Does anyone own a Speedshift II variant of Aston Martin Vantage? They have bad reputation so they're dirt cheap compared to other V8s of this calibre of cars. I read on THAT site that a Vantage with auto is still viable so long as you shift with the paddles. I think this car is currently great value used.
No
>>29071492Its a somewhat primitive automated single clutch manual similar in principle to the e46 or zzw20 smg gearboxws. It has to be driven like a manual in the sense you must off throttle between shifts to preserve your clutch life. The single disk in the v8 models are often exchanged for the twin disks out of the v12. Also, dont back up up a hill in a single disk car because you will roast your clutch.
>>29071492>that a Vantage with auto is still viable so long as you shift with the paddles.Kek no
>>2907149299% of the replies you get to this thread have never sat in an aston let alone driven one.You're buying a hand made british gt car, its gonna come with some quirks. Go drive one and see how you like it.
>>29071495Thanks, that lines up with what other people are saying.
>>29071503Not being able to reverse up a hill isn't exactly a quirk.
>>29071492Hey bill, no i don't HTHWill
>>29071492So who you really need is Vantage anon as he knows the car inside and out along with that gearbox. You just have to remember to lift off when changing gear as if it's a manual. As it is a robotised manual, not an automatic. The Vantage like all VH platform Aston's change quiet a bit depending on year, so it depends what year you are considering. The older ones are cheaper, there are niggles but they are quiet solid. But they aren't cheap to run which ever Aston you pick. However there are quiet a few ford/volvo parts which van make some bits surprisingly cheaper.>>29071730That poor poor clutch. It's why people upgrade to the twin plate clutch from the V12's.
>>29071807It's a 2011 model. I was intending to primarily use the paddles since its normal "automatic" mode is basically not automatic as you say. I see some of these used cars having their clutches replaced too.
>>29071818So it's a 4.7 which is a solid power upgrade over the 4.3 though some prefer the revvier nature of the 4.3. It has had tweaks to the gearbox and software. However if you go 2012 model the sportshift gets further tweaks, software upgrades and becomes a 7 speed box. The clutch as years goes on does become more robust. Also in 2012 you have the 6 piston caliper upgrade and discs increased to 380mm at the front. I will say they aren't cheap discs, but they are good.
>>29071730How often do you back up hills?
>>29071492Yes. I have a SSII. People who hate them usually can’t drive them. Are they like a DSG or PDK? No. They are a technology that is about a quarter of a century old.Are they viable? Yes, perfectly, if you learn how to drive around their shortcomings, which are mainly at low speed. I chose an SSII over a manual, for ergonomic reasons. I recently had a twin-plate clutch fitted and I think it’s a great transmission. But then some people like 911’s
>>29071890(cont)I forgot to add. That ‘D’ button on the dash? It stands for “Don’t press this button”
>>29071890>I chose an SSII over a manual, for ergonomic reasonsWhat?
>>29071890>>29071891Oh, and I have been called Vantage Anon. I think it was me that was referenced above
>>29071892> What?I have a 36” inseam and, with the high bite point on the manual clutch, my left knee was past the steering wheel when changing gear. The SS88 just made the car so much more comfortable for me. Your mileage may differ, but I would not swap mine for a manual and cash.
>>29071895No idea why my tablet just translated SSII into SS88
>>29071896because you are based and hate kikes?
>>29071730> Not being able to reverse up a hill isn't exactly a quirk.That issue mainly arose from the SSI, because for reasons only known to Graziano (but rumoured to be for mechanical packaging) the reverse gear was about as tall as 2nd. So if you reversed up a hill for long enough the clutch would start to overheat as the system had to slip it all the way. The 7-speed SSII has a much more sensible reverse ratio.Fun fact: the 6-speed manual ‘box is the same ‘box as the SSI, with the same reverse ratio, so to reverse that uphill you’ll also have to slip the clutch. With the same result.
>>29071898No, afraid not. I consider myself not to be a retard or a sheep.
>>29071890Thank you king. How much do you pay for yearly service? The closest AM-approved center near me takes a whopping $1500. Surprisingly enough the car is not that expensive to insure. AM drivers have solid record.
>>29071890Do you mainly use the paddles? Do you lift your foot from the throttle after a gear shift like in a manual car?
