Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
Top speed (305 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2016
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the VH platform V8 Vantage (2006-2019) is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep emotional attachment to its timeless design, analog driving experience, and handcrafted feel.
7 problems reported (4 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentSportshift transmission clutch wear
Clutches in the automated manual transmission can wear prematurely if driven poorly; replacement is costly.
- RecurrentRear tail light seal leaks
A known issue leading to moisture ingress.
- RecurrentSportshift transmission cooling pipe corrosion
OEM rubber pipes can rot within 4-5 years, requiring replacement.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentElectrical gremlins from low battery voltage
Occurs if the car is left unused without a battery maintainer.
- IsolatedHeavy clutch pedal (manual transmission)
Noted as physically demanding, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
- IsolatedUncommanded acceleration (isolated fault)
One detailed report traced this rare issue to a faulty wheel bearing sending erratic speed sensor data, causing the ECU to incorrectly apply throttle.
- IsolatedHigh brake replacement cost (V8VS models)
Performance brake components cost significantly more to replace than base model parts.
The version owners recommend
The V8 Vantage S (V8VS), specifically the 2012+ models with the 4.7L engine and Sportshift II (SS2) automated manual transmission. Owners strongly recommend the 'S' over the base model for its significant upgrades, including more power (430 BHP), reduced weight (approximately 80 kg / 176 lbs lighter), vastly superior braking performance, and generally higher interior specification. The Sportshift II transmission, while requiring a learning curve, is described as a "joy" that offers manual-like control without a clutch pedal, especially when driven assertively at higher revs.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the including 997, 991, Turbo S, GT3) and Jaguar F-Type.
Is the V8 Vantage right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for the VH platform V8 Vantage (2006-2019) is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep emotional attachment to its timeless design, analog driving experience, and handcrafted feel. The vehicle is consistently praised for its stunning aesthetics, described as "the most beautiful of the VH era" and "the best styling of any modern car ever made" for the 2006-2009 models. Owners report immense satisfaction from the ownership experience, citing the joy of driving, the sense of achievement it represents, and the respect it garners from fellow enthusiasts. The naturally aspirated 4.0L and 4.7L V8 engines are noted for their solidity and enjoyable character, particularly when paired with a manual transmission. While acknowledged as expensive to maintain, the car is considered a reliable and usable grand tourer when properly serviced, with many owners using it as a semi-daily driver. Criticisms are focused on known, fixable mechanical quirks, significant depreciation, and the dated nature of its technology compared to modern competitors.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more analog, emotionally engaging, and aesthetically focused alternative to clinical German performance cars. It is frequently compared to the Porsche 911, with owners noting the Aston provides more visceral feedback and emotional connection, while the Porsche offers superior technology, sharper track performance, and stronger residuals. The Jaguar F-Type is seen as a more powerful but less refined and reliable alternative. The car is considered superior in craftsmanship and elegance to American muscle cars like the Corvette and Camaro, but often trails them in outright performance metrics. Against modern Astons (DB11, new Vantage), the VH Vantage is viewed as the "swan song of the analog era," lacking advanced tech but offering a purer, more connected driving experience.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is highly recommended for its solidity and engagement, though the Sportshift II is acceptable once mastered. The V8VS trim is the consensus choice for best value and performance. For daily usability, the hatchback body style is praised for its surprisingly large and practical trunk. An aftermarket Apple CarPlay retrofit is noted as a worthwhile upgrade for modern connectivity. Keeping the vehicle on a battery maintainer is essential to prevent minor electrical issues. Using a trusted independent specialist for servicing is recommended to control running costs.
General recommendations
Suitable for enthusiasts seeking a beautiful, analog, and engaging GT car that prioritizes driving feel and emotional connection over lap times or cutting-edge tech. Ideal for owners who appreciate craftsmanship and are willing to learn the car's specific characteristics (e.g., Sportshift operation). Strongly recommended for those with access to a knowledgeable independent specialist for maintenance. NOT recommended for buyers primarily concerned with depreciation, low running costs, or the latest infotainment technology. A pre-purchase inspection is critical, with focus on known failure points like the clutch (on Sportshift models), rear light seals, and gearbox cooling pipes.
Remarks
The VH platform (2006-2019) represents a distinct, analog generation of Aston Martin. Owner feedback is heavily skewed towards the 4.7L V8 models (2011 onward) and the V8VS. The significant depreciation is a major point of contention, with some owners reporting severe financial loss over short periods, negatively impacting brand loyalty. However, this depreciation is also what makes the car accessible on the used market. The community emphasizes that these are not garage queens; they are robust and rewarding when driven regularly and maintained properly. The consensus is that the emotional payoff: the design, the sound, the feel: far outweighs the known, manageable running costs for committed enthusiasts. Analysis based on approximately 22 substantive owner discussions and experiences.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
V8 Vantage (2005)2005–20086 complaints · 6 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): exterior lighting (4) · electrical system (2) · suspension (1)
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2005-2008 V8 Vantage generally describe it as a reliable, fun-to-live-with sports car provided it is well maintained and driven regularly.
10 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentClutch wear and expense, with life varying widely by driver
- RecurrentThermostat failure
- RecurrentSportShift clutch wear accelerated by using automatic mode and by reversing up inclines
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedLights failing and being very expensive to replace
- IsolatedDoor locks failing and being expensive to repair
- IsolatedWater intrusion in roadsters
Wetting control units under the passenger-side carpet and disabling items such as backup sensors.
- IsolatedAccessory belt or belt-driven component noise
- IsolatedGearbox
Clutch, fuel pump, fuel injectors, and tire sensor problems reported over four years of ownership.
- IsolatedGeneral unreliability reported by one owner, with no engine problems
- IsolatedSuspension rubber components cracking, tearing, or leaking struts on an aging car
Is a 2005–2008 V8 Vantage right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
V8 Vantage1977–201618 complaints · 23 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): exterior lighting (9) · vehicle speed control (4) · engine (3)
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 1977-2016 V8 Vantage broadly love these cars, describing them as reliable, special, and a strong value for the money, with the engine repeatedly called bulletproof and the driving experience raw, analog, and involving.
14 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 11 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentClutch wear and replacement
- RecurrentThermostat failure
- RecurrentSportShift automated manual behavior and clutch life
+ 11 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedPop-up navigation mechanism failure
- IsolatedDoor lock failure
- IsolatedLight unit failure and expense
- IsolatedWater ingress into the cabin, especially roadsters, affecting control units behind the seats
- IsolatedParking brake failure
- IsolatedAccessory belt noise
- IsolatedDash leather peeling, bubbling, or cracking
- IsolatedFuel pump, fuel injector, and tire sensor failures
- IsolatedWindow not lowering when the door opens
- IsolatedOEM hydraulic line deterioration
- IsolatedBattery replacement
Is a 1977–2016 V8 Vantage right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2006Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4 | 1 | vehicle speed control |
| 2015 | 3 | 1 | exterior lighting |
| 2012 | 1 | 7 | exterior lighting |
| 2011 | 2 | 5 | exterior lighting |
| 2010 | 2 | 3 | power train |
| 2008 | 1 | 3 | suspension |
| 2007 | 3 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2006 | 2 | 1 | exterior lighting |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices23 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2016 · latches/locks/linkagescampaign 15V846000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door unlocking mechanisms that may not function when the vehicle has been locked from the outside. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
2015 · latches/locks/linkagescampaign 15V846000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door unlocking mechanisms that may not function when the vehicle has been locked from the outside. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
2012 · power traincampaign 17V391000
Aston Martin the Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2011-2014 V8 Vantage vehicles equipped with 7-speed Auto-Shift Manual (ASM) "SportShift II" transmissions. A connector for the clutch fluid line may break, resulting in a hydraulic fluid leak.
2012 · electrical system:softwarecampaign 17V389000
Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2011-2012 V8 Vantage vehicles. The affected vehicles received updated transmission and engine control software which may conflict with the pre-existing clutch settings and may cause the transmission to shift to neutral, or enable clutch protection mode which give abrupt gear shifts.
2012 · latches/locks/linkagescampaign 15V846000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door unlocking mechanisms that may not function when the vehicle has been locked from the outside. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
2012 · power traincampaign 17V390000
Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2012 V8 Vantage vehicles equipped with 6-speed Auto-Shift Manual (ASM) transmissions. A connector for the transmission fluid lines may break resulting in a hydraulic fluid leak.
2012 · seats:front assembly:seat heater/coolercampaign 14V753000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 DB9, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, DBS, and Virage vehicles manufactured July 3, 2006, to November 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heaters may fail, preventing the seat heaters from being able to be turned off.
2012 · vehicle speed control:accelerator pedalcampaign 14V010000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 DB9 and V8 Vantage, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2012 Rapide, 2014 Rapide S, 2011-2012 V12 Vantage, 2011-2014 V8 Vantage S and 2012 Virage vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the accelerator pedal arm may break.
2012 · vehicle speed control:accelerator pedalcampaign 13V228000
Aston Martin is recalling certain model year DB9, Virage, V8 Vantage, V12 Vantage, and Rapide vehicles manufactured from May 14, 2012, through April 10, 2013. Due to a manufacturing error, the throttle pedal arm may break.
2011 · power traincampaign 17V391000
Aston Martin the Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2011-2014 V8 Vantage vehicles equipped with 7-speed Auto-Shift Manual (ASM) "SportShift II" transmissions. A connector for the clutch fluid line may break, resulting in a hydraulic fluid leak.
2011 · electrical system:softwarecampaign 17V389000
Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2011-2012 V8 Vantage vehicles. The affected vehicles received updated transmission and engine control software which may conflict with the pre-existing clutch settings and may cause the transmission to shift to neutral, or enable clutch protection mode which give abrupt gear shifts.
2011 · latches/locks/linkagescampaign 15V846000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door unlocking mechanisms that may not function when the vehicle has been locked from the outside. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
2011 · seats:front assembly:seat heater/coolercampaign 14V753000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 DB9, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, DBS, and Virage vehicles manufactured July 3, 2006, to November 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heaters may fail, preventing the seat heaters from being able to be turned off.
2011 · vehicle speed control:accelerator pedalcampaign 14V010000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 DB9 and V8 Vantage, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2012 Rapide, 2014 Rapide S, 2011-2012 V12 Vantage, 2011-2014 V8 Vantage S and 2012 Virage vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the accelerator pedal arm may break.
2010 · latches/locks/linkagescampaign 15V846000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door unlocking mechanisms that may not function when the vehicle has been locked from the outside. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
8 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
SP10 4.7 V8
4.7L 8-cylinder · 442 hp · RWD · manual
Built 2013–2016