2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Review
2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Review
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Used V8 Vantage for sale
Appraise This CarAston Martin V8 Vantage model years
Aston Martin V8 Vantage types
- Coupe
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sharp styling
- compliant ride quality
- commendable handling
- highly customizable.
Cons
- Expensive relative to competition
- gives up performance to rivals
- some interior elements fall short of expectations.
What’s new
Some previously optional features are now standard. Otherwise, the 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage returns unchanged.
Edmunds says
Sharp styling and a glorious V8 soundtrack might be enough to get buyers to part with their substantial fortunes, but the Aston Martin V8 Vantage's slower acceleration and interior missteps should give potential owners some pause.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2dr Coupe (4.7L 8cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$343/mo for V8 Vantage Base
V8 Vantage Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
If you're going to shell out more than $120,000 for an exotic sports car, there are likely three things you'd expect from it: breathtaking style, meticulous craftsmanship and dominating performance. In the case of the 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage, it only fulfills one of those three expectations.
As the least expensive model in the Aston Martin lineup, the V8 Vantage coupe and convertible benefits from the seductive curves and aggressive stance of its more expensive siblings. Furthermore, its more compact two-seat body style lends the Vantage an even sportier appearance. Step on the accelerator and a glorious symphony springs forth from under the long hood that reaches a crescendo as the reverse-swinging tachometer swings north to its redline. In these respects, it's a truly inspiring experience, but it's far from perfect.
Based on performance numbers, the V8 Vantage trails other sports cars in its class. It still accelerates and takes turns with impressive results, don't get us wrong, but when it comes to bragging rights, it's best to stay quiet. The interior is also quite inspiring, with flawless leather and several trim elements that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the touch. Upon closer inspection and operation, though, the Vantage once again falls short of expectations. With many controls sourced from run-of-the-mill Volvo vehicles and antiquated audio and navigation systems, the disappointment is palpable.
As the 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage enters its eighth year of production, its age is certainly starting to show. Stronger performances can be pulled from the 2013 Audi R8 and 2013 Porsche 911, and neither suffers from interior flaws. But then again, these German coupes don't exactly make your heart race in the same way that an Aston Martin can. The 2013 Maserati GranTurismo remains one of the most visually stunning in this class, but can only match the Aston Martin in performance. All things considered, the V8 Vantage is still quite desirable, but it's more of a purchase one does with the heart than with the head.
Performance & mpg
Powering the 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a 4.7-liter V8 that produces 420 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a seven-speed single-clutch automated manual available as an option. Aston Martin estimates a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds with the traditional manual transmission. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 15 mpg combined (13 city/19 highway) with the manual and 16 mpg combined (14 city/21 highway) for the automatic.
The V8 Vantage S increases output to 430 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque, while returning identical fuel economy estimates.
Safety
Standard safety features on all V8 Vantage models include antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, hill start assist, front and rear parking sensors and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. The Roadster adds pop-up roll bars.
Driving
Despite trailing some other sports cars when it comes to performance numbers, the 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is sure to provide a level of athleticism that will thrill drivers. While navigating a curving mountain pass, there's a wealth of communication being relayed to the driver from the steering wheel, seat and pedals. At the same time, the Vantage is easy to drive and won't punish you with an overly stiff ride. Upgrading to the Vantage S further increases driver engagement and its grip on the road, but most are likely to find the stiffer suspension objectionable.
For those who have spent some very fortunate miles in cars that compete in this category, the Vantage may come up short when it comes to acceleration. This is especially true with the seven-speed automated manual transmission that lacks the immediacy and nearly seamless gearchanges of some of the dual-clutch systems.
Interior
For the most part, the 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage interior makes occupants feel special. Wide swaths of supple leather adorn most surfaces, accented by contrasting stitching. Even starting the engine has some ceremony about it as you insert the heavy glass key fob (the "Emotion Control Unit" as Aston Martin calls it) into a slot atop the dash and hold it down to awaken the motor.
