You ever just look at a car and know it’s going to be a classic before the engine even cools down? That is exactly what happened when the 2022 Aston Martin Vantage hit the streets. It wasn't just another refresh. It was a statement.
It’s loud. It’s aggressive. Honestly, it’s a bit of a hooligan in a tailored suit.
If you’re looking at the 2022 Aston Martin Vantage today, you’re likely seeing prices that make a brand-new Porsche 911 look like a questionable financial decision. But buying an Aston isn't about spreadsheets. It’s about that specific feeling you get when you see those hips in the rearview mirror.
Most people think of Aston Martin as the "James Bond" brand—all sleek lines and gadgets. While that’s part of the DNA, the 2022 model year was really when the Vantage found its teeth. It stopped trying to be a "baby" DB11 and started being its own monster.
The Mercedes-AMG Heart That Actually Works
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the engine. Under that long, sculpted hood sits a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. If that sounds familiar, it should. It’s sourced from Mercedes-AMG.
Some purists cried foul when Aston first announced this partnership. They wanted a "real" British engine. But here’s the reality: the AMG V8 is one of the greatest power plants of the 21st century. It produces 503 horsepower and 505 lb-ft of torque in the standard coupe.
It’s reliable. Well, "supercar reliable."
You get the German engineering and electronics with the British soul and design. It’s the best of both worlds, really. The way Aston tuned this engine is different from how Mercedes does it, too. It feels more raw. The exhaust note has been tweaked to have a higher-pitched wail at the top end, though it still keeps that signature V8 growl down low.
0 to 60 happens in about 3.6 seconds. Fast? Yeah.
But it’s the mid-range punch that gets you. You’re cruising in fourth gear, you see a gap in traffic, you plant your foot, and suddenly the world is blurry. The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission handles the shifts with a crispness that makes you wonder why anyone still bothers with dual-clutch setups for road cars. It’s smooth when you’re grabbing coffee and violent when you’re on a canyon road.
Interior Quirks and the Infotainment Struggle
Okay, look. If you’re expecting a Tesla-sized screen or the latest haptic feedback buttons, you’re going to be disappointed. The 2022 Aston Martin Vantage interior is a bit of a time capsule.
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The infotainment system is... let’s be kind and call it "vintage." It’s an older Mercedes COMAND system that uses a rotary dial. No touchscreen. It feels a decade old because, in tech years, it basically is.
Does it matter?
If you’re buying this car for the Apple CarPlay experience, you’ve missed the point entirely. You buy it for the Bridge of Weir leather. You buy it for the smell of the cabin, which smells like a high-end London social club. You buy it for the glass buttons on the dash that click with a weight you just don't find in a plastic-heavy Audi or BMW.
The seats are tight. If you’re on the broader side, you might find the sport seats a bit unforgiving on long trips. But they hold you in place when you’re pulling Gs.
One thing people get wrong is the storage. Everyone says supercars are useless. The Vantage actually has a decent hatchback-style trunk. You can fit two golf bags. Or, more realistically, a couple of weekend bags for a trip to Napa or the Cotswolds. It’s a usable exotic.
The F1 Edition: More Than Just a Sticker Pack
In 2022, Aston Martin released the F1 Edition to celebrate their return to Formula 1. Most "special editions" are just fancy paint and a badge. This was different.
Tobias Moers, who was the CEO at the time (and the former boss of AMG), didn't play around. He wanted the F1 Edition to actually handle. They bumped the power up to 527 horsepower. Not a huge jump, but enough to notice.
The real magic was in the chassis. They stiffened the front end. They reworked the dampers. They added a massive rear wing and a front splitter that actually produces real downforce—about 200kg of it at top speed.
It rides harder. It’s noisier. If you live somewhere with bad roads, the F1 Edition might be too much. But on a track or a smooth backroad? It’s arguably the best-handling car Aston has ever made. It loses that "grand tourer" softness and becomes a precision tool.
What Most People Get Wrong About Maintenance
"Don't buy a British car, it'll spend more time in the shop than on the road."
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We've all heard it. It’s a tired trope.
The 2022 Aston Martin Vantage is actually quite robust. Because the engine and the electrical architecture are largely Mercedes-based, the "gremlins" that used to plague old Astons are mostly gone. You aren't going to deal with a random Lucas electrics failure in the middle of a rainstorm.
However, "robust" doesn't mean "cheap."
