My new toy, the DBS!!
Discussion
Well, here is another introduction! I'm from Sydney in Australia! Anyone else here from down under? Recommendations for local drives to join, good detailer, independent specialist etc are all welcome!
After much deliberation this year between an F355 and the V12 Vantage all in manual (and plenty of lurking in these forums!) I ended up pulling the trigger on a lightening silver 2008 DBS in manual with about 17,000kms on the clock!
The brief was to buy a 'modern classic' with a N/A engine, manual gearbox, and an epic soundtrack.
I drove a F355 with the gated manual whilst on holiday in Japan (fun2drive is the company that offers the experience near Mt Fuji), it fit the brief perfectly. However, after spending a day with it, I was concerned that it may have ended up as a garage queen as the interior was showing its age and we couldn't really imagine taking a road trip with it.
After that trip, it was all about the V12 Astons. I had my heart set on the V12V but after seeing a DBS right next to it in the showroom I just couldn't go past the timeless proportions of the DBS. Something about the design of thing, most beautiful car in my eyes (yes, I'm probably biased!)
After watching the market for most of this year, only 2 manual DBS came up in Australia. I ended up buying the one with lower mileage and original silver wheels. It is specced exactly as per the brochure at the time in Lightning Silver with black interior. I was happy with the 2+0 spec as I read that is a quite a bit lighter, and the lack of B&O in 2008 didn't bother me so much. According to the dealer, only 13 Manual DBS made it to Australia in the entire production cycle. Seems a bit low to me, but I don't really have a better source of information!
So far a Fuse 22 hardwired switch has been added to the glovebox, otherwise, it is completely stock and is likely to stay that way, maybe I'll get the glass buttons at some stage.
Loving it so far, doesn't matter where I am in the rev range, it sounds epic. I'm also quite pleasantly surprised at how much feedback you get through the steering wheel and how easy the clutch is to use, it is actually easier to drive than my 'daily' which is a 2017 Mustang GT in Manual.
Here are some photos I've taken so far, I'll continue updating this when I finally get the opportunity to take it for a few decent drives.
After much deliberation this year between an F355 and the V12 Vantage all in manual (and plenty of lurking in these forums!) I ended up pulling the trigger on a lightening silver 2008 DBS in manual with about 17,000kms on the clock!
The brief was to buy a 'modern classic' with a N/A engine, manual gearbox, and an epic soundtrack.
I drove a F355 with the gated manual whilst on holiday in Japan (fun2drive is the company that offers the experience near Mt Fuji), it fit the brief perfectly. However, after spending a day with it, I was concerned that it may have ended up as a garage queen as the interior was showing its age and we couldn't really imagine taking a road trip with it.
After that trip, it was all about the V12 Astons. I had my heart set on the V12V but after seeing a DBS right next to it in the showroom I just couldn't go past the timeless proportions of the DBS. Something about the design of thing, most beautiful car in my eyes (yes, I'm probably biased!)
After watching the market for most of this year, only 2 manual DBS came up in Australia. I ended up buying the one with lower mileage and original silver wheels. It is specced exactly as per the brochure at the time in Lightning Silver with black interior. I was happy with the 2+0 spec as I read that is a quite a bit lighter, and the lack of B&O in 2008 didn't bother me so much. According to the dealer, only 13 Manual DBS made it to Australia in the entire production cycle. Seems a bit low to me, but I don't really have a better source of information!
So far a Fuse 22 hardwired switch has been added to the glovebox, otherwise, it is completely stock and is likely to stay that way, maybe I'll get the glass buttons at some stage.
Loving it so far, doesn't matter where I am in the rev range, it sounds epic. I'm also quite pleasantly surprised at how much feedback you get through the steering wheel and how easy the clutch is to use, it is actually easier to drive than my 'daily' which is a 2017 Mustang GT in Manual.
Here are some photos I've taken so far, I'll continue updating this when I finally get the opportunity to take it for a few decent drives.
Welcome and what a beauty you have found. Looking magnificent.
If you wanted to conceal the orange colour from your headlight unit, I think I have read on here about different bulbs which flash orange, but when off appear colourless.
Here are two of the original promotion photos, might be the same colour as your car.
Enjoy.
Jon39 said:
Welcome and what a beauty you have found. Looking magnificent.
If you wanted to conceal the orange colour from your headlight unit, I think I have read on here about different bulbs which flash orange, but when off appear colourless.
Here are two of the original promotion photos, might be the same colour as your car.
Enjoy.