As the smallest and least expensive model in the Aston Martin lineup, the Vantage features a cockpit that is nearly identical to its more expensive DB9 and Rapide siblings. As is the case, it also suffers from some of the same missteps as those models. By contemporary standards, the Volvo-sourced electronics interface is well behind the times, as is the Garmin-based navigation system. Some of the switches and knobs are quite mediocre in quality and lack the specialness we'd expect in an exotic sports car.
Even by sports car standards, the Vantage's cockpit feels restrictive, though some may enjoy the all-enveloping experience. Foot wells are on the narrow side, though, and may cause some discomfort after a few hours of touring. On the plus side, the coupe's trunk can hold up to 10.6 cubic feet of cargo, but the Roadster's drops to only 5 cubic feet. Deploying or stowing the soft top convertible takes about 18 seconds.
2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage models
The 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is available as either a two-seat coupe or soft-top convertible roadster. Besides the standard Vantage trim, a higher-performing Vantage S is also available. The V12 Vantage is covered in a separate review.
Standard features include 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, power-folding heated mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, cruise control, automatic climate control, full leather-trimmed interior, power-adjustable seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a navigation system, a rearview camera, a six-CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod audio interface.
Stepping up to the V8 Vantage S adds a slightly more powerful engine, a carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded interior trim. These features are available as options on the base Vantage.
Options for either trim include a dark or chromed grille, a multitude of brake caliper colors, a convertible wind deflector, glass switches, carbon-fiber or wood interior trim, a simulated suede headliner, heated seats, seat memory functions, a more powerful premium audio upgrade or a Bang & Olufsen audio system. Aston Martin also offers an enormous number of paint and leather colors along with a high degree of customization.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
5 star(63%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
30 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Excellent - Best Sports Car I Have Owned
GK, 09/29/2007
2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2dr Coupe (4.3L 8cyl 6M)
I have had a Porsche and numerous BMWs. For me, this is the treasured prize. The quality of the interior and refinement of the exterior combined with the reliability I have experienced to date make this the finest auto I have ever owned. One article described it best - it is 95% of the performance and 200% of the "WOW" factor of the Porsche Carrera. The cornering and straight … acceleration are a notch inferior to the Porsche, but the pride of ownership and fit and finish ar far superior than anything else. Try it... you'll like it.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Expensive, but worth it fun and class!
K1, 03/25/2009
2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2dr Coupe (4.3L 8cyl 6M)
The AMV8 may not be the class leader in terms of straight-line performance, but it the leader of its class in terms of overall performance, sheer driving enjoyment and élan. The car is a perfect combination of beautifully styled aluminum, state-of-the-art technology and enough HP to raise your blood pressure more than enough for everyday driving. It is a joy to drive as it is a highly … responsive and compliant sports car. You will pay a premium to get into an Aston. But, hey, once you go past a four-banger econo-box its all a matter of personal preference, isnt it? The bottom line is that this is an adult sports car that youll enjoy driving day after day.
4.25 out of 5 stars
A sports car you can use everyday!
kpetree, 10/25/2012
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster 2dr Convertible (4.7L 8cyl 7AM)
I have owned this car for about 3 months and have put about 5600 miles on it already! I absolutely love driving it! Putting the top down and listening to the exhaust is pure bliss. Who needs a radio when you have this 4.7L V8 symphony? It's extremely comfortable, I've driven it hundreds of miles on day trips and never felt tired. The trunk space isn't much but it's plenty to fit my golf … bag, shoes and backpack at the same time so it's good enough for me. The only real complaint I have about the car is the transmission. In auto mode and in normal driving it's slow and jerky but in sport with the throttle down it's much better.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Classy
Shawn, 02/12/2010
2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2dr Coupe (4.7L 8cyl 6AM)
I completed a long (18 month) but fun process of driving all exotics out there except for Bentley, and at the end the Vantage was the clear winner. The key in my mind is that the Aston is pure motoring bliss. It looks, feels, and sounds other-worldly, and is completely classy. Also, I've been surprised by how much other motorists and peds love the car. Constant thumbs-up signs, digital … photos.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage, so we've included reviews for other years of the V8 Vantage since its last redesign.
2013 V8 Vantage Highlights
Coupe
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $116,700 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $343/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / unlimited miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the V8 Vantage include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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