>>29072273>How much do you pay for yearly service? Difficult to compare different countries, and you quoted in some sort of dollar so a lot will depend on local rates and what type of service (major or minor). I get mine serviced at an MD and it's not cheap, mainly the labour rate. I've just booked mine in for its 11-year service and, not having spoken to them yet, I'm guessing I'll be looking at around £1000.Aston do recommend regular brake fluid and coolant changes, and the dry sump uses a LOT of expensive oil.>>29072275>Do you mainly use the paddles? Absolutely. In 7 years I've driven it in 'D' 3 times, and one of those was to demonstrate how bad it was. And yes, that was only three times.>Do you lift your foot from the throttle after a gear shift like in a manual car?Yes, but it's a part lift, and only when changing up. This is going to sound odd but if the car is under light load, you don't have to lift at all and the change is silky smooth (especially as I now have a twin-plate clutch). If you're under power then you have to part-lift as the car does the shift. It also depends whether you're in "Normal" or "Sport" as that changes the gearshift firmness and speed. If you're really "on it" and are shifting near to the redline then the shift becomes really quick and firm, especially in "Sport".If all of that sounds complicated it just shows that most people can't drive them properly, so they complain. You get used to it and learn how to drive the car - but it takes effort, which is what makes it so satisfying when you get it right - just like in a manual.. Anyone can change gear in a PDK or DCT - just pull the paddlle. Do that in a SSII and you'll get a shit change.There's quite a bit more I could type about the way to gearshift, but this is becoming a blog post
>>29072378(cont)I will add one more thing - the real weakness of the SSII is low-speed manoeuvring, such as when driving round a car-park at a walking pace looking for an empty space. The car can get itself in a bit of a mess and, with the propshaft between the engine and gearbox you can get into what's known as driveline "shunt", and it starts building into "kangaroo hopping". It all depends on how precise you are with the throttle application but it still very rarely starts to happen even to me and mine, but all you have to do is lift off, let the car stop and then start again.
>>29072378>>29072385(cont once more)Oh, and automatic downshift when slowing for junctions - you really have to avoid that happening unless you know you're coming to a stop.If anyone talks to you about SSII and doesn't know what I'm talking about then they haven't driven and probably can't drive one
>>29072273>How much do you pay for yearly service?Just found pic rel online. So it looks like I'll be out about £800 as it should be a 1-year (10 +1)
Thank you so much Vantage anon! Your impressions line up well with what other sources are saying and it has made me more confident in buying the Vantage. I hope soon to be posting pictures of my own car. The service costs do sting a little but I think any car of this calibre will be expensive to maintain properly. It's the ideal car for me in so many ways, I don't put in that many miles per year but I want to enjoy the miles I do drive.
>>29072412Good luck anon, it will be nice to have another one on here
>>29072412You are absolutely welcome. If you haven't already I'd advise going to PistonHeads, setting up an account (it's free) and visiting the Aston Martin section. It's pretty active (I post there frequently under a different handle) and is probably the most knowledgable place on the internet for VH cars, with loads of guys willing to help. I've even assisted a couple of guys from there buy Vantages by letting them try mine.There are a few twats and trolls, but far fewer than here or Plebbit.I'm happy to offer more opinions or advice (I can bore at an Olympic level on Vantages) and if you want to go off line and have Discord, drop your name and I'll send an invite. If you'd rather not, no issue.I have to go do stuff for an hour or so. Whatever happens, good luck with the Vantage
>>29071737Hey Will, ThanksBill
>>29072439if I have to read one more post from cerblee4.5 I'll go postal
>>29072445I'm afraid that comment sailed right over my head
>>29072458he is a terminally online boomer member of pistonheads that simply must crowbar in anecdotes about either his cerbera or his e92 m3, both of which were sold prior to 2013, regardless of whether that topic needed tvr or bmw input or not.
>>29072463Ah. Luckily he doesn't seem to have found the Aston Martin section, and that's about the only place I visit, except for maybe occasionally Triumph and Volvo. I certainly keep away from the Pie And Piston - that place smacks of 4chanI suppose the Aston group does have a few that might be equivalent of cerblee4.5, but luckily not many. Best to avoid the "Share Price" long-running thread, though.
>>29072412Just having looked up the thread and if the car you're thinking of is a 2011 4.7 non-'S' then it will probably have SSI; if it's an 'S' or one of the 'N' cars (N400; N420) then it'll be SSII.There are key differences between SSI and SSII, but the way you drive them is basically the same
>>29072465Luckily i've not encountered too many arses on the Aston section or Ceblee4.5 so far. Favourite thread was where people were showing what else you owned which turned into an arms race until someone turned up with a Train.
