Discussion
Hello! With any luck (and some devious plotting) I hope to be in the position to make a DBS purchase in the not too distant future. I am beyond excited at the prospect. Even so, I face the Trouchtronic/manual dilemma. I have driven a 2010 auto, and I hope to drive a manual soon, but personal choice aside, which gearbox do you think will drive the more desirable car a few years down the line? Part of me thinks manual, because of rarity and perceived driver involvement. Then again, the trend industry wide is moving towards auto/automated manual, so will people simply regard it as an outdated option eventually? Will it even effect values at all?
I am completely 50/50 between the two right now, manual because that's how I've always driven, touchtronic for the novelty and convenience. So I'm looking for other factors to sway me.
On a side note, has anyone had dealings with Nicholas Mee & Company, good or bad?
Many thanks
Quick edit because I forgot to mention the Definitive Aston Martin Guide by Grant Neal, which has been worth it's weight in gold for information on spec, model year changes etc!
I am completely 50/50 between the two right now, manual because that's how I've always driven, touchtronic for the novelty and convenience. So I'm looking for other factors to sway me.
On a side note, has anyone had dealings with Nicholas Mee & Company, good or bad?
Many thanks
Quick edit because I forgot to mention the Definitive Aston Martin Guide by Grant Neal, which has been worth it's weight in gold for information on spec, model year changes etc!
Edited by _AJ_ on Tuesday 6th August 10:58
_AJ_ said:
Yes I realise that, and I'm looking at post 2009 cars as well which makes it harder still, but there just so happens to be one at NMC right now which has caught my attention.
Caught mine too. You won't get a later one than that 
I reckon when my son is old enough to get insured they will be worth a smidgen more than the auto.
I am of course bias
I have a DB9 Volante manual, even rarer. What premium did it command when compared to a TouchTronic... knocked about 7k off the price 
Longer term, rarity usually commands a premium. The fact that in 10 years time, the manual box will be all but extinct makes me think that there will ALWAYS be a certain segment of drivers who crave a manual box and will pay for it. The TT2 is as good as it gets really for an auto box of that generation; it's going to come down to your use. Choices for a V12 manual of the era are the DB9/S, Daiblo/Murcie and Ferrari 550/575. Something for everyone there, but I know what I'd rather be driving.
I live in London and really don't have an issue with the manual car even in town; the engine is torquey and the box, when warm, is nice and slick. And then once you're out on the open road
It's what the DBS was conceived to have
Longer term, rarity usually commands a premium. The fact that in 10 years time, the manual box will be all but extinct makes me think that there will ALWAYS be a certain segment of drivers who crave a manual box and will pay for it. The TT2 is as good as it gets really for an auto box of that generation; it's going to come down to your use. Choices for a V12 manual of the era are the DB9/S, Daiblo/Murcie and Ferrari 550/575. Something for everyone there, but I know what I'd rather be driving.
I live in London and really don't have an issue with the manual car even in town; the engine is torquey and the box, when warm, is nice and slick. And then once you're out on the open road
It's what the DBS was conceived to have
_AJ_ said:
Just how sticky should a manual be when cold... I've heard there can be issues?
It's a big old-school Graziano gearbox mounted at the rear of the car; being a transaxle layout means there are cables and linkage and it takes a while to warm up and get the oil running around and everything into alignment - this is typical of any transaxle car I have owned.First to second... just be slow and positive and there are no worries, after the first 5 mins it's nice and slick. In my old Maserati, I had to use first to third for 10mins until it was warmed though!
If it's worse than I have described, the alignment might need adjustment or the oil might need replacing. Nothing major!
In this weather though, the transmission oil is warm enough from start up generally
My advice is drive both and then decide for yourself.
I have had both manual and auto and they are both good in their own right.
No problems with manual box whatsoever, no sticky gears, no difficultly selecting either.
Manual feels faster but in reality probably isn't.
Had upgraded clutch which made a world of difference and again would be something that I would insist on from the dealer.
I have a 2010 manual and there are literally one or two out there still. If you can, try to get the one with B&O as standard would be my advice.
Hope this helps
I have had both manual and auto and they are both good in their own right.
No problems with manual box whatsoever, no sticky gears, no difficultly selecting either.
Manual feels faster but in reality probably isn't.
Had upgraded clutch which made a world of difference and again would be something that I would insist on from the dealer.
I have a 2010 manual and there are literally one or two out there still. If you can, try to get the one with B&O as standard would be my advice.
Hope this helps
_AJ_ said:
All food for thought so thank you for the replies.
As I said above, I'm looking at post 2009 cars so B&O will be standard. You say insist on upgraded clutch from a dealer Tony, is this an Aston upgrade then? I've never seen mention of upgraded clutches before.
I believe that V12 clutches were upgraded by the factory circa 2011 ish - not too sure on dates. As I said above, I'm looking at post 2009 cars so B&O will be standard. You say insist on upgraded clutch from a dealer Tony, is this an Aston upgrade then? I've never seen mention of upgraded clutches before.
Problem with old one is the bite point was fairly high and was a bit like on or off. Some squealed when setting off as well.
Mine was replaced under warranty by AM as was squealing on take off.
The new clutch transformed the car as many will agree that have also had the change.
Definitely would insist this be changed if not already been done.
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