I wouldn't go that far, but they most certainly are in the top 20 most beautiful cars ever. However, my top 20 list would be filled with Astons, and, to me personally, the most beautiful car ever made has to be a tie between Aston Martin DBS 2008-2012 and the E type, closely followed by the Ferrari 365 Daytona, the DB5 Aston and the Citroen DS.
Personally I consider the AMV8V4.3 manual, driving perfection. I own a 2006 Toro red version w/27k miles and it’s handling, power and of course looks are perfectly balanced for the mountain roads of Boise Idaho. Surprisingly there are 5 Vantages in my All British Car Club and they still draw a crowd even being 16 years old. I’ll be keeping mine until it’s passed on to my heirs.
Have to agree the original 2006 release remains the best looking, in Meteorite Silver (grey) imho. I recall one 2006 owner writing that he never experienced any of the backlash occasionally received from people disliking his former Ferraris and other flashy sports cars, instead being let out of sideroads and being waved at by passers by. That model was pure, beautiful, classic design. Later models just gilded the lily.
That’s helpful. I might look for one. It’s amazing how quickly even the car community has converted to automatics and hybrids. To me these are great commuter cars but never anything you enjoy driving.
My Father in Law has a 2006 Vantage and really enjoys and says in some ways he prefers it to his 996 GT3. He loved his GT3 but found it to be crashy. On a track it might be different but for our B roads and A roads it's a better ride. Also it sounds, standard brutal. Also the gearing is shorter allowing for being in the power band earlier. He did say it wasn't as fast when wringing it's neck but it was easier to wring it's neck more often. I hope to try this in Spain!!
I happen to own a V8 Vantage S manual and have just done 200 miles in it today on a road trip to north Wales. What a treat to watch this at the end of a long driving lying in the hotel bed! I agree with everything you said in the video. Another informative, no-BS video from JayEmm! I’ve been watching your videos for years and you are partly the reason why I got my current car! Thank you for all your hard work put into producing such high-quality content!
Having come home from my road trip, I "revisited" this video again and I confirm that I agree with everything Jayemm said. But I notice that all the reviews on V8 Vantages seem to have neglected to comment on one thing (which IMO it's a positive for this car): the gear ratios. The gears are noticeably longer than most of the six-speed manual cars that I've owned before (e.g., E92 M3, Mk5 Golf GTI etc). This makes driving in town (e.g., getting off the line) a little bit tricky but in open A/B roads, it works perfectly. I think it's just right for the bends of UK roads as well as roundabouts. It makes the car more composed and feel more at home on twist roads. Maybe it's just me but this is one of the reasons I love this car.
The heavy clutch is a downside to the V8V and recommend swapping the clutch for the AMR twin plate & light flywheel. I did this on my 4.7 and it transformed the driveability. Engine revs more freely, dealing with that criticism of the lack of pulling at 2k revs. Money well spent.
It's all relative....its not a featherweight clutch, but neither is it so hard that it detracts from the driving experience. Try driving a 1969 Mustang...that's a hard clutch !.
I have the tuned exhaust headers, race cats, twin plate clutch/ lightweight flywheel, valiant Ohlins suspension and the Ps4s tyres on my V8Vs - the car is in a different league now
A truly elegant design. At a certain point style supersedes outright performance as time marches on. Pretty vehicle that would be welcome ...just so well balanced looking who cares about the performance details by a few points
Great review James. It has always irked me that most car reviewers make many mistakes about the vantage line up and timeline. The updates, the stats, the details. So happy to see you really know your Aston semantics 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I don't know about this CTR concept, I'd rather just have a specialist like Bamford Rose upgrade the car for better reliability and performance with OEM+ items and leave it at that
Thanks J. A good looking car on it's own. Issue with all mods is expensive cost (not having economies of scale) & having someone else both liking your choices enough of the final cost v the opposition at that raised price point. That said, if Richard is just doing it for himself, then he can get things 'just right'! Wishing you both all the best.
Good video....however some people really miss the point. I have a 4.3 manual which ive driven many enjoyable miles in.. I'm trained for many years as an advanced driver and have spent many an hour on a track....I have NEVER ever wanted more power or speed!...On a UK road you will never exceed the limits of the car and its a fantastic machine when driven hard. Save your money, get trained to an advanced standard and go for the 4.3...you definitely wont be disappointed!.
Interesting advice. I have always wanted one of these cars but got an F82 m4 cp instead. I have definitely been thinking about an advanced driving course
I know this is a year late, but I think it's important to note that the "big plastic" in the engine bay is actually made of metal. It is no cheap plastic even though it may look that way. Why is it important? Because it goes to show what level of quality build this truly is.
Altering the exterior in the way suggested would 1) damage the integrity of the original spec, 2) damage the value, 3) spoil it. Dark bronze? Really not digging that, just as bad as those spotlights, sorry James.
You saying, “This is a nine out of ten car.”, really helps… Need to experience the vehicle personally, in the same condition as the one you’re driving or better.
I think as you said at the end of your piece, it’s very easy to spoil a really good car with modifications, and I think when selling, a standard manual V8S will be more desirable to most people and command a better resale value. Im my opinion the uprated V8 brakes are superb, and if you have to use them in earnest you pray that the person following close behind is not going to hit you in the rear. The steering on the S is also fantastic with the often forgotten quick rack. I think a large part of your suspension gripes are down to the Bridgestones. These are not nice and particularly so after several years use. Unfortunately when i last checked MP4S were not available for the larger width V8S front wheels. Clutches are not unduly heavy if its a good one, they vary at lot from car to car ( don’t slip the clutch in reverse). So what does a V8S need? The lack of shove from the V8 at lower revs is the one thing i would consider improving. Exhaust manifolds/secondary cats/associated ecu remap. That’s all I’d do, but at the moment I’m enjoying mine so much I’m not sure I’ll bother😊
Very solid review and helpful to those of us looking to buy one! Well done, James. Could have skipped the part on calling the DB7 not a proper Aston though…😢
Great review, too bad Aston went away with having the Vantage be a beautiful car. This one is so much more desirable than the new one. One question for you Jay? Why does this example feature a very pebbled texture leather? I have seen only one Aston before with this look of leather, a Rapide in North Carolina. I cant find anything online about this style of leather, and have been unable to find an example in the leather samples at the dealer.
