Advise on new DB9 purchase issues

[joncook]

Hi- new to forum and just bought a DB9 with 24K miles on it 05 model - Need a few items and quickly learning just how costly running one is - but hey ho I knew that ! looking to replace the wipers and was wondering if anyone experimented and had any joy using the bosh aerotwins 24 inch and 20 with the older style arms - heard on earlier forums you really need to use the conventional Bosh Super plus with spoilers ? also anyone changed or had issues with the transmission oil cooler mine is leaking advised common fault on earlier units and there is a mod out for it etc cost wise found what is advised as genuine AM kit for £462 from AM bits - anyone used them and if so how where they http://astonmartinbits.com/models/4-DB9/parts/1883 - Any advise most welcome thanks,

[joncook]

Hi Michael thanks for that I will once I get her back she is currently at prestige detailing in Luton who are doing an amazing job on bringing the paint work back to better than new. It's metallic black and as such was not prepared to have a go with my machine. Derek is doing a super job checked out a few places and he picks up and does it in a studio with lighting and lift to get at all areas and see even the smallest of scratches etc

[joncook]

Hi Neil - thanks for that - yes read as much think you need to change the arms which is not a cheap option think I will opt for the standard Bosh ones and be on the safe side as had similar issues with a Seat believe it or not. It can end up being a real headache to get them to work if the arm pressure on the screen is not adequate. Also interesting re Aston Martin bits - I did not realize they slap VAT on their prices - assume they do it at check out ! I think I will go down the Dealer Genuine route - though going to see if I can get it covered on the warranty I took out, but the gits are a nightmare, the insurance companies as they says it does not cover leaks !

Thing is its the actual transmission cooler matrix that has failed so a component failure, but expect they will decline it. so unless the gearbox totally fails which it would if this is not fixed and suffered a major fluid loss. I think I will end up banging my head against the wall - its what I suspected would be case with these aftermarket policies, but will give it a go as nothing to loose etc. Thanks for both your comments and advise guys. Cannot wait for it to come home from the detailer - will post a few pictures assuming I can figure out how to :-)

[joncook]

Hi Gavin thanks for that - I have had a specialist look at it and they quoted me a few hours labour - which from what you are saying sounds too cheap ! I am not too sure exactly where it is leaking the matrix on the cooler is showing evidence, but there is also oil near the pipework on the left hand side as you look at it - this maybe because its the lowest part. I was advised you can access from the top when you remove the top front cover. I will take a closer inspection when I get it back and think it warrants a clean with my steamer etc to accurately assess if its just the cooler or pipes as well. If both will definitely need the kit. Going from memory the original pipes are held on with special non removal crimp type clips - so not too sure on if I were to say just replace the cooler how I would re connect the original rubber pipes etc. They need to be really secure as if they were to come off it would wreck the gearbox :-( Thanks for the advise

[joncook]

hi thanks for that - yes they are lovely cars. Not sure on what aspect you are referring to in terms of expanding. The car just needs a few things sorted like the transmission oil cooler leak and the front gasket leak - which are both common and known issues. Are you looking to buy one ?

[joncook]

Hi its really too early to advise you accurately on running costs - service wise if you use a specialist which I think I will as AM main dealers tend to try and find any excuse to do things to your car even if they don't really need to - they from what I can see follow a ethos of preventative maintenance rather than assessing and deciding if it actually warrants replacing etc. Parts are not too bad if you look around unless they are actual Aston Martin specific and not Volvo, ford, jag or land rover :-)

So far love mine but its not a daily use car - I expect some guys on the forum can advise more details and so far have had loads of advise and help - I am still busy tweaking mine changing out lights inside and the number plates for LED as well as putting in a exhaust bypass Switch and looking to have DAB put in etc

[joncook]

Hi, well I have only had experience with one, but also read the same from other members. I am pretty technical having been taught at a young age by my father etc. Some main dealers and the AM service schedules if followed religiously simply advise to replace and swap out items based on time / and or service intervals eg the spark and coil packs. In my cars case it had done only 20K odd so whilst it is good preventative maintenance in reality unless there is a known issue with reliability they in theory should last longer. Same with certain oil changes the diff oil for example and other items are simply replaced as part of routine services without actually assessing their condition and if they really warrant it. Brake fluid being hydroscopic can actually be tested to assess its moisture content but some garages don't bother they simply change it. You may have found a dealer who is not like this, but when I took mine for an inspection they left me feeling like the car was in pretty poor state so I took it to a specialist who was actually trained and worked at the dealership prior to starting his business who actually advised it was a good one and nothing really major at all for its age :-)