Always been a 911 man........
Discussion
Morning All,
I have always considered myself a 911 man, have owned one before and am looking to get myself into something special for my upcoming 40th (I know any excuse!). I have been looking at 996 turbo's and 997's around the £35k mark.
Having had a look at what else I could get for that kind of money it appears that I could get an 05 DB9...... I haven't ever really considered an Aston as I thought they were probably out of my price range and a little fragile. The fact that a fairly reasonable mileage can be had for around that kind of money has me thinking.
I need a car to work most of the time as this will be my main car, need to rear seats for the kids but am mainly looking for something with some passion/sole and maybe a bit of an event. The 911 fits most of that bill perfectly and drives and handle beautifully and I have never been let down etc etc. I have had a one before so maybe time for a change??
I am going to go and have a look at a DB9 today because, well because its an Aston and a thing of real beauty! It seems like Aston owners have something of a love affair with their cars and that is what I am looking for, something a little special!
So what are people's thoughts?
Could I get a decent DB9 for around the £35k mark? What should I be looking for?
Am I letting myself in for a world of pain?
Are their any ex Porsche owners that could comment?
Thanks all!
I have always considered myself a 911 man, have owned one before and am looking to get myself into something special for my upcoming 40th (I know any excuse!). I have been looking at 996 turbo's and 997's around the £35k mark.
Having had a look at what else I could get for that kind of money it appears that I could get an 05 DB9...... I haven't ever really considered an Aston as I thought they were probably out of my price range and a little fragile. The fact that a fairly reasonable mileage can be had for around that kind of money has me thinking.
I need a car to work most of the time as this will be my main car, need to rear seats for the kids but am mainly looking for something with some passion/sole and maybe a bit of an event. The 911 fits most of that bill perfectly and drives and handle beautifully and I have never been let down etc etc. I have had a one before so maybe time for a change??
I am going to go and have a look at a DB9 today because, well because its an Aston and a thing of real beauty! It seems like Aston owners have something of a love affair with their cars and that is what I am looking for, something a little special!
So what are people's thoughts?
Could I get a decent DB9 for around the £35k mark? What should I be looking for?
Am I letting myself in for a world of pain?
Are their any ex Porsche owners that could comment?
Thanks all!
Zanderman. You may need to be patient on this one as most of the regular posters are at Gaydon today on a factory tour. There will be plenty of advice in due course. From my point of view I have had 4 911's including a Turbo albeit a few years back. Would I swap back from AM to Porsche. Unlikely. Check out the rear seats though 
I've had my 56 plate DB9 for about 15 months as an everyday car with no problems at all, it's had a service, some rear pads and rear tyres (£270 each, not bad) and the trip computer shows 17mpg with a lot of 4 mile each way station runs in that figure.
I'm 6ft and there is absolutely zero leg room behind my seat but in reasonable comfort I've had a 6ft mate and his 9 year old lad in the passenger side for the 40 odd mile trip from ours to Silverstone, now the lad's 10 it's a bit tight.
On the plus side the mechanics of the car are really robust, it's always an occasion to drive, is a sportier drive than you might imagine and gets the right sort of attention from everyone wherever I go. Sounds nice too.
I'm 6ft and there is absolutely zero leg room behind my seat but in reasonable comfort I've had a 6ft mate and his 9 year old lad in the passenger side for the 40 odd mile trip from ours to Silverstone, now the lad's 10 it's a bit tight.
On the plus side the mechanics of the car are really robust, it's always an occasion to drive, is a sportier drive than you might imagine and gets the right sort of attention from everyone wherever I go. Sounds nice too.
I moved from a 996 C4S to a DB9 when I was 40 too! The rear seats are about equal (I have kids, some of them quite big now too!)
The DB9 is no better driver's car than a Porsche and of course the engine being in the front makes everything different. However, it is either as much fun or virtually as much fun as the Porsche but what it does much better than the Porsche is provide a sense of occasion.
For a big beefy, proper car to be that good is the appeal. You can't beat the shove from a V12 either - seamless, consistent performance with a great soundtrack.
My only question is whether one at £35k has some hidden bills to come. It looks a bit below the market to me. If you can stretch a little further, I think it is a great idea and I certainly loved mine. I upgraded to a DBS since.
The DB9 is no better driver's car than a Porsche and of course the engine being in the front makes everything different. However, it is either as much fun or virtually as much fun as the Porsche but what it does much better than the Porsche is provide a sense of occasion.
For a big beefy, proper car to be that good is the appeal. You can't beat the shove from a V12 either - seamless, consistent performance with a great soundtrack.
My only question is whether one at £35k has some hidden bills to come. It looks a bit below the market to me. If you can stretch a little further, I think it is a great idea and I certainly loved mine. I upgraded to a DBS since.
Hi Zanderman,
I was in a similar position to you - I had a budget of £35 - 40k and was looking at all kinds of metal, E60 M5s (half the budget), E92 M3s, 911s, Caymans - I would have looked at smaller cars if it weren't for the fact that I can't fit in most (I stick out the top of a Lotus Elise - 6'5" with v. long legs). I flicked from car to car almost daily - researching them, prices, specs etc.
At first Vantages seemed out of budget but I test drove one anyway and was impressed. It was then I started, as you have, looking into DB9 prices and was amazed that they were in my price bracket. I didn't look at any other model of car after that - I've always had a soft spot for Astons so didn't know they were in budget. I found a nice '05 DB9 Manual for a bit over £42k (a little budget stretch never hurt anyone) and bought it a week later.
So far I've done nearly 7,000 faultless miles in it. Minor things like passenger side windscreen washer is now missing it's target but other than that, completely faultless. After I bought it I spent about £1,000 on iPod/Bluetooth kit to be fitted and Tony's interior knobs just to finish off the inside (Some tech goes out of date faster than others). I'm about to splash out on some new rear tyres (~£260 each) so that will be my first necessary expense (other than *&%£ loads of fuel
).
You mentioned space for the kids, if you've accepted the 911 rear seats then the DB9 seats are no worse really - both about as useful as a chocolate teapot when you've got two tall people in the front.
They are solidly built and utterly beautiful. The feeling I get every time I drive the thing is truly something to behold and I can't think of another car in the world I'd rather have.
In summary - go for it, you won't regret it.
I was in a similar position to you - I had a budget of £35 - 40k and was looking at all kinds of metal, E60 M5s (half the budget), E92 M3s, 911s, Caymans - I would have looked at smaller cars if it weren't for the fact that I can't fit in most (I stick out the top of a Lotus Elise - 6'5" with v. long legs). I flicked from car to car almost daily - researching them, prices, specs etc.
At first Vantages seemed out of budget but I test drove one anyway and was impressed. It was then I started, as you have, looking into DB9 prices and was amazed that they were in my price bracket. I didn't look at any other model of car after that - I've always had a soft spot for Astons so didn't know they were in budget. I found a nice '05 DB9 Manual for a bit over £42k (a little budget stretch never hurt anyone
) and bought it a week later.So far I've done nearly 7,000 faultless miles in it. Minor things like passenger side windscreen washer is now missing it's target but other than that, completely faultless. After I bought it I spent about £1,000 on iPod/Bluetooth kit to be fitted and Tony's interior knobs just to finish off the inside (Some tech goes out of date faster than others). I'm about to splash out on some new rear tyres (~£260 each) so that will be my first necessary expense (other than *&%£ loads of fuel
).You mentioned space for the kids, if you've accepted the 911 rear seats then the DB9 seats are no worse really - both about as useful as a chocolate teapot when you've got two tall people in the front.
They are solidly built and utterly beautiful. The feeling I get every time I drive the thing is truly something to behold and I can't think of another car in the world I'd rather have.
In summary - go for it, you won't regret it.
I've had an 06 DB9 since new (30,500 miles currently) and a 997 C4S gen 2 since Jan 09 (33,500 miles to date). The 911 is my daily drive. I love both cars but both are very different - my thoughts and personal opinions on ownership of both:
1. Cost of ownership. The Porsche is much cheaper to run. Servicing is every 2 years or 20,000 miles and the dealer costs are cheaper. Whenever the DB9 goes in for service, the bill is always over £2,000. The last service on the 911 was about £450. I bought an extended warranty for the 911 (for a further 2 years) when the car was 2 years old and this was about £750 cheaper than the comparable warranty on the DB9. In terms of mpg, I get about 19 mpg from the DB9 and 25 mpg from the 911 (both since new).
