Models · Aston Martin
Aston Martin Vanquish buying guide
The second Vanquish, built from 2012 to 2018 with carbonfibre body panels and a 5.9 V12, as a coupé and from 2013 a Volante, with an eight-speed gearbox from 2014 and the Vanquish S from 2017.
The versions
- 2012 to 2014: 5.9 V12, 573hp, six-speed Touchtronic II automatic
- 2014 on: 576hp, eight-speed Touchtronic III automatic with launch control
- Vanquish S (2017 to 2018): 603hp, stiffer springs and dampers (power as given in hp by Prestige & Performance Car)
- Coupé, and Volante convertible from 2013; carbon ceramic brakes optional
What to check on a Vanquish
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Corrosion at the body mounts
What to look for: If possible, have the underfloor panels removed and look at the platform and body mounts for white powdery corrosion where different metals meet. Look over the panels for paint bubbling, particularly around the door handles.
Why it matters: Corrosion can form where dissimilar metals meet around the platform and body mounts. Paint bubbling means water has got under the paint. The body panels are carbon fibre, which makes accident repairs a specialist job, so check the car's history for damage too.
Gear selector and transmission
What to look for: Use the push-button gear selector several times and check every position engages straight away. On the drive, listen for knocks or grinding from the transmission. Ask when the gearbox fluid was last changed.
Why it matters: On early cars the console behind the push-button selector can fail, which can make it drop out. Knocks or grinding from the transmission can point to a worn differential or a propshaft out of balance. Specialists suggest changing the transmission fluid every two years rather than the four Aston Martin specifies.
Carbon ceramic brakes
What to look for: Check whether the car has carbon ceramic or steel brakes. On carbon ceramics, look at the disc edges for a raised lip and at how much pad is left.
Why it matters: Carbon ceramic brakes were optional. The discs should be smooth, so a lip shows wear, and the pads can crumble on cars that sit unused for long periods. Replacement discs are a major item, and some cars have been changed to steel discs.
Also in the full guide
- PCV valves and misfires
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Vanquish
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Aston Martin.