Aston lurker - trying to convince myself!
Discussion
Morning everyone,
Having been a regular viewer of these forums for a number of years, and read virtually every post relating to Astons, I felt it was time to get involved and ask some advice. I know the subject of V8V vs DB9 has been done to death, but having driven both now, I really can't decide. Heart says Vantage manual (4.7), head says DB9 (to fit small people in the back). Loved the drive of both, just the Vantage felt more involving, more visceral somehow (if that makes sense!).
Also - re colour combinations - have seen a 4.7 from a main dealer - titanium silver with blue interior - any thoughts on this combination and potential desirability in 2-3 years? (only asking because I know once I've got the bug, I'll want to change up to more expensive metals-eek!|).
Last question - having been a petrolhead for a long time, with probably 30 cars in the last 20 years, I know its easy to negotiate/ barter with 'mainstream' dealers such as BMW/Porsche etc. Do AM dealers have the same views on this? I appreciate their margins are probably a lot higher on used cars than other marques, but will they generally deal? Or is demand outstripping supply?
Thanks for reading and look forward to being part of the AM club soon!
Having been a regular viewer of these forums for a number of years, and read virtually every post relating to Astons, I felt it was time to get involved and ask some advice. I know the subject of V8V vs DB9 has been done to death, but having driven both now, I really can't decide. Heart says Vantage manual (4.7), head says DB9 (to fit small people in the back). Loved the drive of both, just the Vantage felt more involving, more visceral somehow (if that makes sense!).
Also - re colour combinations - have seen a 4.7 from a main dealer - titanium silver with blue interior - any thoughts on this combination and potential desirability in 2-3 years? (only asking because I know once I've got the bug, I'll want to change up to more expensive metals-eek!|).
Last question - having been a petrolhead for a long time, with probably 30 cars in the last 20 years, I know its easy to negotiate/ barter with 'mainstream' dealers such as BMW/Porsche etc. Do AM dealers have the same views on this? I appreciate their margins are probably a lot higher on used cars than other marques, but will they generally deal? Or is demand outstripping supply?
Thanks for reading and look forward to being part of the AM club soon!
Small (ish!) displacement with 8 cylinders or 6 litre with 12 cylinders. Decision made! 
Very different cars though.... need to consider the 9 will cost more to run and maintain. If manual is the answer then it needs to be Vantage.... AM dealers notorious for not offering too much discount, but they will offer/provide other incentives. That being said both cars old enough now to find in no maindelaers
Very different cars though.... need to consider the 9 will cost more to run and maintain. If manual is the answer then it needs to be Vantage.... AM dealers notorious for not offering too much discount, but they will offer/provide other incentives. That being said both cars old enough now to find in no maindelaers
Thanks M5Mark - the noise from both was fantastic, and in fairness i wouldn't ever really notice the difference in torque on the crappy slow roads and potholed motorways! Still undecided on SS box on Vantage, all of my 'autos' to date have been DSG/PDK boxes, with the exception of the SMG box on my M4, which was still pretty good. Decisions, decisions......
My thoughts having recently bought a V8V after six years with a 911...
Seats - think about how often you *really* put small people in the back. I already had my 911 before our little 'un came along and I can literally count on one hand the number of times we all went out together in the Porsche. It was just such a PITA that we'd always default to the wife's Passat. So although a Vantage seems daft with a family, the lack of seats wasn't really going to make any difference in my case.
Colour - I'm weird and insist on having silver with black interior on everything I buy ! But it's a weird one, often people will buy a boring colour they don't particularly like just to protect the resale, so that it can be sold to another person who doesn't like it but is worried about their resale ?? Buy one you like. Unless it's something especially vile it's not going to be the end of the world.
Seats - think about how often you *really* put small people in the back. I already had my 911 before our little 'un came along and I can literally count on one hand the number of times we all went out together in the Porsche. It was just such a PITA that we'd always default to the wife's Passat. So although a Vantage seems daft with a family, the lack of seats wasn't really going to make any difference in my case.
Colour - I'm weird and insist on having silver with black interior on everything I buy ! But it's a weird one, often people will buy a boring colour they don't particularly like just to protect the resale, so that it can be sold to another person who doesn't like it but is worried about their resale ?? Buy one you like. Unless it's something especially vile it's not going to be the end of the world.
I think you go with your heart with decisions like this.
The rear seats are usable in the DB9 but only for very small children and really ideally only one behind the passenger seat. Otherwise the driving position is compromised. So think long and hard about how you're going to use it
The standard margin on used cars seems to be £10k before prep/warranty costs. Sounds like a lot but it's not really a volume game and most main dealers have expensive premises. So don't expect to get much off. There are usually deals to be done on getting an extra years warranty/first service free/factory visit
I personally don't like silvers. But I understand Titanium is quite a desirable one so should be fine for resale
Check the car carefully for paint bubbling around wing mirrors etc - a common fault - and get the dealer to fix if it's present as part of the deal
The rear seats are usable in the DB9 but only for very small children and really ideally only one behind the passenger seat. Otherwise the driving position is compromised. So think long and hard about how you're going to use it
The standard margin on used cars seems to be £10k before prep/warranty costs. Sounds like a lot but it's not really a volume game and most main dealers have expensive premises. So don't expect to get much off. There are usually deals to be done on getting an extra years warranty/first service free/factory visit
I personally don't like silvers. But I understand Titanium is quite a desirable one so should be fine for resale
Check the car carefully for paint bubbling around wing mirrors etc - a common fault - and get the dealer to fix if it's present as part of the deal
On the seat subject....
I have a manual db9 and our kids were 11 and 5 when I bought it, the little one can sit in the back but doesn't fit with a child seat.
The older one used to be able to fit in the back very uncomfortably...but not any more
I would remove the seat part from the decision
It sounds like you are the sort of person that wants a nimble sports car....you may feel the db9 is too much of a tourer, id suggest a longer and more spirited drive in both if possible
I have a manual db9 and our kids were 11 and 5 when I bought it, the little one can sit in the back but doesn't fit with a child seat.
The older one used to be able to fit in the back very uncomfortably...but not any more
I would remove the seat part from the decision
It sounds like you are the sort of person that wants a nimble sports car....you may feel the db9 is too much of a tourer, id suggest a longer and more spirited drive in both if possible
Edited by V12JDC on Sunday 15th October 12:04
I was contemplating a DB9 volante earlier this year, ending up getting aV8 roadster (4.3) manual, tungsten with black/silver stitching. I've covered 2500 miles in her now, I love driving the car and the public reaction is very positive.
I personally wouldn't go for blue seats, but it's your car, get what you like!
The car is now at Aston works having the AMR clutch fitted, an expense I was expecting and I can't wait to have it back, so in my eyes it's worth every penny- life is too short!
I personally wouldn't go for blue seats, but it's your car, get what you like!
The car is now at Aston works having the AMR clutch fitted, an expense I was expecting and I can't wait to have it back, so in my eyes it's worth every penny- life is too short!
Exciting times for you WBB.
Only you can decide between DB9 and V8V.
If V8V, make sure that you are happy if you are going for Sportshift. Do some of the test drive as if you are in very slow moving, stop start traffic, and also try some reverse parking. At speed gearshifts are brilliant. I have not driven one, but my comments are simply what he been spoken about on here. A Marmite choice.
I have had a 4.7 manual for several years. I like the shorter length compared to the DB9, the tailgate and the greater luggage capacity.
They are all wonderful cars, and you will have read that they are much quicker than Porsches out of side turnings. _
Expect dealer discounts to be modest. Think of the far fewer sales than a BMW dealer, but still having the fancy premises to finance. You might have success though by negotiating some free extras, perhaps servicing or extra length warranty.
Enjoy finding the car that is just right for you.
