The Definitive Guide to Gaydon-era ASTON MARTIN
Discussion
Hi all and happy new year. I am a new member to PH and signed up as I was looking to find info on the devlopments to the modern DBS during its model life and I found this thread on Grant's book. Have now ordered it and will be anxiously awaiting its arrival.
I am looking to buy a manual DBS Coupe so if anyone has one they are looking to sell get in touch. Any thoughts on whether there is any meaningful difference between year models also gratefully received (while I wait for Grant's book to arrive). Also interested in views on whether long term the DBS will be a more desirable car than the new Vanquish given I have a personal preference for the style of the DBS (whilst still thinking the Vanquish is a superb car with one of the best sound tracks of any car ever produced).
Thanks
Peter
I am looking to buy a manual DBS Coupe so if anyone has one they are looking to sell get in touch. Any thoughts on whether there is any meaningful difference between year models also gratefully received (while I wait for Grant's book to arrive). Also interested in views on whether long term the DBS will be a more desirable car than the new Vanquish given I have a personal preference for the style of the DBS (whilst still thinking the Vanquish is a superb car with one of the best sound tracks of any car ever produced).
Thanks
Peter
Peterelise said:
Hi all and happy new year. I am a new member to PH and signed up as I was looking to find info on the devlopments to the modern DBS during its model life and I found this thread on Grant's book. Have now ordered it and will be anxiously awaiting its arrival.
I am looking to buy a manual DBS Coupe so if anyone has one they are looking to sell get in touch. Any thoughts on whether there is any meaningful difference between year models also gratefully received (while I wait for Grant's book to arrive). Also interested in views on whether long term the DBS will be a more desirable car than the new Vanquish given I have a personal preference for the style of the DBS (whilst still thinking the Vanquish is a superb car with one of the best sound tracks of any car ever produced).
Thanks
Peter
Hi Peter, the DBS is a fabulous beast and residuals have remained strong, partly because of the Bond links and high "flagship" status. Most cars are Touchtronic (after early 2009MY when it was introduced) so manual cars are mainly early models, try and find one with B&O stereo (Oct 08+) as this is desirable on what was Aston's range topper! I am looking to buy a manual DBS Coupe so if anyone has one they are looking to sell get in touch. Any thoughts on whether there is any meaningful difference between year models also gratefully received (while I wait for Grant's book to arrive). Also interested in views on whether long term the DBS will be a more desirable car than the new Vanquish given I have a personal preference for the style of the DBS (whilst still thinking the Vanquish is a superb car with one of the best sound tracks of any car ever produced).
Thanks
Peter
There is a lot of information on all aspects of the car within the guide, this comprehensive coverage should give you everything you need, but I would also suggest involving the guys (there is always great advice and opinions from other owners on PH) by re-posting the above in the main thread as many don't read the stickies.
Reliability is good but key things to have professionally checked are the CCM ceramic discs (very important), ADS dampers and that wonderful V12. Expensive carbon fibre panels also need carefully checking and a FASH is a must.
This will be a great way to ensure you have a superb 2016. - who wouln't want a DBS sitting on their drive
Just received a copy of this hugely informative and impressive book - this is what all 'buyers guides' should be rated against!
Quick question though for anyone in the know - I'm thinking of buying a 2005 DB9 coupe and there is a list of service actions as long as my arm regarding this model and year in the book although after speaking with my nearest main dealer in Edinburgh he reckons only 7x of them are applicable. Although the car I'm looking at has FSH its not been done with an AM dealer so was keen to make sure they were all closed out to make any future purchaser comfortable - I'm not fussed with the lack of AM stamps in the book but looks like the majority of buyers are... Is there any way I can verify what's relevant to the car service action wise - just to confirm the dealers thinking if nowt else?
Also worth noting that the list in the book is the same as what I found on astonmartintechinfo.com which also relates to the model and year.
Quick question though for anyone in the know - I'm thinking of buying a 2005 DB9 coupe and there is a list of service actions as long as my arm regarding this model and year in the book although after speaking with my nearest main dealer in Edinburgh he reckons only 7x of them are applicable. Although the car I'm looking at has FSH its not been done with an AM dealer so was keen to make sure they were all closed out to make any future purchaser comfortable - I'm not fussed with the lack of AM stamps in the book but looks like the majority of buyers are... Is there any way I can verify what's relevant to the car service action wise - just to confirm the dealers thinking if nowt else?
Also worth noting that the list in the book is the same as what I found on astonmartintechinfo.com which also relates to the model and year.
moochofun said:
Just received a copy of this hugely informative and impressive book - this is what all 'buyers guides' should be rated against!
