Hopefully soon to be DB9 owner...newbie questions!
Discussion
Hi all,
Am in the process of sorting out a deal on a 2007 MY DB9.
Have a couple of questions. Firstly, I haven't seen the car in the metal just yet, but in the photos it has 2 black blocks pictured with the keys - about the size of a cassette tape - and in some of the pics they seem to be slotted into the centre console. What are these?!
Pic here -
Also - is the sat nav as god awful as everyone says? My mate had an 07 Vantage and said that it was basically unuseable - is it really that bad?! No updates or new discs or anything that can improve things?
Is the bluetooth any good in the MY07 cars - it has the bluetooth option, so I'm assuming this will work ok with my iPhone 4Gs?
And finally, I'm considering upgrading the rear lights to the clear DBS style ones, but I think this looks odd with the lower red reflectors in the rear bumper. The easiest 'fix' I can think of would be to have these colour coded in body colour. Would this be an MOT fail? If so, I think I could just get a spare set (even from Aston they can't be too expensive for a couple of red plastic reflectors!) and swap them come MOT time.
Thanks in advance - getting excited now!
Am in the process of sorting out a deal on a 2007 MY DB9.
Have a couple of questions. Firstly, I haven't seen the car in the metal just yet, but in the photos it has 2 black blocks pictured with the keys - about the size of a cassette tape - and in some of the pics they seem to be slotted into the centre console. What are these?!
Pic here -
Also - is the sat nav as god awful as everyone says? My mate had an 07 Vantage and said that it was basically unuseable - is it really that bad?! No updates or new discs or anything that can improve things?
Is the bluetooth any good in the MY07 cars - it has the bluetooth option, so I'm assuming this will work ok with my iPhone 4Gs?
And finally, I'm considering upgrading the rear lights to the clear DBS style ones, but I think this looks odd with the lower red reflectors in the rear bumper. The easiest 'fix' I can think of would be to have these colour coded in body colour. Would this be an MOT fail? If so, I think I could just get a spare set (even from Aston they can't be too expensive for a couple of red plastic reflectors!) and swap them come MOT time.
Thanks in advance - getting excited now!
Oh! And one more thing.
I also want to upgrade the side light bulbs to some error free LEDs to match the xenon main beam, and also swap out the indicators for Silvertech bulbs that are silver but flash amber to get rid of that 'fried egg' effect - have done this on all of my last cars (Boxster, 997 C2S, BMW 650i, Range Rover S/C) - but the owners manual says changing these bulbs involves a trip to the dealer - REALLY?! Or is it just a case of wheels off and up on a ramp to get decent access?
Thanks in advance!
I also want to upgrade the side light bulbs to some error free LEDs to match the xenon main beam, and also swap out the indicators for Silvertech bulbs that are silver but flash amber to get rid of that 'fried egg' effect - have done this on all of my last cars (Boxster, 997 C2S, BMW 650i, Range Rover S/C) - but the owners manual says changing these bulbs involves a trip to the dealer - REALLY?! Or is it just a case of wheels off and up on a ramp to get decent access?
Thanks in advance!
jfb1977 said:
Hi all,
Am in the process of sorting out a deal on a 2007 MY DB9.
Have a couple of questions. Firstly, I haven't seen the car in the metal just yet, but in the photos it has 2 black blocks pictured with the keys - about the size of a cassette tape - and in some of the pics they seem to be slotted into the centre console. What are these?!
Pic here -
Also - is the sat nav as god awful as everyone says? My mate had an 07 Vantage and said that it was basically unuseable - is it really that bad?! No updates or new discs or anything that can improve things?
Is the bluetooth any good in the MY07 cars - it has the bluetooth option, so I'm assuming this will work ok with my iPhone 4Gs?
And finally, I'm considering upgrading the rear lights to the clear DBS style ones, but I think this looks odd with the lower red reflectors in the rear bumper. The easiest 'fix' I can think of would be to have these colour coded in body colour. Would this be an MOT fail? If so, I think I could just get a spare set (even from Aston they can't be too expensive for a couple of red plastic reflectors!) and swap them come MOT time.
Thanks in advance - getting excited now!
Am in the process of sorting out a deal on a 2007 MY DB9.
Have a couple of questions. Firstly, I haven't seen the car in the metal just yet, but in the photos it has 2 black blocks pictured with the keys - about the size of a cassette tape - and in some of the pics they seem to be slotted into the centre console. What are these?!
Pic here -
Also - is the sat nav as god awful as everyone says? My mate had an 07 Vantage and said that it was basically unuseable - is it really that bad?! No updates or new discs or anything that can improve things?
Is the bluetooth any good in the MY07 cars - it has the bluetooth option, so I'm assuming this will work ok with my iPhone 4Gs?
And finally, I'm considering upgrading the rear lights to the clear DBS style ones, but I think this looks odd with the lower red reflectors in the rear bumper. The easiest 'fix' I can think of would be to have these colour coded in body colour. Would this be an MOT fail? If so, I think I could just get a spare set (even from Aston they can't be too expensive for a couple of red plastic reflectors!) and swap them come MOT time.
Thanks in advance - getting excited now!
Hi Joe, I had a 57 Vantage so am answering from that view point. The black blocks are the AM tracker fobs, some insurers insist on the tracker being activated depending on the value of the car. The AM tracker costs £250 pa . The fobs don't last forever and cost around £60-£70 to replace. What I and most do is have the tracker linked to their iPhone and forget the fobs.
I find the sat nav adequate, compared to the one in my BMW it is antiquated, but it gets you there. I think discs are available to upgrade, never tried.
Bluetooth generally worked fine, occasionally didn't pair with my phone but easy to select the AM speaker option when the phone rang. Again the system is basic but does the job.
Some have previously commented on a potential MOT fail re the reflectors but as you say easy to sort.
Once you see it and start it up I doubt the minor downsides above will be an issue! Happy hunting.
I had a 2007 DB9 and this was the year that the model changed. Mine was an 07 but an 08 spec. Easy way to distinguish was that it would take an iPod in the centre console. There were some less subtle differences like the 700w upgrade sound system, light up switches for the seat tilt etc.
You may get some more money off if it is an earlier model?
There are a few out there and I would not buy in haste using 'man rationale' to endorse your purchase
If you can get a sports pack they come with fantastic wheels!
Whichever way, I think that you will find the marque probably the best you have ever owned. I have had most of the main stream German stuff, some US as we'll, but nothing compares to AM for making you feel simply happy each and every time you go out.
Happy hunting.
You may get some more money off if it is an earlier model?
There are a few out there and I would not buy in haste using 'man rationale' to endorse your purchase
If you can get a sports pack they come with fantastic wheels!
Whichever way, I think that you will find the marque probably the best you have ever owned. I have had most of the main stream German stuff, some US as we'll, but nothing compares to AM for making you feel simply happy each and every time you go out.
Happy hunting.
Having just gone through the process myself I'd advise driving and viewing an MY09 model (2008+). These may appear more expensive but the changes that year were extensive, including a new interior console,, ECU start, reworked transmission, dampers and more power output. Having driven both the difference was night and day for me and I decided to focus my efforts on the MY09 only. Obviously budget and availability criteria apply, however that is my advice.
Beautiful cars no matter what you choose. I'm still loving mine.
Beautiful cars no matter what you choose. I'm still loving mine.
Edited by kalibre46 on Saturday 1st June 08:18
As hss been said - tracker tags.
Sat Nav - updated discs are available, its a Volvo unit. They will show the any new roads, changes etc which the originals will be missing. Graphics look like they were done by a 6 year old, but is usable.
Bluetooth works fine, pairs with everything I've tried including Apple IOS6 and Android Jelly Bean. Only basio phones functions though - like making and receiving calls. Look at thr drivers side sun visor, does it have a visible microphone - if so its been upgraded. The original is housed in the unit by the rear view mirror and is awful.
Rear reflectors - as has been said, will be an MoT failure, but just use a stick on one come MoT time
Side lights replacement - will need wheel off and the wheel liner, hence the recommendation to use a garage.
Sat Nav - updated discs are available, its a Volvo unit. They will show the any new roads, changes etc which the originals will be missing. Graphics look like they were done by a 6 year old, but is usable.
Bluetooth works fine, pairs with everything I've tried including Apple IOS6 and Android Jelly Bean. Only basio phones functions though - like making and receiving calls. Look at thr drivers side sun visor, does it have a visible microphone - if so its been upgraded. The original is housed in the unit by the rear view mirror and is awful.
Rear reflectors - as has been said, will be an MoT failure, but just use a stick on one come MoT time
Side lights replacement - will need wheel off and the wheel liner, hence the recommendation to use a garage.
Thanks for your help guys.
I'm aware of the improvements made to the MY08 cars, and I much prefer the interior with the newer dash and understand the power and dynamic improvements.
Sadly my budget won't stretch that far though, so the best I can get to is a pre facelift car with the Sportpack (reading through all old reviews - and I do think I might have read them ALL!) it's probably the best I can do for the money I've got available.
Interesting comments about the Aston being the best car you've owned - my best mate has had all kinds of 'proper' cars from Noble to 911 to AMV8 and he was left cold by his Vantage - too many niggles for him. He now has an R8 which he loves.
However I'm a very different kind of driver / buyer. I don't really care about tenths off my lap or 0-60 time, I care more about how the car makes me feel.
I've had a Supercharged Range Rover Vogue SE for over a year (a record for me) simply because every time I get in it, it just feels right.
I'm definitely buying with my heart not my head, as for the same money as the Aston I could get a MY12 (latest shape) XKR which is quicker, has more power, is arguably better built, certainly likely to be more reliable, would still be under factory warranty and would definitely be cheaper to run and service.
Despite all of that, the Aston is still winning. Man logic is a powerful force.
I'm aware of the improvements made to the MY08 cars, and I much prefer the interior with the newer dash and understand the power and dynamic improvements.
Sadly my budget won't stretch that far though, so the best I can get to is a pre facelift car with the Sportpack (reading through all old reviews - and I do think I might have read them ALL!) it's probably the best I can do for the money I've got available.
Interesting comments about the Aston being the best car you've owned - my best mate has had all kinds of 'proper' cars from Noble to 911 to AMV8 and he was left cold by his Vantage - too many niggles for him. He now has an R8 which he loves.
However I'm a very different kind of driver / buyer. I don't really care about tenths off my lap or 0-60 time, I care more about how the car makes me feel.
I've had a Supercharged Range Rover Vogue SE for over a year (a record for me) simply because every time I get in it, it just feels right.
I'm definitely buying with my heart not my head, as for the same money as the Aston I could get a MY12 (latest shape) XKR which is quicker, has more power, is arguably better built, certainly likely to be more reliable, would still be under factory warranty and would definitely be cheaper to run and service.
Despite all of that, the Aston is still winning. Man logic is a powerful force.
jfb1977 said:
...I also want to upgrade the side light bulbs to some error free LEDs to match the xenon main beam
I replaced mine last September, they tie in nicely. Here’s the thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...Just don’t be tempted to buy cheap ones.
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff