DB9 service advice

[shuzzy]

Hello people, I am looking at buying a DB9 and have found a car that I like the look of and more importantly is in budget. I have bought Grants book and read cover to cover so do have a reasonable understanding of what to expect. The only sticking point on the car is that it has not been serviced since April 2012 and has done 7000 miles since. It obviously needs servicing immediately but would the long gap between services 2 years 8 months be an issue. The car is 200+ miles away from me so cant exactly nip down for a look to see if it is worth considering an inspection on.

Reagrds

[speedracer800]

shuzzy said:

Hello people, I am looking at buying a DB9 and have found a car that I like the look of and more importantly is in budget. I have bought Grants book and read cover to cover so do have a reasonable understanding of what to expect. The only sticking point on the car is that it has not been serviced since April 2012 and has done 7000 miles since. It obviously needs servicing immediately but would the long gap between services 2 years 8 months be an issue. The car is 200+ miles away from me so cant exactly nip down for a look to see if it is worth considering an inspection on.

Reagrds

I think it has to be "priced in" but these cars are more bullet proof than people probably think and I wouldn't let it keep me up at night. I've had a 2005 DB9 for several years now and have had almost no issues with it. It seems as though NOT driving them is the worst thing for them (like most any vehicle).
Again.. It should be priced in. Good luck, you'll love a DB9.

[JimboA]

I agree with the comment above - there are some who won't touch a car with such a gap but if the price is right then it could well be worth the trip to see it. Of course a car serviced on every calendar year but with very limited mileage can also be a problem... There is something to be said about reaching an agreement with the seller on the service cost... and what it may throw up.

[Neil1300r]

It would worry me. Not being serviced exactly every 12 months wouldn't be a major issue to me, but not being serviced for >2.5 years AND covering 7000 miles would be an issue. Shows a complete lack of care for the car. Would have to wonder a) why, b)have even basic checks such as oil levels been done regularly. Sounds like an owner that couldn't afford the servicing costs.

I would only touch it if you could get an inspection by an AM dealer or recognised independent.

[cayman-black]

Agree with above, get it check over and serviced if all ok it would not bother me. some out there think more damage is done during a service or nothing done at all, i have experienced both.(not Aston).

[IanV12VR]

Neil1300r said:

It would worry me. Not being serviced exactly every 12 months wouldn't be a major issue to me, but not being serviced for >2.5 years AND covering 7000 miles would be an issue. Shows a complete lack of care for the car. Would have to wonder a) why, b)have even basic checks such as oil levels been done regularly. Sounds like an owner that couldn't afford the servicing costs.

I would only touch it if you could get an inspection by an AM dealer or recognised independent.

I am with Neil on this one. It seems to me to show a lack of care for the car and therefore inspection of the car is essential - not just pricing in the cost of the service. And by inspection I do not mean just the 140 point check for a warranty to be put on but pay for a proper inspection to dig out if there are problems with this car. A lot more work needed to ensure you are not buying someone else problem.

[V8V Pete]

Agree with all that's been said but would add that the gap in the service history will continue to affect the car's value for several years to come so will reduce resale value should you choose to move on after a couple of years. Not a disaster but all needs to be factored in to the buying price now.

[shuzzy]

Cheers guys, any recommendations on a PPI, the car is located in Surrey. I am in West Yorkshire typical !

[Neil1300r]

shuzzy said:

Cheers guys, any recommendations on a PPI, the car is located in Surrey. I am in West Yorkshire typical !

Trinity Engineering, really good indie in Cobham Surrey

Post up the add, lots of us in Surrey / the South

[BravoV8V]

Definitely get an inspection done by someone who knows what they are looking for.

Some of the older V12s can suffer from a 'ticking'. This ultimately will end up with a strip down and rebuild. Have a look at BamfordMike (a recognised marque specialist)'s post from 01/10/14 in this thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Another (ex?)PHer outlines what he tried in order to find the 'tick' in this thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=122...

[AMDBSNick]

I would definitely go for an inspection. However to add balance my car missed its first service and the last two have been done by an indie. When I recently enquired about upgrading neither affected the trade in value

[michael gould]

I would want to know why the owner has missed 2 services.....it would put be off as it demonstrates a lack of care ......the car might very well be within your budget but would it still be within your budget if it requires 7k worth of work on it.....I would much rather buy a car that has an immaculate service history with the latest service done very recently .....all faults will be noted on the service sheet.

[Y100]

AMDBSNick said:

"When I recently enquired about upgrading"

Upgrading Nicholas, whats this nonesense.

[shuzzy]

All good information for consideration. I have enquired about about a PPI from Trinity engineering and they advised 3-4 hours at £90+vat per hour, the car would need taking to them. I suppose need to make some time to get down there and check it out.

What would the next service be then if it was done in 2012 at 23k. Do you carry on according to the schedule doing the ones it missed, or do you go straight to year 8 service. I am aware the year 7 service is big money due to needing the spark plugs doing.

Regards

[AMDBSNick]

Y100 said:

Upgrading Nicholas, whats this nonesense.

Don't panic Bob, both AM's. Neither stood up to the Tandoori Express

[AMDBSNick]

shuzzy said:

All good information for consideration. I have enquired about about a PPI from Trinity engineering and they advised 3-4 hours at £90+vat per hour, the car would need taking to them. I suppose need to make some time to get down there and check it out.

What would the next service be then if it was done in 2012 at 23k. Do you carry on according to the schedule doing the ones it missed, or do you go straight to year 8 service. I am aware the year 7 service is big money due to needing the spark plugs doing.

Regards

8 year service making sure all previously missed items are included

[Ken Figenus]

A franchised dealer will do the 120 point check for about £450 - sounds like a good bet, but make sure they will accommodate haggling for any needed fixes highlighted or its wasted money.

My oil burner twin turbo does 17,000 miles on similar oil so I wouldn't fear any engine wear/abuse issues - 7000 miles is nothing for fully synthetic oil.