Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

The case for the V12 Vantage S

The original V12 Vantage was already one of the most exciting cars Aston Martin had ever made; the S version, launched in 2013, turned it up further with 565 bhp from the 6.0-litre V12. The big engine in the smallest body, with aggressive styling and a stripped, focused interior, made the V12 Vantage S one of the most charismatic supercars of its era.

The one significant caveat is the gearbox: most cars use the seven-speed Sportshift III single-clutch automated manual, which is slow and jerky at low speeds. A manual was offered late in production and is now highly prized.

What it costs to run

Budget £1,000 to £1,500 for annual specialist servicing. The V12 is robust, but the Sportshift gearbox's clutch is a known wear item and expensive to replace; budget accordingly if the car has been used in traffic. Tyres and brakes are premium items. Fuel economy is 15 to 18 mpg.

The car is now old enough that age-related items (suspension bushes, dampers, cooling components) are entering the service schedule.

Known weak points

The Sportshift gearbox is the defining issue. The clutch wears with use, particularly in traffic, and replacement is a significant cost. Check the clutch wear reading on any used example. The V12 engine is robust but needs proper maintenance. VH-platform issues apply: electrical gremlins, front coil spring corrosion, and interior wear on neglected cars. The carbon-ceramic brakes on some cars are expensive to replace.

What to check before buying

Full Aston Martin history is essential. On Sportshift cars, obtain the clutch wear figure and factor remaining life into your offer. Check the gearbox's behaviour on a test drive: some jerkiness at low speed is normal, but harsh or slipping engagement is not. Inspect the structure, springs and carbon panels. Verify all electrical functions and campaign completion. A specialist inspection is strongly recommended.

Market and depreciation

V12 Vantage S values have been appreciating as the car gains modern-classic status. Coupes now range from around £80,000 to £120,000, with manuals commanding a significant premium. The car's rarity, drama and status as one of the last great naturally aspirated Astons support its long-term position. Roadsters carry a further premium.

Who it suits

The enthusiast who wants one of the most dramatic and characterful modern Astons and can live with (or avoid) the Sportshift gearbox. It is a car that rewards commitment and delivers one of the great driving experiences.

Alternatives

Porsche 911 GT3 (997), Ferrari 458 Italia, or the later twin-turbo V12 Vantage.

The V12 Vantage S, produced from 2013, shoehorned a 565hp 6.0-litre V12 into the compact Vantage body, creating one of the most exciting and challenging cars in the range. Most were built with the Sportshift III automated manual, which is the car's defining ownership issue: clutch wear is a real and expensive concern, and the gearbox's behaviour in traffic divides opinion. A rare seven-speed manual conversion offered later is highly prized.

The Sportshift III clutch inspection is the single most important check. Ask for clutch-wear data from the diagnostic system and evidence of any replacement; an expensive bill awaits a car needing one. Beyond that, check suspension components, brake condition and evidence of cooling-system maintenance, as the big engine in the small body works its ancillaries hard. Later cars benefited from incremental improvements.

Values have appreciated as the market recognises the V12 Vantage S as one of the great analogue-era Astons. Manuals and manual-converted cars command a significant premium. The buying priorities are clutch health, documentation and condition; a well-kept Sportshift car is enjoyable, but understand its nature before buying. For the driver who wants the most intense classic-formula Aston of its era, few cars deliver more.

The driving experience is dominated by the combination of the big V12 and the compact body: the car is fast, loud and demanding, and it rewards skilled input with an intensity few modern cars match. The Sportshift III gearbox divides opinion, but on the right road with the right driver it provides rapid, engaging shifts. The manual-converted cars offer the purest experience and are the most sought-after.

The manual conversion's value reflects the market's preference, and cars so converted command a significant premium. For buyers considering a Sportshift car, the clutch condition is paramount; for those seeking a manual or converted car, the premium is justified by the driving experience and collectability. Either way, the V12 Vantage S is one of the great analogue-era Astons: a car that demands engagement and rewards it with an experience that modern, more refined cars cannot replicate. Buy the best-documented example and maintain it through the specialist network.

The Sportshift III's behaviour in traffic divides opinion, but on the right road it provides rapid, engaging shifts. The clutch inspection is the single most important check: request wear data and evidence of any replacement. Manual-converted cars command a significant premium and are the most sought-after. The V12 Vantage S is one of the great analogue-era Astons, and its values reflect the market's recognition. Buy the best-documented example and maintain it through the specialist network.

The V12 Vantage S's values reflect the market's recognition of it as one of the great analogue-era Astons. The manual-converted cars command the highest prices, and the Sportshift cars offer a more accessible route to the same fundamental experience. Either way, the buying priorities are gearbox health, documentation and condition. For the driver who wants the most intense classic-formula Aston of its era, the V12 Vantage S delivers in full. Buy the best-documented example and maintain it through the specialist network.

How this review was compiled

Research-based ownership review using Aston Martin specifications, independent buying guides and owner reports. We have not driven this car. Verify condition, service history and clutch wear for any individual car before purchase.