Best drivers car

[poshboy]

I've had a V8V before and am now looking for another Aston, I'm actually in the motor trade but have never driven a DB9 or a DB7 so need a little help. I have always loved the DB7 V12 vantage, had a model as a kid ad think they are one of the best looking Astons, would be a manual if I went looking for one. The other option is a contact has offered a DB9 auto, again a good looker and in a good colour combo. I'm not looking into running costs/depreciation just want honest opinions on the best drivers car and would the slightly older design of the DB7 really show? I am shall we say a spirited driver and would like a car to suit.

[897sma]

There's thread here from a couple of days ago discussing the same thing http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Grant3]

Both are sports GT's rather than out and out "drivers cars" but the DB9 offers a big step up over the DB7, so this will no doubt come down to what your budget is.
If you are choosing between the two then the best drivers spec would be a manual DB9 with Sports Pack fitted ( this wasn't an option until the 07My but can be retro- fitted) but manuals aren't easy to find, unless you can do a deal with Yeti

[F1 NDW]

Try the original Vanquish and you will not want to look any further. But I would say that wouldn't I.

[F1 NDW]

Try the original Vanquish and you will not want to look any further. But I would say that wouldn't I.

[3200gt]

DB9 Auto isn't a drivers car.

[yeti]

DB7 isn't bad, but it will be like driving a classic. But a very nice steer, I loved mine.

The DB9 is much more modern of course, but is it a driver's car? It has a fast paddle-operated auto with blips on downchange, an extremely stiff chassis, plenty of grip but not too much, grippy seats, and a fantastic sounding V12 with 450bhp. Compared to a Merc SL, Jaguar XK or BMW 6 Series at 30 grand, yes I would say it's a drivers car. It';s not a 911 GT3 but then you wouldn't expect it to be.

The same money should get a you a manual DB9 though, there's no premium but they are rarer. Diffrrent beast altogether, no torque converter losses so it feels so much more immediate...

[:J:]

DB7 GT was the pinnacle of 7's for me.

My own opinion of course and may not necessarily reflect other people’s views

[poshboy]

Thanks for the replies guys, think i'm enough in love with the DB7 shape to give it a go as I can always sell if it's not to my tastes when a DB9 comes around again. Think the inner child wants the car I wanted when the DB7 was in prduction. Will post up a pic of what I end up with

[Zod]

DB9 manual with sports pack. I had one and it was good fun.

[verminator]

Have to say that Yeti knows as he's had both. I have a DB7 VV Manual and love it, but I
do treat it more of a classic GT car than a modern sports car, but then again I love classic cars.
I have to say that it does pretty much everything I want a weekend car to do and actually love
it's 'wafterbillity'. Smooth, powerfull and looks a million dollars, plus the real upside is 7's
really are at the bottom of their price range and can now only go up. Prices for good 7's are now
begininmg to overlap some DB9's. If you are after a modern driving experience than I would say a 7
may not be the car for you, but if you want to own a stunning modern classic than try one.

[michael gould]

I've had both cars and the DB7 feels like a tractor compared to the DB9...... But it's still a mighty fine car.....prices are weak on both 24 k for a decent 7 and 38 k for a good 9

[Jockman]

michael gould said:

I've had both cars and the DB7 feels like a tractor compared to the DB9......

Indeed.

My intro to the marque was in a DB7 GT of a friend. I subsequently let him drive the DB9 and his words were along the lines of his DB7 being a bit of a bone-shaker in comparison, but full of character.

Good luck with your quest

[Armen]

VANQUISH

[GTDB7]

Each car will have it's own slightly unique feel to it.

The 7 GT was 20% stiffer than a 7 Vantage, which was somewhat stiffer than an i6.

My own 7 GT has had a doubling of that extra stiffness at the front end so it makes it nice and tight for cornering. I've also experimented with tyres and geometry and now have a VERY good setup.

The extra grip and finely tuned road holding added with an even stiffer front end makes for a very driveable car.


With the 7's any discrepancies in the bushes, suspension, geometry or tyres would ruin the ride and keep it as a gentleman's cruiser. Get them setup right with all the extra grip and rigidity and they can still hold their own in today's world.

7 GT's are demanding close to £40k and rising slowly, but are worth it still.

[originalgeezer]

DB7 GT........

[verminator]

I prefer an open car, but a DB7 GT offers a good drivers car, plus it's now rare and appreciating.

[897sma]

verminator said:

I prefer an open car, but a DB7 GT offers a good drivers car, plus it's now rare and appreciating.

I lost £10k on my GTA in 14 months!! £38 - £28K. 19,000 miles FSH one of only 58 RHD cars, etc, etc

As for being a better drivers car, not a patch on the DB9 - better engine, steering, chassis, brakes. Even though my 9 is a Volante it would run rings around my coupe 7.

I loved it at the time but just like an old girlfriend I wouldn't want to go back.

[verminator]

Have to say, I am surprised that you lost that sort of money on such a low mileage car.