2. Reliability. Touch wood, my DB9 has been a very reliable car, but I have much more confidence in the reliability of the 911. I take it for granted that the 911 will start every time and not go wrong, but that was never an assumption I had with the DB9, although it's been a pleasant surprise to see how well it has performed over the last 6 years.
3. Insurance. I'm 48 and live in North Norfolk, so low risk area. DB9 is £700 a year and the 911 £400. Both are insured with Porsche Insurance and on limited mileage.
4. Driving experience. The DB9 for me is more of an 'experience' to drive - it feels a special car and the cabin environment feels higher quality. The sound is sublime (I had Works Service fit a switch on the steering column so I could have the same effect as removing the infamous fuse 22). If I was to drive down to the South of France I would choose the DB9 every time - it's such a relaxed car to drive long distances.
But, and this is a big but, I find the 911, by far, the better drivers' car. I'm sure it's my (rather poor) driving style, but I've never felt completely comfortable hustling the DB9 along too fast on twisty roads - it's a big, heavy car compared to the 911 and the brakes could have better feel. By comparison, when I have a fast drive in the 911, I get out of the car at the end with a big smile on my face amazed at what a wonderful driving experience it is (and wanting to get back in and do it again).
If I had to choose only one to live, it would be a very difficult choice - they are both wonderful machines in their own way. I'd certainly try and organise an extended test drive in a DB9 to see what you think of it first.
1. Cost of ownership. The Porsche is much cheaper to run. Servicing is every 2 years or 20,000 miles and the dealer costs are cheaper. Whenever the DB9 goes in for service, the bill is always over £2,000. The last service on the 911 was about £450. I bought an extended warranty for the 911 (for a further 2 years) when the car was 2 years old and this was about £750 cheaper than the comparable warranty on the DB9. In terms of mpg, I get about 19 mpg from the DB9 and 25 mpg from the 911 (both since new).
2. Reliability. Touch wood, my DB9 has been a very reliable car, but I have much more confidence in the reliability of the 911. I take it for granted that the 911 will start every time and not go wrong, but that was never an assumption I had with the DB9, although it's been a pleasant surprise to see how well it has performed over the last 6 years.
3. Insurance. I'm 48 and live in North Norfolk, so low risk area. DB9 is £700 a year and the 911 £400. Both are insured with Porsche Insurance and on limited mileage.
4. Driving experience. The DB9 for me is more of an 'experience' to drive - it feels a special car and the cabin environment feels higher quality. The sound is sublime (I had Works Service fit a switch on the steering column so I could have the same effect as removing the infamous fuse 22). If I was to drive down to the South of France I would choose the DB9 every time - it's such a relaxed car to drive long distances.
But, and this is a big but, I find the 911, by far, the better drivers' car. I'm sure it's my (rather poor) driving style, but I've never felt completely comfortable hustling the DB9 along too fast on twisty roads - it's a big, heavy car compared to the 911 and the brakes could have better feel. By comparison, when I have a fast drive in the 911, I get out of the car at the end with a big smile on my face amazed at what a wonderful driving experience it is (and wanting to get back in and do it again).
If I had to choose only one to live, it would be a very difficult choice - they are both wonderful machines in their own way. I'd certainly try and organise an extended test drive in a DB9 to see what you think of it first.
I forgot to mention servicing and servicing, I assume yours is dealer serviced, my last bill for service, pads and wheel alignment came in at a grand from Bamford Rose and I was pleasantly suprised this time when the insurance was only £520 from Admiral, that's for a 40 yr old driver, the missus and park on the drive overnight.
Norfolkaston said:
Yes, mine is main dealer serviced. Last bill was £592 for the service, £340 for rear brake pads, £342 for a new rear tyre, £54.85 for the MOT, £136 for oil - whole thing plus VAT came to £2,126.15!
£342 for a rear tyre and £54 for an MOT plus VAT??!! Tyre should be no more than £230 fitted and MOT £25 at any testing station including VAT897sma said:
Norfolkaston said:
Yes, mine is main dealer serviced. Last bill was £592 for the service, £340 for rear brake pads, £342 for a new rear tyre, £54.85 for the MOT, £136 for oil - whole thing plus VAT came to £2,126.15!
£342 for a rear tyre and £54 for an MOT plus VAT??!! Tyre should be no more than £230 fitted and MOT £25 at any testing station including VATApologies to the OP for letting the thread go a little off topic.
Steve*B said:
Hmmm, how much do you love your kids?
+1If your kids are dwarves and can do impressions of a pancake then the DB9 is for you !!
I didn't buy mine as a family car.
I would recommend your strategy of going and testing a DB9 but be prepared for it asking more questions than answering them...ie
Do you really want a family car now or do you just want to have sex with this Aston you're in ??
Norfolkaston said:
I've had an 06 DB9 since new (30,500 miles currently) and a 997 C4S gen 2 since Jan 09 (33,500 miles to date). The 911 is my daily drive. I love both cars but both are very different - my thoughts and personal opinions on ownership of both:
1. Cost of ownership. The Porsche is much cheaper to run. Servicing is every 2 years or 20,000 miles and the dealer costs are cheaper. Whenever the DB9 goes in for service, the bill is always over £2,000. The last service on the 911 was about £450. I bought an extended warranty for the 911 (for a further 2 years) when the car was 2 years old and this was about £750 cheaper than the comparable warranty on the DB9. In terms of mpg, I get about 19 mpg from the DB9 and 25 mpg from the 911 (both since new).
2. Reliability. Touch wood, my DB9 has been a very reliable car, but I have much more confidence in the reliability of the 911. I take it for granted that the 911 will start every time and not go wrong, but that was never an assumption I had with the DB9, although it's been a pleasant surprise to see how well it has performed over the last 6 years.
3. Insurance. I'm 48 and live in North Norfolk, so low risk area. DB9 is £700 a year and the 911 £400. Both are insured with Porsche Insurance and on limited mileage.
4. Driving experience. The DB9 for me is more of an 'experience' to drive - it feels a special car and the cabin environment feels higher quality. The sound is sublime (I had Works Service fit a switch on the steering column so I could have the same effect as removing the infamous fuse 22). If I was to drive down to the South of France I would choose the DB9 every time - it's such a relaxed car to drive long distances.
But, and this is a big but, I find the 911, by far, the better drivers' car. I'm sure it's my (rather poor) driving style, but I've never felt completely comfortable hustling the DB9 along too fast on twisty roads - it's a big, heavy car compared to the 911 and the brakes could have better feel. By comparison, when I have a fast drive in the 911, I get out of the car at the end with a big smile on my face amazed at what a wonderful driving experience it is (and wanting to get back in and do it again).
If I had to choose only one to live, it would be a very difficult choice - they are both wonderful machines in their own way. I'd certainly try and organise an extended test drive in a DB9 to see what you think of it first.
Great insight here - you drive similarly as me at 19 mpg which means you aren't minded to throw it about.1. Cost of ownership. The Porsche is much cheaper to run. Servicing is every 2 years or 20,000 miles and the dealer costs are cheaper. Whenever the DB9 goes in for service, the bill is always over £2,000. The last service on the 911 was about £450. I bought an extended warranty for the 911 (for a further 2 years) when the car was 2 years old and this was about £750 cheaper than the comparable warranty on the DB9. In terms of mpg, I get about 19 mpg from the DB9 and 25 mpg from the 911 (both since new).
2. Reliability. Touch wood, my DB9 has been a very reliable car, but I have much more confidence in the reliability of the 911. I take it for granted that the 911 will start every time and not go wrong, but that was never an assumption I had with the DB9, although it's been a pleasant surprise to see how well it has performed over the last 6 years.
3. Insurance. I'm 48 and live in North Norfolk, so low risk area. DB9 is £700 a year and the 911 £400. Both are insured with Porsche Insurance and on limited mileage.
4. Driving experience. The DB9 for me is more of an 'experience' to drive - it feels a special car and the cabin environment feels higher quality. The sound is sublime (I had Works Service fit a switch on the steering column so I could have the same effect as removing the infamous fuse 22). If I was to drive down to the South of France I would choose the DB9 every time - it's such a relaxed car to drive long distances.