I just purchased one of the last V8 Vantage S Roadster's in Ocellus Teal and it's awesome, the infotainment on the third gen is better than the nonsense system fitted on the latest DB11 with its horrid outdated Mercedes system. Great video!
Lighted flywheel and double plate clutch solve the Sportshift problem, furthermore, this car will drive and keep driving - your Ferrari 430 will ruin your maintenance budget - I own a 2011 Vantage 4,7S, with all the aftermarket upgrades ( 485 hp ) Öhlins suspension etc. - fantastic car...
Friend had a Vantage S, sold it because of sportshift... I'd say modern tyres should always be the first upgrade, older cars often have aged out previous generation tyres. Better feel, braking, handling and grip 👍 DBS not too stiff however, I own one, along with F430 and EVO RWD. It easily eats up long distance cruises and rough country backroads at speed. Perhaps the example referenced had track damper button pressed or needed a alignment or something.
Colin Chapman. To increase speed, add lightness. That is exactly what I am doing to my beloved 01 BMW 330Ci, no kidding, I think I will hit 75 Lbs., without affecting comfort or features.
JayM. That sound off throttle of the V8 engine sounds glorious versus the Jag' ! Would like to have seen this drivetrain in the final D2a Landy's of the day sir ? V.
I don't know how you hit the seat recline when shifting. The buttons are down by your thigh, no where close to the shift lever. I think you are hitting some great points on pulling out weight. The steering and throttle response would liven up even more. There is also a great deal of sound deadening under the carpets and in the wheel wells that could come out with no cosmetic effect. The weight loss would also allow suspension valving and spring rates to be decreased a bit with no loss of body control. It's such a fantastic platform with 49F/51R weight distribution down low to start with. Nicely done.
Interesting piece as ever James. Given your comments on the suspension, I’m actually perfectly happy with my own Midnight Blue 4.3 (agree that’s a great colour and spent a year trying to find a low mileage one that didn’t have the usual “ morgue black” interior - my own is Sandstorm which I think is a great interior) Not sure I agree about the “uncomfortable seats” as I drove up to the highlands and back in a couple of days from London and had a glorious and comfortable trip with no back issues at all , but maybe that’s just me.
Difficult to improve on the Vantage whether in 4.3 or 4.7 guise. Very much all down to personal choice. The clutch is and always was a weak point in these cars. A twin plate should have been spec'd from the start in my opinion especially as the single plate OEM fit and twin plate are very similar prices. The added advantage being the twin plate comes with a lightened flywheel which genuinely does liven the bottom end up on them, especially the 4.3. There are so many options out there for suspension with some notable improvements to be made. I personally like the OEM seats even if they are a little weighty and I never have issues driving, changing gear and knocking the seat adjuster, this must be unique to you James. Richard at CTR has made some lovely mods to his previous two cars and I look forward to seeing how this car turns out.
@@york-fabianraabe902 I get the comment about looking cheap re the Cobra seats. As stated before, it's all subjective in that personal choice is what drives these updates really.
Yes, of course it is a matter of personal taste. And it is totally fine to disagree. As the whole CTR project is about improving the car I personally would put some more research in the seat situation if one wants to change the OEM ones, what I personally would not. There is a German company called Valiant Ecosse that modified Recaro seats for the Aston. These match much better with the Aston interior for my taste. If one would like to stick with Cobra I would try to contact them and get an Alcantra version. This would eliminate the mismatch of leather ar least. But as you say its all personal taste. And the car is amazing anyway ;)
The Cobra seats can be trimmed in more or less any material you like. As it happens the leather they use is the same as the V8S uses by default. Valiant Ecosse also got a mention in the video already
@@JayEmmOnCars Then that's good news they offer that service. Switching at least partially to Alcantara using matching red stitching will definitely help the seats to blend in. Concerning the leather, I cannot say if it is the same leather as I only have a compressed video. In the video it makes the impression to be thinner but that could be an illusion or it might be due to different padding. - But what is much, much more interesting for me than the seats is what will be done concerning throttle response and by that, I don't mean more power. Always found especially heel-and-toeing quite "sluggish", also with the upgraded gas pedal. Looking forward to the things to come. Thumbs up for your content 👍
Thank you for the review James, look forward to applying some of your feedback. Cannot wait to complete the CTR Vantage S and bring it back for a final review! Just out driving the current CTR 4.3 v Vantage S and we are way ahead of the S currently. This will be some driving machine.
@JayEmm on Cars Would it be possible for you to do a comparison/shootout between a v12 Vantage and a DB9 or DBS? Manual vs manual would be best. I think the people would love it.
I have a 2017 Vantage V8 manual with Comfort Suspension, the factory option that nobody, me included has ever heard of, except JCT600 from whom I bought it. A mere 420BHP compared with 430BHP in the N430 that I sold. I’ll trade the enhanced dynamics down a B road all day long for the lost 10BHP …I’ll challenge anybody to notice a 10BHP difference on a hand built and ultimately therefore variable engine. My car has just done 3,000 miles. It also has the Comfort seats. It’s way better as a road car. Tony R
I have one of the last of this model in a manual and the ONLY complaint as a GT car is the suspension gets a bit confused at high speeds, which isn’t optimal. Where’s my CarPlay too?! US thing? Anyway, even the seats are quite good if you aren’t a biffer (sorry, truth) and I’ve done a few multiple thousand mile journeys with no problems whatsoever. There’s so many new and shiny things out there all the time but this car is good enough to keep temptation to spend at bay - it’s that good, it really does make journeys memorable quite like nothing else too, it has that undefinable element which is just adds to the experience every time, and I don’t even mean because it says Aston Martin on it, it’s far more subtle than that.
@@JayEmmOnCars my point was it’s a start to be less big when it comes to Aston seats and I think it’s fair to point out - and by a “biffer” I mean big, not only possessing a higher than doctor approved BMI, but tall or muscle bound or even wide hipped, Aston have made no concessions to any of the above and that is a point against them. Nevertheless, I think if you’re a very average shaped and sized human being chances are they are fine, and potentially better than you’d first think. A weird thing about them is that they do initially feel a bit odd, not uncomfortable, just a bit strange, but after 600 miles you can get out feeling just fine, not achy or contorted or even fatigued (hello night out in Vegas), which is something I can’t say about my Porsche 18 way adjustable things. 🤷🏻♂️ Sure, it’s personal, and I think that’s another important point to make. Thanks for the response, I hope you know I wasn’t having a pop, and keep up the great content!
