Tell me about Late model DBS Ownership

[NBTBRV8]

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.

[NBTBRV8]

Thanks for all the replies. But how practical is it for daily use rather than a special occasion car? Are the bills controllable or is it just an expensive car to own. How long do tyres last, what sort of fuel range do you get, how long do clutches last? etc etc. Bearing in mind I am use to Porsche prices.

[NBTBRV8]

tonyhall38 said:

In my experience , if you really need to ask all of those questions......you shouldn't be buying the car....however there are some good deals to be had ref servicing etc....good independents...when they can be bothered to reply....or I just had my 5 yr service at main dealer £850.00 all in....
Manual clutches you are looking at 2k ish.....mileage.....depends on how you drive it.....if like some Miss Daisy would win a drag race....mileage is pretty good....then when you give it some , acceleration etc.....fuel gusge does seem to fall rapidly....but 300/350 miles per tank achievable...

It is not that I can't potentially afford it (even though I do have a budget), it is just that I get sick of spending money on bills outside of standard servicing. In the last 12 months I would have easily spent 15K+ the ownership of my GT3.

[NBTBRV8]

Thanks for all the replies every one.