Help needed pls - DB9 vs 911 - 2006-2008

[911dg]

Hi guys.

Some help and advice would be greatly appreciated. Sorry if it's been done before but other posts didn't quite give me what I needed, especially Around service costs.

Long term 911 owner and everyday driver over last 12 years. Noting to fancy just a 993 cab and 2 x 996 cabs. Still love them - amazing cars. They still make me smile daily.

I live overseas but I am moving back to the UK in 2 months and am looking to spend £35-45k on a Cab. It will be a 997 cab - or a DB9 cab! My head says stay with the 911 as I know what I'm in to. BUT I would love to try an Aston. Must have 4 seats. Looks like it will be a 2006-2008 plate DB9.

I would LOVE some advice.

- are the DB9s of that age joy to drive still ? I know it's not going to have the point n squirt of the 911 but it's not exactly like I'm used to a Turbo or GT3 - to be honest it's very difficult to drive the 996 to its limits living in a major city. Neither am I any Nigel Mansel if I'm honest - I just a regular driver who likes a nice car!

- are the service costs similar to a 911, ie can I take it to an Indy, or does it need to be Aston and are they then crazy money?
- is it a solid car at that age, or a car to avoid ?
- is it a daily drive like a 911? (not far - I won't do more than 12,000m a year?)
- any other thoughts ???

Thanks guys - really appreciate any advice.

Look forward to reading the replies smile

Cheers

Dan.

[The_Doc]

I'd buy this exact car, ie phone up and put down £500 on it today.

http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/934/997C2S...

Gen2, lovely interior, manual, sports exhaust (and cabriolet !!!)

the DB9 is a barge by comparison

[Ken Figenus]

I test drove both but preferred the Aston offering - went even more barge like with 4 doors! Many would prefer the V12 Aston blindfolded using only your ears - then you remove the blindfold and actually see its beautiful face! DB9 GT type sounds like more your type of car from what you say - however the Porsche is likely to be better for chucking about and will feel more nimble and a bit more wieldy on B roads; I do so love the throttle balance and turn in on them. Comparing the 2 rear seats may become your deal maker/breaker?

I think the Porsche will be a bit cheaper to run but any bill for bits is going to be high for both. The Astons are one of the most reliable cars of this type and there are many Indies about who know their stuff - I think David Appleby charge £60ph +VAT labour and Mc Gurks are similar. Just find the Ford part number to save a few quid. Hopefully the Porsche you are looking at doesn't suffer from the well known and heartbreaking costly design flaw issues?

Whatever you get will be a fabulous car - you just need to 'feel' each car and you will know which you prefer. we are all different

[anonymous-user]

911dg said:

- are the DB9s of that age joy to drive still ? I know it's not going to have the point n squirt of the 911 but it's not exactly like I'm used to a Turbo or GT3 - to be honest it's very difficult to drive the 996 to its limits living in a major city. Neither am I any Nigel Mansel if I'm honest - I just a regular driver who likes a nice car!
.

depends on your definition of "JOY". Is a car the age of a Ferrari 250 GTO or a 308 a joy to drive ? Most certainly.
If joy means visceral, memorable, engaging. Designed in a way which always intrigues and hints that there is more to be extracted. Stands out from the crowd, looks fast even when parked up outside a restaurant - the DB9 is worth a look.

Enjoy your adventure

[Baz99]

Ken Figenus said:

I test drove both but preferred the Aston offering - went even more barge like with 4 doors! Many would prefer the V12 Aston blindfolded using only your ears - then you remove the blindfold and actually see its beautiful face! DB9 GT type sounds like more your type of car from what you say - however the Porsche is likely to be better for chucking about and will feel more nimble and a bit more wieldy on B roads; I do so love the throttle balance and turn in on them. Comparing the 2 rear seats may become your deal maker/breaker?

I think the Porsche will be a bit cheaper to run but any bill for bits is going to be high for both. The Astons are one of the most reliable cars of this type and there are many Indies about who know their stuff - I think David Appleby charge £60ph +VAT labour and Mc Gurks are similar. Just find the Ford part number to save a few quid. Hopefully the Porsche you are looking at doesn't suffer from the well known and heartbreaking costly design flaw issues?

Whatever you get will be a fabulous car - you just need to 'feel' each car and you will know which you prefer. we are all different

Everyone I know who has experienced Aston reliability won't go near them again

[sparta6]

Baz99 said:

Everyone I know who has experienced Aston reliability won't go near them again

Are they a risk sitting at traffic lights with rising temperature ?
IMS, Bore Scoring ?

[DavidJG]

sparta6 said:

Baz99 said:

Everyone I know who has experienced Aston reliability won't go near them again

Are they a risk sitting at traffic lights with rising temperature ?
IMS, Bore Scoring ?

If looking at a 997.2, neither of these are an issue. 997.2 doens't have the IMS, and they're not known to score bores either.

[sparta6]

DavidJG said:

If looking at a 997.2, neither of these are an issue. 997.2 doens't have the IMS, and they're not known to score bores either.

OP was unspecific of which 997 being considered.

[911dg]

Baz99 said:

Everyone I know who has experienced Aston reliability won't go near them again

Thanks for the great posts so far gents.
I posted on the AM forum and a lot of the feedback was very positive about reliability and servicing costs,

I drive an old 1999 996 but it still looks Mint, drives like a dream - despite what everyone says about them- and as its in sydney Stands out like a sore thumb as no one drives 911s due to them being crazy $$$. So if that's my benchmark and u love it .... I'm guessing either a 997 or a DB9 will impress!
Is my 996 quick, yep. Is it blisteringly so - no. It still corners like a dream and sounds Amazing with the Fabspeed on it.

I'd get a 2008 997 c2 Cab probably, But right now I'm edging DB9 as it will be such a change.

And let's face it - it's an ASTON MARTIN !!! Have you seen how it looks ????!

Lots of test drives to come

[Baz99]

Didn't realise you were in Aus OP, in which case buy for looks and posing, no point in fast cars over there.

[911dg]

Baz99 said:

Didn't realise you were in Aus OP, in which case buy for looks and posing, no point in fast cars over there.

Ha ha yeh no space at all to drive fast cars over here .......
No the whole point is I am moving back to the UK in 8 weeks and am gonna need a 'family' car

[sparta6]

911dg said:

Ha ha yeh no space at all to drive fast cars over here .......
No the whole point is I am moving back to the UK in 8 weeks and am gonna need a 'family' car

Roads in Oz are far superior to the crap in UK. Parts of Scotland are good, Cheddar Gorge is decent, but that's about it.

[hondansx]

There are plenty of crap roads in Australia.

Sounds like you'd prefer the DB9 from what you've said. Didn't realise you could get a Gen 2 997 Cab for under £40k; great cars but - let's face it - they are ten a penny. I was impressed with my mates DB9 cab and now you know it is the last naturally aspirated V12 used by Aston.

[sparta6]

plenty of crap roads everywhere - it's the volume of traffic which makes the biggest difference.

On the subject of DB9's - has anyone tried one of these ? Only 150 made

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-offici...

[Baz99]

sparta6 said:

Roads in Oz are far superior to the crap in UK. Parts of Scotland are good, Cheddar Gorge is decent, but that's about it.

It's not the quality of the roads but their obsession with speed cameras. Most PC place on earth.