Quick question though for anyone in the know - I'm thinking of buying a 2005 DB9 coupe and there is a list of service actions as long as my arm regarding this model and year in the book although after speaking with my nearest main dealer in Edinburgh he reckons only 7x of them are applicable. Although the car I'm looking at has FSH its not been done with an AM dealer so was keen to make sure they were all closed out to make any future purchaser comfortable - I'm not fussed with the lack of AM stamps in the book but looks like the majority of buyers are... Is there any way I can verify what's relevant to the car service action wise - just to confirm the dealers thinking if nowt else?
Also worth noting that the list in the book is the same as what I found on astonmartintechinfo.com which also relates to the model and year.
Hi Ross, glad you like the guide Quick question though for anyone in the know - I'm thinking of buying a 2005 DB9 coupe and there is a list of service actions as long as my arm regarding this model and year in the book although after speaking with my nearest main dealer in Edinburgh he reckons only 7x of them are applicable. Although the car I'm looking at has FSH its not been done with an AM dealer so was keen to make sure they were all closed out to make any future purchaser comfortable - I'm not fussed with the lack of AM stamps in the book but looks like the majority of buyers are... Is there any way I can verify what's relevant to the car service action wise - just to confirm the dealers thinking if nowt else?
Also worth noting that the list in the book is the same as what I found on astonmartintechinfo.com which also relates to the model and year.
With early DB9's you have to remember that this was an all-new model going into production for the first time, so inevitably there were lots of tweaks and fine tuning in the first year of production, hence the very long list of service actions. These should have been applied by now as I assume the car you mention did have a main dealer stamp during the 3 year warranty period? Although a well looked after car will have had the early wrinkles ironed over the years I would recommend having all cars professionally inspected as they aren't cheap to repair. Having said this, because good examples tend to be well looked after by their owners and the overall design is robust, the Aston range has stood the test of time better than many brands!
The key to the service history is that it has been completed by a recognised Aston Martin specialist, while main dealers do give best peace of mind to new buyers, there are a good number of dealers outside the network who are excellent. All good Aston specialists will have a subscription to Aston Tech, plus the official diagnostic equipment, so they will have had access to all the service action, etc anyway. If the service stamps are NOT from a known Aston specialist I would walk away as these cars do need expert TLC.
Ultimately bear in mind that while the earlier cars are the cheapest ( saving on depreciation) running costs will likely be higher, also take a look at the annual model year changes so you can see the improvements on offer from spending a little bit more. All the information is in the guide, so soak it up and take your time in finding a good example, looking is half the fun
Grant3 said:
Very witty lovely watch by the way
Oops, I didn't even realise you'd replied! New to posting on this site. No way for notifications when someone posts on the same thread?Thanks again for the guide. I used to have a Vantage 4.7 before changing to an Audi R8 V10. The Audi may be much more powerful but I miss the character and fun of the Aston. Can't believe how much detail you go into in your book, e.g. the comprehensive difference between the N430 and V8VS. Never would've found that out myself!
It's been very useful and tomorrow I'm booked into an Aston dealer to check out the DBS and V12VS.
Glad you like the watch - it compliments the guide well. But hopefully will look even better with a new Aston...haha.
Mr.Tremlini said:
I received my copy of the guide a month ago and have been poring over it off and on for the last few weeks, first dissecting the V8 Vantage info and then other models just because. There's a wealth of knowledge in this guide, fantastic work!
NickCW said:
My wife ordered mine for my birthday in November, got it mid December after the revision (was impressed I wasn't sent an old copy), great guide and had a lot of fun reading it.
I can't wait to buy my V8V..
Cheers guys thanks for the feedback, very much appreciated Astons really are special, not just a car but also a life style change... get in there I can't wait to buy my V8V..
martindesu said:
Just received my copy too. Very nicely put together, and very informative.
I did wonder if your Aston(s) are daily drivers Grant?
Thanks for the post Martin, in honesty I don't do many miles these days, being locally based, so although often used for the office run the beastie is best used for a Sunday blast I did wonder if your Aston(s) are daily drivers Grant?
With regards to the V12 boot lip you mentioned, I assume you are referring to the bootlid ducktail spoiler? This is covered (complete with image) in the V12 Vantage section, the V8S Coupe also introduced a larger ducktail (and other aerodynamic modifications) to the V8 range, see the V8S and Vantage 12.25 model year sections for more details
I've been thinking about changing my car this year, and keep talking to people about Aston Martin Vantages.
It's my birthday today, and I opened up one of the presents off my girlfriend to find this:
Despite intending to buy it myself at some point I haven't mentioned it to her or asked her for it, so I was fairly surprised.
When questioned she said she searched Amazon for Aston Martin books, and saw the reviews saying this was a brilliant guide for enthusiasts and buyers.
Bless her.
It's my birthday today, and I opened up one of the presents off my girlfriend to find this:
Despite intending to buy it myself at some point I haven't mentioned it to her or asked her for it, so I was fairly surprised.
When questioned she said she searched Amazon for Aston Martin books, and saw the reviews saying this was a brilliant guide for enthusiasts and buyers.
Bless her.
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