DB9 Volante advice required

[ThePrincipal]

Hi All,

I just wanted a bit of advice.

I’ve just started looking at a DB9 Volante as my next car. I had not considered it up until this point as I thought it had a single clutch sequential gearbox which I hate in traffic, but turns out it has a normal auto box.

Were there any upgrades throughout the model years? Is there any reason to chase a later car if a low mileage older car is available?

Any advice appreciated.

[Westlondondriver]

I used to have a 2005 DB9 Volante. Not sure how old a model you were thinking of. There was a small model upgrade after that - 2007 I think that sorted the throttle mapping changed the seats, upgraded the Sat Nav etc. Seats didn’t bother me although friend who had both said the newer ones were better but the throttle adjustment was definitely worth while. It had too much torque on pull away and hence a real knack to not spinning the wheels at junctions in some conditions / I gather they changed the mapping to phase it in a bit. Certainly even though my DB11 have 600bhp and a lot more torque it is very well behaved by comparison. Power was increased in later models mine had ‘only’ 450bhp but that wasn’t really an issue - you don’t by a Volante to drive like a hooligan !

Great sound to them and lovely in the good weather - or even in the freezing weather if not raining according to the kids ! More noise than the coupe and some scuttle shake ( again I think improved in the later models) so not a great motorway cruiser but on a sweeping B road at 50-60mph with the top down unbeatable.

[old phart]

I read Grant's book when searching for mine and decide on a 2009. They upped the HP a bit that year and some other minor tweaks. Loved my Volante. Be sure to check the top though. The inner lining, between the outer shell and headliner, can break down over time and 'shred'.

[LesF]

its all about your budget on the early cars.

'05 - 06 introduction model with the most issues. good value if you get a good one.
'07 - minor facelift via, upgraded seats and suspension (sits 8mm lower) etc, also had most of the issues sorted.
'08 - 20bhp increase updated dash and a glass key but otherwise the same as the '07 - expect to pay around 10K more over an '07.

[IanV12VSRs]

If you want to understand the range well you need to buy the bible see the sticky thread at the top “definitive guide...”. Really sets out well how the range has developed over the years.