Aston Martin’s cheapest model takes a big step up into the 21st century

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Is the Aston Martin Vantage reliable?

The Aston Martin Vantage is an exceptionally well built sports car that shouldn't present any major reliabilty issues. Of course, any car isn't totally free of problems, but most of the issues that afflict the Vantage are known and parts are widely available.

If the engine is well maintained and regularly serviced, you shouldn't have any problems. 

Engine: Coil pack failure is common with the AMG engine due to water getting inside the coil pack itself. An engine management light should appear in the dashboard to highlight the issue. The pack can be replaced under warranty.

Gearbox: Be wary of any jerky or hesitant gearshifts from the eight-speed ZF auto. If the ’box is a little sluggish on downshifts, this could be a software-related issue.

Drivetrain: A whining noise when cruising on the motorway is typically caused by the electronic differential. Most dealers will replace the diff under warranty.

Tyres: It’s always worth checking the tread on the standard-fit Pirelli P Zeros. A set of four new tyres will set you back around £1000. You can fit Michelin Pilot Sport 5s but it won’t cost you much less.

Body: Check the front splitter and rear diffuser for any scuffs and scratches, and inspect the diamond-cut alloys for any damage because these are expensive to refurbish.

Infotainment: The Mercedes-sourced infotainment system is prone to glitches and can be unresponsive to inputs. Ensure any updates have been carried out and check the system works properly on a test drive.

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Bluetooth connectivity issues and the sat-nav lagging aren’t uncommon too.

An owner’s view

Ian Slater: “I bought my 2019 Vantage in April 2021 with 8000 miles on the clock and have done 25,000 miles in it since then. During my ownership, it’s been fitted with an aftermarket rear-view camera and CarPlay – both essential.

“The car has been recovered twice: once for an airbag fault and once for a sensor issue, both fixed under warranty. The only bills I’ve had have been for tyres, corrective work on the seat leather and a battery. A major service is coming up, and that will be £1500. Running costs aside, the only thing that could replace it is another Vantage. It’s fast, comfortable and an event every time I drive it.”

Also worth knowing

The convertible V8 Vantage Roadster is a whisker slower but does enhance the sound of that V8 motor with the roof down – a decent compromise.

Aston Martin launched the V12 Vantage in 2022, with its twin-turbocharged 12-pot boosting output to 690bhp. It’s a proper track weapon, but the bigger engine seems to distort rather than necessarily enhance the driving experience.

Limited-run specials include the 007 Edition and beautifully sculpted V12 Speedster. Budget six figures for the latter.

The standard V8 Vantage is £600 to tax annually. A service costs from £700-£1000.