RE: Aston Martin DB9: PH Buying Guide
Discussion
Having owned my 2005 Midnight Blue DB9 for 5 years it has been wonderful. Except this year with COVID I usually put on 5-6k per year including Europe and all across UK. While it is garaged it goes out in all weathers. I would only add a few things to the "Buying Guide".
1) When driving around town on shorter journeys use the manual mode with paddles - it will rev higher and limit the plugs fouling. Why is this important? Fouled plugs = burnt out coil packs and there are 12 of the things. If one goes it is worth changing them all because getting to them is a pain.
2) Don’t worry if it does not go in park when you press the P - it is usually a software upgrade, or you need to replace the button - not that bad a cost.
3) Take out fuse 22 - makes it sound better all the time.
4) Get used to waking the neighbours when you start it up!
5) Servicing is not as bad as some other brands – but rear wheel bearings cost a fortune!
6) The sat nav is horrible.
7) Get used to idiots in Audis trying to cut you off or race you while you are cruising along the M4.
8) When looking at a car to buy and you don’t like the style of wood on the "ski slope" dash – don’t worry – just get it changed after to the style you want.
9) Changing the battery is a pain – it’s under the rear seat on the driver’s side – so if you don’t drive for any period of time keep it on a battery tender that comes with the car.
10) Finally remember, you will be driving probably the best looking modern car wherever you go. Period.
1) When driving around town on shorter journeys use the manual mode with paddles - it will rev higher and limit the plugs fouling. Why is this important? Fouled plugs = burnt out coil packs and there are 12 of the things. If one goes it is worth changing them all because getting to them is a pain.
2) Don’t worry if it does not go in park when you press the P - it is usually a software upgrade, or you need to replace the button - not that bad a cost.
3) Take out fuse 22 - makes it sound better all the time.
4) Get used to waking the neighbours when you start it up!
5) Servicing is not as bad as some other brands – but rear wheel bearings cost a fortune!
6) The sat nav is horrible.
7) Get used to idiots in Audis trying to cut you off or race you while you are cruising along the M4.
8) When looking at a car to buy and you don’t like the style of wood on the "ski slope" dash – don’t worry – just get it changed after to the style you want.
9) Changing the battery is a pain – it’s under the rear seat on the driver’s side – so if you don’t drive for any period of time keep it on a battery tender that comes with the car.
10) Finally remember, you will be driving probably the best looking modern car wherever you go. Period.
mattf93 said:
Esceptico said:
I thought about getting a DB9 a few years back (had a 997 2S at the time). Despite being much bigger than the 911 the rear was a joke - tried putting in my child seat from the 911 and it wouldn't fit at all. Gorgeous looking car though.
Unfortunately I think you have to accept that its a 2 seat GT with luggage space behind the seats 
Then it makes sense a bit more
only non service expense since new has been tyres, pads, and a air con compressor.
Edited by oilit on Thursday 10th December 19:18
boxsey said:
The DB9 has been one of my favorite cars ever since Clarkson did that race across Europe challenge. I think it looks as good today as it ever did and always turns my head whenever I see one. And this coming from someone being a Porsche nut!
Hmm, I didn't know being a Porsche nut excluded you from coveting a DB9 also: well that is disappointing - which one do I give up then? :/Funnily enough, I was looking at the old buying guide last weekend before going to see a 2008 Volante. Didn't particularly get on with the slow-witted gearbox and fairly harsh ride. Think the facelift (2009) model is better.
Also looking at GranCabrios, which actually have a usable rear seat: I was really surprised how tiny the DB9's were - could just about get my legs, but the roof meant I couldn't sit up, and I'm not that tall!
Also looking at GranCabrios, which actually have a usable rear seat: I was really surprised how tiny the DB9's were - could just about get my legs, but the roof meant I couldn't sit up, and I'm not that tall!
Who doesn't love an Aston Martin, that quintessential British icon. The winged badge alone gives it kudos above many 'lesser' brands. I may be a biased owner, but I do think these represent fantastic value for money. I owned a DB9.1 for nearly 3 years and have now had a DB9.2 for 3+ years. I actually had an offer to sell me DB9.2 recently and I did consider. However my conclusion was, I couldn't actually replace it with anything that gives me as much joy as the DB9.2 does at the same budget.
Yes they are thirsty - which performance car isn't. Yes servicing/repairs is quite expensive - there is a huge network of independents offering many cost saving alternatives. Hell even the dealers aren't too bad on routine servicing. On the whole they have been pretty reliable other than a couple of repairs above routine servicing in the 6 years. The ceramic brakes on my DB9.2 are very expensive should they ever need replacement discs, but there are alternatives out there like Rebrake - ceramic disc refurb.
Any excuse for some gratuitous shots
Yes they are thirsty - which performance car isn't. Yes servicing/repairs is quite expensive - there is a huge network of independents offering many cost saving alternatives. Hell even the dealers aren't too bad on routine servicing. On the whole they have been pretty reliable other than a couple of repairs above routine servicing in the 6 years. The ceramic brakes on my DB9.2 are very expensive should they ever need replacement discs, but there are alternatives out there like Rebrake - ceramic disc refurb.
Any excuse for some gratuitous shots
ikonic said:
These come into my thinking fairly regularly, but I do wonder if I'd be better off with a Maserati Granturismo?
Actually has 4 genuinely usable seats, lovely V8, supposedly not that unreliable (variator issue aside) and apparently significantly better to drive than the DB9. Price wise they seem to be hanging at a similar level to the DB9, albeit being slightly newer with 4.2 and 4.7 variants available.
Anyone actually considered and tested the two and come to a conclusion?
Tested both,Maser (In MC-shift 4.7 form) was in different league in most areas, so I bought one.Having said that, every Aston I've driven from the DB7 onwards has been a disappointmentActually has 4 genuinely usable seats, lovely V8, supposedly not that unreliable (variator issue aside) and apparently significantly better to drive than the DB9. Price wise they seem to be hanging at a similar level to the DB9, albeit being slightly newer with 4.2 and 4.7 variants available.
Anyone actually considered and tested the two and come to a conclusion?
Edited by sjc on Friday 11th December 13:40
Yep would love a DB9 one day. Do not care one bit how well they handle. I had a copy of CAR magazine as a young teenager with the DB9 launch it had a cut section DB9 centrefold showing the aluminium build structure, think that was one of the main things that got me into Aston’s. It’s timeless IMO so much more modern and crisper than a DB7 but not a caricature of a Aston like some of the current model range (DB11 aside).
I bought a Defender from a chap who had a immaculate dark blue DB9, I remember turning up at a rather grand house and thinking well at least I know if he can run a DB9 he’s probably looked after the Land Rover, which he had, what a thing though, they look good in pictures but fantastic in the flesh.
Good to read some PH’rs living the dream and your ownership stories in the comments, hats off chaps/ladies
I bought a Defender from a chap who had a immaculate dark blue DB9, I remember turning up at a rather grand house and thinking well at least I know if he can run a DB9 he’s probably looked after the Land Rover, which he had, what a thing though, they look good in pictures but fantastic in the flesh.
Good to read some PH’rs living the dream and your ownership stories in the comments, hats off chaps/ladies
While I think the DB9 is one of Aston Martin's most beautiful models ever, I wasn't willing to give up higher performance and take out a second mortgage to get one. So I did the next best thing imho, I bought the clone Ian Callum designed for Jaguar, the 5.0L XKR. Nearly identical looks, much better performance (than even the V12), livable price, and now after 180,000 miles on the car pictured below, is still reliaable as any car I've ever owned, and still looks and drives like new.
tberg said:
While I think the DB9 is one of Aston Martin's most beautiful models ever, I wasn't willing to give up higher performance and take out a second mortgage to get one. So I did the next best thing imho, I bought the clone Ian Callum designed for Jaguar, the 5.0L XKR. Nearly identical looks, much better performance (than even the V12), livable price, and now after 180,000 miles on the car pictured below, is still reliaable as any car I've ever owned, and still looks and drives like new.
No. Cold said:
tberg said:
While I think the DB9 is one of Aston Martin's most beautiful models ever, I wasn't willing to give up higher performance and take out a second mortgage to get one. So I did the next best thing imho, I bought the clone Ian Callum designed for Jaguar, the 5.0L XKR. Nearly identical looks, much better performance (than even the V12), livable price, and now after 180,000 miles on the car pictured below, is still reliaable as any car I've ever owned, and still looks and drives like new.
No. 
I just purchased a 2006 DB9 Volante with 43,000 miles. I purchased it form a private party who had all the service records from the AM dealership. The car has an oil leak, but the mechanic who has worked on the vehicle, advised me against spending $6,700 to repair the leak. Instead, he suggested I keep checking the oil levels and continue to bring it in for regular service. Any thoughts on the wisdom of the advice?
The exterior of the car has some expected chipping and I am considering either getting the car repainted or having it wrapped in black-- which is it's factory color. Any thoughts on a wrap vs. repaint? If I get the car painted I was considering purchasing a full film protection for the vehicle and having it ceramic coated. Any feedback on this option?
I love driving this vehicle. It is the first AM and V12 I have owned. My former cars include a Maserati QP, Mercedes SL 450, SL 550 and BMW 740il. I believe the DB( is a cut above all of these vehicles. I intend to us it as a daily driver and keep it well maintained. MY black lab, Zeus, love riding shot gun especially with the top down. For Zeus, it beats being exiled to the far back of my wife's Subaru Outback, which was specifically purchased for the dog.
The exterior of the car has some expected chipping and I am considering either getting the car repainted or having it wrapped in black-- which is it's factory color. Any thoughts on a wrap vs. repaint? If I get the car painted I was considering purchasing a full film protection for the vehicle and having it ceramic coated. Any feedback on this option?
I love driving this vehicle. It is the first AM and V12 I have owned. My former cars include a Maserati QP, Mercedes SL 450, SL 550 and BMW 740il. I believe the DB( is a cut above all of these vehicles. I intend to us it as a daily driver and keep it well maintained. MY black lab, Zeus, love riding shot gun especially with the top down. For Zeus, it beats being exiled to the far back of my wife's Subaru Outback, which was specifically purchased for the dog.
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