2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 4.7L Petrol · S8 TGV

The V8 Vantage currently sits in a failed MOT state following its test on 16 June 2026 at 44,731 miles, where the tester recorded a failure for exhaust carbon monoxide content after the second fast idle test exceeding default limits under section 8.2.1.2 (b). This is a notable shift from a previously clean record. Between April 2024 and April 2025, the car passed two consecutive tests with zero defects, indicating a period of stable mechanical health. The sudden appearance of a failure on emissions grounds after a year of clean passes suggests a developing issue rather than a chronic neglect pattern, though it does confirm the car is not currently road-legal. The mileage profile tells an unusual story. At roughly 3,195 miles per year over fourteen years, this is exceptionally low use for a V8 Vantage. The record shows steady but modest accumulation: 33,886 miles in October 2021, 36,997 miles by April 2023, 40,137 miles by April 2024, and 42,872 miles by April 2025. That is a gain of approximately 1,800 to 3,100 miles per year in recent use, which is slightly higher than the long-term average but still modest. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes that would suggest odometer tampering or prolonged periods of total inactivity. The data set is sparse, with no tests between October 2021 and April 2023, so a full picture of that window is unavailable. A buyer should treat the current emissions failure as the primary concern. Elevated carbon monoxide at fast idle points toward a rich fuel mixture, potentially from failing oxygen sensors, a degrading catalytic converter, or an engine management fault. Given the low mileage and the car's age, deteriorated rubber hoses, aged lambda sensors, or deteriorated catalytic substrate from prolonged short trips are plausible causes. The recurring tyre wear advisories in 2021 and 2023, where both front and rear tyres were flagged for worn edges and tread near the legal limit, suggest the car may have spent time on uneven surfaces or been driven in a manner that loads the outer tread unevenly. This pattern could indicate worn suspension bushes, incorrect tracking, or simply spirited driving on low-profile rubber. A thorough inspection of the front and rear suspension geometry, bushings, and ball joints is advisable. The exhaust system, particularly the catalytic converter and manifold joints, should be examined for internal deterioration and leaks that could skew emissions readings. Brake condition and structural corrosion beneath the car also warrant close attention, as low-mileage cars that stand for extended periods often develop surface corrosion on brake discs and underbody components despite their clean appearance.