Can't make my mind up... Help
Discussion
Hi All,
First time posting in this section... I have spent the past 2 months reading all Aston posts extensively on this forum, and did quite a bit of research. I have learnt a ton about those cars and also bought the Grant Neal guide. Despite all this, I am still torn about my dilemma - so here it is:
I made the decision to treat myself with a sports car, which I would use for week end and occasionally commute with it - probably 4k miles a year. My budget is roughly £35-38k. I also own an MY10 X5 which I use to commute and transport the family (2 kids under 3y/o).
I live in central London and would need to park the car on the street, as I cannot justify paying £2500-3000 a year for a covered parking space. I cannot decide between the DB9 (looking at MY06 30-40kmiles) and the Vantage (4.3L MY07 25-35kmiles).
Here is where I am at:
Vantage Pros
- Racier looking (especially with the N400 side sills being easy / cheap options to add on)
- Better exhaust sound
- Better sports car (firmer and better handling, though not as good good as the 997 2S, it's not far behind)
- Slightly shorter than the DB9, so easier to park / and leave on the street
- More fun to drive (manual car and experience)
Vantage Cons
- It's a manual car, which is also quite stiff, so the driving in central london and in traffic might be annoying - even though I drive to work reverse commute (work outside London)
- No back seats
- Some models have issue with paint bubbling around door handles
DB9 Pros
- a V12 engine, which is undestructible... and a V12 automatically puts in super car territory
- very classy looking, probably will never go out of style
- huge torque (612nm) - and closes the 0-100mph in 10.1sec
- comfy on the road (GT) and paddle could make it quite fun when turned into semi-auto mode
- Super easy to drive in traffic, which there is quite a bit of in London, even with reverse commute
- Doesn't sound as good as the vantage by could be remedied with a £1600 quicksilver exhaust
- Likely to appreciate in value overtime, as much more limited production nbr than the V8V, and not that many V12 on the market. V12s are a thing of the past in today sports cars landscape
- Roughly similar annual maintenance cost... what you overspend on regular maintenance, is probably made up by not having to change the clutch every 30k miles like the vantage
DB9 Cons
- almost too classic and less racey (pipe and slippers as the db9 running joke) - I think it looks like a bentley GT on a slimming diet
- Much longer hood, could be tricky to drive in the city/traffic etc...
- Back seats are deceptive - everybody is unanimous, they are not seats... completely useless. Kids don't fit in if parents are of normal size, or don't want their teeth on the dashboard
- The fact that it's auto might not feel as special
So this is where I am at... I know those things are personal and you probably can't tell me which one I should buy, but here are a few specific questions:
1- Would you park those cars on the streets, or am I kidding myself - are they garage queens? Is that going to reduce their paint life dramatically? Am I likely to get the car keyed right away (I live in Islington, so not to ghetto, but still)
2- Is the DB9 a nightmare to drive in London, given its size (45cm longer than a vantage and same size than the X5, but uber long bonnet)
3- Is driving in medium traffic a very difficult and unenjoyable experience / or am I going to wear the clutch after 10kmiles 4- I used to own a 911 a few years back, and although annoying it was to drive in traffic, it wasn't too bad - does the vantage clutch feel heavier than the 911?
5- Does the gas consumption differ significantly between the two (won't be a big decision factor if I am honest)
6- Can you fit babies on the back sits? ie baby seats? Once they are old enough for booster seats (ie 5-6yo), can they fit in? or do I need to cut their legs? Although I would keep the X5, it would be nice to be able to take the family for a day out with the toy... as opposed to only use my Aston on my own
7- Does AM offer after market side sills for the DB9, like they do for the vantage? Are they as "cheap" as the N400 side sills?
8- I quickly discounted the Maserati Granturismo, although it offered 4 true seats - should I re-consider? I just don't like the image as much.
Anyway... that's all I can think of for now. I am truly in love with the brand... I want to make sure I buy them with my eyes open,
Thanks for any feedback you can provide.