Thanks for the updates - its great to get everyones view. Tbh I think I've ruled out the SS box, its either full manual or full auto, don't think the kids enjoyed the lurching in the M4 , particularly with all the settings dialled up (probably more testament to my lack of driving ability to be fair!!).
Am going to post a pic of the interior - just to get some opinions. I know there is no right or wrong and its personal taste, but opinions are very welcomes - I promise not to take any offence!!! Ignore the wear on bolster and side panel - easily sorted.
Thanks all!!
Am going to post a pic of the interior - just to get some opinions. I know there is no right or wrong and its personal taste, but opinions are very welcomes - I promise not to take any offence!!! Ignore the wear on bolster and side panel - easily sorted.
Thanks all!!
I ruled out the SS after driving it back to back with a manual.
Regarding the interior...Do you like it? Are you jumping on the first `ok`option or would you prefer something else colour wise? Whoever specced this originally loved it, doesn`t mean it`s for everyone and if your unsure, would you wait for something else?? I spent two years contemplating and researching and despite that the V8V I bought was not that which I thought I would.
Ownership is special and if you are coming in for the first time you would be happy with pretty much anything, but it needs to be something you are content with for yourself and not compromised to the point that you question it down the track... but hey, they`re all awesome.
Regarding the interior...Do you like it? Are you jumping on the first `ok`option or would you prefer something else colour wise? Whoever specced this originally loved it, doesn`t mean it`s for everyone and if your unsure, would you wait for something else?? I spent two years contemplating and researching and despite that the V8V I bought was not that which I thought I would.
Ownership is special and if you are coming in for the first time you would be happy with pretty much anything, but it needs to be something you are content with for yourself and not compromised to the point that you question it down the track... but hey, they`re all awesome.
WelshBoltonBen said:
Also- any views on 4 owners previously? 09 car with 30k? Is it hiding something? Or scratching people’s itches of AM ownership?
No I think that's quite normal. A lot of people dip their toe in then move up the model range. I'm on the second rung at present and will be sticking for some time. Owned my first one for 2 years so 4 owners in 8 years fits for me. I moved a few months ago from a 65-plate V8VS (Sportshift) to a 14-plate DB9 (Virage shape).
I loved the Vantage S and it was very exciting to drive when blasting around country lanes on a Saturday morning. However, I did find the suspension VERY hard and the throttle action either nothing or full on, which made stop-start traffic a heart-in-mouth situation. The car detests doing less than 20 mph! One of the reasons I bought it was to plan weekends or longer away and I felt the Vantage was just not a comfortable car for that - it lacked the necessary versatility.
The later-model DB9 has the sport button and adjustable suspension for when I want to blast around and is a very comfortable GT car the rest of the time. It's also worth noting that, in my view, the DB9 is much better at pretending to be a manual than the Vantage is at pretending to be an auto.
A few other small factors:
Presence - DB9 just edges it.
Interior - too close to call.
Fuel economy - the Vantage was much better than I thought, when not blasting and you can see 30-something mpg. The DB9 struggles to break 21 mpg.
Sound - actually, I think the Vantage was the better noise, from that purposeful V8.
Ultimately, though, they are both great - just think about your use cases before making a decision.
I loved the Vantage S and it was very exciting to drive when blasting around country lanes on a Saturday morning. However, I did find the suspension VERY hard and the throttle action either nothing or full on, which made stop-start traffic a heart-in-mouth situation. The car detests doing less than 20 mph! One of the reasons I bought it was to plan weekends or longer away and I felt the Vantage was just not a comfortable car for that - it lacked the necessary versatility.
The later-model DB9 has the sport button and adjustable suspension for when I want to blast around and is a very comfortable GT car the rest of the time. It's also worth noting that, in my view, the DB9 is much better at pretending to be a manual than the Vantage is at pretending to be an auto.
A few other small factors:
Presence - DB9 just edges it.
Interior - too close to call.
Fuel economy - the Vantage was much better than I thought, when not blasting and you can see 30-something mpg. The DB9 struggles to break 21 mpg.