Have owned 3 of these a 4.3 Manual, a V12S and a V8S, the V8S is by far the best choice for high speed back road work, the lighter motor with better weight balance is far more confidence inspiring over the V12 lump. I think there is little change needed to a V8S, other than pissing off those horrible Bridgestone Pretenders (not Dunlop) tyres and putting Micheline 4S (they help the ride), modifying a V8S is like changing the Mona Lisa....... Sorry..... Personally I think the standard Carbon front and rear looks better than body coloured, not that you would want to change it as it costs a bomb. Some carbon mirrors, side streaks and light divides would be nice, I have that on mine along with a matte xpel PPF. nothing else to do, the v8S got a special exhaust so no change needed there either. I would prefer a manual but the sportshift in sport all the time is OK if not DCT quick. Auto's have changed a lot in 10 years it was comparable to the alternates in its day, Steve at Autocar raved about in 2011. Keep it on revs is the key it is not a low rev torque machine it sound better with revs anyway.
Might I ask you: as one interested in buying one soon… if we have narrowed this search to a v8 S model manual, what years are best? What years offer the best value? There is a 2006 non S v8 here in the USA for 40000 pounds / 52000us. But it sounds as though it’s worth the extra money fir the S version.
Can you tell me what years they made the desirable v8S manual version, the best year and maybe the best value year? Sometimes Europeans won’t change their models much over the release. A 2006 Bmw 3 series is ostensibly the same as a 2012, for example. Curious.
@@Bmwguy2011 The V8S with manual is a unicorn car there are literally a handfull of them in existence, the model was originally only intended with the SS2 box from Graziano (see video) link. If you wanted the highest spec V8 430hp with manual you are more likely to find it as an N430 (large limited edition run to recognise their racing success), not sure how many of these made it to the USA most were in the UK i expect (they also hold their value well. In terms of models and times, the early cars 2006-2008 were 4.3L and under rated by many, most of these were manuals. I had one and have no complaints many argue the stock 4.3L is a better sounding motor than the 4.7, though down on torque (you need to rev the motors, they are not a typical GT low end torque monster). The downside is they are now getting older so finding a good one with low miles and service history is the key. 2009 saw the arrival of the 4.7L and then 2011 was the first major update which is reflected in the second generation dash (the cars just feel more solid in suspension etc). This is also where the S arrives, as a more powerful (Slightly) but upgraded suspension, more carbon front and rear splitter and the SS2 7 speed. I think these are great cars, in 2016 in the dying days they updated the interior to waterfall 3 which only appeared in the last 2 years of the model, the rest of the car did not change (there was the limited edition Red Bull run out cars many of these were manual and were effectively a Vantage S with manual option, not many were made and they are expensive while the purply blue interior (RB colours are not to all tastes). So in short all of them are good so live within your budget, find the best and complete service history. Join the Aston Martin club in the USA there is plenty of expertise you will learn from them along with fun drive days etc. th-cam.com/video/n7rj5nLPiCc/w-d-xo.html
@@Bmwguy2011 Per my other video many argue if you want a manual V8 with the 430 HP then the N430 limited edition is the best of the V8's, the Red Bull last edition special cars are these taken even a little further. Not sure if the N430 made it to the USA. I think you are best served going with the standard V8S there will be more of them and you get used to knowing how to drive the SportShoft, you just need to always have the car in sport mode and drive it by the paddles, even with the single plate graziano clutch it is still faster than you can change yourself and has a nice automated downshift blip, you wont be disappointed in the car. The overun when you come off the accelerator reminds me of a big V twin bike motor. th-cam.com/video/xkAT82-R0S8/w-d-xo.html
@@craigmoy5457 super favor. Yes I would want to stay manual as the rest of my small collection is n/a manual hydraulic steering rear wheel drive etc. great advice. I’ll look out for the S manual for sure. Thanks again.
If this is a rare manual car wouldn’t it be a better move to leave it unmolested apart from say the lighter flywheel? I had a day driving the manual and loved it.
I've got a 4.7 S sportshift 2. It's nothing like you say regarding searching. It exactly the same as the R ironic Audi R8. Learn how to drive an automated manual and it's enjoyable. 3rd gen interior is worth buying
Hi there, my DBS 2008 is doing this , when shifting down from 2nd to1st and from 3nd to 4th and I'm worried it's literally jerks me forward and the car, and slips in 3-4 when accelerating forward , it's back with the garage getting looked at its also had a gear box oil leak and needed a new oil cooler they are going to check it tomorrow, my goodness 😮
@@JayEmmOnCars What kind of badge is on the front? Is it a Jaguar badge or an Aston Martin badge? Yes, the DB7 has a long and interesting developmental history (as do many cars built under a multi-brand ownership) , but it's just plain lazy to perpetuate the 'Jag in Drag' pub-chatter nonsense. It's an Aston Martin. An INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT Aston Martin!
Personally I think they should have just taken the Jaguar engine and made some minor modifications to it instead. Kept it supercharged but changed the unit to something that made more power. It's very easy to make 600+ HP from the AJV8. But really they could have made 450hp no problem from a 4.2 unit with very minor modifications, most notably the supercharger pulley. Just seems like a waste of money and it would get better fuel economy then the 4.7. A supercharger will really improve the low end power/torque.
Great review as always Jay. However if you are doing 35 and want to be thrown in the seat, it's just a shift away. Complaining about the high RPM powerband is a bit silly. The car needs to live between 4 and 8k rpms, only settling in below when putting around to the grocery store. After 5 years of ownership my true manual Vantage is as stellar as ever. The manual was faster than the sport shift to begin with, 0-60 in 4.0 seconds (Car&Driver). It's been a daily driver for most of that time. Never in the shop except for brakes and oil. Once paid off, I took to modifying with an AMR dual disc clutch and lightened flywheel, lighter VS Forged 20" wheels with 265/305 PS4 tires , lighter 2 piece Wilwood rotors with GT5 pads, Velocity Ap headers, VAP air box delete, VAP stage 3 tune, H&R lowering springs, VAP 200 cel hiflow cats (Now VAP cat delete pipes). Dyno'd at 440RWHP, so just over 500bph. It's a true monster now. My wife's F-type is still faster at 700bph, however she can not keep up in the twisties and long drives are just not comfortable. The vantage is truly 2nd or 3rd best at everything which makes it the jack of all trades with few compromises.
