Aston Martin Vanquish (2014 to 2018) buying guide

The Aston Martin Vanquish of 2014 to 2018 is a V12 grand tourer with carbon-fiber body panels over a bonded-aluminium structure. The first thing to settle when buying one is the gearbox, because the 2015 model year swapped the old six-speed automatic for an eight-speed ZF unit, and the specialists we read mostly steer buyers toward the newer one.

It suits someone who wants a hand-built flagship and accepts what that means. Motor1 says plainly that the Vanquish is not the most reliable or the cheapest to maintain. Carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon body repairs and a V12 that needs regular attention are where the money goes, so ask for a full service record.

Browse used Vanquish listings once you know which version you are after, and read the Vanquish price guide before you start comparing cars. The DB9 buying guide and the Aston Martin vs Ferrari comparison help if you are still choosing a car, and every Vanquish for sale shows the market.

Pay a marque specialist to inspect any car you are serious about, and go through these first.

• Ask for invoices covering brake fluid, coolant, ignition service and transmission oil rather than accepting service stamps alone.
• Have any car with a history of body repair or panel replacement thoroughly checked, because carbon repairs are costly.
• Feel the lower carbon edges for curb damage and check the underfloor and body mounts for corrosion where different metals meet.
• Inspect the paint for scratches, chips and bubbling, which points to water under the surface.
• Have a specialist examine the carbon-ceramic discs (a listing won't show their condition), since cracks may not show without dismantling.
• Check the air filter housings for oil, which can point to PCV valve trouble.
• Listen for engine knocking and have any you hear investigated, as it could be big-end bearings.
• Listen for knocks or grinding from the transmission, and turn on full lock to check the differential.
• Cycle the driving modes and watch that the suspension changes, and look at the adaptive dampers for leaks.
• On a Volante, operate the hood mechanism several times to be sure it works every time.
• Look inside the headlights and taillights for condensation.

NHTSA holds two recall campaigns for 2014 to 2018 Vanquish models. One, 17V796000, covers 2014 cars with the six-speed Touchtronic II automatic, where a communication error between the engine and transmission computers can stop the park pawl engaging. The other, 15V846000, covers 2014 to 2016 Vanquish models for interior door unlocking mechanisms that may not work when the car is locked from outside.

NHTSA lists no owner complaints for these years. Campaigns are filed for specific vehicles, so check a car's VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether it was affected and whether the work was done.

Buy a 2015 or later car for the eight-speed gearbox, and stretch to a 2017 or 2018 Vanquish S if you can for the extra power and sharper chassis. A six-speed car can make sense if the history is excellent, but check that the 2014 transmission recall was carried out.

Do not compromise on the paperwork or the brakes. Insist on itemized invoices for the fluid and ignition work, a specialist inspection of the carbon-ceramic discs, and a body check that rules out undisclosed carbon repairs.