Discussion
Hi, I'm looking to get my first DB9 and just wanted to ask for a bit of advice. Is it worth paying the few extra K to get a newer (post 08) model with or without the sport pack? I haven't got unlimited amounts of cash so just wondering whether its worth the extra or not ? Also looking to hold onto it for a while what's the general consensus on appreciating in value, will it make a difference getting an 07 model to the updated 08?
Thanks
Thanks
Youve made a great choice, they are great cars.
The early cars do suffer from lots of different issues so go for one thats the in the best condition and is the newest you can afford.
They get better with every year that went by.
The sport edition cars that came out around 2007 have a harsh ride but the wheels look ace.
Look for an oil leak at the front timing cover, that will cost you thousands and the dreaded oil in the airfilters and condensation in the front and rear lights.
The tyre pressure sensors give out every 5-6 years, I've had mine removed and the system bypassed.
A note about the Aston Martin service, I've had 2 DB9 cars and the garages which sold me them said to me "full aston martin dealer and specialist history" that is correct but in the case of the 2 cars ive had is sometimes the 2 year service was only the 1 year service so things like the air and pollen filters were not replaced as they should be and rear diff oil and brake fluid etc. Plus both of mine were sold to me just before the major services were required. This I knew and paid accordingly but just let you know some owners might sell the car just before a big bill arrives like replacing all the brakes or sparkplug and coil replacement which if you go to a dealer looking at £1500 - £2000 each to do.
But the ownership outweighs all of that. Keep it in a dry warm garage with a proper indoor cover on like mine and it should be ok.
Good luck.
The early cars do suffer from lots of different issues so go for one thats the in the best condition and is the newest you can afford.
They get better with every year that went by.
The sport edition cars that came out around 2007 have a harsh ride but the wheels look ace.
Look for an oil leak at the front timing cover, that will cost you thousands and the dreaded oil in the airfilters and condensation in the front and rear lights.
The tyre pressure sensors give out every 5-6 years, I've had mine removed and the system bypassed.
A note about the Aston Martin service, I've had 2 DB9 cars and the garages which sold me them said to me "full aston martin dealer and specialist history" that is correct but in the case of the 2 cars ive had is sometimes the 2 year service was only the 1 year service so things like the air and pollen filters were not replaced as they should be and rear diff oil and brake fluid etc. Plus both of mine were sold to me just before the major services were required. This I knew and paid accordingly but just let you know some owners might sell the car just before a big bill arrives like replacing all the brakes or sparkplug and coil replacement which if you go to a dealer looking at £1500 - £2000 each to do.
But the ownership outweighs all of that. Keep it in a dry warm garage with a proper indoor cover on like mine and it should be ok.
Good luck.
I'd like to second what Paul has said. I have an MY08 DB9 sports pack..... indeed it does have a harsh ride. If I had my choice again I wouldn't get the sports pack! Sure the wheels look nice but the ride is Yuk.
I should say that on a good road with longer sweeping bends the sports back stuff comes into it's own and it does feel great!
The centre console area/arm rest area changed significantly with the 08 model. The update was retained for many years and to be honest, does look way more modern. My audio seems to be much better too. I had read that there was some sort of a change from the previous supplier where you had a low, medium and high audio variant. The MY08 has an Alpine system with and Aston Martin Audio branding. I understand that in later years a new deal was signed with Bose and someone else to supply audio systems.
You may find that the head lining and some of the leather panels on the dash may need attention. Don't let this put you off a good and otherwise clean car. These items are easy to fix yourself. Best of luck!
I should say that on a good road with longer sweeping bends the sports back stuff comes into it's own and it does feel great!
The centre console area/arm rest area changed significantly with the 08 model. The update was retained for many years and to be honest, does look way more modern. My audio seems to be much better too. I had read that there was some sort of a change from the previous supplier where you had a low, medium and high audio variant. The MY08 has an Alpine system with and Aston Martin Audio branding. I understand that in later years a new deal was signed with Bose and someone else to supply audio systems.
You may find that the head lining and some of the leather panels on the dash may need attention. Don't let this put you off a good and otherwise clean car. These items are easy to fix yourself. Best of luck!
I've got a 2009 model sports pack, and I have nothing bad to say about the handling or ride. It's comfortable enough (no less than the earlier non-sports pack cars I road tested) despite being stiffer. I put it down to decent Bilstein dampers and lower unsprung weight.
I chose the 2009 because it had more power (though originals aren't exactly lacking), a much nicer centre console layout, nicer-looking seats, more standard equipment (to be fair some of this stuff does come in earlier models) and much improved stereo (with iPod and bluetooth capability) and navigation systems (the latter, though is still quite crap). It also has centre console storage which is a handy improvement over later models.
If those things are important to you then go for the later model. I think the only thing which earlier models have over the later ones is that under Ford ownership a heated windscreen was an option. I believe Aston didn't licence the tech once they became independent. If your car will live outside it might be worth seeking that out.
I chose the 2009 because it had more power (though originals aren't exactly lacking), a much nicer centre console layout, nicer-looking seats, more standard equipment (to be fair some of this stuff does come in earlier models) and much improved stereo (with iPod and bluetooth capability) and navigation systems (the latter, though is still quite crap). It also has centre console storage which is a handy improvement over later models.
If those things are important to you then go for the later model. I think the only thing which earlier models have over the later ones is that under Ford ownership a heated windscreen was an option. I believe Aston didn't licence the tech once they became independent. If your car will live outside it might be worth seeking that out.
I just bought a 2008 DB9 Volante, after a lot of research on this forum and elsewhere. There were a few differences between the 2007 and 2008 models, some significant to me (improved audio; "ipod" capability, that can be used with Bluetooth adapter to stream from an iphone; better looking console) and others insignificant (cupholders). Make sure the door struts are in decent condition. I understand most need to be replaced before 10 years. The leather issue on dash mentioned by Crazy_Sean is one I know well and baked into my purchase price. Have a PPI performed. Make sure they check wear on brakes and shocks. These replacements can cost more than you think. Don't let any of the above scare you away. I LOVE my DB9 and a 10ish year old DB9 that was well-maintained is excellent value.
Having been an DB9 owner for 3 months now, i was in the spot you are, my budget sounded similar to yours and i looked at about 15 cars before taking the plunge.... what i learnt was some people have loved their cars and others less so! In my opinion condition and service history are more important that iPod connectivity or a more powerful stereo! the 08 glass keys look a bit nicer but the ones in my budget tended to be the higher mileage ones or ones that needed lots of love, in the end i opted for the best example i could find for the money, an 07 in tungsten silver with black leather.. it was the sport pack one, but as its only for weekends i could live with the firmer ride, serviced at AM every year from new and only 22k miles with every receipt, MOT and service report ...that for me was better than an 09 glass key model that i looked at for the same money, which needed some paintwork, alloys refurbishing and had a chip in the windscreen. Astons should be loved and cherished and i believe finding one that has been is worth the looking
Obviously the above is all my opinion and others may have differing views
Most importantly take out fuse 22 plant your right foot and enjoy the noise
Obviously the above is all my opinion and others may have differing views
Most importantly take out fuse 22 plant your right foot and enjoy the noise
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