Used Aston Martin Vantage Roadster 2005-2018 review

The Vantage coupé is a hugely important car for Aston Martin, being the British firm’s best-selling model by a considerable margin.

Its success was perhaps never in doubt, given the car’s good looks allied to a very desirable badge. And it wasn’t long before an equally handsome drop-top convertible version was introduced, known as the Vantage Roadster.

Other than a slight weight gain and a little less rigidity, the drop-top shares much with the coupé, and such good news means that it, too, has enjoyed considerable sales success. The major difference is of course the fabric roof, which can be lowered or raised automatically in just 22 seconds, turning the car into an extremely potent wind-in-the-hair funster.

Whether you choose the V8 or V12 version, you’ve got a car that breathes fire and menace from its very exhausts, with a wonderfully sonorous bark to its high-rev behaviour.

Inside, the driving position is low-slung and the interior has a jewel-like quality that enhances its premium feel, with the use of top-quality materials and soft leather sporting seats hand-stitched in contrasting colours. One potential drawback is the size of the boot, which is half the size of the coupé’s, putting a spoiler on any grand touring plans.

To drive, the Vantage Roadster is old-fashioned, hefty and weighty, with heavy steering and a long, occasionally obstructive feel to the gearchange. It’s solid and stable, but it always feels like a heavy car – which, to a certain degree, it is. The Vantage Roadster corners and grips well, but it never feels truly exciting, despite the speeds it can reach. After all, the Vantage S Roadster with the V12 engine is a remarkably quick car that's able to sprint from 0 to 62mph in around four seconds.

However, despite these slight dynamic disappointments, the car has an emotional appeal that some of its rivals lack. A used one bought at a good price would still be a very attractive proposition indeed and would make you the envy of all your neighbours.

Prices for an early roadster start at around £35,000. Although this should secure you a car with an average mileage for the year and a full service history, we think it's better to spend a little more. Up the ante to between £40,000 and £45,000 and you should get 2009 – or maybe even 2010 – cars in good condition, while £45,000-£50,000 will net you a good 2011 or early 2012 model, bought from a specialist dealer.

Rather a lot, I’m afraid. Insurance is as high as it gets, with a group 50 rating. The V8 model should manage 20-22mpg, according to the official government figures, but there's fat chance of achieving even that; once you start pushing that beautiful aluminium acelerator pedal to the floor, 10-12mpg will likely be the harsh and expensive reality. The V12 version is even worse, with a claimed average of just 19mpg. Annual road tax (VED) is extremely high for all models.

As far as servicing costs go, think of them as about the same level as a Porsche 911. In other words, very expensive.

Originally launched with a 4.3-litre V8 that was later replaced by a 4.7-litre unit, the range eventually incorporated the familiar Aston V12 engine in the Vantage S Roadster. All versions are quick and sound wonderful, although it’s the V8 that's the best all-rounder, even if it's the V12 that really feels super-swift.

You can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and an automated manual that you control via steering wheel-mounted paddles. The former is very much the one to go for, because the automated manual is jerky to use.

Safety equipment is decent, with side airbags, traction and stability control all standard. Other kit includes climate control, electrically adjustable seats, a six-CD multichanger, sat-nav and parking sensors.

Our favourite Aston Martin Vantage Roadster 4.7 V8

The Porsche 911 Cabriolet is one seriously grippy car and also one that’s spectacularly fast in a straight line. Despite such raw power, it’s also refined and comfortable, as well as easy to drive. Its supercar performance and build quality make this the one to beat in this class.

The Jaguar F-Type Roadster is a fun machine that sounds great, looks a million dollars and is pretty quick to boot. It’s even relatively good value against the Vantage Roadster and 911 Cabriolet, but it lacks the all-round competence of the latter.

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