage is absolutely in the exotic or near-exotic territory. $150k+ MSRPs, 1 is mid-engine and shared platform with Lamborghini, the other hand build English sports/gt car. How insurance places them in their tiers has nothing to do with public/personal perception. I’ve owned a 911 and it was only 60% the insurance cost of my current G82 with equal coverage, so not sure how this comment helps either.

Not interested in owning 2x 2-door sports cars.

['Cane]

Originally Posted by HeelToeShift

If you dont want to go with a Porsche, the Vantage is a good car and the AMG GT shares the same engine. I nearly went with an AMG GT S years ago but always chose the 911 because it was just better to drive. Same goes for the Aston - it has more bark than bite (but outright isnt the performance or handling of a 911) but is certainly more 'exotic'. The Aston is much more GT than sports car, and the AMG is a good mix of both. That being said, the 992 911 isnt quite what I'd call an experience worth the price any longer. The 991 NA cars, and any 991 GT car IMO were the peak and do love the 992 GT cars (have had two 718 GT4s as well which I love and own a PTS 991.1S). I have a buddy who is largely no longer a Porsche guy, then went to a Vantage (owned an AMG GT years ago) and just a few days ago moved from the Vantage to an Artura.

The new AMG GT is pretty hot too, though it'll be about double the price of the pre-owned AM OP is looking at.

[HeelToeShift]

Originally Posted by 'Cane

The new AMG GT is pretty hot too, though it'll be about double the price of the pre-owned AM OP is looking at.

It is indeed great looking but after 3 AMGs (2 GLC 63S Coupe Editions 1s, and an AMG C63S coupe) MB generally speaking, isnt for me.

[EatThatLunchBaby]

Originally Posted by AYounglove10

No. Where is this at?

The vantage has been on my short list for awhile. I mean…it’s an Aston…despite some of its obvious shortcomings compared to the G8X.

https://carbuzz.com/features/5-used-...e-2025-bmw-m4/

[eman4517]

Originally Posted by 'Cane

The new AMG GT is pretty hot too, though it'll be about double the price of the pre-owned AM OP is looking at.

Just saw this during my office lunchtime car fix:
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a6...mg-gt-pricing/

[AYounglove10]

Originally Posted by eman4517

Just saw this during my office lunchtime car fix:
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a6...mg-gt-pricing/

I think the new AMG GT looks beautiful, personally.

I see a lot of hate for it from others regarding its overly-complicated tech, substantial weight gain, etc.

But to be honest, I’m never going to take this car to a track. It’s my DD. I want to replicate what’s awesome in the G82 to a new/different/upscale experience.

Unfortunately, the new AMG GT is more more $$ than I feel comfortable spending on a car. Especially with how fast these things depreciate the first few years. I’d lose my mind if I bought a brand new vantage 3 years ago and it’s worth roughly 60% of it’s MSRP. I’m not independent wealthy, so the depreciation hit matters. One thing to spend $100k on a car that will drop maybe 20% in 3-5 years. Totally different spending $200k and loosing 50% in the same time frame.

['Cane]

Originally Posted by eman4517

Just saw this during my office lunchtime car fix:
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a6...mg-gt-pricing/

The $136k price is for the AMG GT55, which is like an M340i compared to an M3. Or, based on price alone, an M850i GC vs. an M8 GC.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by AYounglove10

I see a lot of hate for it from others regarding its overly-complicated tech, substantial weight gain, etc.

Yeah, a lot of the hate is that it went from a purpose built sports car with a transaxle dual clutch to a shared platform, AWD only, slushbox only cruiser.

Regarding the Vantage....I don't think it's that great of a car. Even Aston fans would admit that. But it's worth owning, I think, just because you get to look at it. Just buy the best used one you can find, plan on losing some $$ and flip it within a year after you've scratched the itch but before it can bleed you dry.

Two good videos to watch:

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by eman4517

Yes, beautiful cars for sure, but you'd really need to get the top tier 63 mode with these cars. You really need to go big or go home I guess at this price point.

