DB9 Vòlante prospective buyer, what to watch for?

[watchrabbit]

Have an opportunity to buy a 2006 DB9 Volante for a friend. Car ran around 50.000 miles allready (lot of long distance travel).
Am not familiar with the weaknesses of the DB9, usually buy direct from dealers with warranty. So, question for you experts: what should I be afraid of?

[Jockman]

I recall a few threads regarding the integrity of the roof closure mechanisms, so I would check that.

Mikey K, Yeti, Shmee. Georgeous H - inter alia - are more in tune with the alfresco modus vivendi though.

Hope you're not thinking of ditching that fantastic Rapide

[mikey k]

Jockman said:

I recall a few threads regarding the integrity of the roof closure mechanisms, so I would check that.

Mikey K, Yeti, Shmee. Georgeous H - inter alia - are more in tune with the alfresco modus vivendi though.

Hope you're not thinking of ditching that fantastic Rapide

That seemed to only be a Vantage issue from the few that responded.
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f...

[yeti]

watchrabbit said:

Am not familiar with the weaknesses of the DB9

That's because there aren't any

Check the paint condition around the door handles and side strakes for paint bubbling (galvanic reaction). Check the roof mechanism a couple of times with the engine running (it's battery intensive obviously) but do not stop halfway through and do not switch the engine on/off while the roof is moving. Look at the hood condition where it folds and possibly rubs, check the electrics to see that everything works. Driver's seat bolster will be well worn over that mileage (if pale leather, less on black), if it's perfect it's been redone, not an issue obviously but will give an indication of how well the previous owner thought of the car.

Otherwise it's all about service history and condition; it's a fairly leggy car which can go either way, either it's had a LOT of servicing and any remedial work done, or it's been run on a budget. Try to acertain which one, it should be onvious. But 50k miles is nothing on that engine.

Good luck

[George H]

yeti said:

Check the roof mechanism a couple of times with the engine running (it's battery intensive obviously) but do not stop halfway through and do not switch the engine on/off while the roof is moving. Look at the hood condition where it folds and possibly rubs

I stopped mine and it was fine. You would have to be pretty stupid to reach inside of the roof whilst putting it down! As long as you're quick, it won't be a problem. See Mikey's thread above

[mikey k]

George H said:

yeti said:

Check the roof mechanism a couple of times with the engine running (it's battery intensive obviously) but do not stop halfway through and do not switch the engine on/off while the roof is moving. Look at the hood condition where it folds and possibly rubs

I stopped mine and it was fine. You would have to be pretty stupid to reach inside of the roof whilst putting it down! As long as you're quick, it won't be a problem. See Mikey's thread above

The issue is letting the hydraulic pressure drop, it takes ~5 minutes.
But to be safe Itend to leave the ignition on and just move the roof slightly every minute or so.
I managed to clean, mask and scotch guard the cloth liner doing this (took 40 minutes )

[watchrabbit]

Thanks guys, I will keep you informed. No, the Rapide is going nowhere! It's way to much fun!

[3200gt]

Coil packs and PCV Valves.

[yeti]

3200gt said:

Coil packs

On DB9s? Only heard of an 'issue' on the DB7s. I thought the 9's coil packs lasted until the year seven service fine?

[3200gt]

coil packs are possibly the weakest area of the DB9. Mine went after 30k odd miles and many others have also.
The PCV valve also seems to be a weak point but only the near side one wierdly. Not sure why but something must be different about its expose to heat (or something else) when compared to the off side one.

[BingoBob]

Get this book:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

It is well worth it.