An oil change is still going to run you several hundred dollars. Brakes are expensive. Tires are astronomical. You’re looking at Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that are specifically tuned for this car (look for the 'A4A' marking on the sidewall). If you put cheap rubber on this car, you’re ruining the experience.
Common issues?
- Door Struts: The "swan wing" doors are iconic, but the gas struts can weaken over time. If the door starts feeling heavy or won't stay open, that's a $500 fix.
- Brake Squeal: The high-performance pads are noisy. It’s normal, but it bugs people who expect silent operation.
- Interior Trim: Occasionally, a piece of carbon fiber trim might develop a slight rattle. It’s a hand-built car. It happens.
The Depreciation Curve Is Your Best Friend
New, a 2022 Vantage could easily clear $170,000 or $190,000 with options. Today? You can find clean, low-mileage examples in the $110,000 to $130,000 range.
That is an insane amount of car for the money.
Compare that to a 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera S. The Porsche is a fantastic machine. It’s probably "better" by every objective metric. But the Porsche is common. You see ten of them at every Cars and Coffee. You might not see another Vantage for a month.
There is an exclusivity to the 2022 Aston Martin Vantage that the Germans just can't match at this price point. It turns heads in a way that isn't obnoxious. People don't look at you like a "nouveau riche" jerk; they look at you like someone who appreciates art.
Driving Dynamics: Is It Scared of Corners?
Earlier Astons were "wafty." They were soft.
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The 2022 Vantage is anything but. The engine is pushed so far back in the chassis that it’s technically a front-mid-engine layout. The weight distribution is a perfect 50/50.
When you turn the wheel, the nose bites. There’s very little understeer. If you’re brave and turn the traction control to "Track" mode, the rear end is happy to play. It’s a very balanced car. It doesn't try to kill you like an old Viper, but it requires more attention than an Audi R8.
It feels mechanical. You feel the vibrations through the steering rack. You hear the turbos spooling up right behind the dashboard. It’s an immersive experience that many modern cars have filtered out in the name of "refinement."
Critical Buying Advice for the 2022 Model
If you're hunting for one of these, you need to be specific about the options. Aston’s options list is miles long, and some things are non-negotiable for resale value.
First, look for the Premium Audio. The base system is underwhelming for a car of this caliber. The 700W or Bang & Olufsen systems are night and day.
Second, check the seats. There are "Sport" seats and "Sport Plus" seats. The Sport Plus seats offer much better lateral support. If you plan on doing any spirited driving, you want those.
Third, the 360-degree camera. The visibility in the Vantage is... well, it’s like looking through a mail slot. The hood is long, and the rear haunches are wide. Parking this thing without cameras is a recipe for a very expensive wheel-curbing incident.
Lastly, check the service history. These cars shouldn't have "gaps." Even if it only drove 500 miles in a year, it should have an annual service record. These engines like to be run. A garage queen that has sat for two years without an oil change is a bigger risk than one with 15,000 miles and a stack of receipts.
The Verdict on the 2022 Aston Martin Vantage
Is it perfect? No. The tech is old, and the cabin can feel a bit cramped.
But is it the best car you can buy for $120k right now? Probably.
It offers a level of theater that is disappearing from the automotive world. As we move toward hybridization and full electrification, a raw, twin-turbo V8 wrapped in a body this beautiful is a rare thing.
The 2022 Aston Martin Vantage represents a peak. It’s the moment where modern reliability finally caught up with classic British flair. It’s a car that makes you look back at it every single time you walk away.
Actionable Next Steps for Potential Buyers
- Check the Warranty: Many 2022 models are just coming out of their factory three-year warranty. Look for "Timeless" Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles which offer an additional 12 months of coverage and roadside assistance.
- Verify the Ceramic Brakes: If the car has the Carbon Ceramic Brake option (identifiable by the massive grey rotors), check for chips on the edges. They are incredible for track use but cost upwards of $10,000 to replace if damaged.
- Inspect the Front Splitter: The Vantage sits very low. Look underneath the front nose for heavy scraping or cracks in the carbon fiber or plastic.
- Join the AMOC: The Aston Martin Owners Club is a wealth of knowledge. Before you buy, talk to current owners about local independent mechanics who can service the car outside of the expensive dealership network.
- Test the Battery: These cars are notorious for battery drain if left sitting. If the car struggles to start or shows weird electrical warnings on the dash, it likely just needs a new AGM battery and a CTEK trickle charger.