DB9 or Vantage?

[Alasdair I]

Looking for some advice from the more seasoned Aston owners out there.
The opportunity has arisen for me to get an Aston Martin and I’m dubious if I should go for a DB9 (470 bhp era) or a newer Vantage (4.7, S or N420 ideally). Budget being about 50k tops.
My heart lies with a DB9 but my head says go for a newer Vantage. As this will be my only ever Aston purchase I don’t really want to make a mistake, I intend to keep the car for roughly ten years so long term reliability, running costs and build quality are a priority, the car will be a “Sunday car” so for occasional use only.
Any recommendations from folk who have driven/owned a DB9 and/or Vantage on what they prefer???

[Dewi 2]

I was in a similar position as you, except a longer term plan - never sell. Decided on a Vantage and have owned for 8 years.

Both very beautiful cars, but I liked the shorter length of the Vantage giving an athletic look to the minimal overhang behind the rear wheels. The tailgate aids practicallity and perhaps surprisingly, the boot is bigger than a DB9. The smaller V8 has more than enough power for road use and you won't be able to keep on full throttle for more than a few seconds at a time. The V8 is set further back and lower in the car than the DB9 V12, so steering and cornering are a little sharper. Slightly smaller dimensions leave me with more room in the garage. In the drivers seat you don't feel there is less space than in the DB9.

A few thoughts for you, but of course it is all personal choice. Have a drive in both to help with your decision. Explain to your local dealer and they are usually very helpful, because making the right decision is obviously important.

I won't go into the details, but if you decide on a Vantage, make sure you are careful with the choice between manual or Sportshift (computer controlled automated manual gearbox).

[Alasdair I]

Thanks, i’ve heard the manual boxes often need replaced so preference is for an auto in either car.

[james-witton]

Dewi 2 said:

I was in a similar position as you, except a longer term plan - never sell. Decided on a Vantage and have owned for 8 years.

Both very beautiful cars, but I liked the shorter length of the Vantage giving an athletic look to the minimal overhang behind the rear wheels. The tailgate aids practicallity and perhaps surprisingly, the boot is bigger than a DB9. The smaller V8 has more than enough power for road use and you won't be able to keep on full throttle for more than a few seconds at a time. The V8 is set further back and lower in the car than the DB9 V12, so steering and cornering are a little sharper. Slightly smaller dimensions leave me with more room in the garage. In the drivers seat you don't feel there is less space than in the DB9.

A few thoughts for you, but of course it is all personal choice. Have a drive in both to help with your decision. Explain to your local dealer and they are usually very helpful, because making the right decision is obviously important.

I won't go into the details, but if you decide on a Vantage, make sure you are careful with the choice between manual or Sportshift (computer controlled automated manual gearbox).

What he said.

I’ve had both, well actually a Virage but it’s the same thing, both cars are absolutely brilliant in their own different ways. My timeline has been Vantage V8, Virage, Vanquish and now Vantage V8S.
I guess I should be driving the Vantage V12 (but I always got the feeling that during a test drive it was trying to kill me) but the V8S gives me by far the most smiles.

[Alasdair I]

Cheers again, that’s an impressive list, I’ve just noticed a cobalt blue V8S on McGurks site, hmmm, fine selection of DB9s on the AM Newcastle site though. All very tempting. Even with the duotone interior on the black one.

[Rappa]

Alasdair I said:

Thanks, i’ve heard the manual boxes often need replaced so preference is for an auto in either car.

Just be aware the Vantage isn't an Auto, so drive one to see what you think.

Sean

[james-witton]

Rappa said:

Alasdair I said:

Thanks, i’ve heard the manual boxes often need replaced so preference is for an auto in either car.

Just be aware the Vantage isn't an Auto, so drive one to see what you think.

Sean

Good point. You definitely need to try the SS2 to see if you like it. I hated it at first, now I love it even though it needs the engine to warm up first to start working well.

There is also a tangible difference in the sound of a V8 and a V12. I’ll leave it to others to see if they agree with this.

Edited by james-witton on Wednesday 14th August 20:03

[Bincenzo]

Alasdair I said:

Thanks, i’ve heard the manual boxes often need replaced so preference is for an auto in either car.

Hi Alasdair, never heard of a manual ‘box needing replacement in a Vantage. The powertrain is, by and large, absolutely bullet proof. Engine goes on forever and the clutch is the only big ticket item so make sure that’s been done. The Sportshift is not an auto, it’s an automated manual and can take some getting used too. Later variants in SSIII are slightly better but still require some interaction to get the best out of them.

Vantage for me every time over the DB9.

[yellow_tang]

Alasdair I said:

Thanks, i’ve heard the manual boxes often need replaced so preference is for an auto in either car.

The DB9 has a real automatic gearbox and torque converter, but the Vantage is an automated manual gearbox and clutch. When in auto mode, the Vantage will lurch on gear changes. Always drive it on the paddleshift!

[JohnG1]

Alasdair I said:

Thanks, i’ve heard the manual boxes often need replaced so preference is for an auto in either car.

For each V8 Vantage "auto" or manual the actual gearbox is the same. The "auto" is an automated manual.

I've heard of a tiny number of cases of gearbox failure in a V8 Vantage, but it's certainly not a known weak point.

The DB9 has a choice of either a manual or a proper torque converter automatic gearbox. Again, certainly not a known weakness.

Try the book - sticky on the first page.

If nervous, get an independent garage to do a proper inspection. Don't rely on the rather weak 141 point check from Aston Martin.

[Alasdair I]

Ah yes, sorry, I meant the clutch and not the gearbox - Doh!

[paulrog1]

What I've noticed is that people will either prefer the looks of the DB9 or Vantage. Their both great cars so just get the one you prefer the look of.

Also the manual/auto difference plus do you prefer a sports GT or a sports car??

I've got a DB9 and prefer the look than the Vantage, plus i love the auto gearbox, the paddles are ace also.

The V12 engine sounds great

I would drive both and make your mind up

[Alasdair I]

I have always loved the look of the DB9 and as I’m certainly not looking for a track day car, I’ve always felt the Vantage was more trackable a bit like a 911, a competent car no doubt and a bit more ‘chuckable’ on the B roads.

I keep going through the old traffic light scenario, eg you are sitting at a red traffic light in car A and low and behold car B pulls up beside you, would I be filled with regret or happiness?

The idea of a GT is preferable and flappy paddles aren’t new as I’m used to them on a BMW albeit these gearboxes are always different from manufacturer to manufacturer.

[Buster73]

Had a fancy for a DB9 , had a road test , ended up buying a Vantage.

The old GT v sports car scenario.

[Phil74891]

Sounds like you like the look of the DB9 the best, plus the auto box, so get one of those. Plus you get a free V12 thrown in.

But I would drive one of each back to back. Then you’ll know.

[joinery80]

Either look fantastic but why not wait for the best of both worlds a vantage with a v12 engine as they will be 50k soon

[johnnyBv8]

Alasdair I said:

Ah yes, sorry, I meant the clutch and not the gearbox - Doh!

Sportshift ('auto') also has a clutch, and I think they tend to wear a bit more quickly than in the manuals.

[Alasdair I]

joinery80 said:

Either look fantastic but why not wait for the best of both worlds a vantage with a v12 engine as they will be 50k soon

Haha never even thought of that, by that time though the last shape of the DB9 will be within reach

Everything is so very tempting

[anonymous-user]

Alasdair I said:

Haha never even thought of that, by that time though the last shape of the DB9 will be within reach

Everything is so very tempting

You are not far off a DB9.2 with your budget. I am getting offered mid 50s for my MY14 car by AM dealers atm. I think the final generation DB9 is one of the best designed aston martins ever, I get a lot of interest wherever I go, understated and clean lines. I have the occasional use for the 2 rear seats (lol) so it suits me perfectly. The auto box is very smooth. I use the paddles a lot and think it is a great gearbox to play with. When weather permits its my daily so having a D mode where I can sit and enjoy the commute is essential.

I had a test drive in a SS3 v12s and you really need to try one before committing to the automated manual. It wasnt for me simply because the D function (switch brain off) is a pretty poor experience. I’d rather have the stick if I was going to go for a vantage.

[Bobajobbob]

Do you want/need back seats?