Db9 advice please

[phib]

Hi all thinking very seriously about a 2007 db9 at the moment, been to see a metallic black one with black perferated leather ( new seats) and another similar one. both with c20k miles.

Basically have the choice of two, one has warranty and one will have warranty wise warranty.

I know one will need a big 70k service this year which looks like potentially £1100 without plugs or £1800 with plugs.

Is there anything else major I should be thinking about ?

Thanks in advance

Phib

[shuzzy]

I am always wary of aftermarket warranties, they seem to have so many clauses and exclusions, they hardly seem worth the paper they're printed on. Would be much happier with a warranty directly with Aston. However I do believe even the approved Aston warranty has some limits if the car is over 5 years old (£10k max claim). Worst case scenario if the engine melted I don't think the £10k would cover it. I would like to add over the previous few months I have seen more than 1 DB9 advertised with a new engine fitted. However I cant say the same about the V8 Vantage engines.

This is all to the best of my knowledge and may not actually be cast iron facts.

[phib]

Thanks, I have to agree re the aftermarket warranties, can't stand them !!

I need to look into what the older AM warranty actually covers, I need to get it right as its going to be my daily driver

Thanks

Phib

[Big Brin]

I had a DB9 a few years back and I bought it from a main Aston dealer. I have to say the goodwill provided by the garage was impressive. Having call on goodwill alone is worth something in the decision making. I never had an issue with main mechanicals. The only things I suffered with were curious electrical issues, sorted by a new battery. And the hifi shutdown, but was sorted with software update. And everyone seems to have issue with the paint bubbles.

Aside from that in the pre-delivery check, the garage had replaced a rear tyre which didn't match the the other side ( same make but newer) and the handling was effected profoundly. Again when the car went back, without quibble they matched the rear tyres and problem solved. I haven't heard any one talking about a DB9 engine having been 'lunched' but I do note one on auto trader at the minute with a new engine at 50k miles.

Rgds and good luck, Brin

[Horts]

Go with the factory warranty for peace of mind, I would not recommend any other warranty for an AM.

Get it bought you won't regret it! I live mine more than the Mrs!

Horts

[mrpseudonym]

+1 AM warranty

You should also carefully check paint for issues, see posts on this topic.

Enjoy, you won't regret for a minute.

[JohnPM]

Aston changed their warranty policy sometime last year, you can now buy the "Premium" warranty for cars up to 10y old (used to be up to 5y), claim limit is the value of the car, no mileage limit. http://www.astonmartin.com/ownership/extended-warr...

[Ken Figenus]

Make sure it doesn't have any little end noise being pre 2010.

Warranty Direct's luxury care may be worth a side by side comparison rather than dismissal with no research. http://www.warrantydirect.co.uk/summary_m.html# Ensure ICE cover. Aston use http://www.carcareplaninsurance.co.uk/

More importantly ENJOY!

[originalgeezer]

Phib, every fourth tank of fuel check your engine oil level to keep it on the mark, if a daily driver...

[fuzzy01]

Hi Phib, we have a 9 that's just needed plugs and coils which came out at £1600, our (non aston) warranty paid out £321.......ie the plugs etc known to be mis-firing, no gaskets or seals as they were deemed service items. I would not in future buy a:- from anywhere other than main dealer and b:- without a full warranty. We also have a Conti GT and can not comprehend purchasing one of these without covering yourself as best as possible. Everyone's different but I would go for the peace of mind.

[Gibberish]

Very important to check the oil regularly, sounds obvious, but it's easily forgotten. You could check the dip sticks part number too, just to be sure that you have the revised shorter one.

Part numbers on this thread. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Ken Figenus]

fuzzy01 said:

Hi Phib, we have a 9 that's just needed plugs and coils which came out at £1600, our (non aston) warranty paid out £321.......ie the plugs etc known to be mis-firing, no gaskets or seals as they were deemed service items. I would not in future buy a:- from anywhere other than main dealer and b:- without a full warranty. We also have a Conti GT and can not comprehend purchasing one of these without covering yourself as best as possible. Everyone's different but I would go for the peace of mind.

Fuzzy do you mind saying who your warranty was with and what level of cover it was? Cheers

[fuzzy01]

Hi Ken, it was with WMS level 4. Hope this helps.

[Ken Figenus]

fuzzy01 said:

Hi Ken, it was with WMS level 4. Hope this helps.

Thanks mate - I think its the old small print syndrome. I saw the below on their website:

Optional extras (subject to additional premium): In-car entertainment | Diagnostics | Wear & tear (on 5* only) | Main dealer repairs | Catalytic converter | Instrument clusters (on 5* only) | Oil leaks

My policy covers all that except cats. £4k for 3 yrs.

[avinalarf]

Ken Figenus said:

Thanks mate - I think its the old small print syndrome. I saw the below on their website:

Optional extras (subject to additional premium): In-car entertainment | Diagnostics | Wear & tear (on 5* only) | Main dealer repairs | Catalytic converter | Instrument clusters (on 5* only) | Oil leaks

My policy covers all that except cats. £4k for 3 yrs.

Hi Ken, would your policy then pay for the change of plugs required for the 70K mileage service on a DB9 ?

[Ken Figenus]

I wouldn't expect it to cover £5 spark plugs really as its generally a service item. "All ignition system components are covered except sparking plugs". They do cover other service items (filters, oils provided it isnt within 1000 miles of a scheduled service.

Small print city the lot of 'em! A big gotcha is often refusing damage due to overheating.

[phib]

Thanks guys, went took at one today, condition good but not quite 100%, only real concern was condensations in the headlights.

Spoke to Aston and they dp said they need to be replaced but were unsure if it was included or excluded in the warranty.m

Has anyone had this issue ?

Thanks

Phib

[pschlute]

phib said:

condition good but not quite 100%, only real concern was condensations in the headlights.

Has anyone had this issue ?

Phib

They all have that unfortunately. The hi-tech solution is to tape a packet of dessicant into the back of the light assembly.

[Jon39]

phib said:

... only real concern was condensations in the headlights.

Has anyone had this issue ?

There's a question. You should get a few replies on that one, Phib.
The dealer might have thought of replying with the motor trade catch phrase, TADTS.

I am rather lazy about car washing, so to keep my Aston clean, pleasure drives are usually on dry days. Have never had any condensation in the headlights.

[phib]

Thanks, mines going to live outside and be a daily as the garages are full with red Italians !! ( I know I should be burned at the stake !!)

Phib