DB9 2006/7 vs 997 2008
Discussion
Hi guys
12 year long 911 owner and now in the market for another. I've had a 993 and 2x 996s and loved them all. All daily drives.
Now I'm in the market for a 2008 997S Cab, or a 2006/7 DB9 cab. They won't be daily drives any more due to commuting via train but I'm very very keen to get your thoughts. I known they are very different cars but what I'm interested in are running costs, reliability, fun and general Love! I love my cars and I love my 911s but I am keen to try something new IF it makes sense. The Only other consideration is the DB9 (I need 3 seats occasionally)
ALL Thoughts / comments are very Appreciated.
My main concern is the daily reliability and running costs vs a 911 - I'm sure both are amazing car expeirances in their own way and I'm sure the DB9 won't be as much of a 'fun' drive but I would Love opinions.
I as totally sold on a DB9 but now I'm wavering due to the unknown. Price wise is probably going to be 2006/7 on the Aston.
Many thanks in advance guys
Cheers
Dan
________
12 year long 911 owner and now in the market for another. I've had a 993 and 2x 996s and loved them all. All daily drives.
Now I'm in the market for a 2008 997S Cab, or a 2006/7 DB9 cab. They won't be daily drives any more due to commuting via train but I'm very very keen to get your thoughts. I known they are very different cars but what I'm interested in are running costs, reliability, fun and general Love! I love my cars and I love my 911s but I am keen to try something new IF it makes sense. The Only other consideration is the DB9 (I need 3 seats occasionally)
ALL Thoughts / comments are very Appreciated.
My main concern is the daily reliability and running costs vs a 911 - I'm sure both are amazing car expeirances in their own way and I'm sure the DB9 won't be as much of a 'fun' drive but I would Love opinions.
I as totally sold on a DB9 but now I'm wavering due to the unknown. Price wise is probably going to be 2006/7 on the Aston.
Many thanks in advance guys
Cheers
Dan
________
There are lots of people on here who have switching from 911s to Aston Martin's (albeit more typically to the Vantage). So I'm sure there will be some comments from them soon
Reliability wise he DB9 is good, the only issue I'm aware of on the early ones was oil starvation to the engine that was cured by introducing a shorter dipstick (would you believe it) so that they didn't run too low. But by now a 2006-7 car should have had that change made
It sounds like you're aware of this but the DB9 will be a different driving experience to he 911. It's a GT versus a sports car. But it will put a huge smile on your face (a v12 engine does that) and owning an Aston Martin is special in a way that perhaps a 911 isn't.
The rear seats are for occasional use only. I found the major problem was actually the rear headroom (with the roof down that won't be a problem) less so than the leg room (you sit with your knees either side of the seat in front).
Cost of running won't be hugely dissimilar to the 911, with that age car you're better off using a good Indy to service it rather than a main dealer. Loads of good recommendations on here as to who to use depending on where you are
If it's not a daily you're probably less interested in mpg, but you should get 21-22 from it but if you give it the beans on a country lane you get a large grin and can drop it into sharply from that number
Reliability wise he DB9 is good, the only issue I'm aware of on the early ones was oil starvation to the engine that was cured by introducing a shorter dipstick (would you believe it) so that they didn't run too low. But by now a 2006-7 car should have had that change made
It sounds like you're aware of this but the DB9 will be a different driving experience to he 911. It's a GT versus a sports car. But it will put a huge smile on your face (a v12 engine does that) and owning an Aston Martin is special in a way that perhaps a 911 isn't.
The rear seats are for occasional use only. I found the major problem was actually the rear headroom (with the roof down that won't be a problem) less so than the leg room (you sit with your knees either side of the seat in front).
Cost of running won't be hugely dissimilar to the 911, with that age car you're better off using a good Indy to service it rather than a main dealer. Loads of good recommendations on here as to who to use depending on where you are
If it's not a daily you're probably less interested in mpg, but you should get 21-22 from it but if you give it the beans on a country lane you get a large grin and can drop it into sharply from that number
I can only speak to the experience of owning and driving an 07 DB9, which my lovely wife bought for me Christmas 2015.
As-purchased condition; 38,000miles and virtually flawless. Full maintenance records. Had recently received new clutch, coil packs and AC service.
2016 - Annual service using the previous owner's independent shop, plus new Michelin Super Sports came to total of US$1,300. One channel of the TPMS dash receiver failed, replacement from AM was $1,800. The shop investigated a Bosch replacement, but we decided to disable it and I check tire pressure myself.
2017 - It's due to be picked up next week for this year's annual service, plus replacing door hold-open struts, checking the timing chain cover gasket, recalibrating the door glass "automatic seating" function, and checking EBD codes for a transient no-start condition which went away.
Driving Comments:
- The DB9 is definitely created in the Grand Touring spirit. Easy and comfortable on all-day jaunts across the state.
- What transmission are you thinking? Paddle shift is quicker than the full 3-pedal manual. You choose your "driver's experience"? My wife found me this one with a full manual 6-speed because that's the way I roll.
- Manual: The throttle pedal is fly-by-wire, and clutch has little feel at the pick-up point, so your feet don't easily sense what's going on - therefore gear shifts under aggressive acceleration take some skill to execute gracefully.
- Solid, competent chassis.. in cold temperatures the rear bushings can transmit harshness and feel jittery at low speeds when subject to lateral forces, like you can get on a poorly maintained road. This goes away over 50mph or when warmed up. Vertical forces are controlled well.
- At high speeds it does "shrink around you" nicely - steering and dampening tightens appropriately and the one time the DSC kicked in, it did so unobtrusively and definitely aided controllability (at 125mph, I unwisely entered a left sweeping turn I wasn't familiar with. The sweep unexpectedly lacked banking, which caught me off guard. I came off the throttle quicker than I should have, but the DSC squatted down and prevented the rear from unloading and losing grip. I dubbed the DSC "The Butler" - as in "Would Sir like to have His ass saved from the foolish predicament in which He finds Himself?").
- Very good brakes. My perception is their grip increases as speed decreases for the same pedal pressure. I don't find it objectionable. It hasn't caused me any upsets, and sometimes it's useful to "enhance" late braking.? Brake pads leave a lot of dust on the bright rims.
The Experience and Interior;
- I'm 5'-6"/145lbs and outward visibility is remarkably good.
- Rear seats are a decent fit for my young boys age 11 and 6. But now they're 13 and 8, the oldest is getting uncomfortable.
- Hood bulge is prominent and blocks your view of what's right in front of the nose - front overhang is long - so I've become careful to listen to the proximity alarms.
- Center dash switches and buttons are a little small and fussy, not easy to operate at speed. The 2009 redesign solved this.
- AC vents could be larger and flow more air.
- Lovely, ripping exhaust note.
- Intoxicating interior aroma of leather and wood.
- Very limited cabin storage: Glovebox is filled by Owner's Manual. Center console has a small cubby behind your elbow that holds an Espresso or two. Doors have small trays for a garage door opener and a smartphone.
- Trunk / boot size is reasonable.
General:
- It is no secret the design of the DB9 and siblings is stunning. Our DB9 receives more positive attention than my other 5 classics combined.
Cheers,
- Art
As-purchased condition; 38,000miles and virtually flawless. Full maintenance records. Had recently received new clutch, coil packs and AC service.
2016 - Annual service using the previous owner's independent shop, plus new Michelin Super Sports came to total of US$1,300. One channel of the TPMS dash receiver failed, replacement from AM was $1,800. The shop investigated a Bosch replacement, but we decided to disable it and I check tire pressure myself.
2017 - It's due to be picked up next week for this year's annual service, plus replacing door hold-open struts, checking the timing chain cover gasket, recalibrating the door glass "automatic seating" function, and checking EBD codes for a transient no-start condition which went away.
Driving Comments:
- The DB9 is definitely created in the Grand Touring spirit. Easy and comfortable on all-day jaunts across the state.
- What transmission are you thinking? Paddle shift is quicker than the full 3-pedal manual. You choose your "driver's experience"? My wife found me this one with a full manual 6-speed because that's the way I roll.
- Manual: The throttle pedal is fly-by-wire, and clutch has little feel at the pick-up point, so your feet don't easily sense what's going on - therefore gear shifts under aggressive acceleration take some skill to execute gracefully.
- Solid, competent chassis.. in cold temperatures the rear bushings can transmit harshness and feel jittery at low speeds when subject to lateral forces, like you can get on a poorly maintained road. This goes away over 50mph or when warmed up. Vertical forces are controlled well.
- At high speeds it does "shrink around you" nicely - steering and dampening tightens appropriately and the one time the DSC kicked in, it did so unobtrusively and definitely aided controllability (at 125mph, I unwisely entered a left sweeping turn I wasn't familiar with. The sweep unexpectedly lacked banking, which caught me off guard. I came off the throttle quicker than I should have, but the DSC squatted down and prevented the rear from unloading and losing grip. I dubbed the DSC "The Butler" - as in "Would Sir like to have His ass saved from the foolish predicament in which He finds Himself?").
- Very good brakes. My perception is their grip increases as speed decreases for the same pedal pressure. I don't find it objectionable. It hasn't caused me any upsets, and sometimes it's useful to "enhance" late braking.? Brake pads leave a lot of dust on the bright rims.
The Experience and Interior;
- I'm 5'-6"/145lbs and outward visibility is remarkably good.
- Rear seats are a decent fit for my young boys age 11 and 6. But now they're 13 and 8, the oldest is getting uncomfortable.
- Hood bulge is prominent and blocks your view of what's right in front of the nose - front overhang is long - so I've become careful to listen to the proximity alarms.
- Center dash switches and buttons are a little small and fussy, not easy to operate at speed. The 2009 redesign solved this.
- AC vents could be larger and flow more air.
- Lovely, ripping exhaust note.
- Intoxicating interior aroma of leather and wood.
- Very limited cabin storage: Glovebox is filled by Owner's Manual. Center console has a small cubby behind your elbow that holds an Espresso or two. Doors have small trays for a garage door opener and a smartphone.
- Trunk / boot size is reasonable.
General:
- It is no secret the design of the DB9 and siblings is stunning. Our DB9 receives more positive attention than my other 5 classics combined.
Cheers,
- Art
)I've run a 2004 DB9 for the past 4 1/2 years. Reliability wise, its been fantastic - the gearbox and engine are bullet proof; i've not encountered any issues with suspension, axle, brakes etc. The only major cost tends to be the coil pack - but probably already done if you're looking at MY06/07.
Mechanically, services runs £750-850 annually based on the fixed services schedule. I've always used Works who, as per recent thead, are excellent.
There's lots to read and factor in, however, on the DB9 buyers guide. The main thing tend to be paint bubbling - this can get expensive depending on how extensive and how picky you are about getting them rectified.
Beside that, I've had issues with a rear light failure (needed to replace the whole unit - bonkers) and the sat nav mechanism (easily repaired) - and that's pretty much it. I think that's not too shabby for an early DB9.
Bottom line - not prohibitive to run if you get a good'un!
Mechanically, services runs £750-850 annually based on the fixed services schedule. I've always used Works who, as per recent thead, are excellent.
There's lots to read and factor in, however, on the DB9 buyers guide. The main thing tend to be paint bubbling - this can get expensive depending on how extensive and how picky you are about getting them rectified.
Beside that, I've had issues with a rear light failure (needed to replace the whole unit - bonkers) and the sat nav mechanism (easily repaired) - and that's pretty much it. I think that's not too shabby for an early DB9.
Bottom line - not prohibitive to run if you get a good'un!
Only my 2 bobs worth, but the other day on my LinkedIn feed, an ad came up saying Porsche has built their 1 millionth 911. It is for that reason I have always liked Aston Martins. Don't get me wrong, Porsche makes great cars, but they are just not "as special". If that makes any sense lol
Not a 997, but I just replaced a 986 Boxster with a DB9 and they are in different worlds. The quality of everything on the Aston Martin is in a different league to the rather frail and plasticky Porsche. The performance is superb and the ride better, more cossetting. But the best thing is that even at low speeds and in town, the Aston is a lovely drive. I always thought the Porsche was as dull as anything unless you were spanking it, which is why I fell out of love with it in the end.
As far as reliability goes Porsches can be very expensive. They are built down to a cost, not up to a standard, and it shows in the amount and type of work they need to keep them in decent condition. Time will tell for the Aston, but they are generally held to be reliable and well made.
As far as reliability goes Porsches can be very expensive. They are built down to a cost, not up to a standard, and it shows in the amount and type of work they need to keep them in decent condition. Time will tell for the Aston, but they are generally held to be reliable and well made.
Ok that's interesting but I guess for a 100k car you'd expect that level of finish.
THIS IS ONE I'm interested in - keen to get thoughts and feedback:
Not sure if I'm allowed to do this but ??
I just found a great car on Auto Trader:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Download the app from the App store to find your perfect car:01430 431919
https://itunes.apple.com/uk/app/apple-store/id3587...
THIS IS ONE I'm interested in - keen to get thoughts and feedback:
Not sure if I'm allowed to do this but ??
I just found a great car on Auto Trader:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Download the app from the App store to find your perfect car:01430 431919
https://itunes.apple.com/uk/app/apple-store/id3587...
I came from a 996 Turbo, 996 Cab, 986S, 944. long line of Porsche cars working my way up to a DB9.
I like the exhaust note on the Boxster best of the Porsche cars but the DB9 is just intoxicating. All the Porsche cars were manual but I went with the TT2 on the DB9. I felt like it suited the car well and it allows my wife to drive it from time to time.
I had a modified 996 Turbo and the acceleration was brutal. Definitely faster than the Aston but that is fine with me. I wanted an uncommon, sporty, and beautiful car. Heck I am the only AMOC member in Kentucky!
I bought my car with 20k miles and I have put 2k more trouble free miles on the car in the last 2.5 months. I plan to drive it 5-8k / year.
My rear glass on the Volante was separating from the canvas but I used some glue and specialty suction cups to repair it. I am hoping it holds up for the long term as the top is $$$$ !
I like the exhaust note on the Boxster best of the Porsche cars but the DB9 is just intoxicating. All the Porsche cars were manual but I went with the TT2 on the DB9. I felt like it suited the car well and it allows my wife to drive it from time to time.
I had a modified 996 Turbo and the acceleration was brutal. Definitely faster than the Aston but that is fine with me. I wanted an uncommon, sporty, and beautiful car. Heck I am the only AMOC member in Kentucky!
I bought my car with 20k miles and I have put 2k more trouble free miles on the car in the last 2.5 months. I plan to drive it 5-8k / year.
My rear glass on the Volante was separating from the canvas but I used some glue and specialty suction cups to repair it. I am hoping it holds up for the long term as the top is $$$$ !
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