If you want some wind in your hair and better access to the noise, get a 2012 plus V8 roadster (doesn’t need to be an S) because the roadster comes with everything the S has but just not the high HP. It’s got the sills & the suspension etc of the S. The clutch is heavy in standard form and reverse is a joke (it’s got the same ratio as 2nd). The twin plate is meant to be better but a 2014 onwards needs a new torque tube as it doesn’t fit in the same which adds cost. If you’re ever up in the North West myself and my dad have an old shape roadster and a new one, could be a good comparison video 😁 you should also check out CNC Liverpool, some great and interesting cars turn up to that, usually on one Sunday a month
Also, the oil filler cap… best bit of engineering on the car. It’s so satisfying haha! Why couldn’t they have made the indicators etc out of the same billeted metal 🤣 it’s a pleasure to drive, the only “Supercar” I’ve driven / experienced where 99.99% of people around you only have love for the car. It’s so nice! Everyone has nice things to say about it.
Other than badge prestige and the manual gear shifts i don't know why anyone would have one of these over a Jaguar XFR. Much more power and much more practical. And dare i say the Jaaaag is better looking. For something along the same lines an F-Type R murders this car for performance and looks.
After owning one of these likes were engine sound and cabin ride was poor clutch awful power delivery poor depreciation was not great at the time either and if you mod one I hope you keep it many years I got out of mine at the time into R8 V10 plus absolutely worlds apart 👍🏻
Hi James ,I have a Porsche cayman 2.9 manual which I’m considering trading in for a manual vantage ,I know the vantage is a different league but do you think it a good move .The cayman is a great drivers car .
It depends what you want. The Vantage is part sports car, part GT. Given the amount of aluminium and composite materials used in the construction, it's surprisingly heavy. Moving from a TVR Chimaera 450 to a Vantage, I'm glad I went for the 4.7 - I'm sure the 4.3 wouldn't have felt fast enough. If you value something with really sharp handling that you can throw about, the Vantage isn't ideal. For the sense of occasion though, it's unbeatable. Every drive is an event.
Great review, great car, but personally if I bought something like an Aston I would not want to put what, in my mind amounts to after market upgrades on it. I would want it as factory standard as possible to keep its integrity. If I wanted a higher spec version I'd buy a V12 or similar
I'm not sure anyone will agree with me, but my problem with the V8 Vantage has always been that engine. The V8 just sounds so uncouth. In an elegant Sports GT like an Aston, I really want a straight six. With one of those under the bonnet, this car would be spectacular. For me, anyway.
Don't put a loud exhaust on and leave it as it left the factory....then its as quiet at you want. Only when you are at full throttle it does that engine come alive...and damn does it sound great !
"In a nutshell, the N430 is an up-contented 4.7-litre V8 Vantage S with a motorsport-inspired aesthetic makeover that adds eye-catching detailing to the exterior and interior." - Evo Magazine
Needs to delete or massively improve the quality of the CTR logo if he's going to be spreading it about the place on a car of this quality/status. Cheapens the whole look, unless he's specifically targeting lovers of his channel
so.. he loves the car but.. it needs tyres, brakes, suspension, clutch , brakes, seats , more power and a colour change. And in my opinion it sounds like a bad US v8.
I still feel that the 2005-2017 Vantages are the best looking Aston ever. If not the best looking modern car ever.
Feel
I wouldn't go that far, but they most certainly are in the top 20 most beautiful cars ever. However, my top 20 list would be filled with Astons, and, to me personally, the most beautiful car ever made has to be a tie between Aston Martin DBS 2008-2012 and the E type, closely followed by the Ferrari 365 Daytona, the DB5 Aston and the Citroen DS.
@@konyina Ferrari 330 GTS imo is superior to any E type. I did like the 1969 E type roadster but the steering compared to the 330 is atrocious.
@@jjr1728 I'm talking about the styling. E Types were notoriously difficult to drive, and they weren't a whole lot of fun either.
🎯 too true no cap 🎩
Personally I consider the AMV8V4.3 manual, driving perfection. I own a 2006 Toro red version w/27k miles and it’s handling, power and of course looks are perfectly balanced for the mountain roads of Boise Idaho. Surprisingly there are 5 Vantages in my All British Car Club and they still draw a crowd even being 16 years old. I’ll be keeping mine until it’s passed on to my heirs.
Have to agree the original 2006 release remains the best looking, in Meteorite Silver (grey) imho.
I recall one 2006 owner writing that he never experienced any of the backlash occasionally received from people disliking his former Ferraris and other flashy sports cars, instead being let out of sideroads and being waved at by passers by. That model was pure, beautiful, classic design. Later models just gilded the lily.
I also like the original cars wheel style compared to later models.
That’s helpful. I might look for one. It’s amazing how quickly even the car community has converted to automatics and hybrids. To me these are great commuter cars but never anything you enjoy driving.
My Father in Law has a 2006 Vantage and really enjoys and says in some ways he prefers it to his 996 GT3. He loved his GT3 but found it to be crashy. On a track it might be different but for our B roads and A roads it's a better ride. Also it sounds, standard brutal. Also the gearing is shorter allowing for being in the power band earlier. He did say it wasn't as fast when wringing it's neck but it was easier to wring it's neck more often.
I hope to try this in Spain!!
4.3L is too slow. 4.7L or bust
I happen to own a V8 Vantage S manual and have just done 200 miles in it today on a road trip to north Wales. What a treat to watch this at the end of a long driving lying in the hotel bed! I agree with everything you said in the video. Another informative, no-BS video from JayEmm! I’ve been watching your videos for years and you are partly the reason why I got my current car! Thank you for all your hard work put into producing such high-quality content!
Having come home from my road trip, I "revisited" this video again and I confirm that I agree with everything Jayemm said. But I notice that all the reviews on V8 Vantages seem to have neglected to comment on one thing (which IMO it's a positive for this car): the gear ratios. The gears are noticeably longer than most of the six-speed manual cars that I've owned before (e.g., E92 M3, Mk5 Golf GTI etc). This makes driving in town (e.g., getting off the line) a little bit tricky but in open A/B roads, it works perfectly. I think it's just right for the bends of UK roads as well as roundabouts. It makes the car more composed and feel more at home on twist roads. Maybe it's just me but this is one of the reasons I love this car.
what year is this car or your car? 👀
@@jaefrmbk2k Not sure about this car but mine is from 2017 model year
The heavy clutch is a downside to the V8V and recommend swapping the clutch for the AMR twin plate & light flywheel. I did this on my 4.7 and it transformed the driveability. Engine revs more freely, dealing with that criticism of the lack of pulling at 2k revs. Money well spent.
