Discussion
I currently have a BMW E60 M5 and Porsche 996 C4S and have been thinking about replacing them both with one car. One of those options is an early DB9 which I just can't stop looking at because they're so pretty 
However I don't know anything about Astons and don't know anyone who's owned one so would like some honest advice.
- Does anyone have any similar experiences from the cars mentioned above? It's going to be a weekend/European trip car.
- Is the reliability really as bad as people make out? The M5 has a massive reputation for borkage but I've never had any serious problems with it. The Porsche is supposed to have a chocolate engine but again it's been trouble free. Is it just a case of the internet blowing things out of proportion?
- Does it really cost £1k to change the oil and filter every year?
- What's considered high mileage? Is a 50k car going to be difficult to shift on when I take it to 60k, 70k, etc?
- Are there any significant MY changes to be aware of?
Thanks in advance!
However I don't know anything about Astons and don't know anyone who's owned one so would like some honest advice.
- Does anyone have any similar experiences from the cars mentioned above? It's going to be a weekend/European trip car.
- Is the reliability really as bad as people make out? The M5 has a massive reputation for borkage but I've never had any serious problems with it. The Porsche is supposed to have a chocolate engine but again it's been trouble free. Is it just a case of the internet blowing things out of proportion?
- Does it really cost £1k to change the oil and filter every year?
- What's considered high mileage? Is a 50k car going to be difficult to shift on when I take it to 60k, 70k, etc?
- Are there any significant MY changes to be aware of?
Thanks in advance!
As everyone on here will tell you, the first thing to do is buys Grants book (link at the top of the forum page), it's an absolute bible for anyone considering buying a Gaydon era Aston. The book will detail all MY changes.
I went from a 4.7 Vantage Roadster to a 997.2(S) back to a 4.7 Vantage S within 18 months. I found the 911 boring but that's a different story.
Reliability of DB9's, Vantages etc is not bad at all, the engines are rock solid. You may end up with a few niggles but I can't recall anyone on this forum who's had really serious issues (other than the odd clutch going), although I'm sure somebody else will pipe up soon enough if i'm wrong.
As for the costs.....well they're not cheap. Service costs will obviously depend on what service is due, but yes don't expect to see much change form that. Obviously you don't need to use an AM dealer (and many don't), but it's absolutely critical that the car is serviced and the book stamped when it should be, otherwise you'll never sell it on. Even if it's done 100 miles in a year, you need that stamp. A con maybe, but an unfortunate reality.
I guess 50k is higher than most, but I'm sure there was a thread last year about somebody buying a 70k+ car and from memory I think it was all good. You would however be in reasonably uncharted territory with that, so how hard it would be to move on is a a bit of an unknown I guess.
I went from a 4.7 Vantage Roadster to a 997.2(S) back to a 4.7 Vantage S within 18 months. I found the 911 boring but that's a different story.
Reliability of DB9's, Vantages etc is not bad at all, the engines are rock solid. You may end up with a few niggles but I can't recall anyone on this forum who's had really serious issues (other than the odd clutch going), although I'm sure somebody else will pipe up soon enough if i'm wrong.
As for the costs.....well they're not cheap. Service costs will obviously depend on what service is due, but yes don't expect to see much change form that. Obviously you don't need to use an AM dealer (and many don't), but it's absolutely critical that the car is serviced and the book stamped when it should be, otherwise you'll never sell it on. Even if it's done 100 miles in a year, you need that stamp. A con maybe, but an unfortunate reality.
I guess 50k is higher than most, but I'm sure there was a thread last year about somebody buying a 70k+ car and from memory I think it was all good. You would however be in reasonably uncharted territory with that, so how hard it would be to move on is a a bit of an unknown I guess.
I can only speak as I find I have owned 3 DB9's.
Service at a main dealer will cost about £850 maybe bit less on older car as some are now doing discounts to keep them in the loop. You will need a trickle charger as they don't last for longer than roundabout 2 weeks especially if u have a tracker.
They r reliable and attract attention and respect wherever u go so ownership is special. Worth joining the AMOC generally non snobby helpful people.worth checking if paint around handles has blistered which is a common fault
Engines really go and sound well
Go get one u will love it!
Service at a main dealer will cost about £850 maybe bit less on older car as some are now doing discounts to keep them in the loop. You will need a trickle charger as they don't last for longer than roundabout 2 weeks especially if u have a tracker.
They r reliable and attract attention and respect wherever u go so ownership is special. Worth joining the AMOC generally non snobby helpful people.worth checking if paint around handles has blistered which is a common fault
Engines really go and sound well
Go get one u will love it!
Are you buying with your heart or your head? The head will do the list... the servicing costs, the usefulness of the back seats, the economy, the 0-60 times. The heart will simply say: this is a gorgeous piece of mechanical art with a unique character that few other brands can replicate. You will feel special, people will look and point and come up at petrol stations to talk - experiences you won't get with most other exotics.
I've had many high-end brands... Merc SL's, Bentley Contis, and I'm on my 3rd Aston Martin - a 2007 DB9 after a 2003 Vanquish and 2008 V8VR. I don't ever intend buying another brand, even though many others will run rings around AM with the power and precision builds. But no other car looks so damn perfect from every angle and gets so much respect.
A DB9 is a good choice. Buy one with the aid of Grant's excellent guide and a pre-purchase inspection and you'll enjoy every single mile you drive it.
I've had many high-end brands... Merc SL's, Bentley Contis, and I'm on my 3rd Aston Martin - a 2007 DB9 after a 2003 Vanquish and 2008 V8VR. I don't ever intend buying another brand, even though many others will run rings around AM with the power and precision builds. But no other car looks so damn perfect from every angle and gets so much respect.
A DB9 is a good choice. Buy one with the aid of Grant's excellent guide and a pre-purchase inspection and you'll enjoy every single mile you drive it.
Shaoxter said:
- Does anyone have any similar experiences from the cars mentioned above? It's going to be a weekend/European trip car.
Perfect for that, with occasional daily use to work 
every day you will have a massive smile.Shaoxter said:
- What's considered high mileage? Is a 50k car going to be difficult to shift on when I take it to 60k, 70k, etc?
Yes, but buy it for now, thoroughly enjoy it and don't worry too much about depreciation as older cars are at the bottom of their curve.Shaoxter said:
- Are there any significant MY changes to be aware of?
Get Grants book it is fantastic!Lots to say, search the pistonheads forum for DB9 brings up lots of info.
My twopence (having owned 996 before DB9) is that it is just more of an occasion.
I would recommend getting an inspection from a decent independent on a ten year old car, the report will let you know what needs doing or how perfect it is. Like any car you can spend a fortune keeping it absolutely mint (including the de-humidifiers and extra work done), or you can neglect it and it will continue to work fine (for a while), hence the inspection by a professional or someone with no emotional attachment will see the car for what it really is.
Buy oncondition not mileage or model year if looking at an early one.
I think buying from a private buyer allows you to look at them in the eye and try to understand how they view the car, a dealer may give you the convience of a warranty or finance - horses for courses.
The main thing is to get one bought, people let you out of junctions and car parks (unlike when in German machinery).
Enjoy the search, mine took a couple of years to find the right one and convince myself / wife,
Sean
My twopence (having owned 996 before DB9) is that it is just more of an occasion.
I would recommend getting an inspection from a decent independent on a ten year old car, the report will let you know what needs doing or how perfect it is. Like any car you can spend a fortune keeping it absolutely mint (including the de-humidifiers and extra work done), or you can neglect it and it will continue to work fine (for a while), hence the inspection by a professional or someone with no emotional attachment will see the car for what it really is.
Buy oncondition not mileage or model year if looking at an early one.
I think buying from a private buyer allows you to look at them in the eye and try to understand how they view the car, a dealer may give you the convience of a warranty or finance - horses for courses.
The main thing is to get one bought, people let you out of junctions and car parks (unlike when in German machinery).
Enjoy the search, mine took a couple of years to find the right one and convince myself / wife,
Sean
Rappa said:
The main thing is to get one bought, people let you out of junctions and car parks (unlike when in German machinery).
Actually I'm really keen to see if this is true or a myth!!It's never something I've really experienced, not sure whether it's because I live in London or drive BMWs or drive aggressively, probably a combination of all 3
I have just bought my DB9 after reading the book - doing my research etc etc, i have found the most important consideration (after the first impression of the car) is to feel that you can trust either the person selling or the dealer. I visited a number of dealers and thought - do i really trust these people - if there is an element of doubt id walk away - even if the deal and the car is compelling.
Things i have learned in my few weeks of owning..
pay close attention to the spec you want - try not to compromise
lots of ox blood interiors - if you like it fine - seems to be a marmite choice
have a look at the top colours for a DB9 - might help with choice
look at the wear on the leather - if it looks worn it may well bother you
look for condensation in the lights - not a bad sign but could limit the life or annoy
check for alignment of the doors and other shuts - ive seen a few that don't line up
check for respray - blow overs etc
listen for squeaks and rattles over bumps
check under the car for missing panels - scratched up etc
listen to the engine for taps knocks etc
do your own HPI check
try and get a AM service in the price during negotiation
check the service history, yearly - 10k etc
after all this - go out and have a blast - im still loving my DB9...!
good luck!
Things i have learned in my few weeks of owning..
pay close attention to the spec you want - try not to compromise
lots of ox blood interiors - if you like it fine - seems to be a marmite choice
have a look at the top colours for a DB9 - might help with choice
look at the wear on the leather - if it looks worn it may well bother you
look for condensation in the lights - not a bad sign but could limit the life or annoy
check for alignment of the doors and other shuts - ive seen a few that don't line up
check for respray - blow overs etc
listen for squeaks and rattles over bumps
check under the car for missing panels - scratched up etc
listen to the engine for taps knocks etc
do your own HPI check
try and get a AM service in the price during negotiation
check the service history, yearly - 10k etc
after all this - go out and have a blast - im still loving my DB9...!
good luck!
Ok thread update - went to see a lovely DB9 on Sunday.
First impressions just walking up to the car was that it was simply stunning (big credit to the owner too). He was kind enough to let me take it for a test drive and it drove beautifully, just the right combination of sportiness and refinement for a GT car. The Touchtronic auto was surprisingly good considering it's a 10 year old box, great responsiveness from the paddles and certainly better than the Tiptronic in my 911.
However there were a few things which made me think twice.
- The rear seats are pitiful, worse than a 911 which I didn't think was possible. They won't be used extensively but would be nice to have 2 extra seats sometimes. Might take my wife along next time and see if she fits!
- The engine is glorious, but IMO not quite as glorious as the V10 in my M5.
- Finally (and here's the biggest thing) it didn't feel all that special inside. Maybe it was a case of building up expectations too much or maybe it was the oxblood interior... will have to see a few more cars I think.
p.s. How much do clear rear lights cost these days? Are they just plug and play or is some coding needed?
First impressions just walking up to the car was that it was simply stunning (big credit to the owner too). He was kind enough to let me take it for a test drive and it drove beautifully, just the right combination of sportiness and refinement for a GT car. The Touchtronic auto was surprisingly good considering it's a 10 year old box, great responsiveness from the paddles and certainly better than the Tiptronic in my 911.
However there were a few things which made me think twice.
- The rear seats are pitiful, worse than a 911 which I didn't think was possible. They won't be used extensively but would be nice to have 2 extra seats sometimes. Might take my wife along next time and see if she fits!
- The engine is glorious, but IMO not quite as glorious as the V10 in my M5.
- Finally (and here's the biggest thing) it didn't feel all that special inside. Maybe it was a case of building up expectations too much or maybe it was the oxblood interior... will have to see a few more cars I think.
p.s. How much do clear rear lights cost these days? Are they just plug and play or is some coding needed?
I've come to a conclusion today and it's not the one that this subforum wants to hear!
Went to see a Celeste blue DB9 which was beautiful on the outisde but it had a horrid dark blue interior which looked much more worn than the 20k something miles on the clock. Then had a poke around McGurks, fantastic establishment and was great talking to John but didn't have anything in a colour combo and spec which I wanted. I'm absolutely amazed that on a £100k+ car, things like heated seats, powerfold mirrors and cruise are optional extras, especially with the target market in mind. I know a lot of things became standard in 2006 but those cars seem to be a bit thin on the ground or quite a bit pricier. Maybe after a bit of patience I could find the perfect spec but after today I've gone off the whole idea now.
Looking at it objectively, the DB9 is slower, less exciting, less practical, has fewer gadgets and is about 2-3x more expensive than my E60 M5. For me, those things outweigh the looks and badge/prestige of the Aston. To be honest at the end of the test drive I just wanted to get back into my M5 and the first thing my wife did was switch on the heated seats and stopped whining about having to contort in the back of the DB9
So overall it was a nice to have a flirt with a beautiful mistress who you've always lusted after but in the end I realised the woman I had was the right one all along. Won't stop me from checking out even prettier chicks (DBS/V12V etc.) in the future when I can afford them though
Went to see a Celeste blue DB9 which was beautiful on the outisde but it had a horrid dark blue interior which looked much more worn than the 20k something miles on the clock. Then had a poke around McGurks, fantastic establishment and was great talking to John but didn't have anything in a colour combo and spec which I wanted. I'm absolutely amazed that on a £100k+ car, things like heated seats, powerfold mirrors and cruise are optional extras, especially with the target market in mind. I know a lot of things became standard in 2006 but those cars seem to be a bit thin on the ground or quite a bit pricier. Maybe after a bit of patience I could find the perfect spec but after today I've gone off the whole idea now.
Looking at it objectively, the DB9 is slower, less exciting, less practical, has fewer gadgets and is about 2-3x more expensive than my E60 M5. For me, those things outweigh the looks and badge/prestige of the Aston. To be honest at the end of the test drive I just wanted to get back into my M5 and the first thing my wife did was switch on the heated seats and stopped whining about having to contort in the back of the DB9
So overall it was a nice to have a flirt with a beautiful mistress who you've always lusted after but in the end I realised the woman I had was the right one all along. Won't stop me from checking out even prettier chicks (DBS/V12V etc.) in the future when I can afford them though
Well done for getting out to have a look at more than one.
Objectively the M5 is a better car, but Astons are all about the subjectivity.
You are correct about the rear seats being smaller than a Carrera. I looked at it as a two seater where you could store a few things (sometimes that's children).
I personally like the ox blood interior, but my light coloured interior to my mind made it feel more special / posh.
See you at an AM event in 5 years time after it has niggled you for a longer period of time.
Sean
Objectively the M5 is a better car, but Astons are all about the subjectivity.
You are correct about the rear seats being smaller than a Carrera. I looked at it as a two seater where you could store a few things (sometimes that's children).
I personally like the ox blood interior, but my light coloured interior to my mind made it feel more special / posh.
See you at an AM event in 5 years time after it has niggled you for a longer period of time.
Sean
No contest for me, I have had loads of cars, the 5 series in my opinion is no contest for the Aston, the Aston rare, it's beautiful & a great brand. The sense of occasion every time I get in it is great. I have not tired of it & have had it 4 years. I am a serial car changer, but not the Aston, I think I will keep it long term. Icing on the cake is that it has held its value.
Don't get me wrong I love BMW's.
Don't get me wrong I love BMW's.
No contest for me, I have had loads of cars, the 5 series in my opinion is no contest for the Aston, the Aston rare, it's beautiful & a great brand. The sense of occasion every time I get in it is great. I have not tired of it & have had it 4 years. I am a serial car changer, but not the Aston, I think I will keep it long term. Icing on the cake is that it has held its value.
Don't get me wrong I love BMW's.
Don't get me wrong I love BMW's.
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