Tell me about Late model DBS Ownership
Discussion
Guys,
First time post in here I think. I have come from M BMWs to a 996 turbo and now I am in a 2010 GT3. At the end of the year it will probably be close to the ownership cycle change on the GT3 after two years. I use my GT3 as a daily driver doing around 13,000 miles a year or so with about 65-70% of those on the highway.
The GT3 is fantastic in the way it cossets you and makes you feel as if you are part of the car, rather than an inserted bit riding it. The steering feel, precision and grip makes it so special and the car is confidence inspiring to drive, just point and shoot. I do the odd track day in it when I can but where I live they don't hold that many, or as many as I might like to do.
Of late a few things have gone wrong with the GT3 plus general expenses have come up which has cost me probably about 8-10k in the last two months which has taken some of the thrill out of the ownership. I don't intend on selling it straight away because of it, but it does make you think.
So now to the point. I have loved the look of the ~2007 > DBS but have never driven one. Now I have no illusions that this isn't a sports car in the apex hunting category as the GT3 and that it is a heavy heffer also. Given the above and for the fact I've never been in as Aston I don't know what to expect, nor do I know how the cost of ownership would be as a daily driver. I also understand that this is the AM forum, so views may be biased, but what is the DBS like as a proposition as a daily driver and from a cost point of view i.e. reliability, serviceability etc. I don't have kids to haul around so a 2 door 2 seat car is perfectly practical, hence the GT3.
Are there any life cycle changes to consider? I hear that early ones had pretty average steering which was corrected in the later models, but I don't know when this took place. Also I would only consider a manual, so no auto for me.
Before anyone says have you considered a V8 or V12 Vantage, I have but don't find them as asthetically pleasing to look at (just my opinion). I do fear that it may be a case of "never meet your idol", after coming from German precision.
I am in Australia, and there aren't many here, my first preference would be black or white, but this is the type of thing I would be looking at:
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Aston-M...
So what light can people shed for me?
Thanks in advance.
First time post in here I think. I have come from M BMWs to a 996 turbo and now I am in a 2010 GT3. At the end of the year it will probably be close to the ownership cycle change on the GT3 after two years. I use my GT3 as a daily driver doing around 13,000 miles a year or so with about 65-70% of those on the highway.
The GT3 is fantastic in the way it cossets you and makes you feel as if you are part of the car, rather than an inserted bit riding it. The steering feel, precision and grip makes it so special and the car is confidence inspiring to drive, just point and shoot. I do the odd track day in it when I can but where I live they don't hold that many, or as many as I might like to do.
Of late a few things have gone wrong with the GT3 plus general expenses have come up which has cost me probably about 8-10k in the last two months which has taken some of the thrill out of the ownership. I don't intend on selling it straight away because of it, but it does make you think.
So now to the point. I have loved the look of the ~2007 > DBS but have never driven one. Now I have no illusions that this isn't a sports car in the apex hunting category as the GT3 and that it is a heavy heffer also. Given the above and for the fact I've never been in as Aston I don't know what to expect, nor do I know how the cost of ownership would be as a daily driver. I also understand that this is the AM forum, so views may be biased, but what is the DBS like as a proposition as a daily driver and from a cost point of view i.e. reliability, serviceability etc. I don't have kids to haul around so a 2 door 2 seat car is perfectly practical, hence the GT3.
Are there any life cycle changes to consider? I hear that early ones had pretty average steering which was corrected in the later models, but I don't know when this took place. Also I would only consider a manual, so no auto for me.
Before anyone says have you considered a V8 or V12 Vantage, I have but don't find them as asthetically pleasing to look at (just my opinion). I do fear that it may be a case of "never meet your idol", after coming from German precision.
I am in Australia, and there aren't many here, my first preference would be black or white, but this is the type of thing I would be looking at:
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Aston-M...
So what light can people shed for me?
Thanks in advance.
tonyhall38 said:
I got one...best thing u can do is ditch the porker , become a refined gentleman...and buy the DBS...a great car and my best car purchase by country miles...and when you do want the hooligan to come out...press the accelerator and grin from ear to ear....
Are you actually capable of a grin??? And I have NEVER heard anyone describe you as a 'Refined Gentleman'...Edited by Speculatore on Saturday 18th January 08:44
I thought all late model cars had a B&O sound system?
They are great drivers cars and attention created is on the whole positive.
Manual v auto purely subjective so test drive both would be my advice.
I have a DBS but it will be outdone on the twisty bits by a Vantage. That said, depends how good a driver you are.
Enjoy
They are great drivers cars and attention created is on the whole positive.
Manual v auto purely subjective so test drive both would be my advice.
I have a DBS but it will be outdone on the twisty bits by a Vantage. That said, depends how good a driver you are.
Enjoy
montecristo said:
AstonTony said:
I have a DBS but it will be outdone on the twisty bits by a Vantage.
Why is that?I have a Vantage and would consider upgrading to a DBS, but the twisty bits are my favourite parts.
t driver, more probably because they are a shorter wheelbase and can be thrown into bends more quickly. I wouldn't swap for a vantage but having one as well as would be good 
re model changes, I suggest that you guy the book: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
This gives you the details on all of the Gaydon AMs.
This gives you the details on all of the Gaydon AMs.
montecristo said:
AstonTony said:
I have a DBS but it will be outdone on the twisty bits by a Vantage.
Why is that?I have a Vantage and would consider upgrading to a DBS, but the twisty bits are my favourite parts.
Take a look at the Video review of the DBS on Stratstone's web site for what I think is a pretty thorough and accurate review.
The DBS is a superb car, as is the V12 Vantage, which I've heard described as being two thirds GT3 and one third Vantage.
The V12 Vantage will be closest to your GT3, whereas the DBS is more GT biased. The V12 Vantage is addictive and a great, balanced drivers car.
Both great cars and drive both ifyou can to experience the difference for yourself.
Cheers Jon
The DBS is a superb car, as is the V12 Vantage, which I've heard described as being two thirds GT3 and one third Vantage.
The V12 Vantage will be closest to your GT3, whereas the DBS is more GT biased. The V12 Vantage is addictive and a great, balanced drivers car.
Both great cars and drive both ifyou can to experience the difference for yourself.
Cheers Jon
I bought a DBS manual over a month ago, having previously owned a 997 turbo. The Aston is no way near as quick but you just feel more special driving the car. It is superior product and for me I much preferred the manual for the DBS.
Buy one.. You won't regret it.. I have and drive it as often as I can..however be prepared to visit petrol stations a lot.. & smile a lot :-)
Buy one.. You won't regret it.. I have and drive it as often as I can..however be prepared to visit petrol stations a lot.. & smile a lot :-)
I think you may regret the move, get a good long test drive of one before actually buying.
Aston's are very different to GT3's.
I've moved from an Evora (great drivers car) to a V8 Vantage, and I'm struggling to bond with it. I find myself missing the Evora. Almost everyone else loves the Aston though.
Aston's are very different to GT3's.
I've moved from an Evora (great drivers car) to a V8 Vantage, and I'm struggling to bond with it. I find myself missing the Evora. Almost everyone else loves the Aston though.
justin220 said:
I think you may regret the move, get a good long test drive of one before actually buying.
Aston's are very different to GT3's.
I've moved from an Evora (great drivers car) to a V8 Vantage, and I'm struggling to bond with it. I find myself missing the Evora. Almost everyone else loves the Aston though.
A std 4.7 is A LOT different to a V8VS or V12 thoughAston's are very different to GT3's.
I've moved from an Evora (great drivers car) to a V8 Vantage, and I'm struggling to bond with it. I find myself missing the Evora. Almost everyone else loves the Aston though.
Edited by mikey k on Sunday 19th January 11:47
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