It's all relative....its not a featherweight clutch, but neither is it so hard that it detracts from the driving experience. Try driving a 1969 Mustang...that's a hard clutch !.
how much does that cost approx?
Surprisingly it costs the same as a direct replacement clutch c.£2.5k fitted, so it makes sense to go this route if the original clutch is worn.
@@scottmackay9807 thanks for sharing. Do you know how much for parts only
The prettiest V8 Aston of the modern era without a doubt
You do realise you are going to be as popular as Top Gear if you continue with this level of interesting content.
Brilliant.
I have the tuned exhaust headers, race cats, twin plate clutch/ lightweight flywheel, valiant Ohlins suspension and the Ps4s tyres on my V8Vs - the car is in a different league now
A truly elegant design. At a certain point style supersedes outright performance as time marches on. Pretty vehicle that would be welcome ...just so well balanced looking who cares about the performance details by a few points
The best looking car out of the three.
Great review James. It has always irked me that most car reviewers make many mistakes about the vantage line up and timeline. The updates, the stats, the details. So happy to see you really know your Aston semantics 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
THANKS Steve! I know you know your Astons so your feedback is important
I just had a look in Switzerland, you really weren't lying when you said most of these are shades of black and grey. Quite a shame
I don't know about this CTR concept, I'd rather just have a specialist like Bamford Rose upgrade the car for better reliability and performance with OEM+ items and leave it at that
Thanks J. A good looking car on it's own. Issue with all mods is expensive cost (not having economies of scale) & having someone else both liking your choices enough of the final cost v the opposition at that raised price point. That said, if Richard is just doing it for himself, then he can get things 'just right'!
Wishing you both all the best.
Good video....however some people really miss the point. I have a 4.3 manual which ive driven many enjoyable miles in.. I'm trained for many years as an advanced driver and have spent many an hour on a track....I have NEVER ever wanted more power or speed!...On a UK road you will never exceed the limits of the car and its a fantastic machine when driven hard. Save your money, get trained to an advanced standard and go for the 4.3...you definitely wont be disappointed!.
Interesting advice. I have always wanted one of these cars but got an F82 m4 cp instead. I have definitely been thinking about an advanced driving course
Very thoughtful commentary and proper flooring of this beauty 💯
Great looking car , rather have this than any new BMW,Audi or Merc.
That sound 🤪🤪🤪
You ever heard a 6.2 AMG V8?
Fantastic car! Awsome video as always James! - I love the DB9's, I drove a v8 vantage volante at this track experience thing and it was awsome
Was that at ingliston , Edinburgh per chance? I was there last week
I know this is a year late, but I think it's important to note that the "big plastic" in the engine bay is actually made of metal. It is no cheap plastic even though it may look that way. Why is it important? Because it goes to show what level of quality build this truly is.
Dark bronze wheels wouldn't work well with the chrome trim around the glass house.
Awesome car. Would love to see how it goes after the mods. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
The V8 vantage has always been one of my favourite sounding cars :D
Possibly the best looking car on the road, still. Original alloys better though.
It's beautiful there's no doubt, although I still prefer the DBS
Altering the exterior in the way suggested would 1) damage the integrity of the original spec, 2) damage the value, 3) spoil it.
Dark bronze? Really not digging that, just as bad as those spotlights, sorry James.
Other than that a brilliant video (sorry, I should have balanced the feedback).
Who doesn't like an Aston Martin Vantage :)
Thanks for a good episode James.
More more more Aston content please!!!
Problem with 85-90 is that you can get a V12 Manual 6 Speed for that.
You saying, “This is a nine out of ten car.”, really helps… Need to experience the vehicle personally, in the same condition as the one you’re driving or better.
These have aged very well!
I think as you said at the end of your piece, it’s very easy to spoil a really good car with modifications, and I think when selling, a standard manual V8S will be more desirable to most people and command a better resale value. Im my opinion the uprated V8 brakes are superb, and if you have to use them in earnest you pray that the person following close behind is not going to hit you in the rear. The steering on the S is also fantastic with the often forgotten quick rack. I think a large part of your suspension gripes are down to the Bridgestones. These are not nice and particularly so after several years use. Unfortunately when i last checked MP4S were not available for the larger width V8S front wheels. Clutches are not unduly heavy if its a good one, they vary at lot from car to car ( don’t slip the clutch in reverse). So what does a V8S need? The lack of shove from the V8 at lower revs is the one thing i would consider improving. Exhaust manifolds/secondary cats/associated ecu remap. That’s all I’d do, but at the moment I’m enjoying mine so much I’m not sure I’ll bother😊
A most excellent and enjoyable review! Keep up the great work!
458 is the dream but out of reach for me. 650s may be doable with a good finance package so thanks for this!
Hardest working man on the frickin internet right here!
I don't naturally think about these when thinking about dream cars but there's no denying it's beauty
Very solid review and helpful to those of us looking to buy one! Well done, James. Could have skipped the part on calling the DB7 not a proper Aston though…😢
Great review, too bad Aston went away with having the Vantage be a beautiful car. This one is so much more desirable than the new one. One question for you Jay? Why does this example feature a very pebbled texture leather? I have seen only one Aston before with this look of leather, a Rapide in North Carolina. I cant find anything online about this style of leather, and have been unable to find an example in the leather samples at the dealer.
Aston Martin is special. Still my favorite :)
I just purchased one of the last V8 Vantage S Roadster's in Ocellus Teal and it's awesome, the infotainment on the third gen is better than the nonsense system fitted on the latest DB11 with its horrid outdated Mercedes system. Great video!
Lighted flywheel and double plate clutch solve the Sportshift problem, furthermore, this car will drive and keep driving - your Ferrari 430 will ruin your maintenance budget - I own a 2011 Vantage 4,7S, with all the aftermarket upgrades ( 485 hp ) Öhlins suspension etc. - fantastic car...
Friend had a Vantage S, sold it because of sportshift...
I'd say modern tyres should always be the first upgrade, older cars often have aged out previous generation tyres. Better feel, braking, handling and grip 👍
DBS not too stiff however, I own one, along with F430 and EVO RWD. It easily eats up long distance cruises and rough country backroads at speed. Perhaps the example referenced had track damper button pressed or needed a alignment or something.
