2008 2009 models

[jrinns]

I have ordered the book before any one states this ;-) but it is out of stock and in the process of being updated to the 7th edition.

Can anyone tell me the differences between 2008 And 2009, and does the manual have a start button with an auto having a key slot in the same position. I have noticed this on the cars, not very many 2009 models around to be fair with the dealers asking over my 60k budget.

I am heading to a dealer to start the process as I've decided to trade in a 2011 jag xj for a db9 or xkr/s. any advice apprecied

Edited by jrinns on Saturday 17th August 07:50

[Cockernee]

jrinns said:

I have ordered the book before any one states this ;-) but it is out of stock and in the process of being updated to the 7th edition.

Can anyone tell me the differences between 2008 And 2009, and does the manual have a start button with an auto having a key slot in the same position. I have noticed this on the cars, not very many 2009 models around to be fair with the dealers asking over my 60k budget.

I am heading to a dealer to start the process as I've decided to trade in a 2011 jag xj for a db9 or xkr/s. any advice apprecied

Edited by jrinns on Saturday 17th August 07:50

Depends on what your criteria for the new car is. The DB9 is a GT car, with softer suspension and 470BHP for a 2009 car and 450 BHP for a 2008, whereas the XK RS is 540 BHP snarling sports (ish) car that to be honest is not as pretty as the DB9. Pre 09MY have a key and starter button. 09MY have an ECU so nothing to do with Manual or auto option.

The Jag is the quicker car, the DB9 is the prettier car and as you are asking on an Aston Forum, DB9 everytime.

[Grant3]

Hi Jason, apologies for the delay with the book. I assume you are referring to model years.... which generally start from the previous autumn ( so 09my started autumn 2008 onwards).
The 09MY offered a major "facelift" upgrade for the DB9, (and vantage) although ironically the exterior changed very little.

There is a very long list of changes for the 09 MY so it would make for a long post, I'll PM you the full data, but the key points were.......

Modified, more powerful engine, upgraded to deliver 470bhp/443 lbft, an increase of 20bhp and 23lbft of torque with improved low-end delivery.

Revised upper suspension arms and tuneable suspension bushes improve ride.

New Bilstein dampers introduced, for better ride quality and handling.

The automatic transmission is refined with a new improved hydraulic control unit, auto now
as fast as the manual cars.

Manual change improved with new clutch - flywheel (+ shift/cable improvements 07+ 08MY)

Unique glass Emotion Control Unit (ECU) used to lock/unlock/start the car instead of a key!
Comes with an additional spare black plastic ECU and optional (!) Leather pouch.

Revised better quality all new centre console in Graphite with all new alloy switchgear.

Improved new switchgear operation with joystick (for easier sat nav/ICE/phone interface).

Improved Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Satellite Navigation System

Improved IPOD/Mp3 function with additional 3.5mm connector for external audio devices.

DB9 Volante. (As coupe +)
revisions to the front shear panel which increases torsional rigidity by 10%

Windstop becomes standard equipment

Improvements to roof mechanism, include new housing for hydraulic pump motor to reduce noise during operation, a layer of Thinsulate is added to the roof to improve insulation and reduce noise, head clearance improves by 20mm.

Let me know if you need anything else, the guide is with the printers so the updated 7 th edition should be back in stock within a couple of weeks ( including V12Vantage S, Vanquish Volante, etc.).

Edited To add... the Aston will give you an all new very special experience as you already have a Jag...

Edited by Grant3 on Saturday 17th August 09:33

[Neilc123]

This is exactly what I went through with my decision except instead of Jaguar substitute with the Mercedes and I had read the book . The above threat is right there is a difference in power and key on the 2008-2009 model. (Although be aware the late 2008 can count as 2009 - depends when it is registered). The reality is the Jag will probably be less to service and give you less problems not being hand made, but you will probably yearn for the Aston, maybe not with your head but definitely your heart and when turn that key....

The Mp3 player in the central glove box is also 2009 (with the button at the back of the steering wheel) whereas usually you need to add it post to the pre2009 model and usually you cannot just hit the button at the back of the steering wheel. The 2008 is usually around 60k whereas the 2009 is usually around 70k. Also the side mirrors and the grille are a little different between the two models. The biggest change however is with the interior as the 2009 as the Vantage/DBS dashboard whereas the 2008 as the old model. The key is the old Aston with the Volvo second key whereas the 2009 has the glass key.

What I would suggest is going to a dealer which has both cars and drive them back to back and make your decision (that is what I did).

Oh and enjoy the test drive

Neil

[jrinns]

Thanks for the replys guys, yes grant i have recieved your email. Many thanks. Fully understand the point about the new ownership experience. I think we all know the aston is a prettier car than the jag although i like the look of the xkrs.

Time will tell over the next few weeks , no need to panic buy......

[ryanjohnstott]

The XKR-S is technically better than the DB9. It's also more up to date in the looks department in my view.

However, a Jaguar will never be as cool or prestigious as a Aston Martin. My XKR 5.0 is a brilliant car and someone of a bargain GT but I regret not going for the DB9 to be honest. The DB9 feels more special to sit in and gives a sense of occasion that the Jag cannot match.

Driving at low/legal speeds is actually quite boring in either car but in the Aston you will still have the pleasure of simply being in an Aston even if the actual drive isn't very involving.

I'll be changing the Jag quite soon and it will be either a Vantage, R8 (similar concerns re badge etc) or a 599 GTB I think.