DB9 what am I missing
DB9 what am I missing
Author
Discussion

BigBen

Original Poster:

12,159 posts

261 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
quotequote all
Hello,

I am currently considering purchasing a used DB9. I suspect like many others I considered the Conti GT but decided it was not worth the risk of massive bills.

My research on the DB9 shows that they are fundamentally very reliable cars with no real weak spots. The main running cost seems to be sorting out stupid stuff that is annoying rather than terminal when it breaks, which is to say the kind of stuff I am more than happy to fix myself.

Have I missed something or is a circa £40k DB9 the usable performance bargain it appears to be?

Ben

Loose_Cannon

1,602 posts

284 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
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Very reliable, the only killer at the moment IMHO is resale. Too much choice and rock bottom trade in offers. Fine if you are keeping long term.

JulianPH

10,084 posts

145 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
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My annual Bentley costs are much lower than my DB9 ones, but I use a local specialist for the Bentley and a main dealership for my DB9, so this probably has a lot to do with it!

I did a similar thing to you in buying an early model DB9 and have never for a second regretted it!

Go for it! smile

BigBen

Original Poster:

12,159 posts

261 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
quotequote all
Thank you, this is the kind of confirmation bias I was hoping for!

I am spending a lot of time reading the Aston 1936 web site and have seen nothing that looks daunting.

The main challenge I face is what modifications I can make to make the car more comfortable for a taller driver, it seems to me that a spacer on the steering wheel would solve most of the problem, it is something I have done on my 987 and it has transformed the car for me.

The sport pack car at the dealer in Wilmslow is quite tempting due to the warranty (and price) alternatively is there someone people use for pre purchase inspections?

Ben

JulianPH

10,084 posts

145 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
quotequote all
BigBen said:

The main challenge I face is what modifications I can make to make the car more comfortable for a taller driver

Ben
A Volante? whistle

Seriously though, I had a mate from PH come round to see if he could fit in a DB9. He is 6"5' and couldn't fit. It surprised me as Clarkson (6"4'?) and managed it.

I have another mate who is 6"8' and can't even get more than one leg in the (much bigger) Bentley!

Size obviously does matter. biggrin

Timothy ward

16 posts

102 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
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The main challenge I face is what modifications I can make to make the car more comfortable for a taller driver, it seems to me that a spacer on the steering wheel would solve most of the problem, it is something I have done on my 987 and it has transformed the car for me.


I am also a taller driver. It is tight but seat adjustment can be made. I have done many long journeys and not found the journey overly uncomfortable.

Occasionally seeing the red lights when first at the queue isn't ideal. I also manage to shoehorn into a caterham SV, which amuses onlookers

Tall Tim

matthewjeans

201 posts

199 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
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I bought a manual DB9 Volante in British Racing Green two weeks ago.

I am absolutely in love with it - best things are the looks, straight line performance, the sound and the genuinely nice comments people make about it compared to previous BMWs and Porsches (including 987) I’ve had before.

I’d highly recommend the manual if you can find one - it’s a lovely ‘box although not easy in stop-start traffic.

It won’t handle like your 987 but I actually like the softness of the 2006 Volante’s ride in a world full of over-firmly sprung (in my opinion) cars.

Anyway, enjoy and hope you can fit in!

westhumbler

163 posts

107 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
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Get yourself a test drive and if you can fit in comfortably and find the car with the spec you want, then buy it.

I love mine - awaesome in every respect.

BigBen

Original Poster:

12,159 posts

261 months

Wednesday 22nd May 2019
quotequote all
westhumbler said:
Get yourself a test drive and if you can fit in comfortably and find the car with the spec you want, then buy it.

I love mine - awaesome in every respect.
I have driven one and could make it comfortable enough but a bit of extra space here and there would do no harm. For instance in my 987 moving the steering wheel 2" closer with a space transformed the car for me. I suspect a similar mod to a DB9 would do the trick and be easy enough to do.

I am overseas at the moment but will get properly on the case when I am home in a few weeks.

In the meantime everyone brace for more questions!

Ben