I miss my 2010 vantage, all it needs is a few mods like 200 cell cats airbox kit and a tune and some PS4S rubber and good god its a great car
Never even sat in one,BUT it is a thing of beauty 👍🇬🇧
Only thing I would change is the brake caliper colour to silver or black.
Agree about the seats, I have a bad back and after little time I am looking to get out of my lads car which has the same seats I believe?
Colin Chapman. To increase speed, add lightness. That is exactly what I am doing to my beloved 01 BMW 330Ci, no kidding, I think I will hit 75 Lbs., without affecting comfort or features.
JayM. That sound off throttle of the V8 engine sounds glorious versus the Jag' ! Would like to have seen this drivetrain in the final D2a Landy's of the day sir ? V.
I don't know how you hit the seat recline when shifting. The buttons are down by your thigh, no where close to the shift lever. I think you are hitting some great points on pulling out weight. The steering and throttle response would liven up even more. There is also a great deal of sound deadening under the carpets and in the wheel wells that could come out with no cosmetic effect. The weight loss would also allow suspension valving and spring rates to be decreased a bit with no loss of body control. It's such a fantastic platform with 49F/51R weight distribution down low to start with. Nicely done.
I keep my wallet in my left pocket- or when filming my microphone receiver pack
Interesting piece as ever James. Given your comments on the suspension, I’m actually perfectly happy with my own Midnight Blue 4.3 (agree that’s a great colour and spent a year trying to find a low mileage one that didn’t have the usual “ morgue black” interior - my own is Sandstorm which I think is a great interior) Not sure I agree about the “uncomfortable seats” as I drove up to the highlands and back in a couple of days from London and had a glorious and comfortable trip with no back issues at all , but maybe that’s just me.
Seats are always going to subjective, we are all built differently.
lifts & serperates, the wonderbra of cars.
I have a Volcano red manual 'S' version. Very rare cars. Think they only produced 155 of them for RHD spec.
I'd love to see one of these Vantages with a ZF6 or even a dual clutch auto.
What a handsome car. Automotive perfection. So much nicer than the Reichman designed successor
Difficult to improve on the Vantage whether in 4.3 or 4.7 guise. Very much all down to personal choice.
The clutch is and always was a weak point in these cars. A twin plate should have been spec'd from the start in my opinion especially as the single plate OEM fit and twin plate are very similar prices. The added advantage being the twin plate comes with a lightened flywheel which genuinely does liven the bottom end up on them, especially the 4.3.
There are so many options out there for suspension with some notable improvements to be made.
I personally like the OEM seats even if they are a little weighty and I never have issues driving, changing gear and knocking the seat adjuster, this must be unique to you James.
Richard at CTR has made some lovely mods to his previous two cars and I look forward to seeing how this car turns out.
Totally agree. And actually I think the aftermarket Cobra seats that were put in the 4.3 look quite cheap. But still nice video, amazing car 💯
@@york-fabianraabe902 I get the comment about looking cheap re the Cobra seats. As stated before, it's all subjective in that personal choice is what drives these updates really.
Yes, of course it is a matter of personal taste. And it is totally fine to disagree. As the whole CTR project is about improving the car I personally would put some more research in the seat situation if one wants to change the OEM ones, what I personally would not. There is a German company called Valiant Ecosse that modified Recaro seats for the Aston. These match much better with the Aston interior for my taste. If one would like to stick with Cobra I would try to contact them and get an Alcantra version. This would eliminate the mismatch of leather ar least. But as you say its all personal taste. And the car is amazing anyway ;)
The Cobra seats can be trimmed in more or less any material you like. As it happens the leather they use is the same as the V8S uses by default.
Valiant Ecosse also got a mention in the video already
@@JayEmmOnCars Then that's good news they offer that service. Switching at least partially to Alcantara using matching red stitching will definitely help the seats to blend in. Concerning the leather, I cannot say if it is the same leather as I only have a compressed video. In the video it makes the impression to be thinner but that could be an illusion or it might be due to different padding. - But what is much, much more interesting for me than the seats is what will be done concerning throttle response and by that, I don't mean more power. Always found especially heel-and-toeing quite "sluggish", also with the upgraded gas pedal. Looking forward to the things to come. Thumbs up for your content 👍
Thank you for the review James, look forward to applying some of your feedback. Cannot wait to complete the CTR Vantage S and bring it back for a final review! Just out driving the current CTR 4.3 v Vantage S and we are way ahead of the S currently. This will be some driving machine.
Great video James
@JayEmm on Cars
Would it be possible for you to do a comparison/shootout between a v12 Vantage and a DB9 or DBS? Manual vs manual would be best. I think the people would love it.
I have a 2017 Vantage V8 manual with Comfort Suspension, the factory option that nobody, me included has ever heard of, except JCT600 from whom I bought it. A mere 420BHP compared with 430BHP in the N430 that I sold. I’ll trade the enhanced dynamics down a B road all day long for the lost 10BHP …I’ll challenge anybody to notice a 10BHP difference on a hand built and ultimately therefore variable engine. My car has just done 3,000 miles. It also has the Comfort seats. It’s way better as a road car. Tony R
Be good to see if he gets the aftermarket nitrogen dampers fully sorted.
I owned a manual V8 Vantage for a few years. Did 30k+ miles in it. Lovely cars, the main dealers were shocking, so just avoid them.
I have one of the last of this model in a manual and the ONLY complaint as a GT car is the suspension gets a bit confused at high speeds, which isn’t optimal. Where’s my CarPlay too?! US thing? Anyway, even the seats are quite good if you aren’t a biffer (sorry, truth) and I’ve done a few multiple thousand mile journeys with no problems whatsoever. There’s so many new and shiny things out there all the time but this car is good enough to keep temptation to spend at bay - it’s that good, it really does make journeys memorable quite like nothing else too, it has that undefinable element which is just adds to the experience every time, and I don’t even mean because it says Aston Martin on it, it’s far more subtle than that.
My non biffer friends also dislike them, and I fit fine in a Caterham - seats are just very personal
@@JayEmmOnCars my point was it’s a start to be less big when it comes to Aston seats and I think it’s fair to point out - and by a “biffer” I mean big, not only possessing a higher than doctor approved BMI, but tall or muscle bound or even wide hipped, Aston have made no concessions to any of the above and that is a point against them. Nevertheless, I think if you’re a very average shaped and sized human being chances are they are fine, and potentially better than you’d first think.