First time posting in this section... I have spent the past 2 months reading all Aston posts extensively on this forum, and did quite a bit of research. I have learnt a ton about those cars and also bought the Grant Neal guide. Despite all this, I am still torn about my dilemma - so here it is:
I made the decision to treat myself with a sports car, which I would use for week end and occasionally commute with it - probably 4k miles a year. My budget is roughly £35-38k. I also own an MY10 X5 which I use to commute and transport the family (2 kids under 3y/o).
I live in central London and would need to park the car on the street, as I cannot justify paying £2500-3000 a year for a covered parking space. I cannot decide between the DB9 (looking at MY06 30-40kmiles) and the Vantage (4.3L MY07 25-35kmiles).
Here is where I am at:
Vantage Pros
- Racier looking (especially with the N400 side sills being easy / cheap options to add on)
- Better exhaust sound
- Better sports car (firmer and better handling, though not as good good as the 997 2S, it's not far behind)
- Slightly shorter than the DB9, so easier to park / and leave on the street
- More fun to drive (manual car and experience)
Vantage Cons
- It's a manual car, which is also quite stiff, so the driving in central london and in traffic might be annoying - even though I drive to work reverse commute (work outside London)
- No back seats
- Some models have issue with paint bubbling around door handles
DB9 Pros
- a V12 engine, which is undestructible... and a V12 automatically puts in super car territory
- very classy looking, probably will never go out of style
- huge torque (612nm) - and closes the 0-100mph in 10.1sec
- comfy on the road (GT) and paddle could make it quite fun when turned into semi-auto mode
- Super easy to drive in traffic, which there is quite a bit of in London, even with reverse commute
- Doesn't sound as good as the vantage by could be remedied with a £1600 quicksilver exhaust
- Likely to appreciate in value overtime, as much more limited production nbr than the V8V, and not that many V12 on the market. V12s are a thing of the past in today sports cars landscape
- Roughly similar annual maintenance cost... what you overspend on regular maintenance, is probably made up by not having to change the clutch every 30k miles like the vantage
DB9 Cons
- almost too classic and less racey (pipe and slippers as the db9 running joke) - I think it looks like a bentley GT on a slimming diet
- Much longer hood, could be tricky to drive in the city/traffic etc...
- Back seats are deceptive - everybody is unanimous, they are not seats... completely useless. Kids don't fit in if parents are of normal size, or don't want their teeth on the dashboard
- The fact that it's auto might not feel as special
So this is where I am at... I know those things are personal and you probably can't tell me which one I should buy, but here are a few specific questions:
1- Would you park those cars on the streets, or am I kidding myself - are they garage queens? Is that going to reduce their paint life dramatically? Am I likely to get the car keyed right away (I live in Islington, so not to ghetto, but still)
2- Is the DB9 a nightmare to drive in London, given its size (45cm longer than a vantage and same size than the X5, but uber long bonnet)
3- Is driving in medium traffic a very difficult and unenjoyable experience / or am I going to wear the clutch after 10kmiles 4- I used to own a 911 a few years back, and although annoying it was to drive in traffic, it wasn't too bad - does the vantage clutch feel heavier than the 911?
5- Does the gas consumption differ significantly between the two (won't be a big decision factor if I am honest)
6- Can you fit babies on the back sits? ie baby seats? Once they are old enough for booster seats (ie 5-6yo), can they fit in? or do I need to cut their legs? Although I would keep the X5, it would be nice to be able to take the family for a day out with the toy... as opposed to only use my Aston on my own
7- Does AM offer after market side sills for the DB9, like they do for the vantage? Are they as "cheap" as the N400 side sills?
8- I quickly discounted the Maserati Granturismo, although it offered 4 true seats - should I re-consider? I just don't like the image as much.
Anyway... that's all I can think of for now. I am truly in love with the brand... I want to make sure I buy them with my eyes open,
Thanks for any feedback you can provide.
Edited by Rivarama on Saturday 24th October 15:02
1. The paint is crap to begin with from the factory. Don't worry about it as it will most likely get resprayed at some point.
2. If you're a woman.
3. Auto would fix that issue.
5. They both have extremely close MPG figures IMO.
6. No idea.
7. DB9 should stay in its factory state.
8. GT is a turd.
2. If you're a woman.
3. Auto would fix that issue.
5. They both have extremely close MPG figures IMO.
6. No idea.
7. DB9 should stay in its factory state.
8. GT is a turd.
I went to the shop recently to buy a DB9, in the main based upon it having rear seats (I had decided on a Maser but thought I was due an AM instead).
Went to the shop and realised I didn't really like the shape and some of the styling and trim and to top it off, it doesn't have rear seats that people or indeed kids could sit in.
I was walking away ready to look at Masers again when I spotted a thing of beauty in the corner of my eye, a car I had not been thought about before. I drove away in a V8 Vantage; it's perfect!
Good luck!
Went to the shop and realised I didn't really like the shape and some of the styling and trim and to top it off, it doesn't have rear seats that people or indeed kids could sit in.
I was walking away ready to look at Masers again when I spotted a thing of beauty in the corner of my eye, a car I had not been thought about before. I drove away in a V8 Vantage; it's perfect!
Good luck!
Regarding the paint it is not vantage specific. I have a photo of it on a 177 door handle...
Having owned a 997 2S, I would say the Vantage has more sense of occasion when you drive it. The 911 is easier to drive and more practical, but will blend into traffic where the Aston stands out. On the question of DB9 vs Vantage, I think the Vantage looks better in profile than the DB9. I also prefer the drive in the Vantage. That said I would happily own a DB9, it's a great car. It sounds to me like you already have a family wagon, so do you really need two occasional seats? Also, the Vantage comes in sportshift auto if you prefer that for about 5k more than a manual. Personally I like the manual and do drive it in traffic and at low speeds - an occasional throttle blip for appreciative pedestrians. I would say I get a little bit of clunk between 1st and 2nd when the car is cold which goes away. I appreciate I didn't really answer your questions directly but hopefully some useful ramblings there. Oh and you could buy the Maserati, but it's not an Aston....
Having owned a 997 2S, I would say the Vantage has more sense of occasion when you drive it. The 911 is easier to drive and more practical, but will blend into traffic where the Aston stands out. On the question of DB9 vs Vantage, I think the Vantage looks better in profile than the DB9. I also prefer the drive in the Vantage. That said I would happily own a DB9, it's a great car. It sounds to me like you already have a family wagon, so do you really need two occasional seats? Also, the Vantage comes in sportshift auto if you prefer that for about 5k more than a manual. Personally I like the manual and do drive it in traffic and at low speeds - an occasional throttle blip for appreciative pedestrians. I would say I get a little bit of clunk between 1st and 2nd when the car is cold which goes away. I appreciate I didn't really answer your questions directly but hopefully some useful ramblings there. Oh and you could buy the Maserati, but it's not an Aston....
All great observations.
I would try and test drive the two back to back, then if you can, park them next to each other and walk around them.
Then you'll know which one you want.
I think I would spend a bit of time finding an affordable safe place to keep the car near your house first. You may find somewhere?
On the street in a big city someone will back into it or scratch it at some stage.
I couldn't cope with that!
I would try and test drive the two back to back, then if you can, park them next to each other and walk around them.
Then you'll know which one you want.
I think I would spend a bit of time finding an affordable safe place to keep the car near your house first. You may find somewhere?
On the street in a big city someone will back into it or scratch it at some stage.
I couldn't cope with that!
V8Andrew said:
Regarding the paint it is not vantage specific. I have a photo of it on a 177 door handle...
