The DB9 uses double wishbone suspension front and rear with coil springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. From 2006 onwards, Aston offered a Sports Pack that increased front spring rates by 68 per cent and the rears by 64 per cent. Along with new anti-roll bar and damper rates, they combined to give the DB9 much improved handling. This was helped by a 6mm lower ride height and Sports Pack five-spoke alloy wheels that saved 1kg in unsprung weight per wheel. Underneath the DB9, the normal composite undertray was replaced in Sports Pack models with an aluminium tray that became a structural part of the car.
Standard DB9 models come with 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and 235/40 ZR19 front tyres and 275/35 ZR19 rears. The Sports Pack wheels are the same size and use identical Bridgestone tyres. Tyre wear on the DB9 is similar to any powerful rear-drive car and you should see 10,000 miles from a set of rubber in normal mixed driving.
The rack and pinion steering has hydraulic assistance and needs three turns between the lock stops. While not as direct as some other Astons, it treads a line between grand tourer comfort and sportiness that most owners seem to like. However, if you're expecting the last word in cornering precision, the DB9 is not going to satisfy your steering requirements.
There have been three recalls to do with the DB9's steering. The first is due to the front subframe bolts not being correctly torqued which could lead to inaccurate steering responses. A check of the service history will show if this work has been carried out. It will also show if both of the recalls for replacement of the bottom suspension arm cam bolt. Aston found these bolts should crack and potentially fail, leading to a loss of steering control.
Unlike the current DB9 models, the pre-2013 models we're looking at here have conventional ventilated steel discs that are 355mm at the front and 330mm on the rear. They use four piston Brembo Monobloc calipers at both ends and there's a separate caliper for the handbrake. Despite the DB9's 1,760kg kerb weight, brake wear is not a particular issue and owners report 20,000 miles from a set of pads is normal.
For the 2009 update, Aston introduced Bilstein shock absorbers and revised upper suspension arms. There were also new suspension bushes to give improved refinement and ride quality. For the Volante convertible, a new front shear panel helped to increase torsional rigidity by 10 per cent to make further gains in ride quality.
Other than wear and tear, the DB9's suspension is proving to be durable and easy to maintain. Any car over five-years old will benefit from new suspension bushes, while companies such as Bamford Rose offer upgrades for those looking to take their DB9 on regular track days.
PHer's view:
"I generally like a focused drive, and the DB9 never felt like a sports car, even with a manual box. Prior to the '9, I had an early 996 3.4, and after that a 360 Modena, and I'm now driving a 997 GT3 and a 205 GTI 1.9 - I like to feel 'connected' to the experience. The DB9 always felt a little aloof."
Matt Czyzyk