Sound - actually, I think the Vantage was the better noise, from that purposeful V8.
Ultimately, though, they are both great - just think about your use cases before making a decision.
After two decades of Porsche's - including several 911's & currently (soon to be sold) 997 turbo I have just taken the plunge & will soon be the very happy owner of a V8VS. For me it was always going to be a manual Vantage. I wanted more of a weekend toy - we have a Disco 4 for the dogs, towing the horse box etc & I'll get something like like a 1-series as a DD. I also prefer the short compact sportier look of the Vantage. My first test drive was in a V12V. Stonking amount of torque & power but afterwards was left a little unsure which really surprised me - at £80K+ there're an awful lot of car for the money but also a lot of money for me. However, I was willing to sell a kidney if I felt it was justified 
At the weekend I took out a late 2013 manual V8VS. I bought it & collecting in a week - enough said. So much fun, the noise, a manual & gorgeous interior. I managed to get a modest discount (almost the cost of an extra years warranty) Tbh I was staggered that I actually preferred the V8VS over the V12V; so would def suggest you take a V8VS out.
Re your question on choice of colours etc it seems most people seem to have spec'd these fairly conservatively, so wouldn't thought you could go wrong but choose a colour & interior you are happy with.
They are all great cars & we all have different criteria.
And yes I know I will have to change my handle
At the weekend I took out a late 2013 manual V8VS. I bought it & collecting in a week - enough said. So much fun, the noise, a manual & gorgeous interior. I managed to get a modest discount (almost the cost of an extra years warranty) Tbh I was staggered that I actually preferred the V8VS over the V12V; so would def suggest you take a V8VS out.Re your question on choice of colours etc it seems most people seem to have spec'd these fairly conservatively, so wouldn't thought you could go wrong but choose a colour & interior you are happy with.
They are all great cars & we all have different criteria.
And yes I know I will have to change my handle
Edited by Andrew911 on Sunday 15th October 20:44
Andrew911 said:
My first test drive was in a V12V. Stonking amount of torque & power but afterwards was left a little unsure which really surprised me - at £80K+ there're an awful lot of car for the money but also a lot of money for me. However, I was willing to sell a kidney if I felt it was justified At the weekend I took out a late 2013 manual V8VS. I bought it & collecting in a week - enough said. So much fun, the noise, a manual & gorgeous interior. I managed to get a modest discount (almost the cost of an extra years warranty) Tbh I was staggered that I actually preferred the V8VS over the V12V; so would def suggest you take a V8VS out.
Congrats Andrew good choice ... but the V12 left me speechless and with a massive grin :-) At the weekend I took out a late 2013 manual V8VS. I bought it & collecting in a week - enough said. So much fun, the noise, a manual & gorgeous interior. I managed to get a modest discount (almost the cost of an extra years warranty) Tbh I was staggered that I actually preferred the V8VS over the V12V; so would def suggest you take a V8VS out.Edited by Andrew911 on Sunday 15th October 20:44
morty1961 said:
Andrew911 said:
My first test drive was in a V12V. Stonking amount of torque & power but afterwards was left a little unsure which really surprised me - at £80K+ there're an awful lot of car for the money but also a lot of money for me. However, I was willing to sell a kidney if I felt it was justified At the weekend I took out a late 2013 manual V8VS. I bought it & collecting in a week - enough said. So much fun, the noise, a manual & gorgeous interior. I managed to get a modest discount (almost the cost of an extra years warranty) Tbh I was staggered that I actually preferred the V8VS over the V12V; so would def suggest you take a V8VS out.
Congrats Andrew good choice ... but the V12 left me speechless and with a massive grin :-) At the weekend I took out a late 2013 manual V8VS. I bought it & collecting in a week - enough said. So much fun, the noise, a manual & gorgeous interior. I managed to get a modest discount (almost the cost of an extra years warranty) Tbh I was staggered that I actually preferred the V8VS over the V12V; so would def suggest you take a V8VS out.Edited by Andrew911 on Sunday 15th October 20:44
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