Having owned a 997 2S, I would say the Vantage has more sense of occasion when you drive it. The 911 is easier to drive and more practical, but will blend into traffic where the Aston stands out. On the question of DB9 vs Vantage, I think the Vantage looks better in profile than the DB9. I also prefer the drive in the Vantage. That said I would happily own a DB9, it's a great car. It sounds to me like you already have a family wagon, so do you really need two occasional seats? Also, the Vantage comes in sportshift auto if you prefer that for about 5k more than a manual. Personally I like the manual and do drive it in traffic and at low speeds - an occasional throttle blip for appreciative pedestrians. I would say I get a little bit of clunk between 1st and 2nd when the car is cold which goes away. I appreciate I didn't really answer your questions directly but hopefully some useful ramblings there. Oh and you could buy the Maserati, but it's not an Aston....
Thanks Andrew, that's great perspective. Do you have an upgraded clutch (after market double disc / light fly) or stock single plate?Having owned a 997 2S, I would say the Vantage has more sense of occasion when you drive it. The 911 is easier to drive and more practical, but will blend into traffic where the Aston stands out. On the question of DB9 vs Vantage, I think the Vantage looks better in profile than the DB9. I also prefer the drive in the Vantage. That said I would happily own a DB9, it's a great car. It sounds to me like you already have a family wagon, so do you really need two occasional seats? Also, the Vantage comes in sportshift auto if you prefer that for about 5k more than a manual. Personally I like the manual and do drive it in traffic and at low speeds - an occasional throttle blip for appreciative pedestrians. I would say I get a little bit of clunk between 1st and 2nd when the car is cold which goes away. I appreciate I didn't really answer your questions directly but hopefully some useful ramblings there. Oh and you could buy the Maserati, but it's not an Aston....
Also, I read reviews about the sportshift on V8V, and most of them weren't complimentary; shorter lifetime, jerky, bad in traffic... Nothing very engaging if I am honest. Any views?
I had a C4S while living in Boston, where traffic was bumper to bumper... That was not very pleasant but manageable. I still believe than manual sportscars hold value better when manual.
Phil74891 said:
All great observations.
I think I would spend a bit of time finding an affordable safe place to keep the car near your house first. You may find somewhere?
!
Thanks for your reply Phil. I hear you about the fear of a key scratch, but finding a cheap parking in London is like trying to find striper in Saudi Arabia... The cheapest i could find within 3miles of where i live is £175 a month, and there was so much traffic in that parking, and the space so tight, that i fear more for my car INSIDE than on my street. So for £2000+ a year on parking I will take my chances.I think I would spend a bit of time finding an affordable safe place to keep the car near your house first. You may find somewhere?
!
I'd be interested to hear from people living in London and see if it's manageable though, or if i am kidding myself
I also live in Islington and picked up a V8V about three months ago, 06, so here's my biased 
tuppence. Though I'll say from the outset that I've never driven a DB9 as it just wasn't the sort of car I was after.
Manual driving is manual driving, if you're used to it I really don't see the fuss. Even after being stuck along the Euston Road for half an hour I don't find myself throwing my hands up in the air going wishing for an auto! As you are using it mainly at weekends I wouldn't worry.
The other thing I'd comment on is parking. I don't know which part of Islington you live in, but I really wouldn't leave my car on the street around here. But some people are bigger worriers than others! Keep a look out on the parking rental websites, that's what I did. I actually bought the car first and then sorted the parking later. Certainly focuses the mind! And I managed it for less than £175 (though if you are Angel/Barnsbury that will be a different story I'm sure).
And if you're looking a decent Masser, and you seem interested in appreciation, save yourself 5k over the Aston and get yourself a low mileage Gransport. Beautiful cars that will only appreciate.
tuppence. Though I'll say from the outset that I've never driven a DB9 as it just wasn't the sort of car I was after.Manual driving is manual driving, if you're used to it I really don't see the fuss. Even after being stuck along the Euston Road for half an hour I don't find myself throwing my hands up in the air going wishing for an auto! As you are using it mainly at weekends I wouldn't worry.
The other thing I'd comment on is parking. I don't know which part of Islington you live in, but I really wouldn't leave my car on the street around here. But some people are bigger worriers than others! Keep a look out on the parking rental websites, that's what I did. I actually bought the car first and then sorted the parking later. Certainly focuses the mind! And I managed it for less than £175 (though if you are Angel/Barnsbury that will be a different story I'm sure).