A weird thing about them is that they do initially feel a bit odd, not uncomfortable, just a bit strange, but after 600 miles you can get out feeling just fine, not achy or contorted or even fatigued (hello night out in Vegas), which is something I can’t say about my Porsche 18 way adjustable things. 🤷🏻♂️
Sure, it’s personal, and I think that’s another important point to make.
Thanks for the response, I hope you know I wasn’t having a pop, and keep up the great content!
The title threw me off until I realized it's the GTS in the USA and only for 2016. Still no v8 vantage s I'm aware of in the states.
You should try and find a Prodrive Vantage.
Hmm, thinking I need a Vantage to I replace my 997, … manual would be a nice DD.
Have owned 3 of these a 4.3 Manual, a V12S and a V8S, the V8S is by far the best choice for high speed back road work, the lighter motor with better weight balance is far more confidence inspiring over the V12 lump. I think there is little change needed to a V8S, other than pissing off those horrible Bridgestone Pretenders (not Dunlop) tyres and putting Micheline 4S (they help the ride), modifying a V8S is like changing the Mona Lisa....... Sorry..... Personally I think the standard Carbon front and rear looks better than body coloured, not that you would want to change it as it costs a bomb. Some carbon mirrors, side streaks and light divides would be nice, I have that on mine along with a matte xpel PPF. nothing else to do, the v8S got a special exhaust so no change needed there either. I would prefer a manual but the sportshift in sport all the time is OK if not DCT quick. Auto's have changed a lot in 10 years it was comparable to the alternates in its day, Steve at Autocar raved about in 2011. Keep it on revs is the key it is not a low rev torque machine it sound better with revs anyway.
Might I ask you: as one interested in buying one soon… if we have narrowed this search to a v8 S model manual, what years are best? What years offer the best value? There is a 2006 non S v8 here in the USA for 40000 pounds / 52000us. But it sounds as though it’s worth the extra money fir the S version.
Can you tell me what years they made the desirable v8S manual version, the best year and maybe the best value year? Sometimes Europeans won’t change their models much over the release. A 2006 Bmw 3 series is ostensibly the same as a 2012, for example. Curious.
@@Bmwguy2011 The V8S with manual is a unicorn car there are literally a handfull of them in existence, the model was originally only intended with the SS2 box from Graziano (see video) link. If you wanted the highest spec V8 430hp with manual you are more likely to find it as an N430 (large limited edition run to recognise their racing success), not sure how many of these made it to the USA most were in the UK i expect (they also hold their value well. In terms of models and times, the early cars 2006-2008 were 4.3L and under rated by many, most of these were manuals. I had one and have no complaints many argue the stock 4.3L is a better sounding motor than the 4.7, though down on torque (you need to rev the motors, they are not a typical GT low end torque monster). The downside is they are now getting older so finding a good one with low miles and service history is the key. 2009 saw the arrival of the 4.7L and then 2011 was the first major update which is reflected in the second generation dash (the cars just feel more solid in suspension etc). This is also where the S arrives, as a more powerful (Slightly) but upgraded suspension, more carbon front and rear splitter and the SS2 7 speed. I think these are great cars, in 2016 in the dying days they updated the interior to waterfall 3 which only appeared in the last 2 years of the model, the rest of the car did not change (there was the limited edition Red Bull run out cars many of these were manual and were effectively a Vantage S with manual option, not many were made and they are expensive while the purply blue interior (RB colours are not to all tastes). So in short all of them are good so live within your budget, find the best and complete service history. Join the Aston Martin club in the USA there is plenty of expertise you will learn from them along with fun drive days etc. th-cam.com/video/n7rj5nLPiCc/w-d-xo.html
@@Bmwguy2011 Per my other video many argue if you want a manual V8 with the 430 HP then the N430 limited edition is the best of the V8's, the Red Bull last edition special cars are these taken even a little further. Not sure if the N430 made it to the USA. I think you are best served going with the standard V8S there will be more of them and you get used to knowing how to drive the SportShoft, you just need to always have the car in sport mode and drive it by the paddles, even with the single plate graziano clutch it is still faster than you can change yourself and has a nice automated downshift blip, you wont be disappointed in the car. The overun when you come off the accelerator reminds me of a big V twin bike motor. th-cam.com/video/xkAT82-R0S8/w-d-xo.html
@@craigmoy5457 super favor. Yes I would want to stay manual as the rest of my small collection is n/a manual hydraulic steering rear wheel drive etc. great advice. I’ll look out for the S manual for sure. Thanks again.
If this is a rare manual car wouldn’t it be a better move to leave it unmolested apart from say the lighter flywheel?
I had a day driving the manual and loved it.
I've got a 4.7 S sportshift 2. It's nothing like you say regarding searching. It exactly the same as the R ironic Audi R8. Learn how to drive an automated manual and it's enjoyable. 3rd gen interior is worth buying
I would paint it Green but not a traditional Aston green but like Viper Green with Black wheels and a GT8 style rear wing
Hi there, my DBS 2008 is doing this , when shifting down from 2nd to1st and from 3nd to 4th and I'm worried it's literally jerks me forward and the car, and slips in 3-4 when accelerating forward , it's back with the garage getting looked at its also had a gear box oil leak and needed a new oil cooler they are going to check it tomorrow, my goodness 😮
Need to see a video on the Lexus RX450H
Can someone please explain to me how the DB7 'is not a proper Aston'? It's gorgeous and it's available with a 6.0 V12. It's a proper Aston!
Because it is based on an old Jaguar platform, was designed as a Jaguar and originally launched with a Jaguar engine
@@JayEmmOnCars What kind of badge is on the front? Is it a Jaguar badge or an Aston Martin badge? Yes, the DB7 has a long and interesting developmental history (as do many cars built under a multi-brand ownership) , but it's just plain lazy to perpetuate the 'Jag in Drag' pub-chatter nonsense. It's an Aston Martin. An INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT Aston Martin!
Personally I think they should have just taken the Jaguar engine and made some minor modifications to it instead. Kept it supercharged but changed the unit to something that made more power. It's very easy to make 600+ HP from the AJV8. But really they could have made 450hp no problem from a 4.2 unit with very minor modifications, most notably the supercharger pulley. Just seems like a waste of money and it would get better fuel economy then the 4.7. A supercharger will really improve the low end power/torque.
