Based on Aston Martin's VH (vertical-horizontal) system, the DB9 uses a mix of aluminium and composites for its base structure fixed together with rivets and bonding. Aston claimed at launch this method made the DB9's chassis 25 per cent lighter and more than twice as rigid as the previous DB7's.
Attached to the chassis is a body made mostly from aluminium, though the bonnet, boot and bumpers are composite. While this makes them light, it can make crash repairs more complicated and expensive as it's often easier to replace whole panels than fix them. It also takes specialist skill to paint these composite panels to match the surrounding metals ones accurately, so look for any variation in paint shades as a warning that a car may have been in a collision. However, the front end may also have been painted to rectify stone chip damage to which the DB9 is quite prone.
Although aluminium, some of the bodywork can corrode, which shows up as small bubbling in the paintwork. It's most commonly found around the door handles, but it's worth checking all of the edges of every panel as these are the most likely spots where the paint will wear and allow moisture between it and the aluminium beneath.
With the 2009 update, the DB9 gained new door mirrors and a five-bar anodised front grille. The Volante's hood is electrically operated and should work quickly, quietly and smoothly in 17 seconds up or down. Check it for tears and scuffs, but these should be obvious and accounted for in the price paid. The multi-layer fabric roof does not have a separate tonneau but sits under a flush-fitting panel to give cleaner lines. It doesn't affect the limited rear seat space of the DB9 Coupe and there are twin pop-up roll-bars should the car tip beyond a certain angle in the event of a collision.
PHer's view:
"Get the car checked over by a specialist before buying. It gives peace of mind and lets you just get on with enjoying such a gorgeous car."
Julia Penfold