And if you're looking a decent Masser, and you seem interested in appreciation, save yourself 5k over the Aston and get yourself a low mileage Gransport. Beautiful cars that will only appreciate.
Rivarama said:
Thanks Andrew, that's great perspective. Do you have an upgraded clutch (after market double disc / light fly) or stock single plate?
Also, I read reviews about the sportshift on V8V, and most of them weren't complimentary; shorter lifetime, jerky, bad in traffic... Nothing very engaging if I am honest. Any views?
I had a C4S while living in Boston, where traffic was bumper to bumper... That was not very pleasant but manageable. I still believe than manual sportscars hold value better when manual.
I have a standard clutch, although when it goes I will be upgrading it along with the flywheel. The previous owner had the clutch replaced so I have a fair bit of life left in this one. I test drove a sportshift and would not pay extra for it personally. There are stories of excessive clutch wear, but if you don't drive the manual properly the same thing applies. I did think the sound it made on upshifts was good on the sportshift. I've driven a few flappy paddle boxes (Audi, Lamborghini, Aston, Ferrari) of different ages. The new Ferrari box (458 and new California both driven) is excellent, other than that in all cases I'd have a manual.Also, I read reviews about the sportshift on V8V, and most of them weren't complimentary; shorter lifetime, jerky, bad in traffic... Nothing very engaging if I am honest. Any views?
I had a C4S while living in Boston, where traffic was bumper to bumper... That was not very pleasant but manageable. I still believe than manual sportscars hold value better when manual.
Chevykevv said:
Interesting read, thanks.
I am considering the same choice but think after much deliberation the Vantage has nicer lines (sorry DB9 chaps)
So you'd recommend the manual over the SS?
Sorry for hijacking thread.
I prefer manual but I'd test drive both and see what you think.I am considering the same choice but think after much deliberation the Vantage has nicer lines (sorry DB9 chaps)
So you'd recommend the manual over the SS?
Sorry for hijacking thread.
I park my DB9 out on the open driveway in London, its almost equivalent to parking on the street and never had a problem with it. And around the corner from me is a guy with a black Vantage who seems happy leaving it parked on the road (or at least its been there for 2-3 years). But I guess it varies from area to area.
The one thing I'd say is that, in my limited experience, the cars tend to get much more appreciation from people than others and seem to attract less petty vandalism (maybe one reason why we're shocked at the guy caught on dashcam doing it recently). A few years back I had an M3 and it was repeatedly being keyed as it seemed to bring out the worst in people, have a suspicion a Porsche 911 might be the same.
On the issue of DB9 back seats. I see a lot of comments on here about how they're unusable. That's really not the case, I bought my DB9 (rather than a Vantage) because I could take my 3 kids out in it and happily did so until the eldest hit her teens recently. I'm not saying its supremely comfortable. But it is do-able.
The peculiar thing is, that we found it was less an issue with legroom (as long as the passenger doesn't mind being further forward) - to sit in the back you put your knees either side of the seat in front. Rather the limiting factor for my kids is the roofline which swoops downwards above the rear seats and makes headroom an issue - one reason why I'm thinking of moving to a Volante
Can't answer your question about a Maser. They look lovely to me (and I was thinking of one before buying the Aston), but virtually everyone I know who's owned one says they are awful. Never been sure whether that's entirely fair or not
The one thing I'd say is that, in my limited experience, the cars tend to get much more appreciation from people than others and seem to attract less petty vandalism (maybe one reason why we're shocked at the guy caught on dashcam doing it recently). A few years back I had an M3 and it was repeatedly being keyed as it seemed to bring out the worst in people, have a suspicion a Porsche 911 might be the same.
On the issue of DB9 back seats. I see a lot of comments on here about how they're unusable. That's really not the case, I bought my DB9 (rather than a Vantage) because I could take my 3 kids out in it and happily did so until the eldest hit her teens recently. I'm not saying its supremely comfortable. But it is do-able.
