Discussion
Hi all, first time in the Aston forum so go easy.
I'm looking for anyone who might have been on a similar car journey to me and can give me their thoughts on Aston ownership.
It's a brand I've always wanted, but I've stayed away for a couple of (predictable) reasons;
1. Quality concerns, as I have an OCD hatred of rattles
2. The provision of competitive and usable technology
As such, I've stuck with the ubiquitous, some might say boring, German choices. Nearly every type of AMG's including a couple of SLS's and more recently AMG GT's, a couple of 911's and very recently, new shape Audi R8's. The best GT-type cars I've owned are BMW M6's. Quite frankly, they're all excellent. The 911's are dynamic perfection, the AMG's are not, the R8's have the most ridiculous drivetrain (and they don't rattle) and the M6's are seriously good, underrated all-rounders.
Coming out of my last 911 last year (a fabulous 991.2 GTS), I tried to get into an Aston Vanquish. I even went as far as paying a deposit on one, subject to driving it. Simply one of the most beautiful cars out there, I couldn't believe I was about to own one. But my budget at the time only got me the older 6-speeder which was a step too far back compared to what I was familiar with, and I'm afraid my quality fears were very much founded in the example I drove. I suspect I tried a bad example, but it sent me running tail between my legs to the safety of another (my third!) R8.
That was then. My situation has now changed somewhat. My wife and I had twins three months ago and, whilst I've soldiered on with the R8 so far, I'm getting increasingly irritated by not being able to use it. Apart from a relatively short commute, it just stays parked up on the drive. I decided to put it up for sale privately this weekend and I've already taken a deposit so, cue the need for a 4 seater.
I really want to retain a coupe and I have a V12 itch to scratch. It's the one drivetrain I've never owned. So, DB11's....
Honestly, I can't think of a more classy, desirable or prestigious 4-seater coupe. I've tried one for space in the showroom with my family and everyone (just about!) fits which means it'll get used! My local dealer are kindly loaning me their demonstrator for the weekend on Saturday so I can see how it drives and we cope four-up.
Really, the only other obvious choices are a Ferrari FF (but my budget only gets me a 5-6 year old car with very dated tech), Mercedes-AMG S65's (will be technically excellent at everything, but they leave me a bit cold) and the Bentley Conti GT (I'm not a fan of the looks, and I'm about 20 years too young for one).
This leaves the DB11, so can any owners give insight into the following:
- Are they reliable, and I mean enough to depend on as a daily driver, commuting etc? What tends to go wrong?
- Are they prone to trim rattles / buzzes / vibrations / knocks etc? (very important to me)
- Any idea why there's so many 1-2 year old cars on the market with very low (<5k) miles? Are people getting out of them early or is there another reason?
- I know I'll be able to answer this question at the weekend but, after the cars I've had, I do worry it'll be too much 'GT' and not enough 'sports car'. I know it's not a sports car but I do expect it to lean towards the more sporty side of the spectrum compared to any other 4-dseater option bar another 911 (which I don't want). Ultimately I know I'll need to compromise on some aspects and at least the DB11 has a V12 which has more chance than anything to counter to the R8's outrageous V10.
Also, one of my favourite cars has been my BMW M6 and our other family car is currently an Audi RS6. I value luxury and refinement too, so I don't feel the RS6 is a poor relation to the R8 after driving both (indeed, the RS6 is in many ways more impressive given it's breadth of abilities).
So, has anyone come out of a sports car like a 911/R8 etc into a DB11 and how does it compare?
- Any spec blunders to avoid? I actually really like the one with cream and black or blue interiors, such a nice antidote to the grey German stuff. Are these colour combo's hard to sell in Astons? The Launch Edition car have a LOT of kit so is there any reason not to go for one fo these?
- And finally, am I right in concluding that whilst these have come a long way tech wise, they still don't have auto-high beam for the headlights? It's not a deal breaker (I can turn my main beam on and off myself
) but given it's standard on most other premium (and much cheaper) cars, it seems an odd and simple omission.
Much appreciate the insight anyone can share.
Thanks, Andrew
I'm looking for anyone who might have been on a similar car journey to me and can give me their thoughts on Aston ownership.
It's a brand I've always wanted, but I've stayed away for a couple of (predictable) reasons;
1. Quality concerns, as I have an OCD hatred of rattles
2. The provision of competitive and usable technology
As such, I've stuck with the ubiquitous, some might say boring, German choices. Nearly every type of AMG's including a couple of SLS's and more recently AMG GT's, a couple of 911's and very recently, new shape Audi R8's. The best GT-type cars I've owned are BMW M6's. Quite frankly, they're all excellent. The 911's are dynamic perfection, the AMG's are not, the R8's have the most ridiculous drivetrain (and they don't rattle) and the M6's are seriously good, underrated all-rounders.
Coming out of my last 911 last year (a fabulous 991.2 GTS), I tried to get into an Aston Vanquish. I even went as far as paying a deposit on one, subject to driving it. Simply one of the most beautiful cars out there, I couldn't believe I was about to own one. But my budget at the time only got me the older 6-speeder which was a step too far back compared to what I was familiar with, and I'm afraid my quality fears were very much founded in the example I drove. I suspect I tried a bad example, but it sent me running tail between my legs to the safety of another (my third!) R8.
That was then. My situation has now changed somewhat. My wife and I had twins three months ago and, whilst I've soldiered on with the R8 so far, I'm getting increasingly irritated by not being able to use it. Apart from a relatively short commute, it just stays parked up on the drive. I decided to put it up for sale privately this weekend and I've already taken a deposit so, cue the need for a 4 seater.
I really want to retain a coupe and I have a V12 itch to scratch. It's the one drivetrain I've never owned. So, DB11's....
Honestly, I can't think of a more classy, desirable or prestigious 4-seater coupe. I've tried one for space in the showroom with my family and everyone (just about!) fits which means it'll get used! My local dealer are kindly loaning me their demonstrator for the weekend on Saturday so I can see how it drives and we cope four-up.
Really, the only other obvious choices are a Ferrari FF (but my budget only gets me a 5-6 year old car with very dated tech), Mercedes-AMG S65's (will be technically excellent at everything, but they leave me a bit cold) and the Bentley Conti GT (I'm not a fan of the looks, and I'm about 20 years too young for one).
This leaves the DB11, so can any owners give insight into the following:
- Are they reliable, and I mean enough to depend on as a daily driver, commuting etc? What tends to go wrong?
- Are they prone to trim rattles / buzzes / vibrations / knocks etc? (very important to me)
- Any idea why there's so many 1-2 year old cars on the market with very low (<5k) miles? Are people getting out of them early or is there another reason?
- I know I'll be able to answer this question at the weekend but, after the cars I've had, I do worry it'll be too much 'GT' and not enough 'sports car'. I know it's not a sports car but I do expect it to lean towards the more sporty side of the spectrum compared to any other 4-dseater option bar another 911 (which I don't want). Ultimately I know I'll need to compromise on some aspects and at least the DB11 has a V12 which has more chance than anything to counter to the R8's outrageous V10.
Also, one of my favourite cars has been my BMW M6 and our other family car is currently an Audi RS6. I value luxury and refinement too, so I don't feel the RS6 is a poor relation to the R8 after driving both (indeed, the RS6 is in many ways more impressive given it's breadth of abilities).
So, has anyone come out of a sports car like a 911/R8 etc into a DB11 and how does it compare?
- Any spec blunders to avoid? I actually really like the one with cream and black or blue interiors, such a nice antidote to the grey German stuff. Are these colour combo's hard to sell in Astons? The Launch Edition car have a LOT of kit so is there any reason not to go for one fo these?
- And finally, am I right in concluding that whilst these have come a long way tech wise, they still don't have auto-high beam for the headlights? It's not a deal breaker (I can turn my main beam on and off myself
) but given it's standard on most other premium (and much cheaper) cars, it seems an odd and simple omission. Much appreciate the insight anyone can share.
Thanks, Andrew
Edited by Palmball on Tuesday 8th May 00:34
The best test is to drive one and see what you think. I wasn’t keen I until I took a test drive and then put my deposit down within 10 minutes - it is a great car and perfect for me. It certainly feels a lot more refined and sophisticated than the DB9 I had before.
On your specific questions- rattles etc. Generally very quiet and no issues. Way ahead of my admittedly very old DB9 which was very noisy. If I am honest I do get very occasional trim buzz but it never seems to be in the same place twice. Sadly no auto high beam which I agree is a bit strange, our 8 year old Discover has it ! Can’t compare to an R8 really since I shave only ever driven one at Silverstone rather than in the road - my guess is you would find the DB11 softer in GT mode but similar in the sports modes but not quite as nimble overall. Engine sound is a lot more refined and less aggressive than the V10 but that is down to personal taste.
The only real issue I have is that the car is very wide - the Discovery is actually better in tight spaces. I presume the new Vantage will have the same problem.
On your specific questions- rattles etc. Generally very quiet and no issues. Way ahead of my admittedly very old DB9 which was very noisy. If I am honest I do get very occasional trim buzz but it never seems to be in the same place twice. Sadly no auto high beam which I agree is a bit strange, our 8 year old Discover has it ! Can’t compare to an R8 really since I shave only ever driven one at Silverstone rather than in the road - my guess is you would find the DB11 softer in GT mode but similar in the sports modes but not quite as nimble overall. Engine sound is a lot more refined and less aggressive than the V10 but that is down to personal taste.
The only real issue I have is that the car is very wide - the Discovery is actually better in tight spaces. I presume the new Vantage will have the same problem.
Hi. I have had my DB11 for 10 months. Nearly 3k on the clock. Had a DB9. , M5, 645ci. Miles ahead on the older Aston’s. Beautiful to look at and even better to drive. Eats up the miles on longer journeys and is very comfortable. The ultimate GT.
Only had an initial door rattle which was sorted out very quickly. Nothing else.
Go and ask for a 48hr test drive. You will soon know if it’s the right car for you.
Only had an initial door rattle which was sorted out very quickly. Nothing else.
Go and ask for a 48hr test drive. You will soon know if it’s the right car for you.
Hope the test drive goes well!
I also had the same pre-conceived ideas about Aston and quality. Really shouldn’t have worried as they just seem to get better and better with regular use. No fundamental reports of inherent big problems as there have been with late 2000 year Porsches. As with all cars, you can be unlucky, but I have a great feeling of support from AM Bristol. Coupled with the AM extended warranty, I’m not concerned.
You seem to be majoring on the cabin tech. Currently the DB11 is your only AM choice with 4 seats IMHO. It has toys, but I really hope you end up loving it for its dynamics, drivetrain, looks and ultimately its “feel good factor”!
Enjoy
I also had the same pre-conceived ideas about Aston and quality. Really shouldn’t have worried as they just seem to get better and better with regular use. No fundamental reports of inherent big problems as there have been with late 2000 year Porsches. As with all cars, you can be unlucky, but I have a great feeling of support from AM Bristol. Coupled with the AM extended warranty, I’m not concerned.
You seem to be majoring on the cabin tech. Currently the DB11 is your only AM choice with 4 seats IMHO. It has toys, but I really hope you end up loving it for its dynamics, drivetrain, looks and ultimately its “feel good factor”!
Enjoy
Some great cars you've had previously, similar to my history! Although I only kept my AMG GTS for 3 months! I'd say look at Vanquish. I went from the AMG GTS into Vanquish (even though I was still running a DB9 Volante) and have not looked back since. Aim for a 2014+ car with the 8 speed manual, or if you can stretch to it a Vanquish S. Given your previous comments, it appears you might prefer NA to turbo so again the Vanquish will tick a box over a DB11
DB11 is great but still a little "sterile" in German feel. BUT as posted above, just try a few out and see what you like
DB11 is great but still a little "sterile" in German feel. BUT as posted above, just try a few out and see what you like
Enjoying my DB11. Always get positive feedback from everyone. Love to drive it. No complaints. Maybe too much power for the road (its a V12!), so you can't put your foot down when driving! Only problem is someone else has the same colour DB11 in my neighbourhood. Aston Martin Cambridge have been exceptional to deal with.
Brother in law has one and he absolutely loves it. Zero issues with it so far, and he uses it at least 3 or 4 days a week.
Salesman generously asked me if I've like a go when I went with my BIL for his test drive - previously, I'd have never thought about owning an Aston, but I was blown away by how good it was to drive - so quiet and comfy when pottering, so F-off fast when not pottering. Does the GT thing superbly well.
Salesman generously asked me if I've like a go when I went with my BIL for his test drive - previously, I'd have never thought about owning an Aston, but I was blown away by how good it was to drive - so quiet and comfy when pottering, so F-off fast when not pottering. Does the GT thing superbly well.
Wow, thanks all for the responses. The positivity is very encouraging indeed.
I have a demo for the whole weekend so it will give me really good insight into what it's like to drive and, crucially, live with. I really do hope it stacks up!
Not only is the DB11 the only AM choice, it's one of the only choices period unless I want a Bentley GTC / Ferrari FF / AMG S65. New BMW M8 which is incoming would probably be a very appropriate and capable car (although not comparable from a brand perspective).
I also only kept my AMG GT for 3 months (back in 2015) because, whilst I'm a massive AMG fan, I never really gelled with it. It's technically superior to the SLS in every way bar one thing, yet I preferred the SLS. That one thing is the over-light steering which quite frankly ruins the entire car. I even tried a second one again more recently and it lasted less than 3 months.
I so want to like the Vanquish, I think it's the prettiest car on sale. But I was really put off with the one I drove (indeed, paid a deposit on!) last year. Gearbox aside (because I know the 8 speeder will be in another league), it was very rattly and buzzy inside and the rear end knocked over bumps....this was an Aston Martin approved car and the salesman was totally oblivious (or pretended to be) until I mentioned it. Believe me, I really wish I couldn't hear stuff that I do (or that it didn't bother me)....my life would be far more enjoyable! I do accept this will have been a particularly poor example, but it's made me very nervous.
You are right though, I do much prefer N/A to turbo (one of the main reasons I drive an R8) but all the reports do suggest the DB11's turbo V12 behaves like it's N/A. It will have a tough job convincing someone coming from a N/A V10 but I'm prepared to go in open minded. But you know what, if I don't get on with the DB11 for whatever reason then, given I don't want a Bentley and can't afford a decent FF, I will look at Vanquish again.
I'm not really averse to the sterile German feel, it's kind of what I'm used to so if a DB11 can marry some of that 'perfection' with AM style then to someone like me, that's not a bad thing.
I have a demo for the whole weekend so it will give me really good insight into what it's like to drive and, crucially, live with. I really do hope it stacks up!
nickv8 said:
Hope the test drive goes well!
You seem to be majoring on the cabin tech. Currently the DB11 is your only AM choice with 4 seats IMHO. It has toys, but I really hope you end up loving it for its dynamics, drivetrain, looks and ultimately its “feel good factor”!
Enjoy
Yes I must admit that, rightly or wrongly, this is important to me. It's an everyday car that'll be used for work and so stuff needs to work well. If I get this right and it can genuinely be used for work and pleasure then it'll be a 15k+ pa car. I know the Mercedes systems very well and whilst far from the best (BMW and Audi do it better) it's more than adequate. You seem to be majoring on the cabin tech. Currently the DB11 is your only AM choice with 4 seats IMHO. It has toys, but I really hope you end up loving it for its dynamics, drivetrain, looks and ultimately its “feel good factor”!
Enjoy
Not only is the DB11 the only AM choice, it's one of the only choices period unless I want a Bentley GTC / Ferrari FF / AMG S65. New BMW M8 which is incoming would probably be a very appropriate and capable car (although not comparable from a brand perspective).
chatty1234 said:
Enjoying my DB11. Always get positive feedback from everyone. Love to drive it. No complaints. Maybe too much power for the road (its a V12!), so you can't put your foot down when driving! Only problem is someone else has the same colour DB11 in my neighbourhood. Aston Martin Cambridge have been exceptional to deal with.
Ha ha, if that's the only problem then I'll take that! Imagine the shame of owning a common Audi M5MarkM said:
Some great cars you've had previously, similar to my history! Although I only kept my AMG GTS for 3 months! I'd say look at Vanquish. I went from the AMG GTS into Vanquish (even though I was still running a DB9 Volante) and have not looked back since. Aim for a 2014+ car with the 8 speed manual, or if you can stretch to it a Vanquish S. Given your previous comments, it appears you might prefer NA to turbo so again the Vanquish will tick a box over a DB11
DB11 is great but still a little "sterile" in German feel. BUT as posted above, just try a few out and see what you like
It's almost ridiculous the cars I get through....it requires careful buying and selling. DB11 is great but still a little "sterile" in German feel. BUT as posted above, just try a few out and see what you like
I also only kept my AMG GT for 3 months (back in 2015) because, whilst I'm a massive AMG fan, I never really gelled with it. It's technically superior to the SLS in every way bar one thing, yet I preferred the SLS. That one thing is the over-light steering which quite frankly ruins the entire car. I even tried a second one again more recently and it lasted less than 3 months.
I so want to like the Vanquish, I think it's the prettiest car on sale. But I was really put off with the one I drove (indeed, paid a deposit on!) last year. Gearbox aside (because I know the 8 speeder will be in another league), it was very rattly and buzzy inside and the rear end knocked over bumps....this was an Aston Martin approved car and the salesman was totally oblivious (or pretended to be) until I mentioned it. Believe me, I really wish I couldn't hear stuff that I do (or that it didn't bother me)....my life would be far more enjoyable! I do accept this will have been a particularly poor example, but it's made me very nervous.
You are right though, I do much prefer N/A to turbo (one of the main reasons I drive an R8) but all the reports do suggest the DB11's turbo V12 behaves like it's N/A. It will have a tough job convincing someone coming from a N/A V10 but I'm prepared to go in open minded. But you know what, if I don't get on with the DB11 for whatever reason then, given I don't want a Bentley and can't afford a decent FF, I will look at Vanquish again.
I'm not really averse to the sterile German feel, it's kind of what I'm used to so if a DB11 can marry some of that 'perfection' with AM style then to someone like me, that's not a bad thing.
Well then, I've just had my weekend in the DB11......
MAGNIFICENT.
I am seriously impressed with the car and, despite coming out of the latest R8 V10+ (now sold
) the Aston is not wanting for performance, sound, drama or presence.
The most eye-opening learning was my biggest fear - build quality. Did it rattle? Well, in the last week I've had a quick 10 min drive of a 2016 car at a Stratstone dealer and then a brand new demo from Nottingham which I had over the weekend. There's not a peep from either. Indeed, my wife suggested it made less trim noises than my R8.
Dynamically this is a superb road car. It has extremely good suspension for our broken roads as it is so supple and breathes with the surface. It's uncannily good at keeping control over speed bumps and isolating you from broken surfaces that tends to vibrate through cars' structures. So much so, you expect it to heave when you tip it into a bend but it does nothing of the sort - instead it corners flat and directly.
OK, it is not as sporty as the R8 in the extreme, but it's not as far off as I expected and then adds a good dose of practicality. And on that point I managed to squeeze in my wife and 3 month old twins in the car, plus a double pushchair frame in the boot. we left our RS6 at the dealer over the weekend forcing us to use the DB11 as the family car and it does work as long as there's not too much else to carry.
Then we have the engine. I'm lucky to enjoy a V10 everyday but the V12 is something else again. It's incredibly smooth and fast. Not as quick an R8 at full chat but with a lot more torque it feels just as quick in day to day driving.
And then there is the sound, the bane of the Turbo. If anything is going to show up a twin turbo V12, it'll be a N/A V10 (that sounds like an F1 car from 10 years ago). Not so. Yes, the Aston has a quieter start up sound (the R8 is borderline antisocial) but on the move it is similarly loud and it grows in volume and pitch right to the redline. There is genuine pleasure to be had revving the DB11 out from 5-7k rpm.
It's got a great interior, the driving position is perfect (the R8's weakness with it's front wheel arch intrusion) the seats a good blend of comfort and support, the Merc tech works well and with only a couple of exceptions (like a lack of high beam assist), it's pretty much flawless. The B&O audio is tremendous.
Yep, this is the car. I'm hoping to do a deal with Nottingham on a 2017 car they have coming in this week and they have looked after me very well indeed. What a lovely facility. And what a contrast to the facility and service (where I felt an inconvenience) at a Strastone dealer (I'll let you guess which one of the two!).
MAGNIFICENT.
I am seriously impressed with the car and, despite coming out of the latest R8 V10+ (now sold
) the Aston is not wanting for performance, sound, drama or presence. The most eye-opening learning was my biggest fear - build quality. Did it rattle? Well, in the last week I've had a quick 10 min drive of a 2016 car at a Stratstone dealer and then a brand new demo from Nottingham which I had over the weekend. There's not a peep from either. Indeed, my wife suggested it made less trim noises than my R8.
Dynamically this is a superb road car. It has extremely good suspension for our broken roads as it is so supple and breathes with the surface. It's uncannily good at keeping control over speed bumps and isolating you from broken surfaces that tends to vibrate through cars' structures. So much so, you expect it to heave when you tip it into a bend but it does nothing of the sort - instead it corners flat and directly.
OK, it is not as sporty as the R8 in the extreme, but it's not as far off as I expected and then adds a good dose of practicality. And on that point I managed to squeeze in my wife and 3 month old twins in the car, plus a double pushchair frame in the boot. we left our RS6 at the dealer over the weekend forcing us to use the DB11 as the family car and it does work as long as there's not too much else to carry.
Then we have the engine. I'm lucky to enjoy a V10 everyday but the V12 is something else again. It's incredibly smooth and fast. Not as quick an R8 at full chat but with a lot more torque it feels just as quick in day to day driving.
And then there is the sound, the bane of the Turbo. If anything is going to show up a twin turbo V12, it'll be a N/A V10 (that sounds like an F1 car from 10 years ago). Not so. Yes, the Aston has a quieter start up sound (the R8 is borderline antisocial) but on the move it is similarly loud and it grows in volume and pitch right to the redline. There is genuine pleasure to be had revving the DB11 out from 5-7k rpm.
It's got a great interior, the driving position is perfect (the R8's weakness with it's front wheel arch intrusion) the seats a good blend of comfort and support, the Merc tech works well and with only a couple of exceptions (like a lack of high beam assist), it's pretty much flawless. The B&O audio is tremendous.
Yep, this is the car. I'm hoping to do a deal with Nottingham on a 2017 car they have coming in this week and they have looked after me very well indeed. What a lovely facility. And what a contrast to the facility and service (where I felt an inconvenience) at a Strastone dealer (I'll let you guess which one of the two!).
Here in the states I am seeing more and more used V12's coming into the market. The DB11 is still quite new to the segment so they have been holding their values fairly well. But finally seeing them drop $50 - $60 under the new V8's. The V12 Vantage and the Vanquish values seem to drop like stones for the first few years, the V8 Vantage actually holds its value much better.
New GT11 V12's and V8's are so close in price, I can't see why anyone would want the V8. Good luck with your search and I wouldn't worry about rattles or squeaks. I have a 2015 V8V bought new and it feels carved from a single block of billet.
New GT11 V12's and V8's are so close in price, I can't see why anyone would want the V8. Good luck with your search and I wouldn't worry about rattles or squeaks. I have a 2015 V8V bought new and it feels carved from a single block of billet.
Sounds like an excellent test drive.
Negotiate hard with them on the 2017 car - AML have just announced the new revised DB11 V12 (the AMR spec) with a few more horses and suspension tweaks, so that may knock the pre-AMR values a bit (I mean a bit) in the same way that the 8-speed Vanq pushes the 6-speed down a bit
But most importantly enjoy the new car!
Negotiate hard with them on the 2017 car - AML have just announced the new revised DB11 V12 (the AMR spec) with a few more horses and suspension tweaks, so that may knock the pre-AMR values a bit (I mean a bit) in the same way that the 8-speed Vanq pushes the 6-speed down a bit
But most importantly enjoy the new car!
Palmball said:
Yep, this is the car. I'm hoping to do a deal with Nottingham on a 2017 car they have coming in this week and they have looked after me very well indeed. What a lovely facility. And what a contrast to the facility and service (where I felt an inconvenience) at a Strastone dealer (I'll let you guess which one of the two!).
I dealt with Matin a couple of weeks ago on my VSV, great guy.DB9VolanteDriver said:
You owe it to yourself to have another go with an 8-speed Vanquish before committing to the 11. They are very solid and rattle free, so the one you tested back some time ago was an aberration. Seems to me if you are smitten by the 11, you will like the Vanq even more.
This! Can't imagine chosing a DB11 over a Vanquish! Go for a late model Vanq or even a Vanq S test drive and see how that feelsM5MarkM said:
DB9VolanteDriver said:
You owe it to yourself to have another go with an 8-speed Vanquish before committing to the 11. They are very solid and rattle free, so the one you tested back some time ago was an aberration. Seems to me if you are smitten by the 11, you will like the Vanq even more.
This! Can't imagine chosing a DB11 over a Vanquish! Go for a late model Vanq or even a Vanq S test drive and see how that feelsMine feels like its carved from granite and that is after 9000 press miles
Ignoring the DB11 vs Vanquish nonsense.
I felt like you, OP, after years of buying only BMWs. I was worried about Aston reliability, but I needn't have been. I've now had two Astons, a manual Sports Pack DB9 that I bought at two and a half years old and a V12 Vantage that I bought new and have put 33000 miles on over six and a half years. The clutch went on the DB9, but I'll blame the first owner for that, as it went after a year. Otherwise, I have had only the odd niggle. On the BMWs, I never had a breakdown, but I had far more annoyances than with either Aston, particularly with my E60 M5.
The M5's clutch went after a couple of years. The dealer tried to argue wear and tear, despite its being in original warranty and the fact that the clutch is electronically activated. The iDrive broke down twice and had to be replaced. Twice the car simply refused to start because of a faulty sensor, making me have to call BMW Recovery and in its first year, the Tyre Pressure alert went off in a false alarm several times on long trips. IO loved the car, but it was nowhere near as reliable as my Astons.
I felt like you, OP, after years of buying only BMWs. I was worried about Aston reliability, but I needn't have been. I've now had two Astons, a manual Sports Pack DB9 that I bought at two and a half years old and a V12 Vantage that I bought new and have put 33000 miles on over six and a half years. The clutch went on the DB9, but I'll blame the first owner for that, as it went after a year. Otherwise, I have had only the odd niggle. On the BMWs, I never had a breakdown, but I had far more annoyances than with either Aston, particularly with my E60 M5.
The M5's clutch went after a couple of years. The dealer tried to argue wear and tear, despite its being in original warranty and the fact that the clutch is electronically activated. The iDrive broke down twice and had to be replaced. Twice the car simply refused to start because of a faulty sensor, making me have to call BMW Recovery and in its first year, the Tyre Pressure alert went off in a false alarm several times on long trips. IO loved the car, but it was nowhere near as reliable as my Astons.
Sounds like you had a great weekend in the DB11. It is definitely a car that needs to be driven to be appreciated. I spent six hours in mine on Sunday, mainly on country roads in sports mode and it was awesome. Makes a change from crawling around in London traffic at 20mph if I am lucky but the beauty of the DB11 is that it makes both types of driving a pleasure. Get yourself a good deal and love the car !
Without further ado, I bought a DB11 this week
It's a one owner 2017 car with 5k on the clock which had just arrived at Aston Nottingham. It's in exactly the colour combo and spec I wanted - black exterior with black grills and vents, black diamond turned wheels, the celestial leather in black and cream with contrast stitching, B&O, ventilated seats etc. I would have preferred the chopped carbon trim but will get by with piano black. And as someone who puts a lot of impotence on in-car audio, the B&O audio is simply ridiculous (in a good way!)
It had just been traded-in at Manchester McLaren and I snapped it up before it went on sale. I've paid within a few £k's of the cheapest DB11 on the market so, whilst not the cheapest, it was a fair price for a 2017 and fully loaded car.
I've agreed than in the price it's to get some paint to tidy up the road rash on the bonnet and side sills plus new tyres. I'm going on holiday next week so I'll pick it up until on 1st June.
Exciting!
Here it is, just arrived at the dealer a few moments before....
Reading the comments on the Vanquish, I get it. I really do. It's a fabulous looking and sounding thing and as Aston's flagship it's the car I gravitated to in the first place. But, even after driving an 8-speeder (back when I test drove the 6-speeder I did take one out), it's not the car for me. Things like the technology, interior design, service pack and significantly more solid build quality (which from a relatively neutral position is blatantly obvious just comparing brand new cars in the showroom) just make the DB11 a better daily driver for me.
I can sense a general aversion to the DB11 on this forum so I guess my opinion / decision won't be with the majority but it's the right decision for me and I'm very happy to have found an Aston that seems to do it all in the DB11.
To be honest though, with a V12 (which will hopefully come) I'd be having the new Vantage if it had 4 seats!
It's a one owner 2017 car with 5k on the clock which had just arrived at Aston Nottingham. It's in exactly the colour combo and spec I wanted - black exterior with black grills and vents, black diamond turned wheels, the celestial leather in black and cream with contrast stitching, B&O, ventilated seats etc. I would have preferred the chopped carbon trim but will get by with piano black
. And as someone who puts a lot of impotence on in-car audio, the B&O audio is simply ridiculous (in a good way!) It had just been traded-in at Manchester McLaren and I snapped it up before it went on sale. I've paid within a few £k's of the cheapest DB11 on the market so, whilst not the cheapest, it was a fair price for a 2017 and fully loaded car.
I've agreed than in the price it's to get some paint to tidy up the road rash on the bonnet and side sills plus new tyres. I'm going on holiday next week so I'll pick it up until on 1st June.
Exciting!
Here it is, just arrived at the dealer a few moments before....
Reading the comments on the Vanquish, I get it. I really do. It's a fabulous looking and sounding thing and as Aston's flagship it's the car I gravitated to in the first place. But, even after driving an 8-speeder (back when I test drove the 6-speeder I did take one out), it's not the car for me. Things like the technology, interior design, service pack and significantly more solid build quality (which from a relatively neutral position is blatantly obvious just comparing brand new cars in the showroom) just make the DB11 a better daily driver for me.
I can sense a general aversion to the DB11 on this forum so I guess my opinion / decision won't be with the majority but it's the right decision for me and I'm very happy to have found an Aston that seems to do it all in the DB11.
To be honest though, with a V12 (which will hopefully come) I'd be having the new Vantage if it had 4 seats!
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