DB9 to DBS - do I or don't I?

DB9 to DBS - do I or don't I?

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Discussion

Dobie177

Original Poster:

250 posts

131 months

Thursday 27th April 2017
quotequote all
I've a mint condition, low-ish mileage 2004 DB9 but have had my head turned recently- first by a late model 8sp Vanquish, and now by the DBS. Both brilliant cars (though need to spec the Vanq right)... but heart says DBS. With DBS values on the up (or dealers spotting the demand/chatter and chancing their luck), I'm deliberating whether an extra circa £80k to go from my mint 9 to an auto DBS is really the right move. My heart says "do it"... am I mad?

Edited by Dobie177 on Thursday 27th April 17:50

M5MarkM

1,531 posts

170 months

Thursday 27th April 2017
quotequote all
Dobie177 said:
I've a mint condition, low-ish mileage 2004 DB9 but have had my head turned recently- first by a late model 8sp Vanquish, and now by the DBS. Both brilliant cars (though need to spec the Vanq right)... but heart says DBS. With DBS values on the up (or dealers spotting the demand/chatter and chancing their luck), I'm deliberating whether an extra circa £80k to go from my mint 9 to an auto S is really the right move. My heart says "do it"... am I mad?
Well if it helps.... I've kept my DB9 Volante and gone for the Vanquish S as well. I TOTALLY understand your problem with the DBS. I still very much love them and can't help but think about getting a DBSV still. In reality the 8 speed Vanquish is far superior than the DBS in terms of speed, performance and equipment. In reality I don't think you can do wrong with either option but the Vanquish is an excellent car you won't be disappointed at all! It is also a flagship like the DBS so one would hope in the future it has some good residuals, but then that's not really the reason most of us buy cars. That being said I don't plan on ever selling the Vanquish S, last ever real Aston Martin n/a V12 FLagship car, it should go up in price eventually!

MarkM3Evoplus

804 posts

199 months

Thursday 27th April 2017
quotequote all
I have a mate who has intimated he is after an early DB9. It has to be an auto though.

Can you advise your 9's spec and I will pass it on, unless you intend to part ex against a DBS?

anonymous-user

53 months

Thursday 27th April 2017
quotequote all
Maybe go for a Manual S? Sure you won't lose any money and if it is not for you swap back in circa 12M.

Or if you can afford it, have both and see how you get on over the Summer?

Dobie177

Original Poster:

250 posts

131 months

Thursday 27th April 2017
quotequote all
MarkM3Evoplus said:
I have a mate who has intimated he is after an early DB9. It has to be an auto though.

Can you advise your 9's spec and I will pass it on, unless you intend to part ex against a DBS?
It's Tungsten Silver, auto, black leather interior, piano black ski slope, heated front screen, electro-folding door mirrors, heated seats etc. 41k miles, clear lens rear lights, zero paint bubbling! FSH with Works provenance.

Dobie177

Original Poster:

250 posts

131 months

Thursday 27th April 2017
quotequote all
Trexthedinosaur said:
Maybe go for a Manual S? Sure you won't lose any money and if it is not for you swap back in circa 12M.

Or if you can afford it, have both and see how you get on over the Summer?
Would love both - but can't have both and a happy marriage!

I know manual DBS' are rarer and better investment, but I actually prefer an auto (is it sacrilege to admit!) and they're ALOT easier to find than a manual!


9153mark

136 posts

178 months

Thursday 27th April 2017
quotequote all
Theres a few manuals bout, but £130k for a 41000 miler, really.... Madness.
Sold my manual (I know but no real choice at the time) 3 years ago, made a little profit after 2 years and was happy
All this manual furore is a tad romantic....

Go for what you prefer, both great cars

Bincenzo

2,606 posts

178 months

Thursday 27th April 2017
quotequote all
9153mark said:
Theres a few manuals bout, but £130k for a 41000 miler, really.... Madness.
Sold my manual (I know but no real choice at the time) 3 years ago, made a little profit after 2 years and was happy
All this manual furore is a tad romantic....

Go for what you prefer, both great cars
Hi Mark, didn't realise you'd sold yours. I had a great time in your old V8V then moved to a DBS. The prices may be romantic but I'm certainly not complaining. Good to see you've still got the bikes!

mrteegrassgill

155 posts

125 months

Thursday 27th April 2017
quotequote all
I went from a 2008 DB9V to a 2010 DBSV Last year.

Dont regret it, the DBS is a very different car to the DB9. Much more involving to drive and looks fantastic.

I like a Vanquish as well, but if you are thinking longterm I wonder if the DBS may be a good investment. Although first and foremost, whatever you go for it should be for the car.


9153mark

136 posts

178 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
Bincenzo said:
9153mark said:
Theres a few manuals bout, but £130k for a 41000 miler, really.... Madness.
Sold my manual (I know but no real choice at the time) 3 years ago, made a little profit after 2 years and was happy
All this manual furore is a tad romantic....

Go for what you prefer, both great cars
Hi Mark, didn't realise you'd sold yours. I had a great time in your old V8V then moved to a DBS. The prices may be romantic but I'm certainly not complaining. Good to see you've still got the bikes!
Yep, didnt want to change of career forced it really... Hard to take now but hindsight is a great thing
V8v again, plus my bikes. Thinking about a DBS as wee addition to the family means only I get out in v8v.
Looking at the £100k level so restricted to the autos I guess. Drove one for a while a year back and loved it. Mind set on a quantum one this time. Might look at the 3 on AM timeless, 24 / 42 / 45k miles tho
Yes saw ud traded up... Hope you and family are well


HBradley

1,037 posts

180 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
Dobie177 said:
I've a mint condition, low-ish mileage 2004 DB9 but have had my head turned recently- first by a late model 8sp Vanquish, and now by the DBS. Both brilliant cars (though need to spec the Vanq right)... but heart says DBS. With DBS values on the up (or dealers spotting the demand/chatter and chancing their luck), I'm deliberating whether an extra circa £80k to go from my mint 9 to an auto DBS is really the right move. My heart says "do it"... am I mad?

Edited by Dobie177 on Thursday 27th April 17:50
You could argue that in a few years an 8spd Vanquish may have the same cult appeal as the DBS does now? Though there are a few more around of course.
(Tony, I know it does for you right now biggrin)

Dobie177

Original Poster:

250 posts

131 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
Thanks all. So it sounds like there's a lot of love around for the DBS. Nobody seems to think I'm mad upgrading. Best look for the right car then...

Dobie177

Original Poster:

250 posts

131 months

Friday 28th April 2017
quotequote all
And there's a nice couple of MY11/12 quantum silvers for sale - a great colour. Though at £120-125k they feel toppy...

Speculatore

2,002 posts

234 months

Saturday 29th April 2017
quotequote all
I had a manual 2007 DB9 coupe with sports pack. I gave it to Bamford Rose and they carried out 'Project Blofeld'. Search 'Blofeld' and read the story.

AMDBSVNick

6,990 posts

161 months

Saturday 29th April 2017
quotequote all
Speculatore said:
I had a manual 2007 DB9 coupe with sports pack. I gave it to Bamford Rose and they carried out 'Project Blofeld'. Search 'Blofeld' and read the story.
And then sold it to buy a Bentley wink

JulianPH

9,912 posts

113 months

Sunday 30th April 2017
quotequote all
AMDBSVNick said:
Speculatore said:
I had a manual 2007 DB9 coupe with sports pack. I gave it to Bamford Rose and they carried out 'Project Blofeld'. Search 'Blofeld' and read the story.
And then sold it to buy a Bentley wink
rofl

In all fairness, David did get a very nice Speed model - but brilliant comment Nick!

speedracer800

101 posts

119 months

Sunday 30th April 2017
quotequote all
I struggled with the same decision about a year ago. I had a 05 db9 (6speed) for several years and absolutely loved the car..but the DBS just kept calling to me. As I watched the availability of 3 pedal DBS(s) dry up over the years I arrived at the point where I knew it was time to make a decision.

I chose to go ahead and pull the trigger for the dbs. While I absolutely love my DBS in retrospect I don't that it was the correct decision.

The cars are VERY similar as well all know. But I guess I expected there to be a bit more in terms of performance from the DBS over my very early DB9. I was fortunate enough to own both cars for a period of time together (before selling my DB9) and was able to drive them, one after the other, and the differences are very nominal. Almost certainly not worth the extra 75k.

If you're after the styling of the DBS then you need to decide if that alone is worth the extra money..because the performance, comfort etc certainly isn't in my opinion. I also toyed with the idea of adding the DBS nose, side sills and deck lid to my DB9 to get the "look" of a DBS which probably would have been a better decision looking back.

If you took money out of the equation the DBS wins hands down.. But that's not your dilemma. My opinion is (can't believe I'm saying this) not worth the extra money. Good luck.. Hope that helps. :/

Dobie177

Original Poster:

250 posts

131 months

Sunday 30th April 2017
quotequote all
speedracer800 said:
I struggled with the same decision about a year ago. I had a 05 db9 (6speed) for several years and absolutely loved the car..but the DBS just kept calling to me. As I watched the availability of 3 pedal DBS(s) dry up over the years I arrived at the point where I knew it was time to make a decision.

I chose to go ahead and pull the trigger for the dbs. While I absolutely love my DBS in retrospect I don't that it was the correct decision.

The cars are VERY similar as well all know. But I guess I expected there to be a bit more in terms of performance from the DBS over my very early DB9. I was fortunate enough to own both cars for a period of time together (before selling my DB9) and was able to drive them, one after the other, and the differences are very nominal. Almost certainly not worth the extra 75k.

If you're after the styling of the DBS then you need to decide if that alone is worth the extra money..because the performance, comfort etc certainly isn't in my opinion. I also toyed with the idea of adding the DBS nose, side sills and deck lid to my DB9 to get the "look" of a DBS which probably would have been a better decision looking back.

If you took money out of the equation the DBS wins hands down.. But that's not your dilemma. My opinion is (can't believe I'm saying this) not worth the extra money. Good luck.. Hope that helps. :/
Thanks speedracer- on the one hand very helpful (good to know I'm not alone in mulling over this dilemma)... but, on the other hand, I had just about got my mind made up on switching to a DBS and now I'm questioning the rationale again. Clearly you can overthink these things! The problem is, when you start looking, you just can't stop...

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.



JulianPH

9,912 posts

113 months

Monday 1st May 2017
quotequote all
Dobie177 said:
speedracer800 said:
I struggled with the same decision about a year ago. I had a 05 db9 (6speed) for several years and absolutely loved the car..but the DBS just kept calling to me. As I watched the availability of 3 pedal DBS(s) dry up over the years I arrived at the point where I knew it was time to make a decision.

I chose to go ahead and pull the trigger for the dbs. While I absolutely love my DBS in retrospect I don't that it was the correct decision.

The cars are VERY similar as well all know. But I guess I expected there to be a bit more in terms of performance from the DBS over my very early DB9. I was fortunate enough to own both cars for a period of time together (before selling my DB9) and was able to drive them, one after the other, and the differences are very nominal. Almost certainly not worth the extra 75k.

If you're after the styling of the DBS then you need to decide if that alone is worth the extra money..because the performance, comfort etc certainly isn't in my opinion. I also toyed with the idea of adding the DBS nose, side sills and deck lid to my DB9 to get the "look" of a DBS which probably would have been a better decision looking back.

If you took money out of the equation the DBS wins hands down.. But that's not your dilemma. My opinion is (can't believe I'm saying this) not worth the extra money. Good luck.. Hope that helps. :/
Thanks speedracer- on the one hand very helpful (good to know I'm not alone in mulling over this dilemma)... but, on the other hand, I had just about got my mind made up on switching to a DBS and now I'm questioning the rationale again. Clearly you can overthink these things! The problem is, when you start looking, you just can't stop...

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
If it of any help I have been agonising over the exact same thing for over two years now!

I was originally buying a DBS but the experience with a particular dealership almost put me off an Aston for life (that is another story!). I was then contacted by HWM Aston Martin regarding a DBS they had in and I told them I was no longer interested, but would consider an early DB9 to scratch the Aston itch and give the brand a chance at a much cheaper price point.

Well, my experience with them has been fantastic to say the least and I still have my pristine condition DB9, but regularly keep looking at changing it for the DBS.

Two things are stopping me. Firstly, whilst I know the DBS is the better car, I (also) don't believe it is £75k better than my DB9. Secondly, I get so many compliments about my DB9 from people who love Aston Martins but can't tell the difference between the models there is no upside to be had there either!

If I had a newer (higher value) DB9 with a smaller premium to swap into a DBS I would do it in a heartbeat. But the leap in price from the incredible (almost unbelievable) value of a pristine early model is so great that in this context it is very hard to justify.

That amount of money would upgrade my Bentley GT Mulliner to the Speed model AND my Range Rover Vogue to the new model shape, but I am not really considering doing this either.

Aston's do mess with your mind though... spin


spyker138

930 posts

223 months

Monday 1st May 2017
quotequote all
Sometimes following everyone else is not the best answer. I think in time, and not too far away, people will begin to tire of body kits looks and alcantara interiors and start to seek purer design and classic looks. Pre facelift designs are always the best IMHO too. Most early DB9 drivers don't need that much extra downforce, and make the time up on the speed humps.

So I think an early DB9 with an interesting color and the bamboo of walnut console will become the long term classic car of choice, and in Manual has the rarity factor too. Funnily enough I also think the Virage will suddenly get a lot if interest for the clean design and oddity factor.

p.s. put that spare cash in premium bonds.