The peculiar thing is, that we found it was less an issue with legroom (as long as the passenger doesn't mind being further forward) - to sit in the back you put your knees either side of the seat in front. Rather the limiting factor for my kids is the roofline which swoops downwards above the rear seats and makes headroom an issue - one reason why I'm thinking of moving to a Volante
Can't answer your question about a Maser. They look lovely to me (and I was thinking of one before buying the Aston), but virtually everyone I know who's owned one says they are awful. Never been sure whether that's entirely fair or not
samd294 said:
I also live in Islington and picked up a V8V about three months ago, 06, so here's my biased tuppence. Though I'll say from the outset that I've never driven a DB9 as it just wasn't the sort of car I was after.
Manual driving is manual driving, if you're used to it I really don't see the fuss. Even after being stuck along the Euston Road for half an hour I don't find myself throwing my hands up in the air going wishing for an auto! As you are using it mainly at weekends I wouldn't worry.
The other thing I'd comment on is parking. I don't know which part of Islington you live in, but I really wouldn't leave my car on the street around here. But some people are bigger worriers than others! Keep a look out on the parking rental websites, that's what I did. I actually bought the car first and then sorted the parking later. Certainly focuses the mind! And I managed it for less than £175 (though if you are Angel/Barnsbury that will be a different story I'm sure).
And if you're looking a decent Masser, and you seem interested in appreciation, save yourself 5k over the Aston and get yourself a low mileage Gransport. Beautiful cars that will only appreciate.
Sam - thanks for your note. I live off highbury fields, which is very quiet, and my street is blocked on both ends, which makes it even more quiet. Unless I am ready to walk 15min to get to my car, I dont have anything for less than £175 a month. Here again, it would pain me to spend roughly 10% of the price of the car every year on parking. tuppence. Though I'll say from the outset that I've never driven a DB9 as it just wasn't the sort of car I was after.Manual driving is manual driving, if you're used to it I really don't see the fuss. Even after being stuck along the Euston Road for half an hour I don't find myself throwing my hands up in the air going wishing for an auto! As you are using it mainly at weekends I wouldn't worry.
The other thing I'd comment on is parking. I don't know which part of Islington you live in, but I really wouldn't leave my car on the street around here. But some people are bigger worriers than others! Keep a look out on the parking rental websites, that's what I did. I actually bought the car first and then sorted the parking later. Certainly focuses the mind! And I managed it for less than £175 (though if you are Angel/Barnsbury that will be a different story I'm sure).
And if you're looking a decent Masser, and you seem interested in appreciation, save yourself 5k over the Aston and get yourself a low mileage Gransport. Beautiful cars that will only appreciate.
Thanks Rob that's very useful. Interesting perspective on London street parking and the rear seats situation. Would you use car seats on the back?
I know this is going to sound HORRIBLY wrong, but (wait for it....) are there isofix hooks on the db9? I am cringing just asking the question...
I definitely need to go try both back to back.
Would you say there is a big difference in exhaust note between the 2 once the fuse 22 has been removed? (as I am not going to ask the dealer to remove it for my test drive ;-)
I know this is going to sound HORRIBLY wrong, but (wait for it....) are there isofix hooks on the db9? I am cringing just asking the question...
I definitely need to go try both back to back.
Would you say there is a big difference in exhaust note between the 2 once the fuse 22 has been removed? (as I am not going to ask the dealer to remove it for my test drive ;-)
Rivarama said:
Would you say there is a big difference in exhaust note between the 2 once the fuse 22 has been removed?
There is a distinct difference between the exhaust notes of the V8 and V12 engined cars.
Need a musician to explain the sound differences, but to me, the V12 has a higher pitched note, with of course 12 bangs compared to 8.
Your mention of London, made me wonder how worthwhile test drives can be conducted there?
One cannot get much of a feeling for these cars, at under 30mph.
Edited by Jon39 on Saturday 24th October 20:02
I don't think you can get a full sized car seat in the back, just booster seats. So my youngest started with a full sized rear facing car seat in the front passenger slot before progressing to the back as she got bigger).
I don't think there's an Isofix option for the DB9. Not sure about the Rapide (but again I doubt it).
Oh and I had the car for about a week before I switched the exhaust out for a Quicksilver Supersport. The stock sound just didn't feel like it did justice to the V12 engine (with or without Fuse 22). Once you've done that you need to immediately find the nearest tunnel and drop the windows down. Makes me laugh like my 11 year old boy every single time (I'm smiling just thinking about it and I've had the car for getting on for 5 years!)
I don't think there's an Isofix option for the DB9. Not sure about the Rapide (but again I doubt it).
Oh and I had the car for about a week before I switched the exhaust out for a Quicksilver Supersport. The stock sound just didn't feel like it did justice to the V12 engine (with or without Fuse 22). Once you've done that you need to immediately find the nearest tunnel and drop the windows down. Makes me laugh like my 11 year old boy every single time (I'm smiling just thinking about it and I've had the car for getting on for 5 years!)
Edited by RobDown on Saturday 24th October 23:36
Decisions decisions!
I had a TVR Griff, roadside in Islington for 3 years with no issues and sounds like you have a nice no through road... That said I am seriously thinking of leaving the Rapide at home for our usual Xmas London jaunt as it will be roadside in the Abbey Road area. I think the very road you are on is key - the next road up by the rough late licence pub etc should all influence.
Just had my V12 secondary cat bypass done and will have to do a recording of the sound for you - the hairs on your arm standing to attention will allay any thoughts of fewer cylinders being more sonourous
Sounds like your kids are v young so the DB9 (unsure about Vantages sorry) should be OK for a few years - there will be a seat solution I'm sure even if it isnt ISOFIX. Do you hang on to your cars long? If in doubt get the 331mm longer 4 door version... And on size I did find the DB9/Rapide size a bit daunting for the first few days, but like anything, it soon becomes normal and second nature.
On transmissions only you will know. I wouldn't want a knob to keep stirring every 5" in my Rapide (especially in central London) and the Touchtronic gearbox it has is fine. Its not a superb Porsche PDK or Ferrari sequential though, and I do grimace a little when I'm in too high a gear (I always drive it on the paddles) and the torque converter is slipping...but 95% of the time it works very nicely indeed in a GT. Its a small price to pay for the drop dead lusty looks and overall specialness of the car.
Dont think you had any other questions;) so get a proper test drive in Vantage and DB9/Rapide. You'll know And if you still dont, then go on mpg where the V12 bizarrely wins!
I had a TVR Griff, roadside in Islington for 3 years with no issues and sounds like you have a nice no through road... That said I am seriously thinking of leaving the Rapide at home for our usual Xmas London jaunt as it will be roadside in the Abbey Road area. I think the very road you are on is key - the next road up by the rough late licence pub etc should all influence.
Just had my V12 secondary cat bypass done and will have to do a recording of the sound for you - the hairs on your arm standing to attention will allay any thoughts of fewer cylinders being more sonourous
Sounds like your kids are v young so the DB9 (unsure about Vantages sorry) should be OK for a few years - there will be a seat solution I'm sure even if it isnt ISOFIX. Do you hang on to your cars long? If in doubt get the 331mm longer 4 door version...
And on size I did find the DB9/Rapide size a bit daunting for the first few days, but like anything, it soon becomes normal and second nature. On transmissions only you will know. I wouldn't want a knob to keep stirring every 5" in my Rapide (especially in central London) and the Touchtronic gearbox it has is fine. Its not a superb Porsche PDK or Ferrari sequential though, and I do grimace a little when I'm in too high a gear (I always drive it on the paddles) and the torque converter is slipping...but 95% of the time it works very nicely indeed in a GT. Its a small price to pay for the drop dead lusty looks and overall specialness of the car.
Dont think you had any other questions;) so get a proper test drive in Vantage and DB9/Rapide. You'll know
And if you still dont, then go on mpg where the V12 bizarrely wins!Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff