DB11 questions
Discussion
Hello all,
Just wondering if you can help. I'm looking for a winter/daily car - most of my driving is countryside b and a roads, and it'll be used to run the kids about in and do all the daily stuff (I work from home though). Firstly are the back seats big enough for 5/9 year olds - up to what age does it become too small? Can the car handle multi-story carparks or is the front too low?
Unfortunately there are none within 2 hours of where I live so i can't get a handle on how big they are - are they too big for b-roads? How is the ride/handling on a b road?
Finally what should I budget yearly for one of these?
I was considering a 911 (have one before), but suddenly started thinking about these. I have a couple of other weekend cars so not looking for that sort of thing.
Many thanks!
Just wondering if you can help. I'm looking for a winter/daily car - most of my driving is countryside b and a roads, and it'll be used to run the kids about in and do all the daily stuff (I work from home though). Firstly are the back seats big enough for 5/9 year olds - up to what age does it become too small? Can the car handle multi-story carparks or is the front too low?
Unfortunately there are none within 2 hours of where I live so i can't get a handle on how big they are - are they too big for b-roads? How is the ride/handling on a b road?
Finally what should I budget yearly for one of these?
I was considering a 911 (have one before), but suddenly started thinking about these. I have a couple of other weekend cars so not looking for that sort of thing.
Many thanks!
My kids are 15 and 11 and they can get in the back of the DB11, just, but wouldn’t enjoy it for long journeys. Of course kids come in different sizes, as do front passengers, mine are what I would describe as average size. Paul is right that a Rapide is a better tool for the job but it is a longer car which can make parking and maneuvering more interesting. You really need to try one unless you are happy to go with the above compromise.
bosshog said:
Hello all,
Just wondering if you can help.
sure
I'm looking for a winter/daily car - an aston for a winter daily??
most of my driving is countryside b and a roads, and it'll be used to run the kids about in and do all the daily stuff (I work from home though). Firstly are the back seats big enough for 5/9 year olds
yes. If you are under 6’ you can even squeeze small adults in up to about 5’4. If you (in front) are smallish, 5’7-5’9, adults to 5’6 can get in the back, but not for long distances.
- up to what age does it become too small?
depends how big your kids get. I’d say primary school age will never be a problem, even if you over 6’ and your kids are tall.
Can the car handle multi-story carparks or is the front too low?
yes. easily.
Unfortunately there are none within 2 hours of where I live so i can't get a handle on how big they are - are they too big for b-roads?
Not at all. Too powerful maybe.
How is the ride/handling on a b road?
Great. They cope with the potholes quite well due to soft damping and long travel suspension. The driver modes give a large breadth of capability. Not as good as a modern Vantage or even a well sorted old Vantage though, just because of the size.
Finally what should I budget yearly for one of these?
Get one less than 5 yr old and annual servicing is covered. Nothing much goes wrong. The well integrated merc electrical architecture is much more robust and less flaky than the more bespoke but rather hotch potch architecture of the n/a cars. They don’t throw warning lights anything like as much but are still sensitive to weak batteries.
I was considering a 911 (have one before), but suddenly started thinking about these.
Good for you. No 911 compares to any modern Aston. AM are far more special, bespoke, quality materials etc. And of course far better looking. The modern stuff is also the match of Porsche from build quality and relatability perspective, due in part to the Merc electrical architecture, but largely due to a very fine job done by those who engineered it.
I have a couple of other weekend cars so not looking for that sort of thing.
For a winter daily to haul kids around in, wouldn’t you be better with a DBX? A DB11 is really a summer GT. If you hate SUV, an alternative with more space, as suggested is the Rapide. Getting on a bit now, so lacking some of the tech (keyless etc) but it was a very well made car and represents great value.
Many thanks!
Just wondering if you can help.
sure
I'm looking for a winter/daily car - an aston for a winter daily??
most of my driving is countryside b and a roads, and it'll be used to run the kids about in and do all the daily stuff (I work from home though). Firstly are the back seats big enough for 5/9 year olds
yes. If you are under 6’ you can even squeeze small adults in up to about 5’4. If you (in front) are smallish, 5’7-5’9, adults to 5’6 can get in the back, but not for long distances.
- up to what age does it become too small?
depends how big your kids get. I’d say primary school age will never be a problem, even if you over 6’ and your kids are tall.
Can the car handle multi-story carparks or is the front too low?
yes. easily.
Unfortunately there are none within 2 hours of where I live so i can't get a handle on how big they are - are they too big for b-roads?
Not at all. Too powerful maybe.
How is the ride/handling on a b road?
Great. They cope with the potholes quite well due to soft damping and long travel suspension. The driver modes give a large breadth of capability. Not as good as a modern Vantage or even a well sorted old Vantage though, just because of the size.
Finally what should I budget yearly for one of these?
Get one less than 5 yr old and annual servicing is covered. Nothing much goes wrong. The well integrated merc electrical architecture is much more robust and less flaky than the more bespoke but rather hotch potch architecture of the n/a cars. They don’t throw warning lights anything like as much but are still sensitive to weak batteries.
