I really should be enjoying myself much more than I am...
Discussion
I recently sold my gorgeous 2004 Tungsten Silver DB9 having mentally committed to changing up to a DBS or Vanquish. Whilst it was a very sad day saying farewell to my 9, she's gone to a good home and I'm thoroughly excited about what comes next. No other marque entered my thinking - I'm an Aston guy through and through.
You'd think, therefore, that I'd be loving the freedom to shop around and enjoying the search... but, instead, I'm causing myself all sorts of mental grief! I think it's a combination of my indecisiveness (as my wife readily tells me!) and too much information...
I've spent the last couple of months avidly browsing the classified and driving a few different options. I've read all there is to read (including page after page through this forum), watched countless YouTube vids and taken counsel from various people.
However, a couple of weeks ago I finally settled on a low mileage Quantum Silver 2012 DBS auto and duly slapped down a deposit. It needs quite a bit of remedial bodywork, but that's all being taken care of and I trust the result will be outstanding and it'll look better than new (especially once Francis has been at it). However, it's also pricey - lets just say top end of the market for an auto DBS.
So, all sorted! Except, I haven't been able to stop asking "am I making a mistake by not going for a Vanquish?"
I'd all but ruled them out since I can't afford an 8-speed (which start from £135-140k) which is, by popular consensus, the one to get.
And then today, I drove a 2013 Vanquish - it happened to be the perfect spec, albeit, only the 6-speed - but it's about £10k less than the DBS with the same mileage.
And herein lies the dilemma - buy at the top end of the market for a DBS (pros: rarer?, more analogue, more raw, looks & sounds amazing, Bond connection, more desirable long-term, likely to lose less?; cons: more analogue, older style parts - e.g. front lights, 1st gen CCM)...
...or spend £10k less for the Vanquish (pros: paying bottom of the current market for a very well spec'd car, reputedly better/ uprated in every way, gorgeous shape and more distinct than going from DB9 to DBS, happens to also be a gorgeous deep fleck metallic; cons: not quite as evocative and raw as a DBS, less long-term appeal? (who'd want a 6-speed?; no Bond connection), likely to lose more over 4-5 years?, it's not the 8-speed!)
I know I can't go too far wrong with either option but I'm seriously torn and don't want to end up regretting my choice.
Hence, I'm putting it out to the popular vote. I'd appreciate all perspectives- and will duly oblige by updating how things pan out.
Thanks
You'd think, therefore, that I'd be loving the freedom to shop around and enjoying the search... but, instead, I'm causing myself all sorts of mental grief! I think it's a combination of my indecisiveness (as my wife readily tells me!) and too much information...
I've spent the last couple of months avidly browsing the classified and driving a few different options. I've read all there is to read (including page after page through this forum), watched countless YouTube vids and taken counsel from various people.
However, a couple of weeks ago I finally settled on a low mileage Quantum Silver 2012 DBS auto and duly slapped down a deposit. It needs quite a bit of remedial bodywork, but that's all being taken care of and I trust the result will be outstanding and it'll look better than new (especially once Francis has been at it). However, it's also pricey - lets just say top end of the market for an auto DBS.
So, all sorted! Except, I haven't been able to stop asking "am I making a mistake by not going for a Vanquish?"
I'd all but ruled them out since I can't afford an 8-speed (which start from £135-140k) which is, by popular consensus, the one to get.
And then today, I drove a 2013 Vanquish - it happened to be the perfect spec, albeit, only the 6-speed - but it's about £10k less than the DBS with the same mileage.
And herein lies the dilemma - buy at the top end of the market for a DBS (pros: rarer?, more analogue, more raw, looks & sounds amazing, Bond connection, more desirable long-term, likely to lose less?; cons: more analogue, older style parts - e.g. front lights, 1st gen CCM)...
...or spend £10k less for the Vanquish (pros: paying bottom of the current market for a very well spec'd car, reputedly better/ uprated in every way, gorgeous shape and more distinct than going from DB9 to DBS, happens to also be a gorgeous deep fleck metallic; cons: not quite as evocative and raw as a DBS, less long-term appeal? (who'd want a 6-speed?; no Bond connection), likely to lose more over 4-5 years?, it's not the 8-speed!)
I know I can't go too far wrong with either option but I'm seriously torn and don't want to end up regretting my choice.
Hence, I'm putting it out to the popular vote. I'd appreciate all perspectives- and will duly oblige by updating how things pan out.
Thanks
Personally, I'd go with the Vanquish.
I can't help thinking that DBS values are over-inflated at the moment and will fall back somewhat, so you could be buying at the very top and lose out longer-term. But I may of course be totally wrong, in which case you could miss out on the chance to secure one while still affordable...
Reading between the lines, it sounds to me like you head is saying (the investment) DBS and your heart is saying (the driving pleasure) Vanquish. I'd go with your heart!
I can't help thinking that DBS values are over-inflated at the moment and will fall back somewhat, so you could be buying at the very top and lose out longer-term. But I may of course be totally wrong, in which case you could miss out on the chance to secure one while still affordable...
Reading between the lines, it sounds to me like you head is saying (the investment) DBS and your heart is saying (the driving pleasure) Vanquish. I'd go with your heart!
I can understand you dilemma.
You used to be indecisive, but now you are not so sure. -
It is certainly easier for Vantage buyers, with only the larger body AMs as an alternative.
Interesting that both of your selection are the flagship models, but the newer car has a lower price.
A difficult decision. If it were me, I would stop the DB purchase and take more time to think. At least then you could not regret buying the wrong car, only perhaps regret letting one go, but there will be others along.
Not much help I know, but that is all I can add.
NeinFondue said:
OP, I obviously have my own bias, but discounting my personal bias and reading what you've written, it sounds to me that your head and heart are saying DBS.... Just my analysis of your words..
Bias from me too I'm afraid. The Vanquish is on paper a better car - albeit the 6sp version. However no Vanquish I have seen gives me the initial 'wow' factor that the DBS did - and still does.
There are newer, better models of a Vanquish to the one you have looked at - There will NEVER be another DBS
Just my opinion of course - Good luck and enjoy whatever YOU decide on
blade runner said:
Personally, I'd go with the Vanquish.
I can't help thinking that DBS values are over-inflated at the moment and will fall back somewhat, so you could be buying at the very top and lose out longer-term. But I may of course be totally wrong, in which case you could miss out on the chance to secure one while still affordable...
Reading between the lines, it sounds to me like you head is saying (the investment) DBS and your heart is saying (the driving pleasure) Vanquish. I'd go with your heart!
Very astute blade runner. But the DBS does have an amazing wow factor as L0TT0 says! I can't help thinking that DBS values are over-inflated at the moment and will fall back somewhat, so you could be buying at the very top and lose out longer-term. But I may of course be totally wrong, in which case you could miss out on the chance to secure one while still affordable...
Reading between the lines, it sounds to me like you head is saying (the investment) DBS and your heart is saying (the driving pleasure) Vanquish. I'd go with your heart!
Talking to a few dealers, it seems lots of folks are struggling with the same dilemma given the cross over in values.
I wish all troubles in the world were this trivial, but it still doesn't make this any easier.
More bias, but:-
Whilst I agree prices for DBS are strong I honestly believe that they are not about to tank.
You say the example you are buying is an excellent example so I don't think you will go far wrong should you change your mind in a years time, dealer margins obviously need to be considered.
I also think as 8 speed come down in price 6 speed will become less desirable.
Nick
Whilst I agree prices for DBS are strong I honestly believe that they are not about to tank.
You say the example you are buying is an excellent example so I don't think you will go far wrong should you change your mind in a years time, dealer margins obviously need to be considered.
I also think as 8 speed come down in price 6 speed will become less desirable.
Nick
You like a DBS auto and worry that a Vanq 6-speed is not as desirable. The trans is the same in both, so this argument seems way overblown. I had no problem buying a 6-speed Vanq at a premium such that it ended up the same price as an 8-speed. But, the 8-speed was not the car I was looking for. I bought one with a color (in and out) that I fell in love with, not one that I was so-so about. The trans was the least important item in my selection criteria.
Bincenzo said:
Dobie, have you considered the DBS manual? That would be a very different proposition and would separate the decision making process which is currently being mired by the fact that the two cars are very similar (yet different).
I have... but, contrary to the popular vote, I'd rather have a TT. My advice would be to drive them both and make your own mind up as to which is the better car for you.
I have driven both manual and auto DBS and both 6 and 8 speed Vanquish. There are arguments for all the cars and equally arguments against them all as well. Totally depends on your circumstances and what you are looking to get out of the experience.
Just a thought though, there are more Vanquish than DBS available which could mean that you can buy the DBS and cash out when/as the market rises. Unfortunately as good as they are, Vanquish market prices are falling which means that todays DBS will buy a newer and newer Vanquish. Am sure that in a short while, a DBS will be worth more than an 8 speed Vanquish so in theory you could have best of all worlds.
That said, totally depends on what you want from the car.
If I were in your position, I would be putting everything on hold until I was clear in my mind what I wanted.
Best of luck.
I have driven both manual and auto DBS and both 6 and 8 speed Vanquish. There are arguments for all the cars and equally arguments against them all as well. Totally depends on your circumstances and what you are looking to get out of the experience.
Just a thought though, there are more Vanquish than DBS available which could mean that you can buy the DBS and cash out when/as the market rises. Unfortunately as good as they are, Vanquish market prices are falling which means that todays DBS will buy a newer and newer Vanquish. Am sure that in a short while, a DBS will be worth more than an 8 speed Vanquish so in theory you could have best of all worlds.
That said, totally depends on what you want from the car.
If I were in your position, I would be putting everything on hold until I was clear in my mind what I wanted.
Best of luck.
My Two Cents.............
The Vanquish is an amazing car. The DBS is just, well, better! It's more everything and to my eye, certainly better looking. I had been dreaming of a DB car for most of my life. I finally get myself in a position to get myself a DB9 and I will say that next to the DBS, the DB9 seems more, well, plain! It just looks so incredibly gorgeous. I think the DB cars are absolutely sensational to look at and the DBS is the best of the bunch.
Money aside (and I know it's quite a chunk of change for one of those babies) I'd go with the DBS every day of the week. Especially in that colour. Maybe one day I can save up enough pennies, but I get the distinct impression values will not drop enough for me.
The Vanquish is an amazing car. The DBS is just, well, better! It's more everything and to my eye, certainly better looking. I had been dreaming of a DB car for most of my life. I finally get myself in a position to get myself a DB9 and I will say that next to the DBS, the DB9 seems more, well, plain! It just looks so incredibly gorgeous. I think the DB cars are absolutely sensational to look at and the DBS is the best of the bunch.
Money aside (and I know it's quite a chunk of change for one of those babies) I'd go with the DBS every day of the week. Especially in that colour. Maybe one day I can save up enough pennies, but I get the distinct impression values will not drop enough for me.
L0TT0 said:
Bias from me too I'm afraid.
The Vanquish is on paper a better car - albeit the 6sp version. However no Vanquish I have seen gives me the initial 'wow' factor that the DBS did - and still does.
There are newer, better models of a Vanquish to the one you have looked at - There will NEVER be another DBS
Just my opinion of course - Good luck and enjoy whatever YOU decide on
That's a very good point, so on consideration I'd probably change my opinion and go with the DBS now. I've always lost money on every car I've ever bought, so probably best to ignore my view on future values!The Vanquish is on paper a better car - albeit the 6sp version. However no Vanquish I have seen gives me the initial 'wow' factor that the DBS did - and still does.
There are newer, better models of a Vanquish to the one you have looked at - There will NEVER be another DBS
Just my opinion of course - Good luck and enjoy whatever YOU decide on
If DBS values continue to rise then why not buy the DBS now while you can still afford to and if you really still feel torn in a couple of years, then know you can sell at a profit and have a wider choice of Vanquish models to choose from.
It really easy about the £ values - of course it would be nice not to lose loads, but I don't expect I would with either option. It's all crystal ball stuff- but I cant imagine either will drop much below £90k with 3-4 yrs ownership and mileage under 30k. And I can live with that as a worse case scenario.
It's about how it makes me feel - and for that, I'm erring towards the DBS. Rawer and more emotive... and a more imperfect and analogue car which I quite like.
(though I'm not sure about "they'll not be another DBS ever" - isn't the replacement Vanquish touted to be another DBS?)
It's about how it makes me feel - and for that, I'm erring towards the DBS. Rawer and more emotive... and a more imperfect and analogue car which I quite like.
(though I'm not sure about "they'll not be another DBS ever" - isn't the replacement Vanquish touted to be another DBS?)
Dobie177 said:
It really easy about the £ values - of course it would be nice not to lose loads, but I don't expect I would with either option. It's all crystal ball stuff- but I cant imagine either will drop much below £90k with 3-4 yrs ownership and mileage under 30k. And I can live with that as a worse case scenario.
It's about how it makes me feel - and for that, I'm erring towards the DBS. Rawer and more emotive... and a more imperfect and analogue car which I quite like.
(though I'm not sure about "they'll not be another DBS ever" - isn't the replacement Vanquish touted to be another DBS?)
Interesting... didn't know there were any announcements about replacement Vanquish yet? Will probably have turbos though so unlikely to be the next DBSIt's about how it makes me feel - and for that, I'm erring towards the DBS. Rawer and more emotive... and a more imperfect and analogue car which I quite like.
(though I'm not sure about "they'll not be another DBS ever" - isn't the replacement Vanquish touted to be another DBS?)
Get a 599GTB for a change and see how you feel in a year or two. It's getting tempting at DBS prices and it'll make you think about what really matters in owning a V12. Outright power? Handling? looks? Interior wow factor? Aston-ness. I've never owned a Ferrari V12 before and really ought to before they all become unaffordable.
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