DB9 to DBS - do I or don't I?
Discussion
From an investment perspective, I think none of us really know how the recent Aston's will do in the short or even long term. So many were produced such that the only ones (I think) with any hope, are likely to be the limited / special editions, and even then it may only be a modest premium over the car it is based upon so may never even make overs on retail, so I'd just buy the car you want to drive.
I went from a 2005 DB9 to a DBS Volante, and the differences I noticed between the two cars was pretty significant. So in order.. The most obvious was the CCM brakes, then the overall tighter feel (I think the DBS rear subframe is mounted at six points as opposed to the 4 on the DB9), the exhaust note, the 510 BHP, the updated centre console stack, the additional sound deadening/isolation, and finally the B&O sound system.
I went from a 2005 DB9 to a DBS Volante, and the differences I noticed between the two cars was pretty significant. So in order.. The most obvious was the CCM brakes, then the overall tighter feel (I think the DBS rear subframe is mounted at six points as opposed to the 4 on the DB9), the exhaust note, the 510 BHP, the updated centre console stack, the additional sound deadening/isolation, and finally the B&O sound system.
Edited by NeinFondue on Monday 1st May 16:42
Thought I would chuck my tuppence in...
DB9 manual.....fantastic...loved it...had to leave the country to sell it...
Bought a manual dbs...better in every respect over the 9.... worth the extra money....I would say no....but what a car.....the dbs will always be the most desirable....purely due to all the hype....and the improvements.....
DB9 manual.....fantastic...loved it...had to leave the country to sell it...
Bought a manual dbs...better in every respect over the 9.... worth the extra money....I would say no....but what a car.....the dbs will always be the most desirable....purely due to all the hype....and the improvements.....
Thought I would chuck my tuppence in...
DB9 manual.....fantastic...loved it...had to leave the country to sell it...
Bought a manual dbs...better in every respect over the 9.... worth the extra money....I would say no....but what a car.....the dbs will always be the most desirable....purely due to all the hype....and the improvements.....
DB9 manual.....fantastic...loved it...had to leave the country to sell it...
Bought a manual dbs...better in every respect over the 9.... worth the extra money....I would say no....but what a car.....the dbs will always be the most desirable....purely due to all the hype....and the improvements.....
We had both side by side. Manual DBS and TT DB9 Volante. In my opinion the difference is night and day with the DBS being a far more focused drivers car.
On a trip to Monaco last year Mrs T insisted we take the DB9 for obvious reasons. Fab as it was with the roof down when it came to the twisty bits in the mountains it was hard work compared to the DBS.
When we got back the opportunity arose for a DBS Volante so we went two into one.
Get a DBS, you will never regret it.
On a trip to Monaco last year Mrs T insisted we take the DB9 for obvious reasons. Fab as it was with the roof down when it came to the twisty bits in the mountains it was hard work compared to the DBS.
When we got back the opportunity arose for a DBS Volante so we went two into one.
Get a DBS, you will never regret it.
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 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. :/
I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
It's a big decision and I think often about the choice i made..especially as I've remained friends with the gentleman who bought my DB9 and I'm watching him do the modifications I had planned basically to spice up the db9 as opposed to buying the DBS. He's doing a great job with the car. 20" wheels, carbon front splitter and rear diffuser. Now he's adding a boot lid from a late model db9 to incorporate the lip spoiler the newer cars have.
He's going to do all this stuff and have a beautiful.. One of a kind.. DB9 with 60k to spare.
Looks are subjective of course but performance isn't. I can tell you I spent some time driving both cars, back to back, LOOKING for reasons to like the DBS more and I can tell you I had a very hard time finding anything. If I were blind folded.. I don't think I could have told you which car I was driving lol.
This decision needs to be about "looks" I think. If you just can't live without the looks of the DBS.. Which is the most beautiful car in the world as far as I'm concerned.. Then go for it! I think they're a great value right now also. I watched the market very closely for years before buying my DBS.. waiting for the "bottom" and I think we're sitting there right now. This seems to be true in the US and the UK. The DBS is a STEAL right now and I think the 6speed cars will be rising in price any moment. In the US there's only 5 or so for sale at any given time and it's been hovering like that for about the past year. But I've seen moments where there were none available for a period of time.
The db9 is a great deal currently too and I'm guessing it's going to pain you when the dealer hits you hard with a trade in offer.. :/ I was fortunate enough to sell mine to a fellow 6speedonline member who was familiar with my car and recognized value in the mods etc he knew of.
I have plenty of photos of both my DBS and db9 side by side I'd be willing to share with you if that helps. Because they're the same color the pictures really work great for comparison purposes.. Let me know if I can help at 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 
JulianPH said:
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 
In all fairness, David did get a very nice Speed model - but brilliant comment Nick!
In my humble opinion, the DBS above all models since the launch of the DB9 series including the Vanquish, has the most appealing looks by a country mile. Just standing by one makes my toes curl (black is THE colour), they are a mega star in their design,,,,,just look at the way their price has rocketed,,,,a no brainer.
Speculatore said:
JulianPH said:
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.
The Conti V8's with Carbon Fibre body are coming down in price nicely....I need to stay away from this thread...
So, I did it. I'm just on the train home from Works having put pen to paper on a quantum silver 2012 DBS (I'll whisper it... it's a TT - don't judge me 
).
It's gorgeous of course - especially having tweaked a couple of little things - and can't wait to pick it up next week (once my plates are on).
Proper picks to follow, but just to prove it did actually happen
). It's gorgeous of course - especially having tweaked a couple of little things - and can't wait to pick it up next week (once my plates are on).
Proper picks to follow, but just to prove it did actually happen
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