Aston Martin Vanquish Second Generation (2012–2018) Price Guide

The second-generation Aston Martin Vanquish is the car that quietly outclasses its reputation. It was always in the shadow of the original (the glamorous film-star Vanquish) and always overshadowed on raw performance by the Ferrari F12 it nominally competed against. But on its own terms, as a long-distance grand tourer with a naturally aspirated V12, breathtaking looks, and a driver’s car character that neither Bentley nor Ferrari quite replicated, it is one of Aston Martin‘s finest achievements.

The Car

Unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Lake Como in May 2012, the AM310 Vanquish used the third generation of the VH bonded aluminium platform with carbon-fibre elements. The 5,935cc naturally aspirated V12 produced 565bhp initially, with double variable valve timing added for improved response. A 2014 update brought the eight-speed Touchtronic III ZF automatic, raising performance to 201mph and bringing the 0–62mph time to 3.8 seconds. The Vanquish S of 2016 raised output to 600bhp. The body is longer and lower than the DBS Superleggera that replaced it, with a 51/49 front-rear weight distribution. A Volante convertible and the extraordinary Zagato Coupe (99 examples, coachbuilt at Zagato’s Terrazzano facility) round out the range.

What Goes Wrong

The Touchtronic II on 2012–2014 cars can exhibit slow, hesitant changes and electro-hydraulic control module failures. The PRND transmission selector buttons on the centre stack of early cars could collapse behind the fascia if pressed; check that all buttons engage positively. The Touchtronic III on 2014-onwards cars improves matters but paddle-shift function can fail through worn contacts. Shock absorbers can seep fluid, affecting ride quality. Headlights and turn signals have been reported as failing. The front splitter is vulnerable to kerb and speed bump damage; check for cracks or repairs. The pop-out Garmin satellite navigation unit was already dated at launch and has aged poorly.

Buying

The 2014-onwards Touchtronic III car is the better daily proposition; improved gearbox, more power, higher top speed. The Vanquish S is the performance pick. The Zagato is a separate proposition entirely, a serious collector’s car that rarely appears on the open market. Standard cars have depreciated substantially from their launch price of around £190,000, making them exceptional used value relative to contemporary Ferraris and Bentleys. Aston Martin specialist McGurk‘s assessment that these are “good cars, look great, drive well” holds up: the second-generation Vanquish is arguably the most reliable and practical Aston from this era.