The Jag and the 997 look so dated compared to the Aston. It has aged remarkably well.
Great review as always Jay. However if you are doing 35 and want to be thrown in the seat, it's just a shift away. Complaining about the high RPM powerband is a bit silly. The car needs to live between 4 and 8k rpms, only settling in below when putting around to the grocery store. After 5 years of ownership my true manual Vantage is as stellar as ever. The manual was faster than the sport shift to begin with, 0-60 in 4.0 seconds (Car&Driver). It's been a daily driver for most of that time. Never in the shop except for brakes and oil. Once paid off, I took to modifying with an AMR dual disc clutch and lightened flywheel, lighter VS Forged 20" wheels with 265/305 PS4 tires , lighter 2 piece Wilwood rotors with GT5 pads, Velocity Ap headers, VAP air box delete, VAP stage 3 tune, H&R lowering springs, VAP 200 cel hiflow cats (Now VAP cat delete pipes). Dyno'd at 440RWHP, so just over 500bph. It's a true monster now. My wife's F-type is still faster at 700bph, however she can not keep up in the twisties and long drives are just not comfortable. The vantage is truly 2nd or 3rd best at everything which makes it the jack of all trades with few compromises.
If you want some wind in your hair and better access to the noise, get a 2012 plus V8 roadster (doesn’t need to be an S) because the roadster comes with everything the S has but just not the high HP. It’s got the sills & the suspension etc of the S. The clutch is heavy in standard form and reverse is a joke (it’s got the same ratio as 2nd). The twin plate is meant to be better but a 2014 onwards needs a new torque tube as it doesn’t fit in the same which adds cost. If you’re ever up in the North West myself and my dad have an old shape roadster and a new one, could be a good comparison video 😁 you should also check out CNC Liverpool, some great and interesting cars turn up to that, usually on one Sunday a month
Also, the oil filler cap… best bit of engineering on the car. It’s so satisfying haha! Why couldn’t they have made the indicators etc out of the same billeted metal 🤣 it’s a pleasure to drive, the only “Supercar” I’ve driven / experienced where 99.99% of people around you only have love for the car. It’s so nice! Everyone has nice things to say about it.
Great cars!
Aston Martin should have taken comfort ques for their seats from Volvo since Volvo was owned by ford at the time
Jumped over to check out Richards channel to find you've bought a Ferrari F12?
Jay did a video on it. The video titled, “I bought a subscriber’s car”
I didnt want to shove it in people's faces, hence the mysterious thumbnail
Other than badge prestige and the manual gear shifts i don't know why anyone would have one of these over a Jaguar XFR. Much more power and much more practical. And dare i say the Jaaaag is better looking.
For something along the same lines an F-Type R murders this car for performance and looks.
After owning one of these likes were engine sound and cabin ride was poor clutch awful power delivery poor depreciation was not great at the time either and if you mod one I hope you keep it many years I got out of mine at the time into R8 V10 plus absolutely worlds apart 👍🏻
Volvo window and mirror switch in there
Rally lights ? Looked like a WEC GTE homage to me.
Which is the most reliable Aston Martin coupe 2005 to 2010?
from 2009 MY onwards when they placed the 4.7 engine
@@TheFfm2 are there problems with the earlier engine?
The 4.3 is more reliable, they have more expensive internals and when they released the 4.7 they began cost cutting.
What about lite weight clutch and flywheel?
Hi James ,I have a Porsche cayman 2.9 manual which I’m considering trading in for a manual vantage ,I know the vantage is a different league but do you think it a good move .The cayman is a great drivers car .
It depends what you want. The Vantage is part sports car, part GT. Given the amount of aluminium and composite materials used in the construction, it's surprisingly heavy. Moving from a TVR Chimaera 450 to a Vantage, I'm glad I went for the 4.7 - I'm sure the 4.3 wouldn't have felt fast enough. If you value something with really sharp handling that you can throw about, the Vantage isn't ideal. For the sense of occasion though, it's unbeatable. Every drive is an event.
@@paulshepherd8295 yeah makes sense.Thanks for your reply.
Test the clio 197
I thought the rally style lights looked awesome.
Did both windows down help?
Only a little
Get a twin-plate clutch.
Great review, great car, but personally if I bought something like an Aston I would not want to put what, in my mind amounts to after market upgrades on it. I would want it as factory standard as possible to keep its integrity. If I wanted a higher spec version I'd buy a V12 or similar
I'm not sure anyone will agree with me, but my problem with the V8 Vantage has always been that engine. The V8 just sounds so uncouth. In an elegant Sports GT like an Aston, I really want a straight six. With one of those under the bonnet, this car would be spectacular. For me, anyway.
Don't put a loud exhaust on and leave it as it left the factory....then its as quiet at you want. Only when you are at full throttle it does that engine come alive...and damn does it sound great !
On your own mate.
Hey bro
What's the difference between this and n430?
"In a nutshell, the N430 is an up-contented 4.7-litre V8 Vantage S with a motorsport-inspired aesthetic makeover that adds eye-catching detailing to the exterior and interior." - Evo Magazine
@@CathodeRayNipplez thanks
It was old when it was new…..like all Astons about 20yrs behind the times
Based on what?
Nothing really…..I have no interest in cars,just thought it might give your viewers something to talk about
Please *please* PLEASE could you get an Aston Martin Lagonda on the channel(?) If anyone can, *you* can. Did I say please 😀
I dont have as much control over these things as you might think
Still prefer the F Type just saying.
Anyone else thing that these look like gussey-ed up Ford Probes?
JayEmm could easily loose 25 kg
He's damn good at what he does regardless of his body shape....
Statistically, and in all likelihood, so could you. Dont see how that is relevant though.
LMAO
If you're changing your seat position when shifting into 4th gear then you're doing something bizarre with your banana hands.
Not my hands, my wallet (or mic pack in this case)
Those lights on the front grill just look terrible.
Needs to delete or massively improve the quality of the CTR logo if he's going to be spreading it about the place on a car of this quality/status. Cheapens the whole look, unless he's specifically targeting lovers of his channel
Hyper silver wheels!
Dark bronze and a stripe...oof
so.. he loves the car but.. it needs tyres, brakes, suspension, clutch , brakes, seats , more power and a colour change. And in my opinion it sounds like a bad US v8.
Have you never dreamed of a car you love, but your way?