New purchase and it wasn't a Rapide
Discussion
Dear all
A delayed post for a number of reasons too dull to go into. I have been looking to upgrade from the v8 vantage for a while. I looked long and hard at the rapide but there was something about the shape that I couldn't get on with. Also someone pointed out that with the family in the back would I really drive it the way it should be driven? If not why have a family car Aston? A well made point.
From there I moved to look at the new vanquish but if you have read my insurance thread you will know what happened there. I will say though that in the process of working with my local dealer on the car part of the deal I had great service from Chris at Aston Martin Reading. Professional throughout even when I had to walk away from the vanquish.
After that disappointment I started to look at the New DB9. I read every review I could find, watched any you tube video I could find, even the ones in French and the same conclusion kept coming up. It's a great car. Fabulous engine coupled with the three setting suspension and the ceramic brakes. The reviews all say fantastic to drive.
Always keen for a deal I started to look for a dealer stock car. Unfortunately Reading only had a car with sandstone interior and tan headlining. There is no doubt that the lighter interior colour was a potentially nice change from the usual black leather with silver stitching but after multiple views of the car I wasn't happy with the tan headlining. I guess I like my dark colours.
A chance occurrence led me to HWM who had a DB9 coming in from the factory in ceramic grey with black leather and silver stitching interior. A test drive in their demo was organised and I was hooked. The guys at HWM were welcoming, efficient and friendly. They responded to emails and are sorting out what I hope is a minor issue on the car. I would recommend both them and Reading from a sales perspective.
I mention the dealer approach as there was one other dealer I visited (not previously mentioned) where the dealer was "aggressive" As opposed to welcoming IMHO. So you can't always assume you are going to have a good experience. Anyway his loss as I have now bought a new DB9. To all potential AM purchasers out there my advice is to take the time to shop around and visit a few dealers.
Anyway back to the DB9. The car is ceramic grey. Which for those who haven't seen it is dark grey but with flecks of aluminium in the paint work. Hard to describe but looks great in the sun. For those who haven't seen that for a while it is a large ball of fire that supposedly warms our planet!
The car has the five spoke diamond turned alloys and as mentioned black leather interior with silver stitching.
As regards driving my comparison is of course to the 4.7 vantage. First thing you notice is the sound on startup. OMG. I love the whine before the engine roars into life. Very intoxicating. The car itself has only done 60 miles and therefore I am limited in my view but it seems to have a dual personality. First the comfortable car to travel from A to B in style, cosseted by swathes of luxurious leather and a suspension system that makes the road feel like a silky neglige. The car has power and responds quickly to an urgent thrust of the right foot. Combine this with the paddle shifter and both speed and comfort are your travel companions.
But the other side of the personality is the beast. Change the suspension from normal to sport. Press the sport button, hear a mini roar from the exhaust and then jab the peddle on the right and you are met by a joyous cacophony of noise hand in hand with the ability to hit 75 before the smile has finished forming across your face. In this mode the DB9 feels sure footed on country roads giving you confidence to drive it hard sending adrenaline and endorphins coursing through your body.
I went to pick the car up on Friday with my ten year old boy. We took the "long way" home and my wife's first comment to us when we opened the door was "why are you two grinning like idiots?"
I would like to thank Banana Rob for his advice and information. Much appreciated. A few initial photos can be found at the link to my photo stream below. Apologies I am away from a computer and have no idea how to place photographs into the thread from an iPhone.
Best regards
Josh
Ps. Sorry I went on a bit. In summary I bloody love this car!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshbear/
Gorgeous car! Plus you certainly did not "go on a bit" some dealerships can be so very bad . Trouble is the punters seem to take bad service. I always shop around a bit before making a purchase if only for my piece of mind. I feel very loyal to H.R. Owen in Cheltenham because to date they have in my mind scored a consistent ten out of ten in all aspects of car buying.
I really like the new DB9, best wheels for it there as well as a great colour.
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