>>29072439Thank you man! It's still some way off until I acquire my Vantage but I'll be sure to check out that site in the meanwhile. I think I got the info I needed, I'll let you guys know when I get mine. I'll be sure to brag about having one.
>>29072487The ad explicitly states SSII but I should double check that
>>29072514Post a link to the ad? If there's one ITT then I missed it, despite looking.You do need to be careful with non-specialist dealers (if that's who is advertising the car) as many of them don't know the cars well enough to know what they are talking about. AFAIK the SSII was first introduced in 2011 on the 4.7 Vantage 'S,' with the non-'S' keeping SSI as a differentiator. Then in the 2012.25 MY update lots of 'S' stuff was standardised across the range, including the quicker rack, bigger brakes, wider tyres, wider rear wheels and the SSII.One easy question to ask is how many gears does it have: SSI has 6; SSII has 7. Also, if you peer in through the mesh grille below the rear bumper and can see an oil cooler then that's an SSI - the SSII cools its oil differently and doesn't have a separate rear cooler. manual cars also have a cooler, as it's the same 6-speed 'box as the SSI but with the robot bits removed
Why would you get a V8 Vantage over a DB9?
>>29072542VantagePros: Slightly smaller, looks prettier (imho); better luggage capacity; hatchback practicality (I've seen a bike in one); better balanced; slightly harder edged; slightly cheaper to run; can get a newer/better car for your money; no cat ingestion risk (miniscule though that is)Cons: No V12 (unless you buy the bonkers and way more expensive Vantage V12); no occasional rear seats and ...errr..., that's about it.
>>29072548No V12 is the biggest loss of all time
>>29072548I suppose I should add in favour of the DB9 it's much more of a cruiser (not that the Vantage is bad) and you get a proper 6-speed ZF slushbox, if that's your thingThe DB9 is much more pipe-and-slippers until you get to the updated DB9.2's>>29072552Some would agree. For me it's a more nuanced choice. If you're going to have the V12 then Vanquish 2 all the way.Don't forget the early DB9's were only 450 bhp - my V8V is 420.
>>29072548The DB9 was always the prettier more elegant car. Though the upside is if you don't have the manual you do get ye olde reliable ZF6 box though.
>>29072542You mean Rapide? Now that's a propah car.
>>29072563If you don't want/need the extra seats and space and a sportier drive than a 2 tonne car with even more expensive brakes. Might be a reason I suppose.
>>29072532>One easy question to ask is how many gears does it have: SSI has 6; SSII has 7.Shiit I just looked up all the data and it is 6 gears...man at this rate I might just as well wait for a 2012 model to go up for sale. Upgrades seem substantial all around for that MY
>>29072559>The DB9 was always the prettier more elegant car. I disagree. It's about the same overall height as a Vantage, but longer which, to my eye, makes it look over-stretched. To compensate for the relatively small increase in wheelbase (about 8" I think) the car has much longer overhangs front and rear. Then there,s the way the "haunches" of the rear quarters behind the doors wrap over so the fuel filler is virtually on a horizontal plane. But they do say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.>>29072570If you can get a non-'S' post 2012.25 MY with all the 'S' enhancements then you will have hit the Vantage "sweet spot" in my opinion. Just look for Premium audio, and front PDC's help too (they were an option). Or a Vantage 'S' - you get lots of extra carbon, if that's your thing, and nice embroidery on the interior, but the suspension is a bit on the firm side if your roads are poor. Changing tyres away from OEM Bridgestones is a must do.
>>29072681The poignant nose with longer lights with the more elegant bonnet, but also the rear was more sculpted and elegantly chiseled. The Vantage in comparison to my eye looked a bit more squad, rounded and from dead on the front a touch guppy/fish eyed due to the smaller rounded lights. Over time the fat on both was chipped away and both looked improved and magnificent. But that trimmer, longer look rather than the squat more brutish Vantage is the reason the the DB9 looked that more elegant.
>>29072681>If you can get a non-'S' post 2012.25 MY with all the 'S' enhancements then you will have hit the Vantage "sweet spot" in my opinion. Just look for Premium audio, and front PDC's help tooI will keep this in mind. The roads are fine here (Sweden) but sadly the lack of used cars available is on the slim side. Very small niche for Aston Martins here.