I was considering a 911 (have one before), but suddenly started thinking about these.
Good for you. No 911 compares to any modern Aston. AM are far more special, bespoke, quality materials etc. And of course far better looking. The modern stuff is also the match of Porsche from build quality and relatability perspective, due in part to the Merc electrical architecture, but largely due to a very fine job done by those who engineered it.
I have a couple of other weekend cars so not looking for that sort of thing.
For a winter daily to haul kids around in, wouldn’t you be better with a DBX? A DB11 is really a summer GT. If you hate SUV, an alternative with more space, as suggested is the Rapide. Getting on a bit now, so lacking some of the tech (keyless etc) but it was a very well made car and represents great value.
Many thanks!
bosshog said:
Thanks for that much appreciate. Yes I hate SUVs , they do nothing for me (Mrs has one). Any ballpark figure on a yearly budget?
Assuming you buy something with no fundamental problems, I have not heard of anything major to budget for. I’ve heard of the odd car needing coil packs, seems related to water ingress through bonnet, and the odd sticking soft close mechanism (bonnet and boot) and that’s about it. Budget for decent tyres if it’s still on the OE Bridgestones, the ubiquitous PS4S make a huge difference, some are now saying the same thing about the latest Potenza.
It might need pads, you can check that at time of purchase. On mine the high level LED brake light got replaced under warranty.
Both engines seem genuinely robust, the AMG engine is less thirsty if you don’t cane it, if for some reason that still matters when you are buying a 500-600hp car.
Lastly - if buying from a main dealer, get them to throw in the AMR maps if it’s the Aston V12 you go for (and why not?). It doesn’t change anything from the launch V12 maps in GT mode, but you get a whole different character when selecting sport and especially sport plus. In sport plus the car goes beserk, pops and bangs happen all the time in the overrun and shifting, the throttle ‘map’ is reduced to about half pedal travel, gears are held, the turbos are kept spooled, trans hydraulic pressures are cranked up so gearshifts become much more brutal, the exhaust valves are permanently open and damping becomes rock hard. It’s quite the change, and all can be had for nothing if you just ask, make it part of the deal.
You also get an extra 30hp at the very top end, which makes the car feel less breathless, less turbocharged, because they did it by making the engine hold onto peak torque for an extra 500rpm thus increasing peak power without changing peak torque, which they couldn’t only because the transmission they fitted in DB11 was already at its rated limit.
Sport plus in the AMR update is too much, really, for a smooth GT, but it is fun once in a while if you feel like being a bit of a hooligan. It certainly wakes up the neighbours
My two kids fit in the back (9&11) and they tell me it’s the most comfortable car we have / had!
In my experience they are a very well made car and ergonomically the best I’ve owned. I love mine and use it daily (although it was supposed to be a weekend car but I can’t walk past it and not take it out).
Must haves for me were B&O sound system, heated and cooled seats, oh and the brogue leather is stunning!
In my experience they are a very well made car and ergonomically the best I’ve owned. I love mine and use it daily (although it was supposed to be a weekend car but I can’t walk past it and not take it out).
Must haves for me were B&O sound system, heated and cooled seats, oh and the brogue leather is stunning!
M1AGM said:
paulrog1 said:
Have you got a DB11 now, or the DB9.2?
Yes the DB11 AMR now. My old car is on at Leeds for quite a bit more than they offered me.Edited by paulrog1 on Thursday 2nd November 11:49
Not a bad price for your old one, i'm really tempted, but probs get divorced if i spend more money!!!
Edited by paulrog1 on Friday 3rd November 12:28
M1AGM said:
Yes the DB11 AMR now. My old car is on at Leeds for quite a bit more than they offered me.
Just to join in on this thread as the OP has asked all the questions I was planning to ask….but is yours the 2018 with the red stitching? If so, is it a solid car? It looks fantastic, if that’s the one! Crumpet said:
Just to join in on this thread as the OP has asked all the questions I was planning to ask….but is yours the 2018 with the red stitching? If so, is it a solid car? It looks fantastic, if that’s the one!
Maybe got crossed wires, I have a DB11, my DB9 is for sale at the dealer, 14 plate car.M1AGM said:
Maybe got crossed wires, I have a DB11, my DB9 is for sale at the dealer, 14 plate car.
Ah! Yes, crossed wires - sorry!That being said, how are you finding the DB11? My kids are 7 and 8 so hoping I can get three to four years of use out of it - I’m basically trying to tick the V12 and Aston box while I (sort of) can!
What mpg are you getting out of the V12, say on a 3-5 mile commuting run? I’m used to 12mpg out of my last car on a short run but not sure I can stomach single figures!
Have you any idea how many miles to expect out of pads and discs? Just wondering whether to go for a low miles car or one a bit higher with them replaced.
I’d pretty much decided the B&O system was essential. Is it significantly better than the standard AM system? There are some lovely cars without it so if it’s not essential it would really open up the market.
And, lastly, what’s the general reaction to it? I know it’s never going to be low profile but I’m keen to avoid the ‘here comes that w**ker in the Aston’ comments and negative attention.