I've always loved the look of the AMG GT, Aston they also sound amazing (similar AMG engines), but they're all pretty big GT cars, on my bucket list for sure (Jag FType and old XKE convertibles are eye candy). So much want when I see one on the road. I just saw a few nice ones on Barrett-Jackson and Mecum recently). Not sure I'd entertain a used one (Aston anyway), although older Astons come from Ford parts bins so parts are cheap! lol

My wife has always been a Mercedes girl and thought she would hold out for the SL43 when we move to a warmer climate, but I had the same argument. you'd definitely need a 63.

I learned that mistake when I got the 911 back in '19. It was between a new 991.2s. A Chalk 911 GTS (which I wanted) and an Agate Grey 911 4S. (Note she was pressuring me on the 4S because it had AWD if she had to drive it in an emergency,) She never once laid a foot on the drivers side <phew!> A nice car, but what a mistake. I was expecting more umph and drama but left me feeling kind of flat. Never buy a 911 unless it's a GT (something,) IMO. I got rid of it 2 years later after the 2nd water pump failed. (traded it on the F90 M5).I'm sure the same holds true for these as well. It never ends!

EDIT- I still kick myself when I see these on the fence pictures. The Chalk one was sold that weekend when I took delivery parked behind it.

The glory days of having multiple new 911s to choose from. (At a price point less than a house.)

If you want to avoid losing money on a Merc, don’t buy one

['Cane]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

If you want to avoid losing money on a Merc, don’t buy one

That can be said for pretty much any car these days (maybe 911 is the exception).

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by 'Cane

That can be said for pretty much any car these days (maybe 911 is the exception).

Yeah exactly, the 911 was discussed in conjunction with the Merc. Unless you drive like I do (20k mi/yr), you should keep up with inflation on the 911. Still a ton of money these days though. Every time I login to look at a 911 the price has gone up. So every week, basically. It’s insane

[HeelToeShift]

Originally Posted by AYounglove10

I think the new AMG GT looks beautiful, personally.

I see a lot of hate for it from others regarding its overly-complicated tech, substantial weight gain, etc.

But to be honest, I’m never going to take this car to a track. It’s my DD. I want to replicate what’s awesome in the G82 to a new/different/upscale experience.

Unfortunately, the new AMG GT is more more $$ than I feel comfortable spending on a car. Especially with how fast these things depreciate the first few years. I’d lose my mind if I bought a brand new vantage 3 years ago and it’s worth roughly 60% of it’s MSRP. I’m not independent wealthy, so the depreciation hit matters. One thing to spend $100k on a car that will drop maybe 20% in 3-5 years. Totally different spending $200k and loosing 50% in the same time frame.

I can tell you the Aston won't be worth 60% of its new MSRP, but more like 35-40%. My buddy just traded a 208K MSRP Vantage and only got 75k on the trade.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by eman4517

.Off topic but just to close this out with clarity...My wife and I actually bought that car, the 911, together since we were celebrating some good health news that she had gone through, plus it was the during the height of the pandemic when we couldn't go anywhere to celebrate (when covid just broke out), hence we bought this (I bended towards her preferences). I guess it was several nice vacations we never took. Remember, they weren't sticking ridiculous AMVs on everything yet so still sub $150k including full PPF.

She ended up keeping her old Mercedes C450 (before it changed to C43) as a spare.Back then we also had the '18 X1 also so barely put any miles on the 911. I traded that on the M5 and took the reigns from there.. Now we're down to 2 cars (U11 & G83) and one dog and a new downsized house and both of us still work, so not possible until closer to retirement I guess.

No in your case as a commuting DD / 20k/ year, you'd be in a tough spot I guess. These cars hold $ when lightly driven, but drop like a rock with miles on them. Good luck with whatever you decide to go with...

I’m not getting a 911. I was planning on it prepandemic, but now that the price for a manual 911 is up 50%, not happening.

I do more than half my miles driving around in the mountains and running errands- the typical daily is the X7 and Tesla (wife’s). The great thing about the M3 is I don’t mind taking it every day if I feel like it - don’t worry about maintenance or depreciation.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by HeelToeShift

I can tell you the Aston won't be worth 60% of its new MSRP, but more like 35-40%. My buddy just traded a 208K MSRP Vantage and only got 75k on the trade.

Epic loss - $133k plus tax. Unless he bought used. That’s crazy