Early DB9 purchase advice please

[threadlock]

Early DB9s have popped up on my radar as an alternative to the XKR that I've been considering buying recently. But at my budget (low £30k+) I'm looking at early models only. How much of a risk is an early DB9 likely to be as an every day proposition? I've read a couple of posts from people complaining that their AM was off the road for weeks at a time (yet they still loved it) but I can't tolerate that sort of reliability. Are problems to be expected? Are these Gaydon blisters likely to become a concern or is that only other models?

At the moment I don't know whether a nine year-old DB9 is a realistic proposition for a car that'll be in almost everyday use. I'm much more relaxed about the XKR, which at my budget is available only three years old.

And what is it about an Aston (specifically the DB9, I suppose) that makes it so much more special than a 5.0 XKR in the way lots of people in these forums describe? Maybe if I have to ask then I don't 'get it' but can anybody help by explaining it, when the XKRs seem to beat the Aston in every objectively-measurable way?

[thetees]

threadlock said:

Early DB9s have popped up on my radar as an alternative to the XKR that I've been considering buying recently. But at my budget (low £30k+) I'm looking at early models only. How much of a risk is an early DB9 likely to be as an every day proposition? I've read a couple of posts from people complaining that their AM was off the road for weeks at a time (yet they still loved it) but I can't tolerate that sort of reliability. Are problems to be expected? Are these Gaydon blisters likely to become a concern or is that only other models?

At the moment I don't know whether a nine year-old DB9 is a realistic proposition for a car that'll be in almost everyday use. I'm much more relaxed about the XKR, which at my budget is available only three years old.

And what is it about an Aston (specifically the DB9, I suppose) that makes it so much more special than a 5.0 XKR in the way lots of people in these forums describe? Maybe if I have to ask then I don't 'get it' but can anybody help by explaining it, when the XKRs seem to beat the Aston in every objectively-measurable way?

I was where you currently are about 2 years ago.
...a realistic proposition? - yes! (I do about 15K a year as a daily driver).
Buy one then, believe me, you'll 'get it'

[goddo]

thetees said:

I was where you currently are about 2 years ago.
...a realistic proposition? - yes! (I do about 15K a year as a daily driver).
Buy one then, believe me, you'll 'get it'

I couldn't agree more. I've had few Jag XKR's and XFR's over the years and yes, they are
cheaper to purchase and run, almost as much fun to hear and to drive and the Jaguar technology is way, way superior
BUT, when you've had the Aston for a while, believe me, it will grow on you. Admittedly they are
not everyone's cup of tea though you will never know for sure until you have lived with one.
You also get excellent repartee and advice on this forum.

[Cockernee]

There was a Top Gear on several years ago where they compared a jag and Aston with the exact same result. The jag was quicker, more equipment and a number of items like that. When the audience were asked who wanted the jag and who wanted the Aston, the vote was 4 to 1 (roughly) in favour of the Aston. Go figure..... You are on an Aston forum, you will get much bias, but for me an Aston Martin is more than the sum of it's parts. It gets under your skin like no other car I have owned. It is the most stunning car on the road today IMHO. You did ask

[3200gt]

Two sides to every story.

[michael gould]

3200gt said:

Two sides to every story.

that's a useful post ???

[3200gt]

michael gould said:

that's a useful post ???

Thank you

[bomberh]

Cockernee said:

There was a Top Gear on several years ago where they compared a jag and Aston with the exact same result. The jag was quicker, more equipment and a number of items like that. When the audience were asked who wanted the jag and who wanted the Aston, the vote was 4 to 1 (roughly) in favour of the Aston. Go figure..... You are on an Aston forum, you will get much bias, but for me an Aston Martin is more than the sum of it's parts. It gets under your skin like no other car I have owned. It is the most stunning car on the road today IMHO. You did ask

Totally agree about it gets under your skin.
I love my car, (V8V) I've had her 5 months and had a few teething problems but these have been fixed mostly under warranty. Because of these I have got to know my car very well in a short space of time. It has and will continue to be under my skin and I look after her and add extras to her when I have the money available (clear lights etc)
Astons are stunning cars and unless you have owned and lived with one you will not understand or appreciate what it means to be an Aston owner. I love it and everything about it.

[goorwich]

michael gould said:

3200gt said:

Two sides to every story.

that's a useful post ???

An enigma wrapped up in a metaphor.

I would compare it thus.......
You are sitting in a bar and you have a choice do you chat up the attractive bird serving the drinks or do you make a play for the mysterious stunning looking woman sitting quietly,on her own,sheathed in a tight black gown that discretely shows off a glimpse of her ample bosom,provocatively sipping a martini,

Edited by goorwich on Friday 7th June 10:47

[yeti]

threadlock said:

I can't tolerate that sort of reliability. Are problems to be expected? Are these Gaydon blisters likely to become a concern or is that only other models?

Who knows. All cars are different, you may get a lemon but they're pretty good in the grand scheme of things. Yes, the paint blisters are a problem on some cars if it concerns you; you might need paintwork done, though looking at the car before you buy should help.

threadlock said:

At the moment I don't know whether a nine year-old DB9 is a realistic proposition for a car that'll be in almost everyday use. I'm much more relaxed about the XKR, which at my budget is available only three years old.

Sounds like a no brainer. Get the Jag, you're looking for a nice daily hack.

threadlock said:

And what is it about an Aston (specifically the DB9, I suppose) that makes it so much more special than a 5.0 XKR in the way lots of people in these forums describe?

The Jaguar is a better, more modern car, just like a quartz watch is better than a mechanical one or CD is better than vinyl. Or an F-Type is better than an E-Type

threadlock said:

Maybe if I have to ask then I don't 'get it' but can anybody help by explaining it, when the XKRs seem to beat the Aston in every objectively-measurable way?

Nope. Get the Jag.

[michael gould]

goorwich said:

michael gould said:

3200gt said:

Two sides to every story.

that's a useful post ???

An enigma wrapped up in a metaphor.

I would compare it thus.......
You are sitting in a bar and you have a choice do you chat up the attractive bird serving the drinks or do you make a play for the mysterious stunning looking woman sitting quietly,on her own,sheathed in a tight black gown that discretely shows off a glimpse of her ample bosom,provocatively sipping a martini,

Edited by goorwich on Friday 7th June 10:47

i'm more of a bottom man......so probably go for the barmaid with fit arse......how the hell did this one go off topic !

[goorwich]

michael gould said:

i'm more of a bottom man......so probably go for the barmaid with fit arse......how the hell did this one go off topic !

I beg to challenge you ,Mr Gould, on that assertion.
The choosing of an Aston ,for me,is absolutely a matter of the heart.
The senses take in the sensuous flowing symetry of the bodywork ,the intoxicating smell of the leather upholstery and then the aural delight of the engine powering and thrusting ahead on an open road.

[3200gt]

goorwich said:

An enigma wrapped up in a metaphor.

I would compare it thus.......
You are sitting in a bar and you have a choice do you chat up the attractive bird serving the drinks or do you make a play for the mysterious stunning looking woman sitting quietly,on her own,sheathed in a tight black gown that discretely shows off a glimpse of her ample bosom,provocatively sipping a martini,

Edited by goorwich on Friday 7th June 10:47

The mysterious stunning one will throw a hissy fit, leak and is high maintenance if used every day. The barmaid turns up for work and just gets on with it, day in day out.

Edited by 3200gt on Friday 7th June 14:52

[goorwich]

3200gt said:

The mysterious stunning one will throw a hissy fit, leak and is high maintenance if used every day. The barmaid turns up for work and just gets on with it, day in day out.

Sounds like my wife(,apart from the leaking bit) wouldn't want it any other way .

Edited by 3200gt on Friday 7th June 14:52

[brakedwell]

goorwich said:

An enigma wrapped up in a metaphor.

I would compare it thus.......
You are sitting in a bar and you have a choice do you chat up the attractive bird serving the drinks or do you make a play for the mysterious stunning looking woman sitting quietly,on her own,sheathed in a tight black gown that discretely shows off a glimpse of her ample bosom,provocatively sipping a martini

I hope it is not a gay bar

[yeti]

goorwich said:

mysterious stunning looking woman sitting quietly,on her own,sheathed in a tight black gown that discretely shows off a glimpse of her ample bosom,provocatively sipping a martini,

She's a prostitute. She'll give you a lot of fun for a little while, then clear off in the morning. After robbing you blind

[goorwich]

yeti said:

goorwich said:

mysterious stunning looking woman sitting quietly,on her own,sheathed in a tight black gown that discretely shows off a glimpse of her ample bosom,provocatively sipping a martini,

She's a prostitute. She'll give you a lot of fun for a little while, then clear off in the morning. After robbing you blind

Not me chum,never paid for it in my life,not my style.
Always enjoyed the journey as much as the arrival.

[threadlock]

Thanks for all the replies. This does seem like a friendly corner of PistonHeads. :-)

yeti said:

threadlock said:

I can't tolerate that sort of reliability. Are problems to be expected? Are these Gaydon blisters likely to become a concern or is that only other models?

Who knows. All cars are different, you may get a lemon but they're pretty good in the grand scheme of things. Yes, the paint blisters are a problem on some cars if it concerns you; you might need paintwork done, though looking at the car before you buy should help.

So are you saying that if they were going to be a problem then the blisters would probably have revealed themselves by now on a 2005/6 car?

yeti said:

threadlock said:

At the moment I don't know whether a nine year-old DB9 is a realistic proposition for a car that'll be in almost everyday use. I'm much more relaxed about the XKR, which at my budget is available only three years old.

Sounds like a no brainer. Get the Jag, you're looking for a nice daily hack.

Really? (Can't tell whether you're being facetious or whether the DB9 really isn't well suited to regular use on a 15-mile commute. Would be grateful for clarification if poss please.)

yeti said:

threadlock said:

And what is it about an Aston (specifically the DB9, I suppose) that makes it so much more special than a 5.0 XKR in the way lots of people in these forums describe?

The Jaguar is a better, more modern car, just like a quartz watch is better than a mechanical one or CD is better than vinyl. Or an F-Type is better than an E-Type

threadlock said:

Maybe if I have to ask then I don't 'get it' but can anybody help by explaining it, when the XKRs seem to beat the Aston in every objectively-measurable way?

Nope. Get the Jag.

Harsh! As an IWC owner I totally 'get' the mechanical vs quartz analogy but are the Jag and the DB9 so totally different in that sense? If I were comparing the DB9 and a GT-R then it would make sense but the DB9 can't be that far behind the Jag, allowing for the age difference, surely?

[michael gould]

yeti said:

goorwich said:

mysterious stunning looking woman sitting quietly,on her own,sheathed in a tight black gown that discretely shows off a glimpse of her ample bosom,provocatively sipping a martini,

She's a prostitute. She'll give you a lot of fun for a little while, then clear off in the morning. After robbing you blind

Well as my last wife cost me a seven figure sum ( which I didn't have ) being robbed by a prostitute is probably the much cheaper option !

[divetheworld]

threadlock said:

Harsh! As an IWC owner I totally 'get' the mechanical vs quartz analogy but are the Jag and the DB9 so totally different in that sense? If I were comparing the DB9 and a GT-R then it would make sense but the DB9 can't be that far behind the Jag, allowing for the age difference, surely?

I suppose Yeti's comments are one of those things that allow those who 'know' to have a little wry smile.

There are faster cars, some better equipped. In fact, as you say, in every measurable way. But equally, its in the unmeasurable that the draw of the Aston gives you something the Jag can NEVER do.
Road presence, and the grin it gives to have a real exotic. The glowing reaction of other people, young and old and a cracking chassis that is sooo much fun to drive.

If you don't get that buzz in your belly, then it might not be the right car for you. Leave the specs and numbers for those who play 'Top Trumps'. Get one driven and see if it moves you. If it does, you get 'it'.

Oh, and before I forget, Gaydon Astons are superbly reliable for a real exotic.

Edited by divetheworld on Friday 7th June 21:24