Congrats on the car, used to have a manual in Quantum Silver with (as its buyer frequently reminds me) chassis number ending 007. Loved that car and not a single issue in the 2.5 years of ownership. A beautiful car and doesn't date. I swapped it for a Vanquish and spent 18 months regretting it. Enjoy and never sell!!!
I have no plans on selling, planning to keep it for as long as we space in the garage.
So far no major issues to report, replaced the door struts which I hear is a fairly common thing, and I have an issue where all 4 tires (6 month old) PZeros have significant flat spots causing vibrations. Trying to get that sorted with warranty from Pirelli, not looking the most promising at this stage.
So far no major issues to report, replaced the door struts which I hear is a fairly common thing, and I have an issue where all 4 tires (6 month old) PZeros have significant flat spots causing vibrations. Trying to get that sorted with warranty from Pirelli, not looking the most promising at this stage.
What a totally gorgeous machine! I have a picture of this in my garage.
I'm in a DB9 at the moment. It's an 08 but has the older key and ski slope thingy. Sort of dates the car I think.
I've toyed with the idea of getting a DBS. I'm OK with an auto - so there are a few about here in Australia. I love the colour of that DBS - I think I saw it on carsales.
What a terrific car - well done, it's gorgeous.
I'm in a DB9 at the moment. It's an 08 but has the older key and ski slope thingy. Sort of dates the car I think.
I've toyed with the idea of getting a DBS. I'm OK with an auto - so there are a few about here in Australia. I love the colour of that DBS - I think I saw it on carsales.
What a terrific car - well done, it's gorgeous.
I have also been looking at a manual 2008 manual DBS in Sydney. Did you buy that car from a dealer or privately? There is one for sale privately with a lady's name as the persoanlised plate. Is that the one you bought? I was unaware of any at the dealers in Sydney. there was a quantum silver one in melbourne 2 months ago but i thought the price was over the top.
I love your car and congratulations.
I love your car and congratulations.
ozzieben said:
I have also been looking at a manual 2008 manual DBS in Sydney. Did you buy that car from a dealer or privately? There is one for sale privately with a lady's name as the persoanlised plate. Is that the one you bought? I was unaware of any at the dealers in Sydney. there was a quantum silver one in melbourne 2 months ago but i thought the price was over the top.
I love your car and congratulations.
Haha small world. I looked at and test drove the one in Sydney as well with SUZAN5 as the plate. It is exactly the same car but with the grey wheels instead. I bought the one at the Zagame dealership in Melbourne (yes about 2 months ago), it was listed at 279k. I brought that down a bit and the low 17k KMs! justified a premium. I love your car and congratulations.
Also, my man maths is justifying this purchase as a ~10yr 'investment' with the intention of keeping under 50k KMs by the end of the 10 yrs. Starting at 17k meant I'm able to drive almost double as much as the one in Sydney with 32k kms!
There is nothing wrong with the one in Sydney if you are thinking of buying it it is in perfect nick! Let me know if you do! I think he priced it quite reasonably. It is one of the few cars where the 'aussie premium' isn't as as large.
Edited by victuary on Thursday 23 May 11:50
victuary said:
Haha small world. I looked at and test drove the one in Sydney as well with SUZAN5 as the plate. It is exactly the same car but with the grey wheels instead. I bought the one at the Zagame dealership in Melbourne (yes about 2 months ago), it was listed at 279k. I brought that down a bit and the low 17k KMs! justified a premium.
Also, my man maths is justifying this purchase as a ~10yr 'investment' with the intention of keeping under 50k KMs by the end of the 10 yrs. Starting at 17k meant I'm able to drive almost double as much as the one in Sydney with 32k kms!
Ah . that makes sense then. i have been putting off having a look at the suzans car as life has been getting in the way. i think i will be getting on to it now. if you join the aston martin owners club in Sydney you will find a lot of like minded people. My brother has a vantage,and have joined him on a club drive up to wisemans ferry. great to hear all the loud astons together.Also, my man maths is justifying this purchase as a ~10yr 'investment' with the intention of keeping under 50k KMs by the end of the 10 yrs. Starting at 17k meant I'm able to drive almost double as much as the one in Sydney with 32k kms!
again congrats on the car.
maybe i will join you as an owner soon.
I did join AMOC but haven't had a chance to go to any drives yet. I will try to in July after I finally get back to Sydney from various trips!
I booked myself in for one of those Ian Luff performance driving days as well in July, I thought I should 'upskill' a bit before doing anything too spirited!
I booked myself in for one of those Ian Luff performance driving days as well in July, I thought I should 'upskill' a bit before doing anything too spirited!
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