But, and this is a big but, I find the 911, by far, the better drivers' car. I'm sure it's my (rather poor) driving style, but I've never felt completely comfortable hustling the DB9 along too fast on twisty roads - it's a big, heavy car compared to the 911 and the brakes could have better feel. By comparison, when I have a fast drive in the 911, I get out of the car at the end with a big smile on my face amazed at what a wonderful driving experience it is (and wanting to get back in and do it again).
If I had to choose only one to live, it would be a very difficult choice - they are both wonderful machines in their own way. I'd certainly try and organise an extended test drive in a DB9 to see what you think of it first.
The DB9 and 911 I'm pretty sure will have different geo settings as they are different cars, so I'm not surprised at your comments. If you follow Yeti's comments you can set the geo up to move it slightly away from the GT feel and more to the sporty feel.
Otherwise the DB9 is not designed to give that type of drive from its default setup
Jockman - I did think sometime ago about retro-fitting the sport pack onto my DB9 but decided against it because I liked (and still like) the factory set up as is, and didn't want to make the ride quality worse. I'd always assumed (maybe wrongly) that if you wanted something with a more sporting feel, the V8 Vantage would be the better option?
Incidentally, and off topic I realise, I had a test drive in the 991 when it came out, and came away very impressed. To my mind, it sees the 911 moving more into DB9 territory in terms of a GT experience (which I like) but without losing the inherent character and drive-ability of the 911.
Incidentally, and off topic I realise, I had a test drive in the 991 when it came out, and came away very impressed. To my mind, it sees the 911 moving more into DB9 territory in terms of a GT experience (which I like) but without losing the inherent character and drive-ability of the 911.
Norfolkaston said:
Jockman - I did think sometime ago about retro-fitting the sport pack onto my DB9 but decided against it because I liked (and still like) the factory set up as is, and didn't want to make the ride quality worse. I'd always assumed (maybe wrongly) that if you wanted something with a more sporting feel, the V8 Vantage would be the better option?..
The trouble with your geo set up is that it probably is no longer at the factory setting after so many years, tyre changes etc ???
For £50 you could get it reset to how AM intended it then use the blank template (if necessary) to adjust toe / castor etc to suit you
So I got to test drive both today back to back and am now even more confused!
The 911 for me was by far the better drive, in manual form it was just superb. Handled like a dream and rapid enough for anything I am going to ever need. I also felt at home as soon as I sat in it and quickly started to remember how my previous 911 drove and felt and really quickly started to get the best out of it with real confidence. Just loved it!! Came out with a big grin on my face because I felt like I had really been driving (if that makes sense?)
The DB9 is just impossibly beautiful, from every angle its just stunning. Maybe more so than any other car I have ever looked at. It is a very different drive to the 911 and in auto mode still handles well and has amazing pace and acceleration. Was way less impressed with the driving experience as a whole but people who say it is an 'experience' or an 'event' I understand now what they mean! Also the admiring glances and looks were quite nice!
So in terms of a decision I dont think I am there yet but to be honest if I am looking for something to get back to 'driving' then it will have to be the 911. If I am looking for something to feel special in then the DB9 has to win. The other thing is that the DB9 is going to work out at around £10k more, I can afford that and for the right car it isnt a problem but something else to factor in I guess.
Not a bad choice to have to make though I suopose!!
The 911 for me was by far the better drive, in manual form it was just superb. Handled like a dream and rapid enough for anything I am going to ever need. I also felt at home as soon as I sat in it and quickly started to remember how my previous 911 drove and felt and really quickly started to get the best out of it with real confidence. Just loved it!! Came out with a big grin on my face because I felt like I had really been driving (if that makes sense?)
The DB9 is just impossibly beautiful, from every angle its just stunning. Maybe more so than any other car I have ever looked at. It is a very different drive to the 911 and in auto mode still handles well and has amazing pace and acceleration. Was way less impressed with the driving experience as a whole but people who say it is an 'experience' or an 'event' I understand now what they mean! Also the admiring glances and looks were quite nice!
So in terms of a decision I dont think I am there yet but to be honest if I am looking for something to get back to 'driving' then it will have to be the 911. If I am looking for something to feel special in then the DB9 has to win. The other thing is that the DB9 is going to work out at around £10k more, I can afford that and for the right car it isnt a problem but something else to factor in I guess.
Not a bad choice to have to make though I suopose!!
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