Crumpet said:
Ah! Yes, crossed wires - sorry!
That being said, how are you finding the DB11? My kids are 7 and 8 so hoping I can get three to four years of use out of it - I’m basically trying to tick the V12 and Aston box while I (sort of) can!
What mpg are you getting out of the V12, say on a 3-5 mile commuting run? I’m used to 12mpg out of my last car on a short run but not sure I can stomach single figures!
Have you any idea how many miles to expect out of pads and discs? Just wondering whether to go for a low miles car or one a bit higher with them replaced.
I’d pretty much decided the B&O system was essential. Is it significantly better than the standard AM system? There are some lovely cars without it so if it’s not essential it would really open up the market.
And, lastly, what’s the general reaction to it? I know it’s never going to be low profile but I’m keen to avoid the ‘here comes that w**ker in the Aston’ comments and negative attention.
Mpg is pretty good. I see low 20s on shorter runs and high 20s on long motorway type runs.That being said, how are you finding the DB11? My kids are 7 and 8 so hoping I can get three to four years of use out of it - I’m basically trying to tick the V12 and Aston box while I (sort of) can!
What mpg are you getting out of the V12, say on a 3-5 mile commuting run? I’m used to 12mpg out of my last car on a short run but not sure I can stomach single figures!
Have you any idea how many miles to expect out of pads and discs? Just wondering whether to go for a low miles car or one a bit higher with them replaced.
I’d pretty much decided the B&O system was essential. Is it significantly better than the standard AM system? There are some lovely cars without it so if it’s not essential it would really open up the market.
And, lastly, what’s the general reaction to it? I know it’s never going to be low profile but I’m keen to avoid the ‘here comes that w**ker in the Aston’ comments and negative attention.
No idea about pads and brakes.
Mine has B&O and it does sound very good, although the premium audio is very good too. I think it will help having B&O at resale.
General reaction has surprised me. I’ve been quietly knocking about in the DB9 for nearly 6 years with not too much attention which is how I like it. The DB11 seems to be on another level of interest. Just yesterday I popped out and noticed a youngish guy in the front passenger seat of the car behind filming me out of the window, I then parked up at a well known wine retailer and whilst inside 2 guys walked past the car, then stopped and backed up for a look. I notice getting a lot of looks when I am just driving about. I’d say all the attention has been overwhelmingly positive so far (even though I find it a little cringe personally).
M1AGM said:
Mpg is pretty good. I see low 20s on shorter runs and high 20s on long motorway type runs.
No idea about pads and brakes.
Mine has B&O and it does sound very good, although the premium audio is very good too. I think it will help having B&O at resale.
General reaction has surprised me. I’ve been quietly knocking about in the DB9 for nearly 6 years with not too much attention which is how I like it. The DB11 seems to be on another level of interest. Just yesterday I popped out and noticed a youngish guy in the front passenger seat of the car behind filming me out of the window, I then parked up at a well known wine retailer and whilst inside 2 guys walked past the car, then stopped and backed up for a look. I notice getting a lot of looks when I am just driving about. I’d say all the attention has been overwhelmingly positive so far (even though I find it a little cringe personally).
Thanks for that! I think I’m at the point where the decision is made and I’m just sat waiting for the right one. No idea about pads and brakes.
Mine has B&O and it does sound very good, although the premium audio is very good too. I think it will help having B&O at resale.
General reaction has surprised me. I’ve been quietly knocking about in the DB9 for nearly 6 years with not too much attention which is how I like it. The DB11 seems to be on another level of interest. Just yesterday I popped out and noticed a youngish guy in the front passenger seat of the car behind filming me out of the window, I then parked up at a well known wine retailer and whilst inside 2 guys walked past the car, then stopped and backed up for a look. I notice getting a lot of looks when I am just driving about. I’d say all the attention has been overwhelmingly positive so far (even though I find it a little cringe personally).
It’s a push financially but, having now seen a handful of chaps my age (early 40s) have heart attacks / strokes / die, I’m thinking life is too short not to. Plus I can’t get excited by 911s or the slightly more sensible options and an Aston has always been a bit of a dream car for me!
M1AGM said:
….quietly knock[ed] about in DB9 for nearly 6 years with not too much attention…
The DB11 seems to be on another level of interest…I’d say all the attention has been overwhelmingly positive
I have to second this. If you read some of the online opinions of the DB11 you’d think the DB9 was the ultimate expression of art, some sort of never to be beaten Mona Lisa while the newfangled DB11 is some hideous Picasso.The DB11 seems to be on another level of interest…I’d say all the attention has been overwhelmingly positive
But I can confirm the (similarly positive) reaction from Joe Public is wayyyy more evident with the DB11 than with my Vantage S. I always put it down to the bright colour of the DB11 and traditional silver grey hues of my older car. Whatever it is, folk just absolutely love it.
Mind, even the reactions to an orange DB11 don’t hold a candle to the reaction I get to this..
Man of gas said:
Man of gas said:
I am considering changing my XKR for a DB11 AMR, how do you find the steering feel?
Sorry, this was a question to M1AGMGassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff