How many miles can an Aston Martin Vanquish last?
I’ve always thought the Aston Martin Vanquish feels like a passport to somewhere glamorous. You don’t so much drive it as you waft across counties, the V12 doing that lazy, aristocratic thing only a big naturally aspirated motor can. But here’s the question I get the most—usually from someone eyeing a used example with trembling excitement: how many miles can an Aston Martin Vanquish last?
Short answer: a lot more than you think, if you treat it like the hand-built grand tourer it is. I’ve seen second-gen Vanquishes (2013–2018) roll past 100,000 miles without drama, and one well-documented car nudging 140,000. The recipe isn’t mysterious—regular servicing, preventive maintenance, and a driver who knows the difference between “warm-up” and “send it.”
Aston Martin Vanquish longevity: the real-world picture
When I spent a long weekend in a late-model Vanquish S, I noticed right away how unstressed the V12 feels at freeway speeds. It’s built for long miles. On smooth tarmac the car settles into a proper GT lope; even on choppy B-roads it felt more supple than the spec sheet suggests. That character is exactly why these cars can rack up serious mileage.
- Typical life expectancy with diligent maintenance: 150,000–200,000 miles is achievable.
- What most owners actually do: 30,000–80,000 miles, because many are weekend toys.
- Proven long-haulers: Numerous examples over 100,000 miles; careful use and documentation matter more than the number itself.
Big caveat: first-generation Vanquish models (2001–2007) use a very different automated manual transmission that needs proper setup to age gracefully. The second-gen (2013–2018) car—the one most shoppers are looking at—uses a conventional automatic (ZF 6-speed early on, ZF 8-speed from 2015) and is notably easier to live with.
Aston Martin Vanquish engine and gearbox: the good stuff
The naturally aspirated 5.9-liter (AM11/AM29) V12 is a stout unit. With 565–580 hp depending on year and spec (Vanquish S sits at the top), it’s understressed in daily use. The ZF automatics are as robust as they come—especially the 8-speed introduced for 2015, which also sharpened performance and economy.
- Power: 565–580 hp; 457–465 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: roughly 3.6–4.1 seconds (model/year dependent)
- Top speed: up to 201 mph (Vanquish S)
- EPA economy: about 13/21 mpg city/highway—plan your fuel stops
Known weak spots (and what they cost)
No car is perfect—not even a British super-GT in a tailored tux. Here’s what I keep an eye on when these cars head past 60,000 miles:
- Coil packs and plugs: Misfires under load usually trace back here. Plugs around 60k miles; coil packs as needed. Budget $1,000–$2,000.
- Valve cover gaskets and small oil leaks: Annoying, fixable. $500–$1,500 depending on scope.
- Suspension bushings and dampers: Age and heavy wheels take a toll. $1,500–$4,000 if you refresh a chunk at once.
- Carbon ceramic brakes: Pads are pricey but manageable; rotors can last 80–100k+ miles with gentle use. Abuse them and you’ll feel it—five figures for discs.
- Infotainment gremlins/battery issues: Keep it on a tender. A weak battery spawns “ghosts.”
What keeps an Aston Martin Vanquish going past 100k miles
- Annual service: Oil, filters, full inspection, brake fluid every 2 years.
- Coolant: About every 5 years.
- Spark plugs: ~60k miles; inspect coils while you’re in there.
- Trans fluid (ZF 8HP): 60k miles recommended, even if not factory-mandated.
- Diff fluid: 30–60k miles depending on use.
- Alignment/tires: Heavy GT + wide rubber = stay ahead of uneven wear.
- Battery tender: Essential if the car sits. Your electronics will thank you.
Living with an Aston Martin Vanquish every day
Daily-driving a Vanquish is like commuting in silk slippers. It’s quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back—if you’ve got a 2+2 and tiny humans—and the exhaust has that expensive, cultured tenor that turns fuel into goosebumps. On a rainy weekday I ran errands in one and it felt absurdly special doing entirely normal things.
The cabin looks and smells like money: leather, stitching, carbon. The infotainment? Even owners will admit it’s the car’s least modern part. There are clean retrofit options for CarPlay/Android Auto if you plan to pile on miles and want 2020s convenience in a 2010s GT.
Aston Martin Vanquish interior protection that actually fits
High-mile cars stay nice because their owners obsess over the boring stuff. One simple upgrade is quality floor protection—particularly if you’re doing road trips or winter duty.
These custom-fit sets drop in cleanly and look OEM-plus:
Aston Martin Vanquish vs rivals: where it fits
On the road, the Vanquish feels more GT than track assassin. That’s its charm—fast, cultured, and unflappable at speed. Here’s how it stacks up on paper:
| Model | Engine | Power | 0–60 mph | Top speed | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin Vanquish S | 5.9L NA V12 | 580 hp | ~3.6 s | 201 mph | Grand tourer first; elegant, effortless pace |
| Ferrari 812 Superfast | 6.5L NA V12 | 789 hp | ~2.9 s | 211 mph | Sharper, louder, more track-hungry |
| Bentley Continental GT W12 | 6.0L twin-turbo W12 | 626–650 hp | ~3.6 s | 207 mph | Supreme comfort, luxury cruiser |
| Porsche 911 Turbo S | 3.7L twin-turbo flat-six | 640 hp | ~2.6 s | 205 mph | Clinical speed, everyday usability |
Which Aston Martin Vanquish to buy if you want big miles
If longevity is the brief, I generally steer folks to a 2015–2018 car with the ZF 8-speed. It’s smoother, more efficient, and better suited to daily use. The Vanquish S (2017–2018) adds sharper chassis tuning without ruining the ride. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard—great on long trips, but budget realistically for pad/rotor life depending on how you drive.
Quirks you’ll notice (and learn to love)
- The seating position is low and snug—great for me, less great if you’re over 6’3”.
- The steering wheel is gorgeous but a tad button-heavy.
- Small-item storage is… British. Bring a slim wallet.
Verdict: So, how many miles can an Aston Martin Vanquish last?
With the right maintenance and a bit of mechanical empathy, an Aston Martin Vanquish can comfortably cross the 150,000-mile mark—and I wouldn’t flinch at 200,000 on a well-kept example. It’s a premium grand tourer built to cover ground quickly and beautifully, not a fragile showpiece. Keep the fluids fresh, stay ahead of the usual wear items, protect the interior with good mats, and enjoy the thing. That’s what it was made for.
Feature highlights that age well
- Iconic 5.9L naturally aspirated V12 soundtrack (worth the fuel bill alone)
- ZF automatic transmission (8-speed from 2015) for smooth, durable cruising
- Carbon-ceramic brakes for fade-free stops on mountain descents
- Hand-finished cabin with proper leather and stitching
FAQ: Aston Martin Vanquish ownership
How many miles can an Aston Martin Vanquish last?
Well maintained, 150,000–200,000 miles is reasonable. Many examples exceed 100,000 miles; service history is more important than the odometer.
Is the 8-speed Vanquish more reliable than the earlier 6-speed?
Both are solid, but the ZF 8-speed (2015–2018) shifts quicker and tends to feel more robust long-term. Either way, periodic fluid service helps longevity.
What are typical annual running costs?
Plan $1,500–$3,000 for routine servicing. Big-ticket items (suspension refresh, brake work) can add to that in certain years. Budget for tires—wide, sticky rubber isn’t cheap.
Can I daily-drive a Vanquish?
Yes. It rides well, visibility is decent for a super-GT, and the cabin is relaxing on commutes. Infotainment is dated, but retrofit solutions exist.
Does the Aston Martin Vanquish have back seats?
Most have a 2+2 layout with very small rear seats. Fine for kids or a jacket; adults will negotiate up front.
